Chris Leben
Chris Leben | “The Crippler”
Ht: 5’11 – Wt: 185 – Age: 32
Born: Oregon, USA
Fights out of: Oahu, HI, USA
Team: Icon Fitness MMA
Overall Record: 22-8
UFC Record: 12-7
Background:
Chris Leben is known for his iron chin and heavy hands as he parlayed those skills into a respectable career following his controversial stint on season 1 of The Ultimate Fighter. Leben made his mixed martial arts debut in 2002, competing across the Northwest fight circuit, while quickly amassing a 10-1 overall record, including notable victories over Mike Swick and Benji Radach. Leben’s only career loss came to veteran Joe Doerksen via decision. Leben was soon cast on TUF 1 where he immediately clashed with some of his housemates. Leben ended up losing his first fight in the house to Josh Koscheck, but was soon brought back onto the show following an injury to teammate Nate Quarry. Leben once again failed to advance in the tournament, losing via TKO (cut) to Kenny Florian. Leben eventually made his official UFC debut at the TUF 1 Finale where he easily defeated Jason Thacker via TKO. Leben quickly moved up in competition, scoring a split decision victory over veteran Patrick Cote. Leben went on to win his next 3 fights over Edwin Dewees, Jorge Rivera, and Luigi Fioravanti that had him quickly moving up the UFC middleweight ranks towards title contention. Leben was chosen to welcome Anderson Silva into the UFC. Silva quickly showed why he would soon become the best fighter in the world as he dismantled Leben with quick, accurate strikes to win via 1st round knockout. Leben bounced back with a knockout victory over Jorge Santiago, but soon suffered back-to-back upset losses to Jason MacDonald and Kalib Starnes, effectively ending his bid as a legitimate contender. Leben eventually rebounded by finishing fellow strikers Terry Martin and Alessio Sakara via knockout, earning him main event status at UFC 89 opposite Michael Bisping. Leben was unable to score the knockout as Bisping’s conditioning reigned supreme. Following the loss, Leben tested positive for anabolic substances and would spend the majority of 2009 on the sidelines. Upon his return, Leben suffered an upset loss to Jake Rosholt via 3rd round submission after gassing out. Leben moved on to score a unanimous decision over Jay Silva before facing off against rising prospect Aaron Simpson. Leben quickly showed off his lethal knockout power as he scored the upset finish via 2nd round TKO. Leben capitalized on his momentum shortly thereafter as he accepted a bout with Yoshihiro Akiyama on just 2 weeks notice. Leben put up a valiant effort as Akiyama had him hurt multiple times throughout the fight. With Leben likely behind on the scorecards entering the final round, he locked on a fight-ending triangle choke with just a few seconds remaining in the fight for the improbable come-from-behind victory. Leben was nearing title contention, but he began to struggle with personal problems outside of the cage. Leben finally returned at UFC 125 against fellow heavy-hitter Brian Stann. Leben’s usual iron chin was unable to withstand Stann’s powerful punches as he lost via 1st round TKO. Leben moved on to face one his of his former idols, former PRIDE champion Wanderlei Silva, at UFC 132. Silva charged in with strikes, but Leben was able to counter with heavy blows of his own, quickly scoring the knockout win. Leben went on to headline UFC 138 against Mark Munoz. The fight was close early on, but Munoz soon began to wear down Leben with his wrestling and ground ‘n’ pound, eventually winning via 2nd round TKO. Following the bout, Leben tested positive for painkillers and was once again suspended.
2011 Breakdown:
Leben fought 3 times in 2011, struggling to a 1-2 overall record, following a remarkable 3-0 run in 2010.
Leben began the year by facing off against Brian Stann in the co-main event at UFC 125. Leben looked to match strikes with Stann as they moved into the clinch. Stann was able to rock Leben with a few clean punches. Leben was unable to recover, eventually forcing the referee to stop the fight.
Leben returned at UFC 132 to face one of his idols, PRIDE star Wanderlei Silva. Silva looked to storm Leben early, but Leben was able to withstand the early charge. Leben countered with a few of his own punches that sent Wanderlei to the floor. Leben fired off a few more punches leading to the knockout victory.
Leben moved on to headline UFC 138 opposite rising contender Mark Munoz. Munoz was able to score a takedown early, but Leben soon battled back and landed a few of his own surprise takedowns. Munoz eventually muscled his way into top control where he landed some big ground ‘n’ pound from the top. Leben fought his way back to his feet, where they exchanged big strikes to end the entertaining 1st round. In the 2nd, it was obvious that Leben was tiring down. Munoz was able to take Leben back down and connect with some heavy punches that had Leben badly hurt. Leben somehow survived the round, but the fight was soon called off after Leben said he could no longer see out of his left eye. Leben would be suspended following the fight due to testing positive for painkillers.
2012 Forecast:
Leben has been in his fair share of wars over the years that have supplied fans with many memorable moments, but one has to wonder about the accumulated damage Leben has put his body through. Leben’s success hinges on his ability to absorb punishment in order to deal out his own. The second Leben’s iron chin starts to go out, his career will likely slide down with it. Leben is capable of making one last run in the division, but one has to question his desire for a title rather than just putting on exciting fights. Leben has always possessed an underrated ground game and would be wise to start incorporating a more well-rounded attack besides relying soley on his big left hand. The more pressing concern is if Leben can work through the outside issues that have continually plagued his once promising career.
Chris Leben Fight Record
Overall Record: 22-8
2008-2011 Record: 5-4
2011 Record: 1-2
Loss | Mark Munoz | Tko | Rd 2 | UFC | 11/05/2011
Win | Wanderlei Silva | KO | Rd 1 | UFC | 07/02/2011
Loss | Brian Stann | Tko | Rd 1 | UFC | 01/01/2011
2010 Record: 3-0
Win | Yoshihiro Akiyama | Sub | Rd 3 | UFC | 07/03/2010
Win | Aaron Simpson | Tko | Rd 2 | UFC | 06/19/2010
Win | Jay Silva | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 01/11/2010
2009 Record: 0-1
Loss | Jake Rosholt | Sub | Rd 3 | UFC | 08/29/2009
2008 Record: 1-1
Loss | Michael Bisping | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 10/18/2008
Win | Alessio Sakara | Tko | Rd 1 | UFC | 03/01/2008
