8 Best UFC Lightweights of all-time

The Eagle vs. El Cucuy!
The Eagle vs. El Cucuy!

#6 Jens Pulver (27-11-1)

A Lightweight Pioneer.
A Lightweight Pioneer.

‘Little Evil’ is the first ever UFC Lightweight Champion, having won the strap at UFC 30 in 2001 against Caol Uno. Pulver successfully defended the title against Dennis Hallman and BJ Penn before he left the UFC due to contract issues.

He was stripped of the title and fought in various promotions around the world before returning to UFC in 2006. In his second stint, Pulver could not replicate his earlier success as he lost fights against Joe Lauzon and the rematch against BJ Penn.

There are many reasons why Pulver is considered one of the most important figures in UFC’s Lightweight story. He is the youngest Lightweight Champion in the promotion’s history, had the most defenses record for a decade and at his peak, was a dominant champion who could have had a lengthy reign had it not been for contractual complications with the UFC. Regarded to be the founding father of the Lightweight division in the UFC, Pulver ought to be on this list.

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