Chris Leben to face Yoshihiro Akiyama in MMA return on November 21
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 8, 2026, 4:22 AM
Last updated Oct 8, 2026
Chris Leben will return to mixed martial arts after nearly 13 years, facing Yoshihiro Akiyama at the Black Combat 17: Vantablack event on November 21 in Seoul, South Korea. This bout marks Akiyama's retirement fight, with both fighters previously meeting in 2010 at UFC 116, where Leben submitted Akiyama. Leben, who last competed in December 2013, shifted focus to coaching before a brief foray into bare-knuckle boxing until 2021. Akiyama aims to end his career against the fighter who dealt him his only loss in the UFC.
- •Leben last fought in December 2013 before retiring and coaching.
- •Akiyama's fight serves as his retirement match.
- •Their first encounter was at UFC 116, where Leben won.
- •The event will take place at Gocheok Sky Dome.
- •Black Combat announced the matchup on October 7, 2026.
- 4:22 AMSherdog — Chris Leben to return to MMA after nearly 13 years against Yoshihiro Akiyama
- 4:22 AMYahoo Sports — Chris Leben to return to MMA after nearly 13 years against Yoshihiro Akiyama
"Chris Leben is set to return to mixed martial arts over a decade after his last Ultimate Fighting Championship appearance.
"Chris Leben is set to return to mixed martial arts over a decade after his last Ultimate Fighting Championship appearance.
Sources
External links- SherdogOct 8, 2026, 4:22 AMChris Leben to return to MMA after nearly 13 years against Yoshihiro Akiyama
Chris Leben is set to return to mixed martial arts over a decade after his last Ultimate Fighting Championship appearance.
- Yahoo SportsOct 8, 2026, 4:22 AMChris Leben to return to MMA after nearly 13 years against Yoshihiro Akiyama
Chris Leben is set to return to mixed martial arts over a decade after his last Ultimate Fighting Championship appearance.
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