Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Swick: Leben “Backed Out” of Fight

Mike Swick has gone on record to say that Chris Leben has "backed out" of their September 19 fight, which was scheduled to headline UFC’s Fight Night 11 card.

"He backed out. He didn’t take it. It kind of sucks with how tough he talks about fighting anyone, anywhere. He kept saying we could rematch anytime," Swick griped. "It’s disrespectful to back out now."

Swick explained that he will probably remain on the televised part of the Fight Night 11 card, but the Houston native doubts that he’ll be in the main event. The UFC is currently looking for an opponent for the popular Swick.

Swick seemed particularly upset, and with good reason. Leben holds a win 2004 KO win over Swick (at WEC 9), and Swick has been looking to avenge that loss.

"What it comes down to is that [Leben’s] got a win over me, and he’s been blabbing about it since the show," Swick told UFCJunkie. "And he can’t give me the respect to let me avenge that loss? All that talk he talks, and this is how it goes? I think he lost that warrior spirit."

I haven’t heard anything as to why Leben has decided against this fight (injury, management issues, contractual difficulties???), but I’ll do some investigative work and let you know as soon as I can.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Was this match going to be at 170 or 185??? I know that Leben and Swich each talked about dropping to 170.