good, i hope he does leave the ufc. i dont like his attitude or his fighting style. he’s more of a street fighter than a trained mixed martial artist. look at the anderson silva fight. he got worked b/c his technique was shit. i hope he never fights in the ufc again

If he loses to Starnes he’s going to be sorry he ever made this comment…

i like watching leban fight, win or lose the guy makes it fun to watch, i hope he stays with the ufc

he’s a real exciting fighter, his attitude leaves something to be desired for sure but at the end of the day the ufc without leben is still not going to matter. They’ll find another wide open puncher that’ll deliver knockouts to no-namers and get hammered on by top contenders.

I can’t believe that they only pay him 10,000 and 10,000. That is bullshit. He doesn’t have a huge following, but he is pretty popular. There are hundereds of guys in the NBA and NFL who are just bench warmers that people have never heard of and they make 10 times that much. It never seeces to amaze me at how little they get paid.

I’ve been terribly conflicted about UFC contracts - very interested in how they work while pretty happy that the public knows so little about how they are structured (nothing drains the fun out of other pro sports like when contract disputes, holdouts and zillion-dollar free agent signings overshadow the actual playing of the games). I was under the impression though that there is some flexibility about payouts per fight depending upon how well the fighter does. For instance, if two guys sign a four-fight contract at the same time, the guy who is 3-0 will make more money on his last fight than the guy who is 0-3 going into his last fight. In other words, Leben might have helped his bottom line by winning his fights with Silva and MacDonald. Maybe this is wrong, who knows. At the same time, it makes sense that Leben’s TUF contract paid him peanuts to start. These guys are unknown quantities and UFC takes a risk by promoting them. If Leben was a contender, he’d be counting the days until he signs a much more lucrative contract with UFC. But he’s certainly justified in going where the money is. Hopefully, a few shows like ICON can keep Zuffa from under-paying their fighters.

Why would the UFC dish out more money to someone who isn’t going anywhere in the sport. It’s clear that Leban has no technique. He will never come close to becoming champion. It probably is best for him to go to a different organization, if they are desperate enough to pick up the ufc’s trash. He was entertaining to watch but, his weaknesses have been exploited, and he seems to have no desire to get any better. I haven’t seen any improvment in his game since he was on TUF.

Let’s forget about his personality. I don’t like the guy, but I can understand the need to make money. With what these fighters put themselves through, especially with all the training and then to fight for what 3000 dollars as we see some get. How can you live off that? After 8 fights he’s only getting 10 a fight.
He lost his last fight, and he got demolished by Silva, so if his name can earn him some money elsewhere, he’d be dumb not to take it. He lost his appeal to UFC fans who have seen the holes in his game exposed by better opponents.
Business is business and the middleweight division isn’t getting any easier. If he stays, they definately won’t pay him what he wants because they don’t need him.

[quote comment=”57871″]Let’s forget about his personality. I don’t like the guy, but I can understand the need to make money. With what these fighters put themselves through, especially with all the training and then to fight for what 3000 dollars as we see some get. How can you live off that? After 8 fights he’s only getting 10 a fight.
He lost his last fight, and he got demolished by Silva, so if his name can earn him some money elsewhere, he’d be dumb not to take it. He lost his appeal to UFC fans who have seen the holes in his game exposed by better opponents.
Business is business and the middleweight division isn’t getting any easier. If he stays, they definately won’t pay him what he wants because they don’t need him.[/quote]
Agreed, he lost 2 of his last 3 fights, I’m pretty sure UFC could do without him.

Why is everyone jumpin on this guy?
He is 100% RIGHT with his statement…
Im sure he can get more money in other companies then the UFC, he was expressing that he hopes the UFC recognizes this and moves foward. Their monopoly on the situation doesnt really help fighters like Leben, who are semi-sucessful in the UFC but could be VERY successful in other organizations.

