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8. Urijah Faber vs. Jens Pulver
WEC 34 | June 1, 2008

If Miguel Torres’ matchup with Takeya Mizugaki at WEC marked his high-water mark, so, too, did Faber’s first matchup with the redoubtable Pulver. Despite the fact that Faber went on to challenge for a WEC or UFC belt five more times and headlined huge shows, he never again strapped gold around his waist and was never again considered the best fighter at his weight.

Faber was riding a 12-fight winning streak over solid competition, including quick stoppage victories over future greats Bibiano Fernandes and Dominick Cruz. His performance against Pulver, however, was his most complete to that point and perhaps of his entire career. He landed vicious combinations on the feet, dropped Pulver with a left hook in the second round, transitioned into the clinch to drop knees or sharp elbows and used his strikes and clinch entries to cover his takedowns. It was Faber at his best and showcased the style that his Team Alpha Male compatriots would further develop and hone over the years.

While the fight was all Faber, Pulver was game and down to engage. Nevertheless, the fight marked the effective end of the former UFC lightweight champion’s time as an elite competitor at any weight. Faber, of course, would reach new heights of fame and stardom during the rest of his run in Zuffa-owned promotions, but his time as a champion would soon be over.

Number 7 » Condit vs. Miura