Built for Legacy
Built for Legacy (previously The Nichols and Dimez Show) is the podcast for high performers navigating major transitions and building work that lasts. Hosted by Chris Nichols, this show features candid conversations with athletes, veterans, and entrepreneurs who have boldly shifted from peak careers into purpose-driven ventures built to leave lasting impact. Whether stepping off the field, leaving the military, or walking away from a corporate ladder, our guests share how they embraced their next chapter to grow, lead, and build with intention. Each episode dives into the mindset shifts, strategies, and lessons they used to move beyond their first chapter — from launching a business to scaling a personal brand. Built for Legacy offers actionable insights, inspiring stories of reinvention, and a playbook for those determined to make their next move the most meaningful yet.
Built for Legacy
Chris Leben | UFC Legend’s Path to Resilience, Recovery, and Triumph
Chris Leben is a former UFC Fighter and Bare Knuckle Boxer. He currently referees and judges professional MMA contests while also overseeing and coaching at his MMA gym, The Training Center San Diego. In this conversation, we discuss Chris’s experience on the first season of The Ultimate Fighter, his dynamic family background, struggles with substance abuse, and his fighting career. We also talk about his resilience through significant challenges - including getting sober and overcoming various health and legal issues, what motivates him, and current aspirations with his MMA gym and refereeing career in the UFC.
Partners:
JNGL ATHLETICO: https://jnglathletico.com?sca_ref=5391573.ojJfvDfSXJ Use code NICHOLSANDDIMEZ for 25% off
HOSTAGE TAPE: https://www.hostagetape.com/CHRIS28059
PURE HIMALAYAN SHILAJIT: https://www.purehimalayanshilajit.com/?ref=4021 Use code DIMEZ for 40% off
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GUY FOX: https://guyfox.com/ Use Code DIMEZ for 10% off at checkout
SURFDURT: https://www.surfdurt.com/ Use code NICHOLSANDDIMEZ for 20% off at checkout
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro & Background
03:00 - The Ultimate Fighter
10:00 - Family Background and Motivation
15:30 - Getting into Fighting
19:52 - Dealing With Broken Family & Meeting Your Father
24:46 - UFC Career
31:43 - Post UFC, Getting Sober, Resilience, & Faith
41:32 - Return to Fighting, Bare Knuckle FC, Healing the body
43:49 - Physical Impact from Fight Career
50:08 - The Training Center MMA Gym
52:55 - Next Big Goal
Follow Chris Leben:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrislebenmma/
The Training Center San Diego website: https://trainingcentersd.com
Follow Chris Nichols:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicholsanddimez/
Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/builtforlegacypodcast/
Website: https://builtforlegacy.buzzsprout.com
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/built-for-legacy/id1667715105
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4MAr6sSCwiyU9G1JZgeZxq?si=a7da325d67a64a72
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@builtforlegacypodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/nicholsanddimezshow/100090067950005/
Contact: chris@nicholsanddimez.com
