Chris Leben: Deserving of the Main Card?

This weekend is the biggest fight card of the year to date in the top MMA organization. Before every UFC event, I fill out a poll to see if I can outwit my local UFC fans and pick the winners. Earlier today while I was making my picks, one of my fellow workers asked me a question. “why Chris Leben is on the main card, while Sanchez and Koscheck sit on the undercard?” As I continued to make my picks, the question stuck in my mind. This one time Team Quest fighter has trumped the other TUF alumni on this card, but the question is – why?

Team Quest is known for top fighters. Fighters among the likes of Randy Couture, Nate Quarry, Ed Herman, Matt Lindland, and Dan Henderson have called this Oregon gym home. One fighter who began his climb to the big leagues of MMA here is Chris Leben. Leben was one of the most exciting guys on the original cast of The Ultimate Fighter and on the show he experienced highs and lows. He is a part of some the most memorable moments in the show’s history. One of which he showcased his heart and desire when he out performed everyone on the treadmill. On the other side of the spectrum he also used Jason Thacker’s bed as a urinal. Thacker and Leben fought at the finale of the show, and after ending the fight Leben apologized for the act. His colorful flare and comical approach gained him tons of fans, and eventually a UFC contract.

Since that point in time Leben has moved on. He moved gyms and changed his training style. He continued along this fighting career path until UFC 71 when Leben battled against Kalib Starnes. Starnes and Leben fought a full 3 rounder, eventually ending up in a unanimous decision. After this loss, Leben wanted something different. He wanted to live in true paradise so he packed up his bags and moved to Hawaii. He took the job as the main coach at Icon Fitness MMA gym. His people skills and UFC name kept business flowing, as he continued to train. As everyone knows, Leben will be fighting Alessio Sakara at upcoming UFC 82. The fight is on the main card, and will have its screen time on Saturday Night. Leben deserves this fight due to his ability to draw fans and his ability to be an interesting watch. He is currently 17-4, but 13 of those fights were won before the final bell. He has an uncanny ability to finish fights, and always puts on a show. In his last fight, in which I feel he was losing, he pulled out a crazy knockout win over Terry Martin. Chris Leben is on the main fight card because he deserves it. He can end the fight on his feet, or on the mat. Sakara is coming off of a victory against James Lee in dominating fashion, finishing the fight by punches. Looking at this fight on paper it looks to be a very exciting fight and has the makings of a standup brawl that the fans will enjoy. To answer our question of why he is on the card… Dana and the UFC feel that Chris Leben has plenty left in his gas tank, and will be looking at these two guys to put on a show this weekend. I feel that Leben will finish this fight in the first round by punches. I honestly don’t see a way that Sakara will beat Leben this weekend. Chris Leben is still a good draw for the UFC, and will be on the main cards in the future unless he takes an untimely beating.