Leben

--- UFC Daily is reporting that UFC middie Chris Leben has inked a new deal with the organization that kicks his dough up to $25k to appear and $25k to win. That's an increase of $15k per category. No word on how long the deal is for. The next fight for Leben is a mere week away - March 1st at UFC 82 versus Alessio Sakara. The colorful-haired fighter has been in the UFC since April '05 and is 7-3 in the organization. He's 17-4 overall.

--- Dan Henderson spoke to the Orange County Register about seeing Anderson Silva in PRIDE and why he thinks he'll win next Saturday at UFC 82:

"I think he is a tough guy and very skilled but I wouldn’t consider him the top pound-for-pound fighter, just because I’ve seen more of his past than what the U.S. crowd has in the UFC. The guys he's fought in the UFC really complement his style. I expected him to walk through most of those guys. He’s very skilled on his feet. The guys he's fought aren't very good wrestlers."

This is a valid point and we know Henderson is one of the best. This is a war we're jonsein' for and it's destined to be a classic. And who does Henderson think is the best pound-for-pounder?

Chris Leben, who was on the first TUF, has announced via his myspace fan club that he has inked a two-year extension with the UFC. This new deal pushes aside Leben's old one which is used for TUF cast members. The new contract will pay Leben $25k to show and the same as a win bonus for each fight. That's a $15k increase for both categories from his previous contract.

Leben is 17-4 and has gone 7-3 since starting up for the UFC. The Crippler has proven a great TV personality and draw for the UFC and he is next slated to bring his brand of controversy to UFC 82 on March 1st. Leben's opponent will be Alessio Sakara, someone that Leben has said he respects, but:

"Honestly, as much respect as possible to him, but I really don’t think he deserves to be in the UFC. I haven’t seen him win the fights or do what he has to do to prove himself at this level. You know, we’re going to pressure him and test him and I’ll tell you what , he has a pretty good opportunity to prove himself if that’s what he wants to do."

Leben made the above statement during the myspace fan club interview and his comments aren't completely unfounded. Sakara is 3-3 with one NC since arriving on the UFC scene. Beating guys like Elvis Sinosic, Victor Valimaki and James Lee won't even get you to the front of the line at The Sizzler. Sakara does have a lot to prove against Leben who, love or hate him, is a dynamic fighter who looks to be back on track after a stretch that saw him drop 3 of 4 fights, including one to Anderson Silva - which is hard to fault him for.