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And Now He’s Retired (Again): Severe Heart Condition Ends Chris Leben’s Bellator Return Before It Begins

The longtime UFC veteran, who called an end to his 11-year career back in January of 2014 only to sign with Bellator last month, has recently been forced out of his promotional debut according to MMAJunkie…and not for the reasons you might think.

Chris Leben is no longer coming out of retirement to fight for Bellator after doctors found a severe medical condition that left him with just 18 percent of normal blood flow to his heart.

Leben signed with Bellator this past month and was undergoing a physical in order to be cleared for a spring return when he failed several electrocardiogram (EKG) tests, according to the statement sent out by Leben’s management team.