Life Threatening Illness Cancels Chris Leben’s Bellator Debut

Former UFC fighter and WEC champion Chris Leben has had some hard times lately. Leben decided to call it quits in Jan. 2014 ending a 12-year long career that included 22 fights in the UFC. Following that decision, he was ordered to 120 days in jail after he was convicted of breaking and entering his ex-wife’s apartment, possession of illegal firearms and violating a court order held by Kaleena Leben. He started his sentence back in September of 2015.

However, things were looking up for him as he signed an exclusive multi-year, multi-fight contract with Bellator MMA last month.

Leben’s management team revealed to MMAjunkie that Leben’s comeback is no more after doctors found a severe medical condition that left him with just 18 percent of normal blood flow to his heart.

Doctors discovered a “life-threatening abnormality” to the left ventricle of his heart, which was “oversized,” “misshapen,” and “not operating prop

“Leben also hopes to leverage his many life lessons for the benefit of others,” the statement read. “He plans to devote time to communicating with young people and the MMA community about the dangers of drug use and about how to cope with addiction.

“Leben says that he is grateful to the fans, friends and family that have been there for him throughout his life and career. He will continue to fight the good fight, and has confidence that strict dedication to nutrition and wellness will allow him to succeed in this battle.”

We wish Leben all the best.