B.J. Penn has decided to call it quits following a loss to rival Frankie Edgar on Sunday night, capping a hall-of-fame career that saw him win UFC titles in two weight divisions. Prior to the TUF 19 Finale though, Penn’s former opponent and fellow UFC legend in Jens Pulver also decided to officially announce his retirement.
“I did (compete at) 135 for a bit, and everyone was saying ‘time to retire’, this and that, and I just refused to announce it or say it, but I think I’ve said it like three times already today.” Pulver said in an interview with MMA Heat on Sunday, ” I’m done. I mean, I’m done.”
“I think most people are like ‘I thought you were done like 5 years ago?'”, the former UFC champion said with a laugh, “I’ve got two guys that I’ve started coaching. My two-time national champion is unreal. I’m having a blast doing it. I’m back in Iowa, and I’m training with the old Miletich camp and I’m going to start being a coach there. That aspect I of course love.”
Related: BJ Penn retires | Pat Miletich inducted to UFC Hall of Fame
Apart from coaching up and coming prospects, Pulver also mentioned that these days he’s been doing some color commentary for MMA promotions.
“I want to commentate. I got to do Cage Warriors, and I get to do that again in Ireland on August. I love commentating. You know me, I love to talk. It’s the best seat in the house, and you get to have opinions, I love it!” he continued, “I would love to continue doing that, but above all, I want to raise my kids. Be around with my kids, and be a better dad than my dad was.”
Although likely to eventually follow him on the same path, Pulver also spoke about his enthusiasm and delight that his long time friend and training partner in Pat Miletich finally made it to the UFC Hall-of-Fame.
“I think it’s about time. I’m glad. Everybody is like ‘no, you need to be in it!’, I’m like ‘no, Pat needed to be in there’. I’m glad for him,” he said, “He’s my older brother, and this takes me back to when we started this all, this crazy journey. To see him there get his retirement and get his dues in the UFC, it’s cool. I’m trying not to cry.”
The 38-year-old fighter last stepped foot in the cage on 2013, losing a decision to Sami Aziz. Prior to that final bout, Pulver bounced around weight classes from 145 down to 125, and went 5-4 in promotions such as ONE FC, RFA and Titan FC.
Pulver is a pioneer of the lighter weights, and became the inaugural UFC lightweight champion back at UFC 30 when he defeated Caol Uno. Known for dominating his opponents with huge power and a solid wrestling base, Pulver defended his title twice, and faced the who’s who in the sport during his time in PRIDE, UFC and WEC. He holds quality wins over talented fighters such as B.J. Penn, Dennis Hallman, Joe Stevenson and Cub Swanson.
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