Leben

Dana White Says Vet’s “Style Isn’t Healthy for Him”

By FCF Staff

Although Chris Leben has turned his personal life around, the rugged vet’s professional struggles continued at UFC 162, as he lost by split decision to Andrew Craig. The defeat was Leben’s third in a row, and followed losses too Derek Brunson in December, and Mark Munoz in November, 2011.

Despite the defeat, Leben took to Twitter to vow his latest Octagon setback won’t threaten the sobriety he’s maintained now for well over a year.

Well didn’t get the comeback story, but i promise you there will be no relapse story. Gonna stay strong & continue on the path

It remains to be seen what the UFC elects to do in terms of Leben’s status with the promotion, as the 32 year-old hasn’t won a fight now since July, 2011, when he KO’d Wanderlei Silva in dramatic fashion. There’s no question that “The Crippler’s” aggressive style and fearsome power has made him a fan favorite, but UFC President Dana White recently conceded he’s concerned about the amount of punishment Leben’s absorbed (quo via MMA Junkie.com).

“His fight style isn’t healthy for him, the way that he fights,” White said in a post UFC 162 media scrum. “He’s getting up there in age, and the big layoffs don’t help him either.”

“I don’t know. I’ve got to figure [out what to do]. I’ve got to figure out what I think will be best for him, which people hate when I say that and do that.”

Leben has gone 4-6 in his last 10 fights, after going 8-3 in his first 11 appearances with the promotion. The TUF vet has recorded a 12-9 record with the UFC since he joined the company in 2005.