Pulver vs. Faber

Rather than do an entire preview on the upcoming WEC event, I thought it would be best to give my thoughts on the one fight everyone is tuning in to see....Pulver vs. Faber.

This is without question the biggest fight in the history of the featherweight division. Both fighters are proficient in finishing fights and love to be aggressive and control the pace of the fight. And while they have both dominated the 145 pound division, their similarities end there.

Outside the cage, they are polar opposites. Urijah Faber, the California Kid, grew up in sunny California playing roller hockey and surfing. Jens "Little Evil" Pulver grew up in Washington state, living a life that he called "... a daily hell" in an abusive home. Faber possesses pretty boy good looks and a Bachelor's Degree in human development. Jens has cauliflower ears and a Masters Degree from the school of hard knocks. While Faber's father often shows up at the gym to monitor his son's training sessions, Pulver trains to better a name that his father shamed.

Pulver is widely considered the underdog in this fight. Faber is younger, faster, and his stock is on the rise. He is a marketable champion for a young organization. Sherdog.com has Faber listed as the #1 featherweight in the world while Pulver isn't even on the list.

I will admit it. I'm a Jens Pulver fan. I have watched every video of him on youtube. Ive practiced his dirty boxing techniques in my living room at midnight while the family is asleep. When the possibility came up of interviewing him for this blog (one of those friend of a friend type of deals that didn't work out) I became even more enamoured. I even converted my wife, a fan of Faber due to his flowing locks and rock hard abs. Pulver cant possibly win though, right?

My Prediction: Pulver by knockout.

Pulver has been training like never before. He is possibly in the best shape of his life. While I take nothing away from Faber, I don't think he has ever been hit as hard as he is going to be hit on Sunday night. I expect Pulver to come straight at him, and if he can avoid the take down, which given his world class wrestling skills is a real possibility, I think he can control the fight. Pulver is the better puncher and he will win this fight by keeping it standing.

Either way it goes, this is one for the ages. On one hand you would have Faber, the current champ and heavy favorite to win this fight. A victory over Pulver would only legitimize his meteoric rise to the top of the featherweight division. On the other, Pulver, the guy who was supposed to be on his way out. The old guard, with one more shot at glory before riding off into the sunset. Pulver has nothing to lose and everything to gain. He has already restored his previously tarnished family name as one of the best fighters in MMA and a win against Faber would only go farther to prove his legend. I for one, cant wait.