Who Is Chris Leben? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on July 21, 1980, Chris Leben is currently 44 years old. He hails from Portland, Oregon, and has gained notoriety for his fighting style and robust personality. Throughout his career, Leben has been known for his exciting fighting techniques and ability to connect with fans. In 2025, he continues to be a well-respected figure in the MMA community.
| Occupation | Martial Artist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 21, 1980 |
| Age | 45 Years |
| Birth Place | Portland, Oregon, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Chris Leben's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Chris Leben stands at an impressive height of 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) and typically fights within the middleweight division. His fighting weight has consistently been around 185 pounds (84 kg), maintaining a well-built physique that is crucial for his performance in the ring.
The fight against Michael Bisping was then rescheduled for UFC 89, which he lost by a unanimous decision after a full three rounds. Leben taunted Bisping throughout the last two rounds by dropping his arms and raising his chin. The judges scored the fight 30–27 (twice) and 29–28 for Bisping.
Bisping used effective counter punching in the fight to keep the aggressive Leben at bay. Both fighters showed sportsmanship by congratulating one another and raising each other's arm after the fight. After the fight with Bisping, Leben tested positive for Stanozolol and was suspended for nine months and fined a third of his fight purse.
He was eligible to return in July 2009. Leben admitted he had used the substance several months prior to the fight, but stated he had assumed it would have been out of his system by then.
Relationship Status
- Current Partner: In a relationship (details not extensively disclosed)
- Past Relationships: Previously engaged but has opted for privacy regarding specific former partners.
Leben is from Portland, Oregon and has one older brother and one younger sister. He grew up without his father around, and he did not meet his father until he was 23 years old. Because of this, Leben's mother worked hard for many hours daily as a bartender so that she could support the family.
Growing up Leben enjoyed skateboarding, dirt biking, and snowboarding. When he was in middle school, he began watching the UFC and became very interested in MMA. He began training in boxing, and then was on the wrestling team at Benson Polytechnic High School, picking up the sport rather quickly.
Leben did not receive a very good education in his childhood, and did not know how to read or write even after graduating high school. Leben soon joined the United States Army, falsely being told by the recruiter that he would be allowed to wrestle for the army's team.
When he found that he would not be allowed to wrestle for the army, Leben went AWOL and was discharged.
Net Worth and Salary
Chris Leben's net worth is estimated to be around $1 million as of 2025. His income primarily stems from his successful career in MMA, appearances in reality television, and various endorsements. Leben has leveraged his fame to create multiple streams of income, including coaching and merchandise sales, which enhance his earnings.
- Estimated Net Worth: $1 million
- Annual Salary: Varies based on fights and endorsements
After a return to MMA never materialized, Leben instead turned to bare knuckle boxing. He faced Phil Baroni at the World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation debut card on November 9, 2018. He won the fight via TKO in the first round. In March 2019, reports surfaced that Leben had sued WBKFF for $90,000 in unpaid salary.
Career, Business and Investments
Chris Leben’s career in mixed martial arts began in the early 2000s. He is best known for competing in the UFC and establishing himself as one of the prominent fighters in the middleweight division. In addition to competing, Leben has transitioned to coaching and mentoring upcoming fighters, sharing his wealth of knowledge about the sport.
Outside of MMA, Chris has pursued various business ventures, including a line of fitness equipment and personal training services. His investments in these areas have allowed him to capitalize on his fame while promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Christian Cyrus Leben (born July 21, 1980) is an American former mixed martial artist, referee, and bare knuckle boxer. A professional MMA competitor from 2002 until 2013, he most notably competed in the UFC in the Middleweight division, compiling a record of 12–10 in 22 appearances for the organization.
Leben first appeared in the inaugural season of The Ultimate Fighter reality series, and also fought in the now-defunct WEC. He began his UFC career with five victories in a row before suffering a knockout loss to future UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva, and was known for his toughness, chin, determination, and powerful left hand.
Leben was the inaugural WEC Middleweight Champion.
Social Network
Chris Leben maintains a strong presence on social media, where he engages with fans and shares updates about his life and career. His Instagram and Twitter accounts often feature training snippets, personal insights, and advocacy for mental health, reflecting his journey beyond just being a fighter.
- Instagram: @chrisleben
- Twitter: @ChrisLeben
After Wanderlei Silva was forced out of his UFC 116 bout with Yoshihiro Akiyama due to broken ribs, Leben agreed to fill in for Silva in the bout against Akiyama, and faced him two weeks after defeating Simpson.
Although he was outstruck and outwrestled for most of the first round, Leben managed to stay competitive and keep a fast-paced fight with the rapidly tiring Akiyama in the second round. In the third and final round, Leben capitalized and sunk in a triangle choke with just twenty seconds left in the fight, forcing Akiyama to submit.
It was considered the best performance of Leben's career and one of the best fights of the year. This fight earned him another Fight of the Night award.
After the fight, Leben called for a fight with Silva, saying "come on Wanderlei, I'll take you out, too!", though UFC president Dana White said in the post-fight press conference that a Leben-Silva affair is not under consideration. Leben won Sherdog.com's Comeback Fighter of the Year for 2010.
Education
Chris Leben's education details are less publicly disclosed, but it’s known that his training began at a young age in martial arts. He has participated in various training programs and seminars throughout his career to hone his skills further. This experiential learning has been pivotal to his success in the fighting arena.
In conclusion, Chris Leben remains a significant figure in the martial arts world as of 2025. His story is not just one of athletic success but also transformation and resilience. With a growing fan base, an evolving business portfolio, and a committed partner by his side, Leben continues to inspire many.
Leben faced Mark Muñoz on November 5, 2011, at UFC 138, losing by TKO at the 5:00 mark of the 2nd round due to a cut on his left eyebrow and left him unable to see and forced a corner stoppage.
On November 28, 2011, Zuffa LLC, owner of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, released information stating that Leben tested positive for oxycodone and oxymorphone following his loss to Muñoz at UFC 138. As a result of the positive test, Leben was suspended from fighting for 1 year.