[quote comment=”57862″]I can’t believe that they only pay him 10,000 and 10,000. That is bullshit. He doesn’t have a huge following, but he is pretty popular. There are hundereds of guys in the NBA and NFL who are just bench warmers that people have never heard of and they make 10 times that much. It never seeces to amaze me at how little they get paid.[/quote]
It’s my understanding that he signed this deal right after the TUF show. At the time, I’m sure a 3 year contract ( these are service contracts, not X amount of fight contracts ) with gaurenteed money seemed like a good deal. The UFC just raised him to 10/10. Not bad for a guy who has lost every time he’s faced a top fighter in his WC. If he fights 4 times a year and say goes 3-1, that’s still $70K. Not bad for doing little more than hanging out at the gym, drinking beer, sparring, eating, rolling, and then fighting for a max total of an hour a year.

He better score a highlight reel KO of Starnes if he wants any chance at getting the kind of money he thinks he deserves. Of course, if he actually deserved the kind of money he thinks he should be getting then he would be doing more than fighting a dark match against someone better than Starnes.

Starnes is goin to win.. u can count on that.. then good-bye Leben. ur terrible anyways

[quote comment=”57903″]Starnes is goin to win.. u can count on that.. then good-bye Leben. ur terrible anyways[/quote]
This guy is on an smart comment strike here….

MTUFC, good point. Leben does fight a lot of fights.. Even though he hasnt won against contenders, he still puts on a show, and is popular. I could see the UFC getting him up a few $$ and maybe keeping him around. But then again… 185 is kinda packed with talent.

[quote comment=”57910″][quote comment=”57903″]Starnes is goin to win.. u can count on that.. then good-bye Leben. ur terrible anyways[/quote]
This guy is on an smart comment strike here….

MTUFC, good point. Leben does fight a lot of fights.. Even though he hasnt won against contenders, he still puts on a show, and is popular. I could see the UFC getting him up a few $$ and maybe keeping him around. But then again… 185 is kinda packed with talent.[/quote]
I have always said I like fighters who bring it every fight, and for that reason I like to watch Leben fight. I like to watch him lose, but the only way that can happen is if he beats a few tomato cans from time to time like Starnes so that Dana can keep him around.
I’ll give Leben credit for one thing though, after Anderson knocked him down, Chris said he the only reason he got up was so that Silva could KO him because Spiderman deserved a great win and he deserved to get KTFOed for fighting like a b1tch. ( his words, not mine. )

no big loss……….leban blows

ufc should dump all their trash

clean house, get rid of the rabble

i dont mind leben, although hes not the most talented, technical, or athletic, he has heart, a good chin, and a heavy left hand……i actually heard that he signed his contract before TUF even started, so even if he would have won he would have been fighting for that money, i dont know how true that is….i would love to see him fight Robbie Lawler, but i would rather have Lawler come to the UFC to do that, and not have Leben go there

I think for his career he should leave. I cant see this guy hanging in there with the top 5 guys anyway.

With His endorsements and UFCs Endorsements and I believe he makes more than 10 and 10, the other TUF guys from season one do.

The money will be simular, the thing we have to remember, is Leben would be a Co Main event if not a Main event in Icon depending on the card, so obviously he would make more.

This is the UFCs dilema with guys like Leben, they are the main events in the smaller orgs so they obviously get more upfront money, but the endorsements are not there.

Plus the huge paydays are in the UFC.
If Vera didnt leave, there is a reason the cash is pretty good in the UFC.

If anyone was to leave it maybe Tito, his train may have run its course in the UFC with the recent developments, then we will be right back in the ICON VS UFC instead of Pride.

Because Tito will bring the PPV buys to Icon, then they will have the cash to get other fighters.

GOOD!!! GO AHEAD A GO!!! Chris Leben is nothin but a BIOTCH!! Only reason hes saying he will go to another organization is because hes already lost in his last 2 fights..one to Jason Macdonald (AHAHAHAHAHAHHAA…thats just pathetic) and he knows he wont be getting a title shot anytime soon and even if hes does in a couple years he will just get annihilated by Anderson Silva who will still be the middleweight champion. Chirs has no technique but to throw punches and sure thats exciting and all, but thats never going to make you a champion. GOOD RIDDANCE CHRIS!!!

