Chris Leben's Amazing Career Resurgence
by Nate Wilcox on Jul 12, 2010 9:00 AM EDT
in MMA News
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UFC.com noticed it:
Entering 2010, Chris Leben's UFC career was on the line after back-to-back losses to Michael Bisping and Jake Rosholt, but amazingly, by the time he forced Yoshihiro Akiyama to tap out in the third round of their UFC 116 bout earlier this month, he was back among the ranks of middleweight contenders. This amazing transformation took place thanks to wins this year over Jay Silva, Aaron Simpson, and the aforementioned Akiyama, with the latter two victories occurring within a two week period.
UFC.com also ranks Leben vs Akiyama as the best fight in the UFC so far this year:
It wasn't an enviable position to be in - following the second and fourth entries on this list on the epic UFC 116 card in July, but Chris Leben and Yoshihiro Akiyama may have taken that as a challenge, as they went on to put on the best fight of the first half of 2010. Featuring fierce toe-to-toe action, solid ground work, changes in momentum, and a shocking and exciting finish, this bout had it all. And in the process, Leben, fighting for the second time in two weeks, completed his transformation from MMA's problem child to legit middleweight contender
Sherdog's Tomas Rios noticed too:
Going into 2010 the notion of Chris Leben becoming a serious middleweight contender seemed like a pipe dream reserved for his friends and family.
After notching two upsets in two weeks over Aaron Simpson and Yoshihiro Akiyama, Leben is not only back in the middleweight mix but the overwhelming favorite to take home Sherdog.com's "Comeback Fighter of the Year" award.
Heartwarming stories are in short supply in MMA. While Leben is never going to be a UFC champion, it's always nice to see someone come back from hard times.
And 5th Round reports that Leben's been doing well financially as well:
In two week's time, Leben has made a "total" of $256,000. Please keep in mind, the figures above are what's required to be reported to the Athletic Commissions. Any additional bonuses, such as a special kickback Octagon brass may have slipped him for his quick turnaround in order to co-headline the biggest pay-per-view broadcast of 2010, are not required to be disclosed.
And he's also been having fun in the cage, sharing that unique bond between professional fighters who can appreciate each other's good work, while trying to beat each other senseless:
Leben who was brought into the match against Akiyama just 14 days before the big night admitted that it was a special night. "There were a couple times when I threw a double punch and (Akiyama) looked up and smiled at me," Leben said. "Because I know he knew it too, that we were fighting and this was good."
Until this month, I'd never been a fan of Chris Leben. His personality and antics on The Ultimate Fighter combined with his nearly brain dead fighting style meant that I was on my feet roaring with approval when Anderson Silva demolished him. But I have to admit, he's completely converted me with his performances this month.
Beating Aaron Simpson -- a skilled wrestler with real KO power -- and Yoshihiro Akiyama -- a truly three-dimensional mixed martial artist -- back to back in two weeks is just an amazing feat, there are no two ways about it.
Even more impressively, Leben won the Akiyama fight with an impressive display of jiu jitsu off his back. We knew he had KO power, we knew he had heart, now we know he's got brains and skill too.
Leben is a guy who's failed steroids tests, done jail time, made an utter ass of himself on national television and twice been on the verge of getting cut from the UFC after two consecutive losses. I never expected him to put together two such impressive performances. I've also been impressed with his sudden emergence as a thoughtful and articulate interview subject.
It's also a testament to the unique nature of this sport that an individual has such a unique opportunity to enjoy a public triumph under the most arduous circumstances. Leben's been sternly tested in the Octagon and passed with flying colors.
The fact that Leben has turned his career around so fast -- and not just his career, his life -- is an inspiration to everyone. Hat's off to ya Chris Leben.
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Same here.
Until this month, I’d never been a fan of Chris Leben. His personality and antics on The Ultimate Fighter combined with his nearly brain dead fighting style meant that I was on my feet roaring with approval when Anderson Silva demolished him. But I have to admit, he’s completely converted me with his performances this month.
I never liked the guy, but that two week span made me a fan.
by Anton Tabuena on Jul 12, 2010 9:03 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I have a hared time believing the Silva fight was the only time Leben had you guys on your feet screaming. I screamed my lungs out during his crazy come from behind wins over Jorge Santiago and Terry Martin. His WEC championship fight versus Mike Swick was also an entertaining come from behind win. I also enjoyed his his scrap with Alessio Sakara and his unlikely armbar win versus Babyface Deweees.
