Jens Pulver Released From WEC, Will Not Remain On For Broadcasts
A report first surfaced nearly two weeks ago that the World Extreme Cagefighting featherweight, a former UFC champion and longtime fan favorite, had been let go. However, Pulver’s agent, Monte Cox, told Versus.com that he hoped his client would remain with the company in a broadcasting capacity.
But White, Zuffa’s president, said following the UFC 114 press conference on Saturday that will not be the case.
“He has been released,” White said. “We had talked about Jens being a part of the WEC somehow, but he’s not broadcasting.”
It’s unfortunate given that Pulver is one of the nicest guys in the sport and an absolute legend. But it’s pretty impossible to keep a guy around who has five consecutive losses. It’s sad to admit but Pulver just doesn’t have the chops to continue to compete at the top of the sport any longer.
It’s also sad to hear him say later in the article that he doesn’t make as much money as the new guys and, as such, can’t afford to take a year off. He’s going to have to dive back in trying to make some quick paydays. It is just a matter of if he can get those paydays in a promotion like Strikeforce or Bellator or if he is going to be floating around the regional circuit beating up on no names.
Whatever happens, we can only wish the best to a guy who has always made time for the fans and deserves a spot in the UFC hall of fame.
