Snapshot of the Day: Chris Leben's Incredible Transformation

by Luke Thomas on Oct 14, 2008 8:42 AM EDT in MMA News

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It isn't just personal or spiritual. It's also physical. I've never seen him in this kind of shape. Bisping's got his work cut out for him. More pictures of Leben here.

HT: The UG

[UPDATE] by Nick Thomas - Leben comments on his reinvention at the UFC 89 presser:

HT: ESPNRadio1100

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Countdown to UFC 89 (video)

by Nick Thomas on Oct 14, 2008 8:17 AM EDT reply actions

Its a shame that..

muscles don’t win fights. =)

by JCS_FM on Oct 14, 2008 8:19 AM EDT reply actions

The countdown show was really good, my wife who is more of a casual fan watched the show with me and at the start was a big fan of Bisping.. by the end of the show she was a lot less certain and a lot more interested in the fight. I guess that is the purpose of a countdown show.
Leben looks like a different person, seems like the move to Hawaii has changed him. Bisping is going to have his work cut out for him I think.

by pr0cs on Oct 14, 2008 9:04 AM EDT reply actions

Gonna be a good fight. Should be explosive.

by pud333 on Oct 14, 2008 10:15 AM EDT reply actions

Can’t wait for this fight – this will be a real test for Bisping.

"My job is a decision-making job, and as a result, I make a lot of decisions." --George W. Bush, The Decider, Lancaster, Pa., Oct. 3, 2007

by lovingmma25 on Oct 14, 2008 10:17 AM EDT reply actions

Unfortunately he still punches like he is underwater.

This fight will come down to the concentration level of Bisping. If he can continue to land combinations on Leben’s head the whole fight while still keeping a close watch on the big ass looping fists of Leben then he should win a decision.

by Sam Cupitt on Oct 14, 2008 10:21 AM EDT reply actions

I bet BJ thinks he is on the juice. BJ thinks EVERYONE is in the juice, lol.

Leben still has a ways to go, but his development as a person and fighter has been impressive. While I still don’t think he is a contender, he certainly is entertaining.

http://eliotmarshall.com/

by BJJDenver on Oct 14, 2008 12:02 PM EDT reply actions

He looked to be in really really good shape. Not even good shape for Chris Leben, but good shape in general. If his cardio is vastly improved as a result hes a very dangerous fight for Bisping.

by Day Man on Oct 14, 2008 4:22 PM EDT reply actions

How so?

I don’t recall cardio ever being his problem, but rather his lack of any style. The swing first, duck later strategy. If he is more disciplined, that could spell trouble.

But I keep my imaginary money on Bisping.

by mythbuster on Oct 14, 2008 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions

I thought I saw something in Leben in his fight with Terry Martin that was brand new. Couldn’t really say what, but since then I just belive in the kid. Bisping hasn’t really been tested at 185, but he virtually destroyed both Day and Chainsaw. Leben will be a good test for him. I just hope Chris doesn’t try to brawl like he did against Sakara, Bisping will be ready for that.

by ununkvadrium on Oct 14, 2008 5:04 PM EDT reply actions