Leben Suspended For Steroids

by Robert Sargent

Just weeks after his main event loss to Michael "The Count" Bisping at UFC 89, Chris "The Crippler" Leben has been suspended for nine months from the UFC after testing positive for the anabolic steroid Stanozolol following the fight in England.

In addition to the suspension, Leben must also forfeit one-third of his fight purse from the event, but he has openly admitted to his indiscretions and has accepted the consequences.

The suspension mirrors that of penalties placed upon Stephen Bonnar, Vitor Belfort and Pawel Nastula for failed drug tests in 2006. However, Leben's suspension comes as a result of an independent drug test from the UFC, as England does not have a regulatory body for mixed martial arts. During trips overseas, the UFC conducts its own drug testing, which gains credibility after incidents such as this.

Leben has been very open about his recent conquering of alcohol, after living as an alcoholic for most of his life, but trading the bottle for performance-enhancing drugs has not paid off. Making no excuses for his conduct, Leben has expressed a desire to speak with children about the dangers of using steroids and other illegal substances, but whether he will ever receive another high-profile fight in the UFC, or elsewhere, remains to be seen.