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.

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