Dana White 'Disappointed' in Chris Leben After Failed Steroid Test at UFC 89

By Michael David Smith - Lead Blogger

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The UFC has confirmed the reports that Chris Leben failed a steroid test on October 18, the day he lost to Michael Bisping at UFC 89, and UFC President Dana White says he's disappointed in Leben but that the test shows that the UFC is dedicated to getting drugs out of its sport.

From UFC.com:

"I am obviously disappointed with Chris, who has made great strides getting his life back on track," said UFC President Dana White. "To his credit, he has taken responsibility for his actions and is accepting the punishment that has been handed down. But as always, the UFC puts the safety of its athletes first and foremost, and we won't tolerate anyone using performance enhancing drugs in our organization."

Because UFC 89 was in England, the UFC implemented the drug testing on its own. In the United States, drug testing for mixed marital arts shows is handled by the state athletic commissions. Other fighters who have tested positive include Sean Sherk, Tim Sylvia and Josh Barnett.

Leben issued a statement through UFC.com:

"I've really done everything I can to turn my life around, and this is a huge setback for me, but it is something I will have to deal with. During my time off from fighting, I want to speak to kids about the dangers of using performance enhancing agents and let them know it just doesn't get you ahead in life. Of course this is a hard hit for me monetarily, but more so this is embarrassing for me and for all of my fans. I apologize to the UFC and everyone who supported me in my fight in England. I hope to work through this and get back to fighting soon."

UFC says it tested all 22 fighters on the UFC 89 card and that the other 21 all passed drug tests both before and after their fights.

Read More: chrisleben, dana white, danawhite, ufc 89, ufc89, front page, breaking news, Chris Leben (MMA)

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