Former UFC Lightweight champion, Jens Pulver, is making his WEC debut on December 12th at Featherweight (145lbs) and against a very formidable opponent in Cub Swanson. Pulver talks about the upcoming bout, as well as he thoughts on moving down to a more comfortable division for him, and much more. As always, he takes on our popular 'Word Association' and 'Get2Know' segments for some insight to this hard hitting MMA veteran both in and out of the cage.
JR: JR here with an exclusive HACNews.com interview. I’m joined by the new WEC Featherweight contender and the very first UFC Lightweight Champion, Jens “Little Evil” Pulver. How you doing today Jens?
JP: I’m good I’m good. How are you?
JR: I’m great man. First off, how’s the cut, everything good?
JP: Yeah, I mean it’s going good. I’m trying to figure out my sodium intake. Cleaned it out a bit too much at first eating egg whites, spinach, and salt and got a little drained. I’ve just found the right combination to where I’m shrinking and not cramping up in the process. I’m twelve pounds over and feeling fine.
JR: Are you excited to be back down to 145?
JP: Hell yeah, I’m very excited. You know I was down, after two years boxing, at 147. I didn’t mind going up to 160 and 155. But every time, people kept asking me if I had to cut. I never been in a sauna, or a bike, or been in plastics. I can make 152 just sitting there. I have the opportunity to be able to go to 145. Like I said, it’s on TV and it’s blowing up its big. The WEC is getting big every day. I’m very happy to be back at 145.
JR: What is a training session like for you?
JP: You know it depends what day it is. One day I’ll get up, swim, and it takes me 45 minutes to get done with that. I’ll come home, get some food, and then down to the gym and go through my pads. I’m working on my Muay-Thai, my knees. I’m working on defending kicks also. I get done around 12:30, come home, and then go to the boxing gym and train there. I come back and grapple for two hours and then I’m done.
JR: After the fight with BJ you two seemed to bury the hatchet. Would you like a rubber match in the future?
JP: This one would be without the animosity part of it. This one we’ll be able to throw down and have a good match without the animosity. For a long time after the fight I thought maybe he and I just weren’t suppose to be friends. I had said I would like to go train with him. But we never met back up until this past UFC in Jersey. We got to hang out and everything. It was cool to hang out and he said to come and train. But if he gets the belt and I earn it, yeah I’m down for a rematch.
JR: Do you think that most of these “rivalries” are just for show or are some actual full blown hatred?
JP: I guess it would have to depend. BJ and I was true hatred. We really hated each other. We didn’t have to hate each other just to fight. When I saw BJ I got pissed off, it was something in my stomach that turned when I saw him. I don’t think anybody wants to be a WWF type wrestler like the Shamrock and Tito thing with throwing chairs and stuff. Some guys just rub me the wrong way so sometimes there is legit hatred.
JR: Do you get to pick your hair color before fights or do you put the whole design on the barber?
JP: You know it was a niece that did it the last two times. I’ll go months and months and then tell them to make a masterpiece. They get to cut it how they cut it. This time I might not have it because I shaved it when it got too long. So we’ll have to wait and see.
JR: Are you just representing Miletich and training somewhere else or do you still do all your training with Pat?
JP: I still train at the gym. I represent Team Extreme, which is Monte Cox’s team, and also MFS. I’m under both of them in a sense of the word. I train with Pat. I’ve always been an MFS fighter. Monte manages people outside of MFS as well. He’s got Team Extreme and recently I’m looking to open up my own gym pretty soon and get that under way. But I’ll always be Team MFS.
JR: What are your thoughts on the Matt Hughes vs. Georges St. Pierre Rubber Match?
JP: This will be a different fight this time. We’ll have to see what Georges is going to do. Last time Matt tried to stand with him and I don’t think that’s how it’s going to happen. Matt tried to knock him out and then when the alert button went off it was almost too late. St. Pierre had a full head of steam and Matt was on the receiving end of some bad hits early on. If Matt goes old school, uses his power, uses what he did the first time, and put him down and control him he’ll be just fine. I’m excited about this fight. Georges must be in great shape if he is going to take this fight against Matt. There’s no way he would think Matt is an easy match. I’m more excited about what Matt does than Georges.
