UFC 116: Chris Leben - “A Risk Worth Taking”

Chris Leben faces Yoshihiro Akiyama in the UFC 116 co-main event on July 3rd

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Two weeks removed from his pivotal TUF 11 Finale (TKO) victory over previously unbeaten Aaron Simpson, and middleweight gatekeeper Chris “The Crippler” Leben is back in action trying to make a significant move towards the top of the division. Once sunk so deep in the divisional hierarchy, Leben now has an opportunity to jump into a contender’s role almost instantly. Standing in his way is Japanese superstar Yoshihiro Akiyama, who was slated to face Wanderlei Silva at UFC 116 until injuries forced him to withdraw. One man’s loss is another man’s gain. That is exactly what Leben will attempt to do with a victory, gain ground into a relevant role in the 185-pound division.

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Leben’s UFC career has been full of peaks and valleys beginning with his role as the outcast on the original season of The Ultimate Fighter. He eventually made it through the TUF house and sprinted out to a successful UFC career winning his first five official bouts with the expanding company. His string of victories came to a halt when Anderson Silva battered him around the octagon at Ultimate Fight Night 5, which ended in the 1 st round with Leben on his face in the middle of the octagon. Ups and downs followed, a win over Jorge Santiago was followed by back-to-back losses. He saved his career with consecutive victories over Terry Martin (FN 11) and Alessio Sakara (UFC 82), but had his back to the wall again when he dropped another pair of bouts against Michael Bisping (UFC 89) and Jake Rosholt (UFC 102). Again, he revived his career with a unanimous decision victory over Jay Silva (FN 20) and TKO victory over Simpson.

Although both Akiyama and Leben had some initial doubts about taking this fight, the truth is that the timing couldn’t be any better for the 29 year-old Oregon native. Leben took very little damage in his most recent bout but dished out a great deal of it. He confused Simpson mixing in some well timed combinations and landing some heavy bombs finishing his job (4:17) into round 2. Now would be the time to take full advantage of the opportunity that he is being given.

First off, Leben’s hands have always been loaded with power. He consistently buckles his opponents with his heavy hands. Akiyama, although not as tested, does have a solid jaw, something that will come in handy in a bout against Leben. Leben will without question look to capitalize by using his striking abilities, in particular his left hand. The only downfall for Leben in this department is that sometimes he can be a little careless with his strategy. Although he hasn’t shown it recently, a wild game plan will be picked up by the heady Akiyama, and would not be a good thing for Leben.

While Leben may hold the slight advantage in the stand-up department, there is little doubt as to who is better on the ground. Leben will not want to go to the canvas with Akiyama. He has 7 submission finishes to his credit and would have no problem making Leben his eighth. Leben must avoid the ground at all costs; Akiyama has a distinct advantage in this category.

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It is no secret as to what Leben will want to do; it’s only a matter of execution. A victory would mean a lot as Akiyama is considered a top middleweight. A loss would not drop Leben all that much in the division, and due to him stepping up as a late replacement, would not put him in the unemployment office anytime soon. If “The Crippler” can answer the call in relief of Wanderlei, his up and down career would be at an all-time high.

By Nick Russell
ProFighting-fans.com Senior MMA Staff Writer