Chris “The Crippler” Leben has just spoiled Wanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva’s return to the Octagon in a big way.
The Pride legend had been out of action for over a year going into UFC 132 and fans were ecstatic to see him make his return to the UFC.
The fans were particularly excited because Silva had been matched up with Chris “The Crippler” Leben.
Both fighters are known primarily as brawlers and fans adore them for their reckless fighting style.
Silva vs. Leben was being referred to by many as a potential fight of the year contender; fireworks seemed inevitable.
The fireworks that everyone was expecting did happen, just not for as long as people might have liked.
Wanderlei was the first fighter to open up, unleashing a brutal combination on Leben.
However, in throwing that combination Silva left himself wide open and The Crippler took advantage quickly, catching Wanderlei with a big left hook and then a string of left uppercuts that dropped The Axe Murderer.
Once Silva dropped, Chris unloaded with devastating right hands until the fight was stopped.
This was a much needed win for Leben, who was coming off of a brutal knockout loss to Brian Stann.
The victory over Wanderlei should definitely put The Crippler back in the mix in the middleweight division.
As for Wanderlei, this loss was a huge set back and it may have been one of the last times we’re going to see him competing in mixed martial arts.
The Axe Murderer has been in many wars in his storied career and taken a lot of punishment over the years. It seems like that punishment is starting to take it’s toll on Wanderlei.
I’m sure Chris Leben would have liked to give the fans a bit more of a show, but he’s got to be happy to have won the fight; the victory over Wanderlei Silva was the biggest of Leben’s career.
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