UFC 28: High Stakes Preview

John Lews vs Jens Pulver (Bantamweight)

Lewis is considered very technical, an outstanding teacher and is always in peak condition. A former Rickson Gracie disciple, he burst on to the scene under UFC matchmaker John Perretti's now defunct Extreme Fighting event. John fought on all four EF cards and gave an early blemish to the Gracie name by taking Carlson Gracie Jr. to a draw. Lewis has had an up and down career in the ring with many draws early on and three of his last four outings resulting in losses. However, the sole win in that series was in the UFC and against another Gracie disciple. John is light at 155lbs but at 6'0", he's taller and has a better reach than many of the opponents he faces.

This is definitely the case with Jens Pulver. At 5'7" and 150lbs, Pulver is diminutive in stature but definitely not to be overlooked. Getting his start in the Bas Rutten Invitationals, Jens has moved from the Shamrock 2000 team to UFC Lightweight Champion Pat Miletich's camp. He has three UFC appearances (2-0-1) and two wins by way of KO (one over HOOKnSHOOT Champion Phil Johns). Most know the southpaw has real good hands but he also has multiple wins by submission.

MY PICK: This has the makings of a great fight but could just as easily become a snorefest if our combatants aren't pumped. Lewis is a patient fighter and that has worked against him in the past. He had a nice performance against Lowell Anderson in UFC 22 but then had a decision loss to Miletich fighter Laverne Clark at WEF 8. Last time out Pulver was cautious and got the decision over Brazilian Joao Roque (also from the Andre Pedernairis/John Lewis camp). I don't think he'll want to risk another calculated and methodical but somewhat passive performance again. Both will come out throwing leather and although word is Lewis has been working on his boxing, my guess is it'll be Pulver that gets the W. Jens by referee stoppage.