Chris “The Crippler” Leben was relatively close to getting kicked out of the UFC for good not too long ago. He had lost 3 of his last 4 fights before finally beating Terry Martin via KO at UFC Fight Night 11.
It was at UFN 11 where Dana White decided to sign Leben up for another 2 more years. Not only was his contract renewed, but his paycheck more than doubled as well. The Crippler was being paid $10,000 USD and an extra $10,000 USD if he won his fights. With a new UFC contract deal, he’ll be looking at acquiring $25,000 USD per fight and $25,000 USD if he wins.
Leben’s next opponent will be Alessio “Legionarius” Sakara at UFC 82-Pride of a Champion. Sakara won his last fight to James Lee via TKO-punches in the first round at UFC 80-Rapid Fire. However, Leben had some harsh words for Sakara when he stated “I really don’t think he deserves to be in the UFC.” It seems like the new deal he inked with the UFC for 2 years has made his head grow a little bigger. He went on to state:
“Honestly, as much respect as possible to him, but I really
don’t think he deserves to be in the UFC. I haven’t seen him win the fights or
do what he has to do to prove himself at this level. You know, we’re going to
pressure him and test him and I’ll tell you what , he has a pretty good opportunity
to prove himself if that’s what he wants to do.”