[quote comment=”57922″]
I have always said I like fighters who bring it every fight, and for that reason I like to watch Leben fight. I like to watch him lose . . .[/quote]

In the end, the question is whether people will pay to watch people fight. They don’t have to be contenders. Leben’s one of those guys that UFC could keep around for a long time because it’s enjoyable to see him fight (and for many, enjoyable to see him lose). I think James Irvin’s a similar fighter - he’ll never be a championship contender, but he’s fun to watch fight. Not everyone can wear a belt.

I could personally care less about Leben’s current plight. Nobody forced him to agree to the current terms of his contract.

[quote post=”2138″]Because Tito will bring the PPV buys to Icon, then they will have the cash to get other fighters. [/quote]

Speaking of Tito, if he loses his upcoming fight to Rah (which I have already bet money that he will), he’ll be moving to Pride if he has half a brain. They’ll probably hype that move based on a potential rematch with Wandi, not to mention the fact that it’s the only other opportunity he may get to hold a relevant title.

The UFC Brass may not be the brightest business men in the world but they are’nt dumb enough to let a fighter as popular as Tito move on & bolster the prowess of a rival promotion.

Leben signed a contract. What he doesn’t have now after those losses is any leverage to pressure the UFC into upping his pay.

Its all about leverage and losing an exciting fight just doesn’t bring in the bucks like winning does. Look at Elvis Sinosic.

Why can’t I express my opinion without someone jumping on my back, luppers ? Leben isnt good, maybe a good bar fighter because he can take punches to the head from a slob like yourself.. but in the ufc it isnt going to fly so well. I got dvds on him before he even got his name, getting his ass kicked by no names and winning with a lucky strike at the end. He just swings and has no skill!

[quote comment=”57991″][quote comment=”57922″]
I have always said I like fighters who bring it every fight, and for that reason I like to watch Leben fight. I like to watch him lose . . .[/quote]

In the end, the question is whether people will pay to watch people fight. They don’t have to be contenders. Leben’s one of those guys that UFC could keep around for a long time because it’s enjoyable to see him fight (and for many, enjoyable to see him lose). I think James Irvin’s a similar fighter - he’ll never be a championship contender, but he’s fun to watch fight. Not everyone can wear a belt.[/quote]
I think it will depend on if he loses or wins that will decide whether or not he is going to stay in the UFC. by the way James Irvin rocks.

Well he better beat Starnes which I’m sure he will. I also like watching Leben fight win or lose. He’s a reallyy exciting fighter to watch and I think he has a lot of potential. I do hope the UFC keeps him, but I hope he doesn’t put himself in a Brandon Vera situation

i apologize about the insult.. just bein a computer tuff guy

[quote comment=”58007″]Why can’t I express my opinion without someone jumping on my back, luppers ? Leben isnt good, maybe a good bar fighter because he can take punches to the head from a slob like yourself.. but in the ufc it isnt going to fly so well. I got dvds on him before he even got his name, getting his ass kicked by no names and winning with a lucky strike at the end. He just swings and has no skill![/quote]
Rofl, slob like yourself. Im glad all my text on UFCM has lead you to that conclusion.
I really dont need to point out to anyone how much of a toolbag you are and have been. You make generalized comments that really just make you look poor. So fine… go ahead. Im not jumping on anyone’s back as you put it.

toolbag for maybe a day or so .. generalized comments maybe .. maybe not .. how ever u wanna take it bro.. just keep scrolling if u dont like it.

I like Leben in Fight Night fights. He is one dimensional, but usually very entertaining. I would like to see him continue in the UFC, but I think ICON would be a better fit for him. I think Trigg would have his way, but hey, Lawler knocked him out for the belt. Leben could be very competitive with the A fighters in ICON and I see a Lawler/Leben fight being a WAR!

I think ALL the second tier fighters in the UFC are underpaid.

[quote post=”2138″]I think for his career he should leave. I cant see this guy hanging in there with the top 5 guys anyway. [/quote]

I agree he should be gratefull to have been able to fight with top contenders.. I would love it if i was wrong though but mostlikely Leben is as good as he will ever be..