I can understand not liking Chris Leben’s personality, but as a fighter he has always been incredibly entertaining. The last couple of weeks are just the most recent examples.
by Steve4192 on Jul 12, 2010 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I was on my feet when Koscheck made him cry after beating him on TUF 1
Cause there's only one, and that's me
You understand? for all that fighting, you understand
That sucka think he good, that sucka think he can whoop me
And i know he can't whoop me, Ay boy, the n**** whole style is chump
by S.C. Michaelson on Jul 12, 2010 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions
100% agree
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I thought he was a complete jackass, but I really paid attention to the interviews before the A-Train and Akiyama fights and picked him to win both.
He’s turning me into a fan.
That's a shame
Thomas Gerbasi is one of the very best writers out there.
by Jonathan Snowden on Jul 12, 2010 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions
I've been a Leben fan since TUF 1
But its a hell of a lot easier now then it was back then. Very very impressive 2 weeks
Deputy Travis Junior: I don't think there was a real reason for Jones to hit Garcia, cause Garcia's a man who's already down. Garcia ain't got friends, he lives in a little shitty apartment, he don't have no family that I know of. He ain't got no taste. He's racist, he's a sexist, he's a lying bigot horse's ass. I think, you know, hitting him is just throwing shit in front of a shit pile that's already got too much shit in it.
by II SMASH II on Jul 12, 2010 9:12 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Chris Leben put on a great show, that’s about it. But unfortunately he a seriously inconsistent fighter and he can not hang with the top contenders of the division. That’s about it.
Turned around his life and career, Time will truly tell what’s up with Chris Leben.
- - - - -
VEe is ANIMated!
you don't have to be champ
to be a good fighter and have a great career.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
Oh most definitely that’s true but I just don’t see how 2 fights in really changes the character of the fighter. This is similar to a fighter winning via KO and then calling him a great striker. I understand that you’re as good as your last fight but I rather put things into perspective.
This is not Leben’s first victory via submission. The talent was always there. It is good to see that his maturity is finally catching up but we’ve already heard him state that he’s maturing and then he fought Bisping and Rosholt, that was 1 and 2 years ago.
Great career. Yeah, I guess so but one of his saving graces was his notoriety from being a member of TUF1. He’s suffered two consecutive defeats twice in the UFC, an offense that would send many fighters out of the UFC with a pink slip.
- - - - -
VEe is ANIMated!
by VeeisAnimated on Jul 12, 2010 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions
winning these two fights on this short a timeline
is a fucking epic accomplishment.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
by Nate Wilcox on Jul 12, 2010 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions
If will probably be the last time it ever happens in the UFC.
When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are in a confederacy against him. - Jonathan Swift
Fightlinker.com
by Derek Suboticki on Jul 12, 2010 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah it is epic but let’s remember many fighters have fought on the same night. Many fighters have fought on 1-2 days notice or 1-week notice.
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VEe is ANIMated!
by VeeisAnimated on Jul 12, 2010 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Why discredit what Leben’s accomplished here?
When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are in a confederacy against him. - Jonathan Swift
Fightlinker.com
by Derek Suboticki on Jul 12, 2010 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m not trying to discredit his accomplishment but I’m just putting it in perspective. I love his performances against certain fighters that are willing to stand and trade with him. Wanderlei Silva is clearly a perfect dance partner.
I just think the hyperbole and the immediate reaction to the performances completely ignores his recent history. The serious contender talk is way too premature in my opinion.
- - - - -
VEe is ANIMated!
by VeeisAnimated on Jul 12, 2010 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions
No you didn’t but this article and a number of others are trying to paint Leben as a fighter that’s on his way.
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VEe is ANIMated!
by VeeisAnimated on Jul 12, 2010 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Chael Sonnen is fighting for the title, and it would be a rematch so why not after another fight with a good performance?
"I am going to burn your fucking house down, but you will blow me first"
by Barack Lesnar on Jul 12, 2010 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions
You lost me with your 2nd statement.
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VEe is ANIMated!
by VeeisAnimated on Jul 12, 2010 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Gegard Mousasi defeated Manhoef (horrible ground game) and Jacare on the same night in September 2008.
Marius Zaromskis defeated Sakurai and Jason High(admittedly no one to brag about) in the same night back in July 2009.
Shogun defeated Arona and Overeem on the same night.
