Thanks Jens! Take a bow, you've earned it.

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One of the more emotional moments from WEC 47 was Jens Pulver's post-fight interview with Todd Harris. That moment pulled at the heart sleeve of many fans in attendance (Zak was ready to cry, but he's like that) and if you will forgive our hyperbole, had some shades of Lou Gehrig in it.

WKR contacted Zuffa asking them when they would make the video of Jens Pulver's post-fight interview available so everyone on the website could see it. Thankfully, they obliged (though it would've been nice if it was embedable, just saying) and posted Jens' heart wrenching comments on WEC.tv.

If you missed Pulver's final address you MUST WATCH THIS VIDEO (full transcript after the jump).

Already there have been several features written regarding Pulver's career and what he meant to the old guard of mixed martial arts fans as well as those who just recently discovered the sprt. We wouldn't be so arrogant to think that we could compete with writers, like, Thomas Gerbasi, Josh Gross, Mike Chiappetta, Ben Fowlkes and Kid Nate, who have so eloquently captured the mood of a fighter and a career like Jens. Just know that our heartfelt thanks and appreciation will always be there.

Thanks Jens.

Update: Jens may not be bowing out after all. While Lil' Evil decides what to do enjoy this tribute to Jens courtesy of Fighter's Only:

Todd Harris: Columbus. would you like to hear from Lil' Evil?

(cheers from the audience)

Todd Harris: Well, I'll tell you what, he's a great ambassador of the sport. Jens, first of all, tell us what happened in that first round?

Jens Pulver: Ah- y'know I just wanted to land those leg kicks and wanted to try to keep it exciting. The fight right before mine probably put everybody to sleep and I wanted to come out here and fix something, y'know? So, I wanted to land damaging kicks, I wanted to land the hurt. But I knew, y'know? Javi's bad on the ground you don't want to mess with him on the ground and I don't think--I think for the last eleven years we've all known one thing about me: I am not exactly the grappler.

(laughter from the audience)

So, y'know what I mean? But he got the takedowns and efore you know it, twist, turn, there's the arm bar, pop, pop. I'm like, 'damn I am stuck in this thing'--or, 'dang'.

(laughter from the audience)

Todd Harris: Well, you may not be a grappler but we all know about the left hand. As you look towards the future now, what's next for Jens Pulver?

Jens Pulver: Hey man, you like this, uh--if you look down at this Tapout shirt, I just want to show you something about it 'cause it is going to mean a lot when I say it. This is the old 'Punchout' the old 'Tyson', the vintage, the authentic.

(grabs microphone)

And its over.The vintage, the authentic--I don't know how many more times I can cry in front all of y'all. I love y'all way too much to keep putting you through this.  

Todd Harris: So is that it for Jens Pulver?

Jens Pulver:(in tears) I'll never say that but I am just telling y'all; I love y'all way way way too much to put you all through this again. You guys have made my life a miracle. I don't make a lot of money at this and promise me when I tell you, you're the only reason I've done this from day one. My mama--she's in the crowd. My son Carson--I love you. My daughter, Madeline--I love you. My wife, Caneika. God dang it, I apologize I didn't get this 'W' but listen to this.

(cheers from the audience)

That's how we win baby! Thank y'all, I love you all so, so much.

Oh, one more thing. I have to do this becausethis is the most important.

Dana White, you gave me that second chance. I apologize, you gave me my first chance, my third chance. You've made everything for me--sir. I know ya--people talk about [how] he's got a rough texture but the one thing I love about him, you'll never guess where he is or how he feels about you and in this world that is pretty dang stand-up.

Dana I love you. Thank you brother. I appreciate you.

And the fans, I can't say it again, Ohio! I love you guys, very much.

Todd Harris: Let's hear it one more time for Jens Pulver and Javi Vasquez.

(Jens and Todd hug while the crowd continues to applaud)

Update: Several fighters discussing Jens legacy (transcript courtesy of Cagepotato).

Scott Jorgensen: "Jens is one of the guys that kind of got me interested in MMA as an actual sport that I could compete in...The guy's the greatest guy ever. He's sincere, he's from the heart, what he says he means. I don't have a bad word to say about him, he's the best, man. I wouldn't be where I'm at today without people like Jens."

Dominick Cruz: "One of my favorite fights of all time was him vs. Gomi. And if anybody hasn't seen that fight, you need to watch it...One of the sickest fights ever...I got all the respect in the world for guys like Jens and anybody who I watched when I was younger. Without them leading the way I wouldn't even be here, and anything they have to tell me I'll always listen to them."

LC Davis: "I had the pleasure of training with Jens for a couple years in Bettendorf...I learned so much for him, he's really paved the way for the light guys. It really hurts me to see him not get the victories and doing things I know he's capable of doing. But I'm just really thankful to be able to come across him and train with him and be with him."

"I can't even begin to explain the road that I'm sitting on," Pulver said afterwards, clearly touched by the tribute. "It's kind of the bittersweet...I love this sport, and it's tough, man. It's hard to go out like this."

SBN coverage of WEC 47: Bowles vs. Cruz