"Could be a great addition" - Former UFC vet set to make Nevada debut as Judge at UFC Vegas 79, fans react

UFC Vegas 79 is scheduled on September 23 at the promotion's Apex Facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, with lightweights Rafael Fiziev and Mateusz Gamrot headlining the Fight Night event.

However, there's an interesting development for the upcoming event. According to recent reports from combat sports journalist Marc Raimondi, former UFC middleweight fighter Chris Leben will be making his debut as a judge in Nevada on Saturday night.

Leben, who competed in the UFC from 2005 to 2013, has worked as a professional referee and judge in California for the past four years. 'The Crippler' recently received his license from the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC).

MMA judging has recently raised eyebrows following a highly controversial decision in the Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko 2 UFC flyweight title fight last week, which ultimately ended in a split draw, with Grasso retaining her championship.

However, the buzz surrounding Leben's appointment as a judge for the upcoming UFC Vegas 79 event has stirred up excitement among MMA enthusiasts, eliciting a diverse range of reactions.

One fan wrote:

"We need more Chris Lebens out there. 👏🏼"

Another wrote:

"Finally, the Universe is healing!!!"

Check out some more reactions below:

"That's awesome"

"Love the idea. Love Chris Leben. I DMd with a bit. Great dude."

"The pressure is on...no excuses now!"

"Could be a great addition, he's a pro fighter, he knows what hurts, and what positions are most dangerous."

"Oh boy 😂 in all seriousness I hope Chris does a great job."

Credits: Chris Leben makes debut as a judge in Nevada for UFC Vegas 79 @marcraimondi on X

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Complete results for UFC Vegas 79: Rafael Fiziev vs. Mateusz Gamrot weigh-in

Main Card

Rafael Fiziev (156 lbs) vs. Mateusz Gamrot (156 lbs): (lightweight bout)

Bryce Mitchell (146 lbs) vs. Dan Ige (146 lbs): (featherweight bout)

Marina Rodriguez (116 lbs) vs. Michelle Waterson-Gomez (115.5 lbs): (strawweight bout)

Bryan Battle (171 lbs) vs. AJ Fletcher (170.5 lbs): (welterweight bout)

Ricardo Ramos (146 lbs) vs. Charles Jourdain (145.5 lbs): (featherweight bout)

Preliminary Card

Daniel Argueta (136 lbs) vs. Miles Johns (136 lbs): (bantamweight bout)

Tim Means (171 lbs) vs. Andre Filho (171 lbs): (welterweight bout)

Jacob Malkoun (186 lbs) vs. Cody Brundage (185 lbs): (middleweight bout)

Mohammed Usman (237 lbs) vs. Jake Collier (256.5 lbs): (heavyweight bout)

Mizuki Inoue (115.5 lbs) vs. Hannah Goldy (115.5 lbs): (strawweight bout)

Tamires Vidal (134 lbs) vs. Montserrat Rendon (135 lbs): (Women's bantamweight bout)