Former UFC Lightweight Champion Jens Pulver, who last competed in the UFC in the main event of The Ultimate Fighter 5 against BJ Penn, has suffered a significant knee injury according to Sherdog. The injury, which occurred last Friday, forced Pulver to withdraw from his WEC debut on September 5th against Cub Swanson. Sherdog is reporting that he will undergo an MRI to determine the extent of the injury and the required amount of time off.

The debut of Pulver in the UFC’s sister organization, World Extreme Cagefighting, was very highly-anticipated and was the most talked about fight on the card that also included 2 title defenses. Pulver holds a 21-8-1 MMA record. After starting his career with a 6-1-1 record Pulver was matched up with Caol Uno to become the first ever UFC lightweight champion. After defending the title successfully against Dennis Hallman and BJ Penn, Pulver left the UFC due to contractual issues. While away from the UFC he fought for PRIDE, the IFL, and Shooto as well as other organizations before returning to the UFC at UFC 63 last year.

In his return bout Pulver was upset by Joe Lauzon who KO’d Pulver just 48 seconds into the first round. After coaching a team of lightweights on the fifth season of The Ultimate Fighter Pulver lost to BJ Penn via second round submission on the finale of the season.

Miletich Fighting Systems, with whom Pulver trains, has really taken a hit of late. In addition to Pulver’s injury Spencer Fisher, Tim Sylvia, and Drew McFedries all contracted staph infections. Fisher was forced to withdraw from his UFC Fight Night 11 headlining bout against Din Thomas (Kenny Florian replaced fisher in the bout) and Drew McFedries required surgery and will be out an estimated 6 to 8 months. Sylvia’s staph infection was reportedly not as serious as he is expected to be ready to face Brandon Vera as early as October.

For more on WEC 30 check out the WECDaily.com WEC rumors section.

Tags: Jens Pulver