JR: Matt Hughes said on TUF that he only had 3-4 fights left in him; do you think that’s accurate?
JP: I think he does. One thing about Matt is that he has always been content to be down on that farm. Even when he was training here he would go home and train at the farm for months on end. He’s always been grass-rooted. He loves the town where he grew up. Now he’s got his kids and wife. Financially the sport has been really good to him. There’s not much more for him. But I think after a year or two the Matt I know will get pulled into a few more fights. I believe him but after he’s been gone for a couple years he’ll come back.
JR: Are there any other top 145 pounders you would like to fight in the future?
JP: Obviously Uriah Faber is right up there. I’m looking forward to the fight between him and Jeff Curran. I can’t say he’s been untested but he’s never been against anyone like Jeff Curran. Jeff has never been finished, he’s been beat but never finished. There’s one guy out there who everyone at 145, shoot even guys at 155, would like to fight and that’s Kid Yamamoto. He’s an extremely explosive fighter. He’s got a highlight reel of wins and he’s a great wrestler. Before he blew his elbow he was going for the Olympics. Everybody wants him.
JR: What have you been working on most in your training recently?
JP: I’ve been getting after a few things. I’ve been working on my ground and I’ve brought in Jiu-Jitsu coaches and stuff. But am I going to change my game plan? No not at all. I just want the comfort of; if I get taken down I’ll be okay. It’s in my head; I need to change that so I’ve been working on the ground a lot and also on my stand-up. I’ve been working on my mindset a lot and I’m head and shoulders above where I was before. My mind is sharp and everything is great. I’ve been trying to bring back what everyone wants to see, the guy who knocked out Lewis. People always come up to me and say “Hey where’s that guy who did this and that?” He’s been lost and now I’ve found him.
JR: What are your main concerns going into this fight with Cub Swanson?
JP: I guess three things. The first would be sitting back and watching everything happen. Don’t give this guy the motivation. The more you give him, the more he shoots that gun, and the more he might hit that bull’s-eye. The second one is I don’t want to get caught with my hands down. Throw a shot or get a damn guillotine. I don’t want to get caught in something dumb. I don’t want to shame the fans or the fight. I want to bring it, I want to have fun, and when it ends I want it to end on a great moment. If I get beat I want to get beat up, I don’t want to get caught with something stupid.
JR: Are you 100% for this fight, any lagging injuries?
JP: No injuries, the knee is great. No excuse, I wouldn’t go into the fight unless I was a hundred percent. I would not make an excuse when I’m in the fight. I’m showing up to fight and to win not to lose.
JR: Would you like the UFC brand to adopt a Featherweight division or are you content with fighting in WEC's Featherweight division?
JP: You know, it’s under Zuffa and I like it where it’s at. The WEC has made 145 it’s marquee weight class. There’s lots of competition so nobody can say the WEC is the minor leagues of the UFC. This is the only place for 145 and I’m excited to be a part of that. To build that and make it big as the UFC has gotten. It’s a big opportunity on the 145 and 135 shoulders to get out there and make our own legacy. If the UFC adopts it, it gives more belts and more homes for the lighter weights. There’s plenty of 122, 135, and 145 pounders who want to fight so they can’t all be on one show.
JR: How long do you feel you have left to keep fighting?
JP: I had a blast coaching on the reality show (TUF); I had a real good time. If I ever said a time then I’m done fighting. Right now I’m in one but I’m looking forward to the other. I’m excited about the opportunity to coach. I don’t know whether to be a fighting coach or a coach. I feel reborn right now. I feel good, no I feel great. Mentally and physically I feel great. I want to get out there and start putting people down, I want to keep fighting. There’s the big ‘if’ because I want to get out there and create some champions as well. We get to do that when I open up my gym. I plan on fighting a little while longer.
JR: What are your thoughts on Faber vs. Curran, how do you see that fight going?
