Chris Leben, famously known as “The Crippler,” is a retired mixed martial artist, bare-knuckle boxer, and referee.
Known for his toughness and unorthodox fighting style, Leben gained fame during his tenure in the UFC Middleweight division. Here’s an in-depth look at his life, career, and legacy.
Chris Leben’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Christian Cyrus Leben |
| Nickname | The Crippler |
| Date of Birth | July 21, 1980 |
| Age | 44 years |
| Birthplace | Portland, Oregon, USA |
| College | N/A |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) |
| Turned Pro | 2002 |
| Net Worth | $100,000 |
| Salary | Varies; retired from active competition |
| Spouse | Married |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Instagram Profile | @chrislebenmma |
Early Career
Chris Leben began his journey into MMA after noticing an MMA gym across the street from his brother’s workplace.
Under the guidance of Team Quest and elite trainers like Randy Couture and Matt Lindland, Leben developed his skills. He had a stellar amateur record of 5-0 before turning professional in 2002.
His early professional career saw him capture titles like the Gladiator Challenge and WEC Middleweight Championships.
Professional Career
Leben gained international fame on The Ultimate Fighter Season 1, where his brash personality and fighting spirit made him a fan favorite.
He debuted in the UFC in 2005 and went on to compete in 22 fights within the promotion, boasting a record of 12-10.
Known for his knockout power and resilience, he secured notable wins against fighters like Wanderlei Silva and Yoshihiro Akiyama.
After retiring from MMA in 2014 due to health issues, Leben transitioned into bare-knuckle boxing in 2018.
Chris Leben’s Net Worth Details
Chris Leben’s net worth is estimated to be $100,000 as of 2025. This figure reflects his earnings from his career as a professional mixed martial artist, bare-knuckle boxer, and MMA trainer.
Fight Purses
Here’s a breakdown of some of Chris Leben’s fight earnings during his UFC career:
| Event | Opponent | Earnings ($) |
|---|---|---|
| UFC Fight Night | Jason Thacker | $10,000 |
| UFC 168 | Uriah Hall | $50,000 |
| UFC 132 | Wanderlei Silva | $75,000 (including bonuses) |
| UFC 116 | Yoshihiro Akiyama | $80,000 |
| UFC on Fox | Derek Brunson | $40,000 |
Endorsements
- SISU Mouthguards
Career Records
Below is a summary of Chris Leben’s career highlights against notable opponents:
| Opponent | Event | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Wanderlei Silva | UFC 132 | Win (KO) |
| Yoshihiro Akiyama | UFC 116 | Win (Submission) |
| Anderson Silva | UFC Fight Night | Loss (KO) |
| Michael Bisping | UFC 89 | Loss (Decision) |
| Uriah Hall | UFC 168 | Loss (TKO) |
FAQs
1. Who is Chris Leben?
Chris Leben is a retired mixed martial artist, bare-knuckle boxer, and referee. Known as “The Crippler,” he competed in the UFC Middleweight division and was the inaugural WEC Middleweight Champion. He gained fame through The Ultimate Fighter Season 1 and was celebrated for his toughness, powerful left hand, and aggressive fighting style.
2. What is Chris Leben’s MMA record?
Chris Leben’s professional MMA record includes 34 fights, with 22 wins (12 by knockout, 5 by submission, and 5 by decision) and 12 losses (5 by knockout, 2 by submission, and 5 by decision). He retired from MMA in 2014 after a notable career.
3. Why did Chris Leben retire from MMA?
Chris Leben retired in January 2014 due to a combination of factors: an increasingly competitive middleweight roster, a losing streak, and concerns about long-term health risks. He later focused on coaching fighters and improving his personal health.
4. Did Chris Leben compete in bare-knuckle boxing?
Yes, Chris Leben transitioned to bare-knuckle boxing after retiring from MMA. He competed in organizations like BKFC and WBKFF, achieving notable victories before retiring from combat sports in February 2021 to focus on coaching and refereeing.
5. What role does Chris Leben play in combat sports today?
Chris Leben currently works as a referee for boxing matches and coaches fighters at his gym, The Training Center, in San Diego. He also advocates for clean living and healthy lifestyles after overcoming substance abuse issues.
6. What challenges has Chris Leben faced in his personal life?
Chris Leben has openly discussed struggles with substance abuse, legal issues, and financial mismanagement during his career. He has since turned his life around, maintaining sobriety since 2015 and focusing on personal growth.
7. What is Chris Leben’s connection to The Ultimate Fighter?
Chris Leben was a cast member of The Ultimate Fighter Season 1 in 2005. His controversial personality made him a standout figure on the show, which played a pivotal role in popularizing MMA and the UFC.
8. What accomplishments did Chris Leben achieve in the UFC?
Chris Leben fought in the UFC for nearly a decade, earning multiple “Knockout of the Night” awards and competing at every “Fight Night” event early in his career. He remains one of the most memorable figures from The Ultimate Fighter era.
9. What is Chris Leben’s memoir about?
Chris Leben’s memoir, The Crippler: Cage Fighting and My Life on the Edge, offers an unfiltered look at his career highs and personal struggles with addiction, legal troubles, and self-reflection. It highlights his journey through MMA and life beyond the cage.
10. How has Chris Leben contributed to the sport after retirement?
After retiring from fighting, Chris Leben has contributed as a coach at The Training Center gym and as a professional referee for boxing matches. He continues to inspire fighters while promoting fitness and mental well-being within the martial arts community.
