Chris Leben might be retired from MMA, but he's not done fighting. The former UFC star's next big bout is going to be with the IRS.
UFC president Dana White said Thursday that Leben has "some minor tax issues like he's never paid his taxes." That's right. Never. Leben is 33 years old and has been in the UFC since 2005.
"He has years of back taxes to pay," White said at UFC 169 media day at Madison Square Garden.
Leben retired from the UFC after a loss to Uriah Hall at UFC 168 on Dec. 28. After getting rocked by the faster, more explosive and younger Hall near the end of the first round, Leben wisely called it quits and didn't come back into the fight. Shortly after, he announced his retirement.
White said Leben texted him Thursday, but he had yet to get back to him. Maybe he needs a loan.
This week, Leben opened up in a raw interview with former UFC fighter Frank Trigg for MMA Odds Breaker. He said he spent much of the money he made in the UFC on illegal drugs and, since getting clean, he no longer has the fire to compete in the Octagon.
"The way I fought, I didn't give a f**k," Leben said. "I didn't give a sh*t. You know what I'm saying? F**k this, I can die tomorrow. Let's go out there and kill this guy."
Leben is now the head coach at Victory MMA & Fitness in San Diego. He's going to need all of that income, because Uncle Sam is likely to come calling very soon.
"Imagine never paying your taxes," White said incredulously.