JP: The one thing that I like is Urijah’s confidence coming into his fight. Curran’s going to be tough and he wants the title he’s been waiting a long time for. Especially at his real weight class instead of having to fight up a weight. He’s got no problem on his back because of his Jiu-Jitsu but being on the bottom is losing points. That’s where Faber comes into play. Faber is fast and explosive and he’s tough, he’s got one loss in his entire career. I think it’s going to be one of those things where Jeff is going to sit him down standing up and then Urijah won’t want to stand with him. It’s going to be a wrestling match and that definitely goes to Faber. It’s in Faber’s favor and that’s kind of crazy. He has to ground and pound; he can’t lie in the guard. If Urijah takes bad shots and makes bad decisions Jeff is going to be all over him. His lack has been in wrestling. Has he been working on it? We will find out, it’s a great fight.
JR: Speaking of Faber would you like to see him fight Tyson Griffin again because a lot of people think it would be a great fight.
JP: If Tyson did that it would be cool but if Faber wins and I win I want to go after him. If Tyson wants to come down to 145 he can. Would I like to see that fight? When I’m sitting with the title they can fight it out all day long. I don’t want anybody beating Faber until I do. All roads lead to that belt. If Tyson wants to come down to 145 then more power to him. If Faber wants the fight and if Tyson wants it then it would be great for the fans and great for 145.
JR: What are your thoughts on BJ Penn vs. Joe Stevenson?
JP: I see BJ beating him anyway he wants to. BJ’s reborn and he’s at his best when he’s at 155. He can stand with Joe, chase him down, and if Joe can take the shit, BJ loves that. Hell BJ almost caught Matt a second time when he was shooting in their second fight. When you shoot in on BJ he uses his uncanny flexibility and gets after you. Joe is a tough guy and he has a shot but he has got to dictate the stand-up, and then has a shot. If he goes out there and gets beat in the stand-up he’s going to shoot and then BJ is going to get on him. No one, I think, can handle BJ on the ground.
JR: What are your thoughts on the current IFL product? Plus the current situations with fighters like Rothwell, and their recent loss of Gusmao to the UFC, plus Gareb Shamus stepping down for his CEO position? Do you think this is all bad news for IFL's future?
JP: No, there’s plenty of up and coming fighters. But everyone that comes in this sport wants to be in the UFC. UFC is the place to be if you’re an MMA star. The IFL has been successful and entertaining. It’s been three years. But when people get after the money they go to the UFC. This is an individual sport. It’s great to be on a team and be out there fighting with your friends around and stuff like that but really that stuff gets left behind in the money shuffle. Gareb, I have no idea why he left, I’m trying not to be nosy, you know minding my business. I know the IFL because we have the Silverbacks there. If you ask any one of them if they want to be in the UFC or WEC or any of the big shows coming up, every one of them will say yes because it’s a one person job not a team job.
JR: Thoughts on EliteXC?
JP: I like them. I mean anything that shows off MMA. They’re trying to get established and create roots and building weight classes and putting a positive image on the sport, I will support it. There does not need to be just one top dog. Let the fighters create what the top dog and the best show is. Let them represent their stuff. Miletich has got UFC champs, Elite Champs, IFL fighters, WEC fighters, but we’re all still Team Miletich. At the end of the day we find different places to go out there and represent. We find the real shows, promoters, and the real fighters.
JR: What are your thoughts on steroids in MMA and did you ever experiment with them when you were younger?
JP: I didn’t need that stuff when I was younger. I was always losing weight and stuff. But when young kids do steroids that confuses me. Me, going into my thirties, I could see doing it for pain reasons and everything. Your ligaments are shot, your knees are bad, and your back is bad. You can get medical support for that. But to do it to be bigger and want to look built and buff, you know, whatever dude it’s just not my thing. I don’t frown on anybody for doing it if you want to look big and built and fight like a machine. It’s in your mind, not the pill or needle. I know people who have taken those and gotten fat. As far as nagging injuries and pain and stuff yea, but as far as cosmetic, nah there’s no reason for it.
JR: What was your defining career moment?
