Leben replaces Wanderlei at UFC 116

Quote :

Yoshihiro Akiyama goes from an Ax Murderer to a Crippler.

Chris "The Crippler" Leben will replace Wanderlei "The Ax Murderer" Silva as Akiyama's opponent in the co-main event of UFC 116 on July 3 in Las Vegas, MMAjunkie.com and MMA Fighting reported today. Silva injured his ribs in training, UFC President Dana White told MMA Fighting.

It's a tough switch for Akiyama. He still has to face another dangerous brawler, but now without the benefits.

Akiyama wanted to make a name for himself in the United States by beating the legendary Silva. Leben's 10-5 record in UFC is nothing to sneeze at, but he lacks Silva's marquee value.

Yet Leben was probably UFC's best option on short notice. He came out of last weekend's Ultimate Fighter Season 11 finale without a medical suspension following his technical knockout of previously undefeated Aaron Simpson, and because it was so recent, Leben will still be in shape.

UFC 116 won't lose any excitement factor either. Leben's brawling style has produced knockouts in more than half of his 20 career victories.

Akiyama exceeds him as a grappler, but it may not matter. Leben showed outstanding takedown defense and scrambling ability against Simpson on Saturday.

So that's 2 fights in under a month for Leben now after his TUF win. Gotta say, I'm a little surprised they didn't just match up Sexyyama with either Okami or Munoz.

Damn, that is a fast turn around. I am a little surprised they allowed that. He didn't take much damage in the last one, so he is probably fine to take the fight and I am sure this will buy him some serious points with the UFC.