Leben Anticipates August Return To Action

UFC middleweight Chris Leben says all is well at his new gym, Ultimate Fight School, in Honolulu, Hawaii, with new students and a burgeoning fight team keeping him busy 24/7.

"They always say it's going to be more work than you can imagine, and they're right," Leben told MMAInsider of his new CEO job. "I'm a very busy man."

One of his welterweights, Andrew "Danger" Cohea, is set to compete in longtime Hawaii promoter T.Jay Thompson's new show, Kingdom MMA, on April 18, with an opponent yet to be booked.

The colorful brawler says UFC matchmaker Joe Silva is targeting an August return for him.

Following his decision loss to Michael Bisping at UFC 89 in London, Leben was suspended for nine months by the UFC after a post-fight drug test revealed the presence of stanozolol, a performance enhancing steroid. He also forfeited one third of his fight purse.

Leben's suspension is complete in late July, and appears a ready-made fit for a late summer card currently in the works.

The unannounced UFC 102, first leaked to MMA fans by UFC executive and majority owner Lorenzo Fertitta, is reportedly being planned for August 29 at the Rose Quarter in Portland, Or.

Previously, the "City of Roses" was under consideration for UFC 101 on Aug. 8, with native son Randy Couture set to do battle against Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira in the main event, but subsequent reports confirmed that Philadelphia, Pa. had taken its place. Though Fertitta did not give the reason for the change, MMA's legalization in the East Coast state, taxes levied on the promotion by its athletic commission, and a fervent fan base all likely played parts in the decision.

But for now, it appears the Northwest will not be left out.

Leben was born in Portland and spent much of his profession career in the suburb of Gresham through his work with Team Quest.

"It would be a dream come true," said Leben of a possible fight in his hometown.