Severe heart condition scratches UFC vet Chris Leben’s Bellator comeback

Chris Leben

Chris Leben is no longer coming out of retirement to fight for Bellator after doctors found a severe medical condition that left him with just 18 percent of normal blood flow to his heart.

MMAjunkie was today forwarded a statement from Leben’s management team. Swedish news site MMANytt first reported the news. A Bellator official said a statement on the situation is forthcoming on the matter.

Leben signed with Bellator this past month and was undergoing a physical in order to be cleared for a spring return when he failed several electrocardiogram (EKG) tests, according to the statement. Doctors discovered a “life-threatening abnormality” to the left ventricle of his heart, which was “oversized,” “misshapen,” and “not operating properly.”

“Doctors estimate that the blood flow through is heart is only 18 percent of what is considered normal,” the statement read.

A combination of life-saving drugs was immediately prescribed to Leben in hopes of preventing “a catastrophic cardiac event.”

“As of now, the prognosis is mixed: one doctor believes that he should be considered for a heart transplant, while another doctor hopes that medication and a healthy lifestyle will reverse some of the damage over time,” the statement read.

The statement said Leben’s condition is thought to be the result of his years of struggle with drug addiction, including “extreme opiate addiction” and alcoholism as well as “medical and psychological issues throughout his life.”

An 11-year MMA veteran, Leben (22-11 MMA, 0-0 BMMA), a native of Portland, Ore., retired in 2013 after an up-and-down career in the UFC that was filled with plenty of twists and turns outside the octagon.

Leben was twice flagged and suspended for performance enhancer use and twice arrested on suspicion of DUI. This past summer, he was sentenced to 120 days in jail and three years’ probation for a domestic incident involving his then-estranged wife.

After his release from jail, Leben turned to writing and signed a book deal to pen his autobiography. “The Crippler: Cage Fighting and My Life on the Edge” details Leben’s tumultuous life and personal battles during his time in the cage. Several chapters were previewed by MMAjunkie.

A part-time MMA coach at San Diego’s Arena MMA, Leben’s new health issues have now left him in a “dire” financial situation, which he hopes to offset by getting a real estate license in San Diego, the statement read. Anyone wishing to support Leben is asked to purchase a signed copy of his autobiography at his online store.

“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.”