Former Ultimate Fighting Championship competitor Chris Leben is set to make his Nevada debut as a judge on Saturday at UFC Fight Night 228, according to ESPN.
Throughout his extensive mixed martial arts career, "The Crippler" faced the likes of Wanderlei Silva, Uriah Hall and Derek Brunson. He retired from the sport in December 2013 with a record of 22-12.
Leben has served as a professional referee and judge in California for the last four years and has now received his license to work events under the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
Judging has been under scrutiny after last weekend’s UFC Fight Night 227 headliner, when Mike Bell gave Alexa Grasso a controversial 10-8 score for Round 5 in her rematch against Valentina Shevchenko. That resulted in the flyweight title bout ending in a split draw. Some are of the opinion that a retired fighter, who has competed inside the cage, will have a better perspective and approach to judging as opposed to someone who hasn't competed in the sport.
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