Defeating both guys is definitely a big deal but it’s not like Leben went through a war with Simpson. He stuffed the takedowns and went home relatively unscathed. He went to war with Akiyama, that was a Fight of the Year performance.
I’m almost sure that there are many more examples in the history of MMA. Vets like Chris Lytle embodies the fighter that’s ready and willing, take a look at his record. And guys like Koscheck facing Thiago Alves on short notice and Ben Saunders stepping up against Jon Fitch.
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VEe is ANIMated!
by VeeisAnimated on Jul 12, 2010 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions
but in those cases all of those guys fought on the same night.
Leben is fighting two completely fresh opponents, within 2 weeks. And 2 guys that post stylistic advantages over him.
by Broke Lesnar on Jul 12, 2010 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions
My main point no matter how you want to color the time intervals between fights or the opponents and their rankings . . . it’s been more or less done before. It’s not really new.
- - - - -
VEe is ANIMated!
by VeeisAnimated on Jul 12, 2010 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions
The point isn't whether or not it's been done before.
It’s that Leben did it after being damn near gone from the UFC and it’s a good story. Take it for what it is instead of trying to shit on it. Like it or not, by saying what you are saying you are shitting on it.
Forget it Donny, you're out of your element.
A fighter being talked about as up and coming after two impressive wins is nothing new
"I am going to burn your fucking house down, but you will blow me first"
by Barack Lesnar on Jul 12, 2010 9:30 PM EDT up reply actions
I loved his first line in the post-win interview.
Rogan: “coming in on short notice, you just beat a well-respected fighter, what—-”
Leben: "well ya know joe, i’m a well respec
a life: it's the shit that happens while you're waiting for moments that never come -Lester Freamon
ted fighter as well"
a life: it's the shit that happens while you're waiting for moments that never come -Lester Freamon
by eastcoastatlas on Jul 12, 2010 9:14 AM EDT up reply actions
My favorite quote was
“I punch guys in the face. That’s my job.”
"Overdrive the sound and make it sound pretty rude." - Jimmy Page
“Fighters are like strippers, they ain’t paying their way through college”
by Steve4192 on Jul 12, 2010 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Any list of Leben quotes would incomplete without ...
“Send you back to Japan where the competition is easier”
Damn, forgot about that one
You win.
"Overdrive the sound and make it sound pretty rude." - Jimmy Page
That’s the one.
When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are in a confederacy against him. - Jonathan Swift
Fightlinker.com
by Derek Suboticki on Jul 12, 2010 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions
I think MMA fans
have been frustrated with Leben for the same reason they are with Bonnar. Both were TUF fighters that may have been favored by matchmakers, were still losing regularly without getting cut, and showed no evolving skills. What’s the point in paying to watch guys that lose to mid-level fighters and never show any improvement? Hopefully, we won’t have to suffer through two or three more “bad” fights from these guys before getting another enjoyable moment from both fighters.
I agree
but I think Leben’s win off his back shows more progression than Bonnar has recently, even with his win over K-Sos.
agreed
while neither guy has progressed to the point of actually gameplanning pre-fight, Leben has recently shown more willingness to make strategic adjustments during the fight, whereas Bonnar still just goes out to bang it out til somebody falls
a life: it's the shit that happens while you're waiting for moments that never come -Lester Freamon
by eastcoastatlas on Jul 12, 2010 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions
Calling out Wanderlei was pretty smart for him. Even if he loses that fight, it’d be a big enough name to not really be held against him and probably be a rather memorable slugfest.
Getting bent out of shape over a fight promoter lying is like getting upset that a hooker won't kiss you. It betrays a deep lack of understanding of the nature of the profession.
To be honest
I think he can beat Wanderlei.
He’s got an iron chin and punching power. He can probably KO Wanderlei during an exchange.
As a Wand fan it makes me a sad panda, but it is certainly a possibility.
Well, squeaky wheel gets the grease
It’s certainly worked for Frank Mir and Shane Carwin and Chael Sonnen in the past year or so….
"Overdrive the sound and make it sound pretty rude." - Jimmy Page
When was the last time you had to suffer through a bad fight from either guy, Bonnar or Leben?
Ride the Tiger!
by doonerthesooner on Jul 12, 2010 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Leben-Bisping
But I don’t blame Chris for that one.