He might have been a really good fighter before the evolution of the UFC..OH WELL

[quote comment=”57977″]GOOD!!! GO AHEAD A GO!!! Chris Leben is nothin but a BIOTCH!! Only reason hes saying he will go to another organization is because hes already lost in his last 2 fights..one to Jason Macdonald (AHAHAHAHAHAHHAA…thats just pathetic)[/quote]

I think there are more “pathetic” fighters to lose to than Macdonald, he was just way outclassed by Rich.

Been reading this site for a couple of weeks now, this is my first post.

Wow, a lot of people are sour over Chris Leben, huh.

And that is EXACTLY why he should still be in the UFC. Because he has character, he has charisma. It doesn’t matter if you like to see him fight because you want to see him get knocked out, the point is - - - you want to see him fight.

Now compare that to a say, a Jake O’Brien. He wins his fights, but the reason he hasn’t fought since Herring is because he has a BORING fighting style, and he is about as exciting as a coma. I’d even go as far as saying that if he put on a 3 round slugfest with Herring and had the crowd into it, and LOST, he would have been better off because we would have seen him in the UFC again.

I don’t care if Leben loses to top competition, his fights are exciting, he has heart, and he has character. Love him or hate him. And the top competion is called the top competition for a reason.

That’s why the Chris Leben’s that lose and put on a show are brought back and the Jake O’Brien’s win, but nobody cares about them, and they dissapear for a while. Actually, I could care less if this guy’s fighting or not. Unfortunatley he is, because I saw his name on a upcoming UFC card, don’t remember which. Exactly my point.

[quote comment=”58141″]And that is EXACTLY why he should still be in the UFC. Because he has character, he has charisma. It doesn’t matter if you like to see him fight because you want to see him get knocked out, the point is - - - you want to see him fight.[/quote]Hell yeah, I think all you have to do is look at Tito. Lots argue he is a great fighter, but its the showman ship that make people chant his name.

I like him but if he thinks he can do better elsewhere, then go for it dude.

[quote comment=”58155″][quote comment=”58141″]And that is EXACTLY why he should still be in the UFC. Because he has character, he has charisma. It doesn’t matter if you like to see him fight because you want to see him get knocked out, the point is - - - you want to see him fight.[/quote]Hell yeah, I think all you have to do is look at Tito. Lots argue he is a great fighter, but its the showman ship that make people chant his name.[/quote]

LOL people chant Tito’s name? maybe at your house. And Leben is ok, but honestly he is not UFC quality

Why leave $10k is a no bad amount for a fight i would stay and in time if he gets more win he might get(dear i say it) a title shot.

If he lose to starnes he deserve to leave

I should really stop writing comments after doing a ten hour shift. I make too many mistakes lol.

[quote comment=”57903″]Starnes is goin to win.. u can count on that.. then good-bye Leben. ur terrible anyways[/quote]

i don’t see how someone who is 6-2 in the ufc and 16-3 overall could be terrible, the guys only loses in the ufc are to anderson silva(nothing to be ashamed about there) and jason mcdonald(who was on a hot streak and a bad match up for leban), he beat cote, rivera, dewees, all decent fighters, and ko’d swick once upon a time, and to me he’s improved a lot as an all around fighter since tuf 1 and deserves to get paid…

[quote comment=”57977″]GOOD!!! GO AHEAD A GO!!! Chris Leben is nothin but a BIOTCH!! Only reason hes saying he will go to another organization is because hes already lost in his last 2 fights..one to Jason Macdonald (AHAHAHAHAHAHHAA…thats just pathetic) and he knows he wont be getting a title shot anytime soon and even if hes does in a couple years he will just get annihilated by Anderson Silva who will still be the middleweight champion. Chirs has no technique but to throw punches and sure thats exciting and all, but thats never going to make you a champion. GOOD RIDDANCE CHRIS!!![/quote]

whats pathetic about losing to jason mcdonald, that guy is good…

I like to watch him, spida, I cant stand him, but he is exciting. I just think that at this point in his career, he may need a change to retool his game. If he loses on the big stage, well you know what happens. If he goes and feasts on some weaker opponents in say WEC or MCC then comes back better, he may be up there with the Marquardts and Silvas and Okamis of the division. I would have liked to see him against Salaverry.