JP: For me it was the Stephen Palling fight down at 143. It was in MMA and we fought in Hawaii. He hit me with some shots where I was praying afterwards that he would knock me out. He then kicked me in my knee and I did not even think I would walk out in the second round. I sat down and thought to myself, I’m not stopping. We came out, brawled, and I was able to knock him out in the third round. It is one of my favorite fights.
JR: What are your thoughts on the explosion of the lightweight division, nearly every lightweight fight has been an exciting brawl and war?
JP: About damn time. Tell you what, the Godfather of the division is proud, tear in the eye, and everything.
Word Association
JR: Matt Hughes
JP: Power. Raw Power.
JR: Pat Miletich
JP: Genius.
JR: Matt Serra
JP: Crafty.
JR: Sean Sherk
JP: Fitness.
JR: BJ Penn
JP: Slick.
JR: Corey Hill
JP: Raw.
JR: Joe Lauzon
JP: Quiet killer.
JR: Urijah Faber
JP: The pillar of the 145 division. Even before WEC blew up he was out there building up the 145 division, so yeah he’s the pillar of this division. 145 is being built around him, he’s the foundation.
JR: Cub Swanson
JP: Untested
JR: Jens Pulver
JP: You caught me off guard with that one. That’s kind of funny. Longevity.
JR: Your Career
JP: Up, down, and everything in between.
True or False
JR: Jens Pulver still watches cartoons.
JP: True
JR: Given 3 free shots, Jens Pulver can KO Kimbo Slice.
JP: [Laughs] Damn he’s going to be pissed after those three shots, but I’m confident. But I’m going to disappear after he’s out. So yeah, true, but I’m not going to be there when he wakes up.
JR: Jens Pulver was picked on in school.
JP: True
JR: Jens Pulver KO'd his bullies.
JP: False. I never knocked the bullies out.
Get2Know
JR: When you're not training what kinds of food do you like to eat throughout a day you don't have to watch your diet?
JP: I really get into my sticky rice, my curries. PHO, it’s a like a real good Ramen.
JR: Ramen Noodles?
JP: Yeah.
JR: I love those!
JP: Hell yeah, the spice and rice it’s called PHO. I eat it all day. I eat turkey and stuff smoked salmon and everything.
JR: Was there ever a celebrity you seen that you just wished you could have in the cage for 2 minutes?
JP: Hmmm, I got to think for a minute. No not at all. They just do their thing. I’m not a violent guy you know.
JR: Was there ever a celebrity you seen that you just wished you could have in bed for 2 minutes?
JP: Not so much in bed but I’ve had my crushes [Talks to his wife for a second and asks if he can talk about her]. I’ve had a big crush on Pink, her deep voice, and attitude. Whoo!
JR: What was the hardest thing in your life that you ever had to endure, not fight related?
JP: Growing up and being on the straight path, wrestling, and we were living poor. My mom was always crying, my dad was always screaming, scaring, and hurting us. Enduring my childhood, my mom was tough and got me through it. Coming out the way I did is great. It was unnecessary and I don’t wish it on anyone, it’s just not cool.
JR: What was the happiest moment in your life, again not fight related?
JP: Obviously watching my daughter born was awesome. Watching my brother Abel get married also.
JR: Alright Jens, you got any sponsors you want to name, anything to say to your fans?
JP: Thanks to all of my fans, without them I wouldn’t be here with the same tenacity. I’d like to thank Warrior Wear, Fairtex, Call of Duty 4, Activision, Sucker Punch Entertainment, and Dr. Mitch Malley. I’d also like to thank Paramount Pictures. The movie is called Cloverfield and it comes out on January 18th, it’s going to be real kickass. The biggest thing is my fans and the fans of this sport, they’ve been a blessing. I’m ready to go out there and fight for them.
JR: Thanks for the interview man it was great.
JP: No problem man.
JR: Good luck in your fight and we look forward to you kicking ass for while.
JP: Will do brother will do.
Visit Jens Pulver's official myspace page at
http://myspace.com/thereallilevil 
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