Chris Leben to Return for Retirement Rematch Against Yoshihiro Akiyama

Chris Leben is set to return to mixed martial arts for a retirement match against Yoshihiro Akiyama on November 21 at the Gocheok Sky Dome in South Korea. This announcement comes after Leben had transitioned into a judging role and worked at UFC events following his retirement from MMA 14 years ago.

The matchup was revealed by Black Combat on October 7, and it will serve as Akiyama's retirement fight at the age of 51. The two fighters previously faced each other in 2010 at UFC 116, where Leben won by submission, handing Akiyama his first loss in the Octagon.

Since his last UFC fight in 2013, Leben attempted a move to Bellator, which did not materialize due to health issues. He was cleared to compete again in 2019 and had a brief stint with BKFC, concluding in 2021. His last victory in MMA was against Wanderlei Silva in 2011.