Retirement in MMA is often referred as harsh and unforgiving. Many times it's a decision made after a series of lopsided losses. And for Chris Leben it wasn't any different.
After a 1-5 record in his last 6 performances, Leben decided to call it quits on Jan. 2014 ending a 12-year long career that included 22 fights in the UFC and many memorable knockouts victories.
However, MMA was more than a career to Leben. It was away to stay out of trouble.
"Training is what saved me my whole life. What I think kept me alive was straightening up for at least a couple of weeks getting ready for my fights.