Lightweight title: Jens Pulver v. BJ Penn
So I’m wondering which version of Pulver shows up here — the explosive knockout artist or the dull grinder? They take it to the ground immediately and Penn hooks in a guillotine, but Pulver powers up with BJ still hanging on, and slams him hard to the mat. Heck of a counter there. Pulver controls against the fence while the announcers wonder about Penn’s ability to go 5 rounds. Well, I think we learned the answer there. Jens decides to stand it up, and BJ tees off on him with combos as a result. Penn pulls guard to prevent Pulver from going into the clinch, and they work from there until the round expires. I’m torn on scoring. 10-9 Pulver, we’ll say.
Round two and Penn takes him down into the fence for some low-grade stuff on the ground. Penn actually gets full mount, but Pulver counters with a wrestling move (a sunset flip, basically), which I’ve never seen used in that context before. Penn stays in control and nearly hooks an armbar, but time expires. Clearly 10-9 Penn there, as Pulver was in major trouble and ready to tap. You could even argue 10-8 Penn for being saved by the bell.
Round three and Penn gets the single-leg takedown, but Pulver blocks it on the ground and ends up on top. Penn works towards the rubber guard from the bottom, but Big John sees that as inaction and stands them up. He was trying for an omoplata in 2001, man! You have to give him the round for that alone. 10-9 Penn there, as Pulver is having trouble figuring this one out.
Round four and Pulver gets a bit more aggressive with a takedown and tries firing away from the top. Penn fights up and then gets a double-leg takedown, forcing Pulver to reverse himself on top again. There’s some pretty high-level grappling going on here by the standards of the day. Big John stands them up again. Not much going on to end, 10-9 Pulver for his control on top.
Round five and it’s anyone’s fight. They do some boxing and Penn is a bit tentative, allowing Pulver to get some leg kicks in. Pulver looks stronger and more confident, scoring with better shots as they’re apparently going to finish this thing standing up. And Pulver just keeps coming, nearly knocking Penn down a couple of times before BJ accidentally kicks him low. That allows Jens to recover, and he comes out swinging until the end of the round. And that’s 10-9 Pulver, which should be enough to retain the title. That one really lived up to the expectations no matter which way the judges go. Winner by split decision and still champion: Jens Pulver. Really close, too.
Great main event to close out a solid show, Ricco Rodriguez’ continued existence and rise up the heavyweight ranks aside. Can you tell I’m really dreading the heavyweight division that’s upcoming?