Chris Leben

Chris ‘The Crippler’ Leben – MMA Profile

Chris Leben began his UFC career after appearing on the first season of The Ultimate Fighter. He was one of the most memorable cast members due to his outspoken nature, erratic emotions, and shenanigans on the show. Today, he commands attention from fans and opponents for his fighting skills in the cage, his unique appearance, and his personality.

Nicknamed “The Crippler,” Leben fights with a technique that mixes boxing and wrestling. This background has helped him become a proficient striker and grappler, paving the way for a record that includes 18 wins and 4 losses. He won his first 9 fights while competing in non-UFC organizations such as the WEC, FCFF, UFCF, and QP. Leben’s first loss was to Joe Doerksen during Freestyle Fighting Championships 9. By the same time the following year, he had joined the UFC.

Leben’s first UFC bout was against Jason Thacker, a fellow cast member of The Ultimate Fighter. He defeated Thacker during the first round and went on to compete in UFC Ultimate Fight Nights 1 through 6 (and is the only fighter to have done so). His only loss during those bouts was at the hands of a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt named Anderson Silva. During Ultimate Fight Night 5, Silva delivered a crushing knockout blow in the first minute of the bout. True to his personality, Leben returned to the ring with renewed ferocity to defeat Jorge Santiago during Ultimate Fight Night 6.

Since his bout with Santiago, Leben has had mixed success in the Octagon. 4 months after defeating Santiago, he was beaten by Jason MacDonald at UFC 66. The following year, he suffered another loss to Kalib Starnes at UFC 71. The losses seemed to reinvigorate Leben and he defeated Terry Martin at UFC Fight Night 11 and Italian MMA fighter Alessio Sakara at UFC 82.

Leben’s propensity to drink alcohol had gotten him into trouble in the past. During the first season of The Ultimate Fighter, he infuriated Thacker by urinating in his bed. After defeating Thacker at the finale, Leban claimed to have given up alcohol due to his bad behavior. However, earlier this year, he was arrested on DUI charges. Because he was sentenced to prison, his scheduled fight with Michael Bisping was canceled. While his reputation as a daunting fighter remains, Leben may be his own worst enemy.