• UFC 132

Leben 'scared' of Axe Murderer Wanderlei Silva

Chris Leben has won three of his last four fights © UFC

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Chris Leben is convinced he will produce one of his best Octagon performances at UFC 132, because he is "scared" of Wanderlei Silva.

Leben and Silva are on collision course for what promises to be one of the most explosive fights of 2011. Both men are willing to swing wildly, and both men possess one-punch knockout power.

Wanderlei has not fought in 16 months since he defeated Michael Bisping at UFC 110, while Leben is coming off the second KO loss of his career to Brian Stann, having previously won three fights in six months.

A match-up between the Axe Murderer and the Crippler can only set pulses racing, and Leben confesses there is plenty to fear from his opponent, an undoubted legend of MMA.

"Fighting Wanderlei it's a little easier for me to train a little harder," Leben said. "There's nothing more motivating than a loss. I went out and had a bad performance [against Stann] and that's due to mistakes I made. It makes me want to correct those things and let everybody know, hey, I'm better than what they saw.

"I've had my ups and downs for sure. With the Brian Stann fight it left a sh***y taste and I want to go out and get back on the winning side of things. There's nothing bigger than a win over Wanderlei. That's huge.

"I've had a lot of fights and I should have known better but I think I just got a little comfortable. I was feeling really good after my three fight win streak. I was feeling good and I underestimated Brian Stann a little bit. I think the biggest thing that got affected actually was my diet. I came in just a little bit too heavy, and I cut too much weight.

"This time, I'll be honest, I'm excited to fight Wanderlei. And a little scared at the same time too. I think for me that's definitely a very motivating and driving emotion."

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