Former MMA fighter Chris Leben's comeback aborted due to heart condition

Chris Leben's comeback is on permanent hold after he was diagnosed with a severe heart condition, according to a statement from Leben's management sent to MMAjunkie.

The veteran of 22 UFC fights formally announced that he was ending a two-year retirement when he signed with Bellator MMA in February. During a mandatory physical, doctors discovered that Leben has a malfunctioning left ventricle limiting him to 18 percent of normal blood flow to the heart.

"We are saddened to hear of Chris Leben's current health situation and would have loved to see him compete inside the Bellator cage," said Bellator president Scott Coker in a separate statement. "A fighter's health and safety is of the utmost importance to us as an organization. We wish Chris the best in his future endeavors and we are happy to provide a platform for him to share his story with people around the world."

Coker's statement also mentioned the treatments that were being discussed. The options range from medication and lifestyle improvements to a heart transplant.

The 35-year-old Leben is best known for his time as part of the original cast of "The Ultimate Fighter" and being Anderson Silva's first UFC opponent back in 2006.

Outside of the cage, Leben had a history of drug and alcohol addiction. He recently penned an autobiography titled "The Crippler: Cage Fighting and My Life on the Edge."

"Leben also hopes to leverage his many life lessons for the benefit of others," said Coker. "He plans to devote time to communicating with young people and the MMA community about the dangers of drug use and about how to cope with addiction.

"Leben says that he is grateful to the fans, friends, and family that have been there for him throughout his life and career. He will continue to fight the good fight, and has confidence that strict dedication to nutrition and wellness will allow him to succeed in this battle."