Crossroads Fight for Jens Pulver on ‘War on the Mainland’ PPV Show

By PDG Staff

Sylvia-Buentello one of 3 PWP Title fights Aug. 14 in Irvine, CA

In what could be the final fight of his often electrifying MMA career, former UFC lightweight champion Jens “Little Evil” Pulver finds himself at the crossroads for his August 14th on the “War on the Mainland” card, taking on upset-minded Diego “El Nino” Garijo in a Special Lightweight Attraction, live on Pay-Per-View from Bren Events Center in Irvine, California.

Pulver (22-13-1), fighting out of Nampa, Idaho , is riding a 5-fight losing streak into his match against Garijo (4-1-0), the fan favorite from San Diego who can make a name for himself with a victory against his celebrity-status opponent.

“I can’t keep getting cut and submitted,” Pulver said from his Orange County training camp. “It’s not like I’m getting knocked unconscious or beat-up. I’m tired of losing. It’s important that I win this fight and do it my way. I always win my way. I have a game plan: I need to be open-minded, listen to my corner and be confident. Obviously, it’s not easy being confident having lost my last five fights, but I’m excited to find out. I have to win and fight smart doing it.

“I’m sick and tired of losing, even though I’m getting caught in submission holds, not getting beat up. I’m only 34 and nobody is going to tell me I’m too old or when to stop. This is a crossroad fight for me, though. If I can’t fix these little things and keep losing, it’s time for me to hang it up.”

Pulver’s career peaked in 2001-2002, when he defeated, in order, Caol Uno for the UFC lightweight title, successfully defending his UFC belt twice against Dennis Hallman and superstar B.J. Penn, followed by a win versus Rob Emerson.

“I still do this because I love it,” Pulver explained. “I don’t fight for riches or fame. I just love the competition and training.”

Two-time UFC heavyweight champion Tim “Maine-iac” Sylvia faces former UFC and Strikeforce title challenger Paul “The Headhunter” Buentello in the main event for the vacant Powerhouse World Promotions (PWP), LLC Heavyweight Championship.

Sylvia-Buentello is one of three PWP title fights (5 X 5, all other fights are 3 X 5). Former WEC titlist Jason “The Punisher” Lambert (25-11-0) meets 8-time World Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu champion Allan Goes (17-3-0) for the vacant PWP Light Heavyweight title belt. Former UFC title challenger Thales Leite(17-3-1) takes on Strikeforce veteran Falaniko “Niko” Vitale (27-9-0) for the PWP Middleweight crown.

Also fighting on “War on the Mainland” is Brazilian middleweight Gustavo“Ximu” Machado (18-8-1) vs. Rick Reeves (10-3-0) and Mexican welterweight Jorge “The Naked Man” Ortiz (16-5-1) vs. veteran Terry Martin (19-8-0).

Undercard fights featuring local fighters include lightweights Joao Silva (3-2-0) vs. Erin Beach (1-0-0), lightweights Cleber Luciano (3-3-0) vs. Todd Willingham (2-4-2), welterweights A.J. Mathews (3-0-0) vs. Sean Choice (1-0-0), and pro-debuting lightweights Evan Aitkins vs. Chad McCausland.  All fights and fighters are subject to change. Go to www.WarontheMainland.com or www.bren.uci.edu for additional information.

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