5 MMA pioneers who should be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame

Anderson Silva (L) Fedor Emelianenko (R) (Credit: Lucas Noonan /Bellator MMA, @GalacticFL - Twitter)

The UFC Hall of Fame is a prestigious honor for MMA fighters who have spent their entire careers improving their skills and building a legacy. The Hall of Fame induction is seen as a token of recognition of what the fighter has done for the sport. The UFC created their Hall of Fame in 2003, with Royce Gracie and Ken Shamrock being the first inductees.

Since 2003, many of the sport's pioneers have been inducted for their achievements in the sport. It's important for the promotion to recognize their long history and the fighters who laid the groundwork early on for the development of MMA as a sport. Although it's the promotion's Hall of Fame, fighters that haven't even fought in the UFC and contributors to the sport have also been inducted.

Notwithstanding, many MMA pioneers have been overlooked. Their achievements both in the promotion and elsewhere make their inductions long overdue. This list will look at five MMA pioneers that should be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.

#5. Lightweight MMA pioneer Jens Pulver

FIRST EVER UFC LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPION @jens_pulver 🏆💯

#represent
#lilevil
#mmalegend https://t.co/mTHZwZRi7B

It's hard to believe that Jens Pulver is yet to receive a UFC Hall of Fame induction. His pivotal role in establishing the promotion's lightweight division also sparked interest for the lighter weight divisions. He made his UFC debut in 1999, when he fought Alfonso Alcarez to a draw at UFC 22.

'Lil Evil' made history at UFC 30 by defeating Caol Uno via unanimous decision to become the inaugural UFC lightweight champion. This was significant because the UFC was not known for their lighter divisions. Currently, the lightweight division is arguably the most exciting division in the UFC.

Pulver successfully defended the lightweight championship twice before his UFC departure. He returned in 2006, however, his second stint wasn't as eventful. The majority of 'Lil Evil's success came early in his career, but he still cemented a legacy worthy of the Hall of Fame.