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After 12 years and a UFC record 22 middleweight fights inside the Octagon, Chris Leben is calling it quits. "The Crippler" appeared on Monday's episode of The MMA Hour to make his announcement official.
"It's been a fantastic, wonderful ride," Leben said. "I've landed more strikes than anybody out there. Definitely highs and lows, ups and downs, but I think I'm starting to realize that, for me, it might be time to make that transition away from competing and get more on the coaching side of things.
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Post #1 1/20/14 2:36:54PM
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I've always been a big fan of Chris Leben. You always knew when he stepped in the cage, he was in there to throw the fuck down. Sad to see him go. Too bad they couldn't give him a couple of fights that he matched up well with stylistically, on the way out. I'm not even saying fights that were almost a guaranteed win, but fights that were almost guaranteed barn burners.
Last edited 1/20/14 2:48PM server time by Playground_Samurai Edit note/reason: n/a
_______________________________________ Twitter: @Brooks_B @TheMMAddiction
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Post #2 1/20/14 2:47:53PM
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Good for him, it sounds like he knows the game has passed him up. No need to take more losses and damage.
Always been a fan!
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Post #3 1/20/14 3:02:16PM
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Can't say I was a fan of Leben I always thought he got more leeway than most people in the company based from his friendship with White. But I don't suppose that's his fault and he did always come to knock people out and try give the fans what they wanted, I wish him the best with his personal problems and focusing on his coaching.
Last edited 1/20/14 3:05PM server time by babalu46 Edit note/reason: n/a
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Post #4 1/20/14 3:04:39PM
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It's been a fun ride with The Crippler. The 12-10 UFC record, while not outstanding, is certainly one of the most prolific. He had lots of wars, lots of comebacks, and generally showed heart and chin like few before or since. He was often mired in controversy, but he was that guy many couldn't help but root for to turn it all around and succeed, in and out of the cage.
Good luck, Chris Leben.
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Post #5 1/20/14 3:08:36PM
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This comes as no surprise to me. After not answering to the second round to Hall I figured that would be his last fight.
Interesting tid bit. Anderson Silva made his UFC debut against Chris Leban. They both may have had their last fight on the same night at UFC 168.
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Post #6 1/20/14 3:10:46PM
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Posted by JLS1980 Interesting tid bit. Anderson Silva made his UFC debut against Chris Leban. They both may have had their last fight on the same night at UFC 168.
Mind blown! Gotta spread the love
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Post #7 1/20/14 3:16:04PM
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This comes as no surprise to me. After not answering to the second round to Hall I figured that would be his last fight.
Same here. You could never count him out in a fight. All heneeded to land was that one punch, and the fight was over. Brawlers are fun to watch, but generally the damage adds up, chin fades away, and concern for their well being grows.
_______________________________________ Billy Madison-
What you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in the playground is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no props, and may the mods have mercy on your soul.
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Post #8 1/20/14 3:26:13PM
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Not a big surprise. He's looked like a punching bag in his last few fights. I appreciate what's he's done in the sport, though. He was never a title contender but I'd be lying if I said I didn't get excited to see Leben on a card. The dude almost always brought it. The bad thing is what made him exciting was probably his downfall. Just too many miles on his body.
Last edited 1/20/14 3:51PM server time by FastKnockout Edit note/reason: n/a
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Post #9 1/20/14 3:28:19PM
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Makes me feel old when TUC competitors keep retiring!
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Post #10 1/20/14 3:31:38PM
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Sad to see Chris go. Always been a fan of his. He did have the worse record of any live fighter for me 0-5 in fights I watched. Maybe I was his bad luck charm
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Post #11 1/20/14 4:55:29PM
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Old TRex arms, I'll be sad to see him go
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Post #12 1/20/14 5:17:42PM
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Posted by jae_1833
Makes me feel old when TUC competitors keep retiring!

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Post #13 1/20/14 5:20:16PM
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Leben has given a lot to the UFC. Sure, he fucked around a lot and got popped a couple of times but there was a pretty long period of time where you could always count on an entertaining performance from him. He's left behind a few unforgettable moments in the cage as well. Good for him though. He knew when it was time to call it quits and he did. I hope to hear more from him in the coaching department.
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Post #14 1/20/14 5:35:58PM
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Hopefully he is smart enough to find a way to make enough $$$ to stay retired and doesnt try for a comeback or end up fighting in regional markets. He doesnt seem like a guy that has a lot of other skills to fall back on. Hopefully he is a good coach.
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Post #15 1/20/14 5:51:57PM
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