I rarely tweet
I less-rarely write
"I ain't having it" - Buster Posey, hosing folks down
The Rosholt fight was terrible, and there were reports that Leben had basically done no training for the fight thinking he could stuff Rosholt’s takedowns and eventually KO him and training would be redundant. I’d like to think that was a turning point in his career rather than what he’s going to settle back into… especially with how much booze and drugs one can acquire with a quarter million dollars.
Getting bent out of shape over a fight promoter lying is like getting upset that a hooker won't kiss you. It betrays a deep lack of understanding of the nature of the profession.
Great read
"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former - Albert Einstein"
- Goonisis
I feel the same way Nate
I never liked him before, because of TUF and his fighting style (steroids didn’t help either). But after these fights it’s hard not to like the guy. I did not expect him to beat Akiyama, especially not by submission, so he definitely deserves respect for that.
The only thing that worries me is that his chin is bound to give out in a couple of years, if he keeps taking as many shots as he’s done up to now. It’s exciting for the fans to watch him take a lot of heavy shots and still stand, but it’s surely not good for his brain. Some are saying he already is showing signs of changed speech pattern etc.
I agree with Nate
(For those not familiar with this, the world’s slowest drinking game: do a shot. Expect to do another in six months.)
I’ve had SO many reasons to dislike Leben over the years, but lately I find myself warming to him. I don’t know how to justify this to anyone else, let alone to myself, but I just can’t root against him.
And as for:
“While Leben is never going to be a UFC champion…”
…imagine a scenario where he beats Wanderlei and Chael LnP’s the belt away from Anderson. I’d give Chris a pretty good chance of beating Chael.
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ.
I blog at TangleBones - you should follow me on Twitter here.
If you like it, you should put a rec on it.
Well, let's hope so.
A world where Chael is champion is a world I don’t want to live in.
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ.
I blog at TangleBones - you should follow me on Twitter here.
If you like it, you should put a rec on it.
It would be interesting to see...
…if they would fight each other.
by Jonathan Snowden on Jul 12, 2010 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions
great stuff
God dammit I had an amazing Leben article almost done that I’ve been procrastinating on since UFC 116 ended. That’s what I get for slacking.
follow me twitter.com/GotaHemmi
by Brian Hemminger on Jul 12, 2010 10:09 AM EDT reply actions
The craziest thing in my mind was how rocked Chris was from Akiyama. What was keeping him standing? He looked far more out than in the Terry Martin fight and STILL came back.
And I’d use that to counter the argument that Akiyama should move to 170. If he has the power to rock someone with an iron head like Leben, he’s at no lack for playing with the big boys. Neither Belcher nor Leben could stuff all of his takedowns, so I think he’s perfect at 185.
Even when I'm laying on my back I'm never backing down
Disagree about Akiyama
If he stays at 185 at most he’ll be a middle of the pack guy in the UFC, if he cuts to 170 he has the chance to be a real contender.
"I thought I was getting raped by Freddy Mercury."
- Tank Abbot
on his decision loss to Dan Severn in 1995
by Worldisart on Jul 12, 2010 10:39 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
eh im gonna disagree there
170s tough i think he’ll do better than at mw but with guys like shields, alves, fitch, kampmann, and hardy i dont think akiyama can crack into that top echelon of fighters
We have a saying back home that if your coming on, COME ON!!!!
let's see...
shields — he can beat up on the feet and keep it from going to the ground
alves — very tough fight for anyone, esp akiyama
fitch — i think he’d work on the feet but would have a hard time not being ground down by fitch
kampmann — i think he’d school kampmann
hardy — take down + beat down = akiyama wins
condit — beat up on the feet but might get in trouble
we’d have to see but i like his odds better in that division than at 185, if only because he has a better chance to beat GSP than he does Anderson Silva.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
by Nate Wilcox on Jul 12, 2010 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions
I think 170 is too deep I would avoid it if I could.
Ride the Tiger!
by doonerthesooner on Jul 12, 2010 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Kampmann would murder Akiyama.
When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are in a confederacy against him. - Jonathan Swift
Fightlinker.com
by Derek Suboticki on Jul 12, 2010 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions
could be...
but he’d have a better chance beating Kampmann than his counterpart (ranking wise) in MW.
by Anton Tabuena on Jul 12, 2010 10:54 PM EDT up reply actions
i disagree with that. Why cut to the wrestler rich division when he can use his judo ( which is obviously working for him at 185) when he has shown no disadvantage in striking OR grappling at 185? He was a minute away from winning the Leben fight, Chris just overcame when Yoshi was unbelievably tired. IMO he just needs to learn to take less standing punishment and use his throws and top control more.
