Chris Leben Replaced!

**3moose1** · Posted On: 5/11/2008 10:42pm

from:

yahoo sports

Day replaces Leben in UFC 85

By Dave Meltzer
The Ultimate Fighting Championship announced today that Jason Day would be replacing Chris Leben as the opponent for Michael Bisping on the snake-bit June 7 show at the 02 Arena in London.

Leben, the scheduled opponent, found out Thursday that he wouldn't be released from Clackamas County (Ore.) jail until May 27, which not have given him enough time to get in shape for the fight.

Leben was sentenced to 35 days in jail, with credit given for time served on a probation violation for a DUI conviction in 2005. UFC officials were not aware of the charge, which meant Leben would have been unable to get a visa to travel overseas for the show. When Leben was contacted about the outstanding warrant, he agreed to turn himself in, believing he would get out after serving time with enough training time to save the fight.

Day, 17-5, debuted on the April 19 show in Montreal, stopping Alan Belcher with punches in 3:58. UFC officials had spoken with Nate Quarry, who beat Kalib Starnes on the same show, about facing Bisping, but Quarry was nursing an elbow injury and wouldn't be recovered in time for the short-notice fight.

The London show has had numerous line-up changes since first announcement, including both originally scheduled main eventers being pulled, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua for knee surgery and Chuck Liddell for a hamstring tear.

Bisping vs. Leben and Matt Hughes vs. Thiago Alves were added as the top matches on the show after Liddell, the top draw on the show, had to cancel his match with Rashad Evans.

**Kentucky Fried Chokin** · Posted On: 5/11/2008 10:48pm

Wow, this card is really going to suck. Although, it is looking better now that Leben isn't on it.

**franz_grinder** · Posted On: 5/11/2008 10:50pm

Big chance for Day. Bisping isn't that well rounded.

**Nickeroon1987** · Posted On: 5/12/2008 5:46am

Can't say I'm surprised Leben's in jail.

**Kambei Shimada** · Posted On: 5/12/2008 7:10am

Shame, i was really looking forward to Bisping giving Leben the beating he deserves. (i cant stand that guy)

My moneys still on Bisping for this one- he looks really good at 185 IMO.

**UpaLumpa** · Posted On: 5/12/2008 9:44am

Originally Posted by Nickeroon1987

Can't say I'm surprised Leben's in jail.

In reading about all this last week, he really seems to have gotten tooled by an over zealous judge. This also stems from actions several years ago, a period during which he has since admitted he was an irresponsible and immature punk.

I don't really care though. Leben annoys me purely for aesthetic reasons.

**3moose1** · Posted On: 5/12/2008 9:49am

Originally Posted by UpaLumpa

Leben annoys me purely for aesthetic reasons.

agreed.

**PizDoff** · Posted On: 5/12/2008 11:40am

Originally Posted by franz_grinder

Big chance for Day. Bisping isn't that well rounded.

Yes, and what UpaLumpa said.

Day is a kickboxer so I even see Bisping taking it to the mat for this 'best ground and pound in MMA.' I will haven't seen Jason Day vs Patrick Cote, I read that was a fun fight.