Zuffa, LLC, owner of the Ultimate Fighting Championship® (“the UFC®”), today released information stating that middleweight fighter Chris Leben tested positive for Oxycodone and Oxymorphone following his Nov. 5 loss to Mark Munoz in the main event of UFC® 138 in Birmingham, England.

As a result of the positive test, Leben will be suspended from fighting for one (1) year.

“I like Chris and I want him to do well, but based on his actions, he’s been suspended for one year,” UFC President Dana White said. “If he needs professional help, we are going to be there for him. We want to see him succeed not only in the Octagon, but in his personal life.”

“I would like to make it known that I fully accept this suspension and apologize for embarrassing the UFC, my friends and family, and sport of mixed martial arts,” Leben said. “I’m learning that I’m my own worst enemy sometimes. I can’t succeed in the Octagon or in life behaving this way. I’ve got to make some real changes over the next year and I’m going to focus on getting my life and career back on track. Again, I’m sorry to the UFC and fans that’ve supported me since my days on The Ultimate Fighter.”

The remaining 19 fighters on the UFC® 138 card all passed their post fight drug tests.

via Leben Suspended After UFC 138.

By Brett Okamoto

ESPN.com

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The UFC has granted Quinton Jackson’s request to fight in Japan in February.

The former light heavyweight champion will meet Ryan Bader at UFC 144. UFC co-owner Lorenzo Fertitta confirmed the matchup to ESPN.com.

READ MORE via The UFC has granted Quinton Jackson’s request to fight in Japan in February – ESPN.

Meh…I’m not super excited for this fight, although I don’t want to see Chael Sonnen lose before Anderson Silva is healed up and ready to fight. A rematch between Silva and Chael Sonnen MUST happen. Mark Munoz is a dangerous fighter for anyone, and he might take Chael’s chance at a rematch. Evidently Mark Munoz and Chael Sonnen wrestled each other at some point in college, and Munoz outwrestled him? I don’t really think that will happen in their fight on January 28th.

Ronda Rousey is undefeated in MMA, and has won all of her matches by ARMBAR…and all in the first round, in under a minute. Wow. Tonight she defeated Julie Budd by armbar at Strikeforce Challengers, and it looks like Budd’s arm was dislocated (or worse) as a result.

Art Jimmerson, the boxer who is legendary for wearing one boxing glove into the cage at UFC 1 against Royce Gracie, gives a great interview to Ariel Helwani in the video below. Art Jimmerson challenges Kimbo Slice to a boxing match.

Smokin’ Joe will be missed.