UFC
UFC NEWS: Chris Leben reportedly stepping in to face Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 116
Jun 22, 2010 - 5:24:38 PM UFC NEWS: Chris Leben reportedly stepping in to face Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 116

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

Chris Leben looks to step back into the Octagon just two weeks after his second round TKO victory over Aaron Simpson at The Ultimate Fighter 11 finale, as MMAJunkie.com reports that Leben has agreed to step in for an injured Wanderlei Silva to face off against Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 116 on July 3.

Silva was forced out of the bout on Tuesday due to broken ribs suffered in training, and Leben, who was not issued a medical suspension by the Nevada State Athletic Commission after his victory over Simpson, has agreed to the bout and is expected to sign his bout agreement shortly.

Akiyama has been out of action since July of 2009, when he defeated Alan Belcher by decision at UFC 100. This bout at UFC 116 will be only his second in the UFC.

Leben, a veteran of the the first season of The Ultimate Fighter, has appeared in the Octagon in 15 of his 26 career fights. After losing to Jake Rosholt last August, Leben has won two fights in a row in 2010.

Penick's Analysis: Well, Leben's no Wandy, but he represents a similar style opponent for Akiyama in that he's a hard hitting puncher who can put the hurt on if he hits you. But that's where the similarities stop, and Silva's a much more accomplished fighter and striker than Leben, by far. Still, for a short notice replacement, this isn't a terrible pick at all. This fight probably stays as the co-main event, because the other three fights on the main card, while providing some exciting match ups, don't really provide a big name #2 fight.

RELATED STORY: BREAKING NEWS: Wanderlei Silva out of UFC 116 co-main event due to injury; replacement search underway: [CLICK TO READ FULL ARTICLE]