"Need guys like you in the sport!" - Fans react to Chris Leben announcing surprising new chapter in boxing

Chris Leben has not competed in mixed martial arts in 11 years after walking away from the sport in December 2013 following his fourth consecutive defeat. The former middleweight contender, who appeared in the first season of The Ultimate Fighter, recently revealed the latest move in his professional career.

The inaugural WEC middleweight champion shared that he is now officially a referee in the sport of boxing. Leben took to X on Sunday. He wrote:

"It’s official! I’m “officially” a pro boxing referee now. What a life. Grateful 🤙🏻"

Check out Chris Leben's announcement that he is officially a boxing referee below:

Fans shared their reaction to the news. Former UFC commentator @Grishamfight, who now serves as a boxing commentator for DAZN, chimed in, stating:

"Need guys like you in the sport!"

@Calibos420 praised Leben for his journey:

"Going from one of the most exciting and bloodthirsty fighters in UFC history to becoming a boxing ref seems an unlikely life journey but you did it! Congratulations. Fate is really amazing. 😀"

@KaseyReetz also commended Leben for overcoming his public struggles:

"So crazy to have watched @ChrisLebenMMA grow up on his journey through life. Was always worried he wouldn’t make it to an older age due to how wild he was. Seeing him established, healthy and not acting like Mayhem Miller makes me happy for him. Thanks for all the Wars brother!"

@BruceBiujee joked that they want to see a boxer attack Leben for his work as a referee:

"Congrats Champ!! 🔥 🔥 I’d love to see a boxer get pissed at a decision you make a swing for you 🤣 🤣 Best of luck in the new career 🙌🏽 🙏🏽 🙏🏽 🙏🏽"

Check out the best fan reactions below:

Fan reactions

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Chris Leben's tenure as MMA judge

Chris Leben's latest career move has led him into boxing. However, that does not mean he has stopped working in MMA serving as a judge for nearly two and a half years.

His debut came at Cage Warriors 139 in June 2022, serving as a judge for three bouts on the card. After working on various Cage Warriors and Bellator events for more than a year, Leben made his UFC judging debut at UFC on ESPN+ 86 in September 2023.

He worked the women's bantamweight matchup between Montserrat Rendon and Tamires Vidal. 'The Crippler' was the only judge to score the fight in favor of the latter as the former won via split decision. Since then, he has worked several events for the UFC, Cage Warriors, Bellator, and PFL. His most notable appearance as a judge came at UFC 298 in February, officiating three bouts, including a bantamweight title eliminator between Merab Dvalishvili and Henry Cejudo.