Chris Leben issues statement following first-round TKO victory over Phil Baroni

UFC veteran Chris Leben picked up his first win since 2011 at last nights “WBKFF1: Rise Of The Titans” event, defeating Phil Baroni by way of first-round TKO.

“The Crippler” connected with a crisp punch that stunned Phil Baroni just seconds into the opening round. Shortly after that, “The New York Bad Ass” charged forward with a flurry but Chris Leben was able to land a beautiful counter left hand that sent Phil crashing face first into the canvas.

The Long Island native, Baroni, would attempt to get back to his feet but the referee had already seen enough and called a stop to the action.

Shortly following his first victory in almost eight years, Chris Leben took to his official Instagram page where he issued the following statement for his fans.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BqABg1GFv9m/

“Last night was a good one. Hard to believe after everything I’ve been through I have the privilege to be back in the ring doing this couldn’t of done it without my coaches and team at the arena and of course my family and all the support!” – Chris Leben

The bare knuckle boxing victory marked “The Crippler’s” first win since UFC 132 in July of 2011, where he knocked out MMA legend Wanderlei Silva.

The win also snapped a four-fight losing skid for Chris Leben, as he previously suffered setbacks to Uriah Hall, Andrew Craig, Derek Brunson and Mark Munoz respectively.

As for Phil Baroni, last night’s loss to Chris Leben likely crushed the momentum he had built from scoring a twenty-four second knockout victory over Matt Lagler this past May.

Do you think we will see Chris Leben throw down in the Bare Knuckle Boxing ring again? If so, who would you like to see “The Crippler” fight in his next contest? Sound off in the comments section PENN Nation!