Vazquez: I’ll probably retire Pulver
Despite his opponent’s recent stretch of bad luck, 11-year pro Javier Vazquez knows better than to underestimate a former UFC…
Despite his opponent’s recent stretch of bad luck, 11-year pro Javier Vazquez knows better than to underestimate a former UFC Champion. A Gracie Barra Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, Vazquez sternly dismisses talk of there being an Old Jens Pulver and a contemporary Jens Pulver whose skills have slipped over time.
I’m preparing to beat Jens Pulver, Vazquez (13-4) said matter of factly. I’m always going to think that he’s the same guy that beat BJ Penn. He’s going to be tough to take down, he possesses sharp standup, has good wrestling and good submission defense. I’m not thinking he’s going to have a bad day, or ‘he hasn’t looked so good, this is going to be an easy fight.’ I expect the worst. I expect a tough opponent that’s going to come in good shape and try to knock me out.
The 32-year-old Vazquez and 35-year-old Pulver will essentially square off in a loser-leaves-town contest on March 6, meaning the defeated will likely have delivered his final performance inside of the cage. Vazquez has dropped two straight in the WEC, and even though both setbacks were razor-thin and by split decision, a loss in Columbus, Ohio, would put him at a crossroads, forced to deeply ponder whether he wants to continue fighting in lesser organizations.
I’ll tell you what, man, I hope I’m not the guy that retires him, Vazquez said, letting out a sigh. But chances are I probably will be. I don’t want to be the one that closes the coffin, but I’m going to have to be. Better him than me at this point.
I think very highly of the guy, Vazquez said of Pulver. You’ll never hear me say a bad word about him. He’s a great guy that has done wonders for the sport. I’ve always wanted to fight Jens Pulver. For me it’s been an 8- to 10-year training camp to face Jens Pulver. I like the guy a lot and I think he’s an amazing person.
Jens is a better boxer than me. He’s actually one of the tougher stylistic matchups for me because of his wrestling background. But I’ve been feeling so amazing and on point, I don’t see any way that he’s going to beat me, I really don’t. But he definitely is the toughest style matchup for me.
No opposing fighter has been able to knock Vazquez out or finish him. All four of his losses have come by decision – three of them split decisions. He expects to be in hostile territory next week in Columbus.
I’m sure nobody is going to be cheering for me. I don’t think anybody knows who I am, he said. Jens Pulver is a big name, man. It’s actually better when you get booed, man.
If I’m able to beat him relatively easily then that’s wonderful, but that’s not what I’m preparing for and there is nothing anyone can tell me to change my mind. If it is (Jens’ swan song) I’ll shake his hand. I looked up to him for a very long time and I will thank him for the opportunity to fight him, said Vazquez, a married father to two daughters and a step daughter. My main concern is to take care of my family and rejuvenate my career and if it’s at the expense of Jens Pulver, so be it. I have to win this fight. There’s no sugarcoating it. I definitely have to win.