The Crippler: Cage Fighting and My Life on the Edge - Softcover

"Instead of whitewashing those personal failures into a hero's journey, Leben's book reads as a mix of war stories and regrets, an unvarnished look at the life behind a name that helped put MMA over to the reality-TV-watching public, and a confession." Vice

"This book is a true testament to the battles faced inside and outside of the cage that no one else will talk about." Ed "Short Fuse" Herman, ten-year UFC veteran

"I had a crazy life as a mixed martial artist. People everywhere ask me to tell them my now infamous stories. But Chris Leben took 'infamous' to a whole different level! This book is hilarious, heartfelt, and powerful. I love it!" Bas Rutten, former UFC heavyweight champion and King of Pancrase world champion

"Chris Leben is one of the most colorful and forthright characters the UFC has ever seen, and The Crippler―while not always pretty―is an incredible look behind the scenes at a legendary fighter who has admittedly battled his share of demons over the course of a very memorable career. Chris holds nothing back, and his brutal honesty makes it hard to put this book down." John Morgan, award-winning MMA reporter for MMAJunkie.com and USA Today

“[The Crippler] indulges readers, whether a fan of MMA or not, in the life of an individual’s struggle to teeter on extremes and, in the end, find their way closer to the fulcrum. . . . This book is well deserving of all five possible stars.” MMA Latest

"Patinkin does an excellent job of capturing Leben’s voice. In very short order, the reader will find themselves hearing Leben’s raspy voice in their head as they read. . . . Leben’s memoir is a good read. It’s Chris Leben, warts and all." MMA Junkie

"The brutal honesty about [Leben's] shortcomings makes for a frustrating yet empathetic story. . . . Many readers, even those outside the MMA fanbase, will find this personal account of a flawed fighter meaningful." Library Journal

Chris Leben is a ten-year veteran of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. While growing up in Portland, Oregon, he became interested in mixed martial arts at an early age. After being a participant on the first season of The Ultimate Fighter, Leben went on to put together a 22–12 record and become a fan favorite before retiring in January 2014.