Chris Leben exited the octagon with UFC 102 just moments after recovering from unconciousness due to the anaconda choke Jake Rosholt managed to lock in during the third round. Leben has had little success after his first five fights in the UFC left “The Crippler” undefeated and will look to rebound early next year.

A report from MMAjunkie.com indicates that Leben will enter the octagon on Jan. 11 at Ultimate Fight Night 20. His opponent will be Jay Silva.

Silva debuted in the UFC at Ultimate Fight Night 19, leaving with a disappointing unanimous decision loss to CB Dollaway. The loss was Silva’s second of his young career. His fight with Leben will only be his eighth professional fight.

Leben has always been a favorite of the fans since his time on “The Ultimate Fighter”. Unfortunately, the hard times he has fallen on make this next fight a big one in his career. The UFC can always utilize him because he is a brawler, but without victories, the elusive middleweight title may ever evade Leben.

Last 5 posts by Nate Lawson

• Florian, Nelson put in dominant performances at Ultimate Fight Night 21 - March 31st, 2010
• UFC 116: Power and Takedown Defense Key for Carwin's Success against Lesnar - March 28th, 2010
• UFC 111: 'St. Pierre vs. Hardy' Fight Bonuses - March 28th, 2010
• St. Pierre dominates Hardy en route to unanimous decision victory - March 27th, 2010
• Shane Carwin obliterates Frank Mir for Interim Heavyweight Title - March 27th, 2010