Crippler

It takes a certain kind of person to do whatever is necessary to make a living as a mixed martial arts fighter. And it takes another kind of person to stand out from all the rest as both a wild man and a rock star. Chris Leben, otherwise known as “The Crippler,” is that kind of person.Leben’s reputation started when he appeared on the inaugural season of The Ultimate Fighter, a reality show and competition where hopeful fighters live together and vie for a UFC contract and a path to greatness. He quickly made a name for himself with his controversial and abrasive behavior. During his subsequent ten-year career in ultimate fighting, Leben became one of the most recognized figures in the sport, enthralling audiences around the world with his wild, head-first style of fighting as he took on some of the world’s best fighters, including Anderson Silva, Yoshihiro Akiyama, and Wanderlei Silva.But Leben’s success in the ring and international fame hid a troubled background. Abandoned by his father at a young age, Leben’s mother worked long hours to raise him and his two siblings, and Leben learned early he had to be tough to fend for himself. For most of his life, Leben struggled with alcohol and narcotics, and he was suspended by the UFC for nine months for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. The Crippler is not just an exciting account of his rise to prominence within the UFC; it’s the incredible story of a renowned wild man dealing with his personal demons and learning that the toughest opponent is always yourself.Skyhorse Publishing, along with our Arcade, Good Books, Sports Publishing, and Yucca imprints, is proud to publish a broad range of biographies, autobiographies, and memoirs. Our list includes biographies on well-known historical figures like Benjamin Franklin, Nelson Mandela, and Alexander Graham Bell, as well as villains from history, such as Heinrich Himmler, John Wayne Gacy, and O. J. Simpson. We have also published survivor stories of World War II, memoirs about overcoming adversity, first-hand tales of adventure, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.

"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, "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 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. Leben currently lives and coaches MMA fighters in San Diego, California.Daniel J. Patinkin is a Chicago-born writer and businessman. His unique career has spanned the real estate, finance, education, and entertainment industries. He earned a BA in English and history from Indiana University and an MFA in producing from the University of Southern California. The Crippler is his first book. He lives in New York City.