Chris Leben Ends 13-Year Retirement for UFC 116 Rematch

Former UFC middleweight Chris Leben is ending his nearly 13-year MMA retirement, and his comeback opponent is someone he defeated in one of the most memorable fights of his career.

The 46-year-old veteran will face Yoshihiro Akiyama at Black Combat 17 on November 21, 2026, at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, South Korea.

As MMA News reported, the matchup comes more than 16 years after their unforgettable encounter at UFC 116.

For Leben, it’s an unexpected return to the sport where he built his reputation. For Akiyama, now 51, the fight is expected to serve as his MMA farewell.

Chris Leben and Yoshihiro Akiyama Meet Again After UFC 116 Classic

The two fighters first met at UFC 116 in July 2010 after Leben accepted the fight on short notice.

Leben had defeated Aaron Simpson just two weeks earlier before accepting a short-notice fight against Akiyama after Wanderlei Silva withdrew with an injury.

Despite the quick turnaround, Leben delivered one of the most memorable performances of his UFC career.

After nearly three rounds of back-and-forth action, Leben caught Akiyama in a triangle choke, forcing him to submit at 4:40 of the third round.

Their thrilling encounter earned Fight of the Night honors and remains one of the defining moments of Leben’s UFC career.

Now, more than 16 years later, Akiyama has an opportunity to avenge that defeat in front of a South Korean crowd.

Chris Leben Returns After Nearly 13 Years Away From MMA

Leben last competed in MMA at UFC 168 on December 28, 2013, when he suffered a first-round TKO loss to Uriah Hall following a doctor stoppage.

Although he retired from MMA, Leben remained involved in combat sports, later competing in bare-knuckle boxing. His final bare-knuckle appearance came in February 2021, when he knocked out Quentin Henry in the opening round.

Akiyama, meanwhile, last competed in MMA in March 2022, defeating Shinya Aoki by second-round TKO at ONE X.

While Leben won their first meeting with a dramatic submission, both fighters are now more than 16 years removed from that encounter. Whether they can recreate the excitement of UFC 116 remains to be seen, but their rematch gives longtime MMA fans a rare opportunity to revisit a memorable rivalry.

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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Oct 10, 2026, where it first appeared in the MMA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.