UFC 138's Chris Leben suspended one year following failed drug test (painkillers)

Discussion in 'General MMA Discussion' started by Anthony, Nov 28, 2011.

  1. Anthony

    Anthony Admin Staff Member

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    UFC 138's Chris Leben suspended one year following failed drug test (painkillers)

    by Dann Stupp on Nov 28, 2011 at 4:35 pm ET
    [​IMG]The UFC has suspended Chris Leben for one year due to a failed drug test.

    The veteran middleweight tested positive for the prescription painkillers oxycodone and oxymorphone following his UFC 138 main-event loss to Mark Munuz earlier this month.

    UFC officials, who oversaw regulation for the overseas event, today announced the suspension.

    UFC 138 took place Nov. 5 at LG Arena in Birmingham, England. Munoz vs. Leben was part of a main card that aired via same-day delay on Spike TV. Munoz earned a second-round TKO victory when Leben's corner deemed him unable to continue for the third round.

    This is Leben's second suspension following a failed drug test, and it's the second time the UFC was forced to hand down the punishment. Leben also tested positive for the banned steroid Stanozolol following a 2008 loss to Michael Bisping at UFC 89. Like UFC 138, UFC 89 took place in the U.K., where there is no official sanctioning/regulatory body. In such situations, the UFC brings in an outside company to conduct drug testing.

    "I would like to make it known that I fully accept this suspension and apologize for embarrassing the UFC, my friends and family, and sport of mixed martial arts," Leben stated. "I'm learning that I'm my own worst enemy sometimes. I can't succeed in the octagon or in life behaving this way. I've got to make some real changes over the next year, and I'm going to focus on getting my life and career back on track. Again, I'm sorry to the UFC and fans that've supported me since my days on 'The Ultimate Fighter.'"

    Despite two failed tests, UFC president Dana White made no mention of cutting the fighter from the UFC's roster.

    "I like Chris, and I want him to do well, but based on his actions, he's been suspended for one year," White stated. "If he needs professional help, we are going to be there for him. We want to see him succeed not only in the octagon but in his personal life."

    Leben (22-8 MMA, 12-7 UFC) first joined the UFC in 2005. He was on a stellar 4-1 run before the recent loss to Munoz (12-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC), who is expected to fight in a No. 1 contender's bout in his next outing.

    All other 19 fighters on the UFC 138 card passed their drug tests, according to the UFC.
     
    Anthony, Nov 28, 2011
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  2. Anthony

    Anthony Admin Staff Member

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    Interesting
     
    Anthony, Nov 28, 2011
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  3. steve_dave

    steve_dave Hard As Fuck

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    Jesus, he was on oxy's? They're for cancer patients.
     
    steve_dave, Nov 30, 2011
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  4. BOSS

    BOSS TBD

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    Poor guy always agrees to these last minute short notice fights that end up in wars and then apperantly becuse of that gets addicted to pain killers and gets punished for it.
     
    BOSS, Nov 30, 2011
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  5. mikE

    mikE "Twinkle Toes" McJack

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    I am doubting that either oxy gave him a competitive advantage in his fight. Anyone know for sure? This is what always pisses mE off about guys going down for marijuana use. Imo, they shouldn't be tested for it (pot).

    otoh, since Leben tested postitive for steroids in 2008, he shouldn't even be back in the sport by now. I hate steroids and I wouldn't consider a 5 year ban to be too severe for punishment.
     
    mikE, Nov 30, 2011
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  6. Haymaker

    Haymaker WBC Silver Diamond Emeritus Champ

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    Exactly. Smoking pot or doing Oxy would weaken you. They should test for cocaine and the sort.
     
    Haymaker, Dec 1, 2011
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  7. Trplsec

    Trplsec Sleeps in a Cage

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    You and I should run this shit because I am right there with you.

    Each time Josh Barnett fights, it feels like a personal insult.
     
    Trplsec, Dec 1, 2011
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  8. jarhead

    jarhead Undisputed Champion

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    Boss, you are so on the money with this post. Not saying it isn't Chris' fault, but he is in a bind somewhat at this point in his career. He doesn't get paid the big money, so he tells Dana, he will fight anyone, anywhere, anytime. Dana has told him personally that he's his "goto" guy for cancellations at MW. I know Chris personally, worked out with him, he's a warrior. Most of the time he can't even train because he is so banged up. His back, his neck, his knee, his shoulder, etc. but you couldn't get this dude to not take a fight or reschedule a fight for anything. He will probably end up like Don Frye, at ringside with a cain or someshit, cheering on someone from his gym. I know there are alot of guys on this board who will call Chris a bum and talk shit about him, but I will tell you this, he loves MMA.
     
    jarhead, Dec 7, 2011
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