[quote comment=”57991″][quote comment=”57922″]
I have always said I like fighters who bring it every fight, and for that reason I like to watch Leben fight. I like to watch him lose . . .[/quote]

In the end, the question is whether people will pay to watch people fight. They don’t have to be contenders. Leben’s one of those guys that UFC could keep around for a long time because it’s enjoyable to see him fight (and for many, enjoyable to see him lose). I think James Irvin’s a similar fighter - he’ll never be a championship contender, but he’s fun to watch fight. Not everyone can wear a belt.[/quote]

true that!

I can only say I have zero empathy for the guy… Look at the TUF show he was on all he did was lose and cry and smash stuff… That is not a very charismatic guy (Anyone can do that)

Keep the core fighters and scrap the dead weight, not that I totally think hes dead weight I just dont like his swing for the fence attitude/style. Just another reason to dismiss MMA as a brawl. The MMA community/fighters should be above that by now, and applaude the real tactical fighters with a “Game Plan” other than flail around and try another hair do.

Anyway I say go where the $$$ is and see what happens, he owes it to himself. Anyguys who go and let it all hang out deserve quite a bit more $$$ or = to the stupid a$$ Baseball, Basketball,Hockey Football players. The money all the pros make really makes you wonder what is wrong with the world today. There is a point when a certain amount of money should be enough. Any pro in any sport is not worth more $$$ than people like cops, Paramedics or our soldiers who continually risk thier life or save ours for much less than 99% of pro athletes out there.

[quote comment=”57966″]I think for his career he should leave. I cant see this guy hanging in there with the top 5 guys anyway.[/quote]
Good point.And he probably knows that.

Don’t let the door hit you in the ass on the way out, Leben. You are a great fighter in your own mind only. If not for TUF you would not be there. You should be grateful for this UFC contract. Anderson Silva demonstrated succinctly that you do not belong in his league. Learn a lesson and learn some humility. Have fun in ICON with all the other overrated fighters like Frank Trigg (their “champion” who get RNC’d 3x in a row in the UFC and left).

[quote post=”2138″]Don’t let the door hit you in the ass on the way out, Leben. You are a great fighter in your own mind only. If not for TUF you would not be there. You should be grateful for this UFC contract. Anderson Silva demonstrated succinctly that you do not belong in his league. Learn a lesson and learn some humility. Have fun in ICON with all the other overrated fighters like Frank Trigg (their “champion” who get RNC’d 3x in a row in the UFC and left). [/quote]

Do you really think that Chris Leben should be out of the UFC because Anderson Silva whopped his ass?? If this was the case, then Rich Franklin would be fighting for the IFL because Anderson Silva not only beat his ass, but for god sakes he rearanged Franklins face. If I remember correctly, Franklin didn’t even land a jab or leg kick. Chris Leben lost bad to Silva. Franklin lost just as bad and got disfigured.

I agree, using Anderson Silva as an example of how bad a fighter Leban is, doesn’t make any sense.
I like Leban, I haven’t got a problem with him at all. I like his character and his fighting attiitude. He always comes out to fight, not just to survive, but to do damage. He definately gives it his all in the octogan and he always tries to entertain. Admittedly he’s not the most skilfull MMA fighter, and he’s definately more of a slugger, but they have the potentiial to have some of the best fights, Griffin v Bonner / Smith v Sell and Phil Baroni has had som classic matches. His lack of skill in certain areas plus the fact that he is constantly moving forward will definatey cause him problems but all round I think he’s one of most entertaining fighters in the octogan, but to make the big money, he needs to win the big fights.

CHRIS You should get a real job now!!! Your all washed up! You’ll never make it in the UFC with your kind of commitment. You party too much and you look it! You had a good chance to climb the ladder, but now you know that you don’t have the tools to succeed in the UFC!Give up now because your looking more pathetic as you go forward. Progress is winning and you’ve been doing very little if none of that! Sorry but someones got to say the truth.

after that discusting display of what you call a fight to starnes, leban will be luck if dana puts him back in that octagon. before the fight i was thinking if leban losses this foght he’s going to be fighting no-namers then i was like wait starnes is a (dont really what to say it cuz i like the guy) but a no-namer.