Fortunately the disdain for MMA expressed by the USA TODAY entertainment columnist doesn’t extend to the sports section. There we find an excellent profile of one of the more unique fighters in the sport, Jens Pulver:

Then, of course, the reader turns the page to learn more about Pulver’s life, to find out how Pulver escaped a harrowing childhood in a violent home with his father and became a mixed-martial arts star with a positive attitude.

Pulver’s life is an open book. No topic is off-limits.

“If everything that has happened to me made me the person I am today, it’s all worth it,” Pulver says.

It’s also worth it for Pulver to know that those who have read the book appreciate his candor. “You’d be surprised who writes me. They are not the kind of people who show weaknesses. They read that book and tell me, ‘I can relate.’ I take comfort in that.”

More of Pulver’s life will be on display when he faces Urijah Faber for the World Extreme Cagefighting featherweight championship Sunday (Versus, 9 p.m. ET).

The WEC bills the matchup of two former college wrestlers as the biggest fight in its history. It is old blood vs. new blood. Pulver, 32, is a former Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight champ. He isn’t ready to enter the twilight of his MMA career.

“I feel amazing,” Pulver says. “I’ve been doing some unbelievable training. It’s all about being explosive. This is the strongest and best I’ve ever felt. I’ve found a little fountain of youth.”

Boxing fans will get this comparison: Pulver’s life story ranks up there with Johnny Tapia’s in terms of its sheer insanity. Pulver may not have some of the self destructive demons that have plagued “Mi Vida Loca” over the years, but Pulver’s ability to overcome a brutal childhood is no less compelling.

For Pulver, life has been one hurdle after another @ USA TODAY