5. Jens Pulver
Now here’s a blast from the past. Jens Pulver was the first-ever UFC lightweight champion and reigned supreme for almost 400 days, with two title defences. He beat Dennis Hallman and BJ Penn in those two matches, consolidating his reputation as one of the pioneers of the early days of MMA.
‘Lil Evil’ would eventually relinquish his title because of a contract dispute, but he’s held in high regard as basically the founder of the division. He also competed for PRIDE and ONE, as well as dabbling in professional boxing.