Even when I'm laying on my back I'm never backing down
by Austin Martin on Jul 12, 2010 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t recall his judo giving him any great advantage against Belcher. Just because it worked on a guy who constantly moves forward off balance and winging punches doesn’t mean it will work on everyone.
his judo won him that fight
he always had the key take down when he needed it.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
by Nate Wilcox on Jul 12, 2010 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Leben’s just crazy wit it like that tho. (excuse the poor english, couldn’t think of a better explanation). It’s almost like he doesn’t actually get rocked, but just decides to go into zombie mode. he has the most hilarious highlight reel because of it
a life: it's the shit that happens while you're waiting for moments that never come -Lester Freamon
by eastcoastatlas on Jul 12, 2010 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions
I’ve said it for years … the absolute worst thing you can do when fighting Leben is hurt him. Leben is much more dangerous in zombie mode than he is in regular mode. The only guy who has been able to defeat zombie Leben is Anderson Silva.
by Steve4192 on Jul 12, 2010 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2010/7/6/1554377/night-of-the-living-leben#comments
"...ride life straight to perfect laughter,
it's the only good fight there is."
by dancingChicken on Jul 13, 2010 7:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Great article, Nate. Leben has definitely become MMA’s version of Robert Downey, Jr.
by Velcro on Jul 12, 2010 11:05 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I'm with Milk72
Yoshi’s just too small for MW, the Belcher fight was borderline man-on-boy. Plus right now he looks too densely muscled for his frame. That’s possibly been a factor in the crappy cardio he’s shown in UFC thus far; Phil Baroni syndrome
B-A-K-A-S-U-R-V-I-V-O-R
A win win for Leben
Gotta like Leben after the performances he’s displayed recently in the Octagon, he’s def got a fan in me. Who else would like to see Leben face Belcher?
Fear is temporary regret is for ever.
that’d be a slobberknocker for sure, but i think the Wandy/ Leben fight is an AWESOME matchup.
Even when I'm laying on my back I'm never backing down
by Austin Martin on Jul 12, 2010 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Color me unconvinced on Leben.
He’s “in contention” now because 185 is weak. He rolled off a couple nice victories, but come on, Belcher would beat Leben up.
by Manzanillos Cup on Jul 12, 2010 12:26 PM EDT reply actions
I don't know, I suppose he could out point him.
I;d take Leben that fight myslef, Belcher’s good but lets not forget he got TKo’d by Jason Day
Ride the Tiger!
by doonerthesooner on Jul 12, 2010 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions
ratings for ufc 116
does any1 have the number of ppv buys from ufc 116?
by prodigymma on Jul 12, 2010 1:26 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
The prelims on spike did 1.5 viewers
But I don’t think they’ve released numbers for the PPV yet it’s still expected around 1.25 but I wouldn’t be surprised if it was higher.
Ride the Tiger!
by doonerthesooner on Jul 12, 2010 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions
thx
that is alot better than what ppl was thinkin it was goin to be..i remember about 2 days out of fight day ppl were saying no1 was even at the press confrence and at weigh ins was alomost empty…im happy it pulled that high
by prodigymma on Jul 12, 2010 3:01 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
wanderlei sivla vs leban
is this goin down like leban wants? i know wanda said it would be a good match up…. if this doesnt happen …leban vs bisping would be interesting?
by prodigymma on Jul 12, 2010 3:04 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
The first Leben-Bisping wasn’t interesting, I doubt the second go would be any better.
I rarely tweet
I less-rarely write
"I ain't having it" - Buster Posey, hosing folks down
I hope Leben doesn't lose his next fight...
cuz he’s gonna lose all these new fans just as easily as he gained them.
Hooray for bandwagons!
Depends on how he loses the fight. I also find it interesting that fans are not quick to shout steroids, steroids, steroids.
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VEe is ANIMated!
by VeeisAnimated on Jul 12, 2010 7:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Leben is a guy who’s failed steroids tests, done jail time, made an utter ass of himself on national television and twice been on the verge of getting cut from the UFC after two consecutive losses.
Here we go again, Leben failed one test and admitted it let’s stop trying to paint him as the TUF version of Josh Barnett.
"they mad at me, I keep going hard reppin/
cause what's your Rampage to Rashad Evans/"
-Joe Budden (Something To Ride To)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/76866807deabe3c1/
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