As it turns out, the ultimate fighter to represent Hilo's BJ Penn is ... BJ Penn.

Penn will face Iowa's Jens Pulver in the main event of the The Ultimate Fighter 5 Finale mixed martial arts card tomorrow in Las Vegas. The bout will be televised nationally on Spike TV.

"There's been so much talk already," Penn said. "It's time to put up or shut up."

Penn and Pulver served as opposing coaches for The Ultimate Fighter 5 reality series that has been airing every Thursday since mid-April on Spike. The goal of the weekly show is to find a lightweight (155 pounds) fighter worthy of a contract in the prestigious Ultimate Fighting Championship organization.

"They edited some stuff, but for the most part, they've been showing what really happened," Penn said of the series.

All of the fighters coached by Penn were eliminated by last week, and tomorrow's final will feature Pulver-coached fighters Manny Gamburyan and Nate Diaz. The winner will receive the UFC contract.

"I'm bummed that my guys didn't make the final, but I have to give credit to Diaz and Manny — they deserve to be in the final," Penn said. "But that means I'm the only guy left to represent the team, and I plan on beating Jens Pulver."

The series also created weekly hype for the bout between Penn and Pulver. They are both considered to be among the top lightweight fighters in the world, and neither was afraid to express dislike for the other during taped interviews on the show.

"He's been saying little things here and there, and everybody knows I don't like him," Penn said. "At least we can settle it now."

Penn and Pulver are both former UFC champions, and the winner of tomorrow's bout could get a shot at UFC lightweight champion Sean Sherk.

It is also a rematch from 2002, when Pulver beat Penn by decision in an UFC championship fight.

It was the first loss for Penn, who is now 10-4-1. Pulver is 21-7-1.

The bout will offer a contrast in styles. Penn is a master of Brazilian jiu-jitsu; Pulver is known for his punching power.

"We're both better fighters now," Penn said. "He's improved his striking a lot since then, and I have a lot more experience. The last time we fought, that was only my fourth fight. I've been waiting a long time to get him back."

Penn has not fought in the lightweight division since 2004, but he said making the 155-pound limit should not be a problem. Most of his recent bouts have been in the welterweight (170 pounds) division.

Penn said he has been training in Hilo since the taping of the show ended in February.

"I buckled down way early this time," he said. "I worked with a nutritionist and did a lot of conditioning. Before, I would cram at the end. This time I started early and started dropping the weight slowly.

"I feel strong. I'm in shape — ready to go."

Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com.