Born Christian Cyrus Leben on the 21st July 1980 in Portland, Oregon USA, Chris is a former mixed martial artist, who rose to prominence in the early and mid- 2000s, when he won the WEC Middleweight Championship, and GC Middleweight Championship.
Have you ever wondered how rich Chris Leben is, as of late 2017? According to authoritative sources, it has been estimated that Leben’s wealth is as high as $100,000, an amount earned through his career as an MMA fighter, which was active from 2002 until 2013.
Chris Leben Net worth $100,000
Chris grew up in Portland with his two siblings and a single mother, who worked long hours as a waitress in order to provide for her children. Chris didn’t meet his father until he was 23 years old. During his upbringing, Chris loved skateboarding, snowboarding and dirt biking, and then when in high school, he became a fan of UFC and MMA, and as a result, he soon signed-up for boxing training. He went to Benson Polytechnic High School, and wrestled for the school, however, his education gravely suffered; he couldn’t read or write. After high school, he joined the USA Army after being told that he could wrestle for the Army’s team, however, that was false information. He realized that his career would be jeopardized if he continues with army service, so he deserted and was discharged.
Upon returning home he joined the MMA gym, which was home to the training camp Team Quest, and he soon became a part of the MMA team, trained by Robert Follis. He improved his talents alongside such greats as Randy Couture, Nate Quarry, Matt Lindland and Ed Herman. He was off to a successful start as an amateur, winning his first five matches, and in the process the FCFF and UFCF middleweight titles.
Following his success as an amateur, Chris stepped into professional waters and again won his first five bouts, defeating such fighters as Bryce Hamilton, Otto Olson, Landon Showalter, Boyd Ballard and Brian Sleeman. He had a perfect 9-0 record, and had already won the WEC Middleweight and GC Middleweight titles, defeating Mike Swick and James Fanshier.
Also, he was a part of The Ultimate Fighter 1, in which he fought against Josh Koscheck, Kenny Florian and Jason Thacker among others, however, those fights haven’t been filed as professional bouts. After the season ended, Chris joined the UFC, and had several successful bouts before he tested positive for illegal drugs. He fought for a chance at the UFC Middleweight title, but lost to Anderson Silva, who inflicted on him only his second defeat; before that, Chris had 15 victories and one lost match. This happened in 2006, and since then, his career entered a constant downward spiral that lasted until his retirement in 2013. He recorded several Fight of the Night, and Knockout of the Night honors, which only increased his wealth, but besides that, he didn’t have much success. He finished his career with 22 victories and 11 lost matches.
He tried to return in 2016 by signing a contract with Bellator MMA, however, during the routine physical checkup, it was discovered that Chris had problems with his heart, and couldn’t fight.
Back in 2007, he settled in Oahu, Hawaii, where he has been a coach at Icon Fitness MMA Gym and has also started the Ultimate Fight School gym there.
Chris now has his own radio show “Unfiltered MMA Radio, which has also added to his net worth.
Regarding his personal life, Chris married Kaleena in 2012, but subsequently has been hit with an AVO which means that he cannot approach his (ex-?) wife. Since retiring, Chris has had problems with the law, spending 120 days in prison after being charged with several counts of violence.
According to reports, he and his wife are separated, and it was she who reported him to the police after he broke into her home. Aside from prison time, Chris received three years-probation, and a restraining order, which will leave him unable to contact his wife for the next ten years.
