Forrest Griffin

Forrest Griffin was introduced to the world on the inaugural season of the Ultimate Fighter. On the show, he came across as a likeable guy with a good sense of humor. He was a bit of a wild man (such were the words of Season 1 coach Randy Couture).

Becoming The Ultimate Fighter
Ups and Downs
Favorite Sayings
Judge’s Decision
Fights to Watch
Stats and Record

Becoming The Ultimate Fighter
Born in Columbus, Ohio, Forrest Griffin graduated with a bachelor’s in criminal justice from the U of Georgia and served in law enforcement for several years before attempting a career in mixed martial arts. Almost ready to give up the sport and return to police work, Dana White persuaded Forrest to take part in the first season of The Ultimate Fighter in 2005.

His funniest moment on the show was his impression of a crazed monkey devouring a banana in homage to a Saturday Night Live sketch.

Forrest Griffin’s real coming out party was his war with Stephan Bonnar at the Ultimate Fighter 1 Finale. Long before live UFC shows on Spike T.V. were common place, it was one of the greatest fights in UFC history, albeit not the most technical. Forrest showed everybody that he would fight to the bitter end, no matter how battered he was. It was certainly not the last time people would see Forrest Griffin with blood pouring down his face. This fight is also credited with bringing the UFC into the mainstream.

Ups and Downs
Forrest’s career went along smoothly with wins over Bill Mahood and Elvis Sinosic. Please contain your excitement when I mention such star-studded names. Ahem.

Forrest’s early fights in the UFC showed a man with more heart than skill. However, his technique wasn’t truly tested until he suffered a brutal first round knockout to future contender Keith Jardine. Forrest Griffin had never been a bad fighter but his reckless fighting style had finally caught up to him. After going “back to the drawing board”, he later rebounded with wins over Hector Ramirez and PRIDE star “Shogun” Rua. The latter win, a third round submission over a man widely considered to be a top 3 light heavyweight, cemented Forrest Griffin’s status as a true contender. He was no longer just a “reality show guy”.

Favorite Sayings
Despite having ups and downs in his career Forrest’s popularity has never taken a dip. Some fighters gain their popularity with their spectacular finishes in the cage and or ring. Forrest Griffin achieved superstar status because of his mouth. My favorite moments include:

- After he was declared the winner in his first fight with Stephan Bonnar he was presented with a plaque and a watch. He pointed to the watch and said, “I can pawn this, right?”

- After his re-match with and second win over Stephan Bonnar he claimed, “I had a swollen vagina coming into this fight”. That may be an octagon-first for injury excuses.

- His comment about having a “man-period” during his stint as coach on Season 7 of the Ultimate Fighter ranks as my all-time favorite…so far.

There are tons of great Forrest Griffin moments, to be sure. If you continue to follow his career you’re bound to hear more of them.

Judge’s Decision
Forrest Griffin is awesome because he’s funny as hell. And it’s not just his jokes that make people smile. He has also perfected the art of self-deprecation, which makes him appear humble at all times. Much like Rocky Balboa he’s firmly entrenched in the role of the underdog. Developing into a champion fighter is a nice bonus. I’m sure he’ll be gainfully employed by the UFC even if he goes on a bit of a losing streak. Thankfully for his fans he’s never lost more than one fight in a row. Randy Couture has described Forrest Griffin as having the best work ethic he’s ever seen. You know you’re something special if crazy old Randy thinks you’re tough.

Fights to Watch
As mentioned above, Stephan Bonnar vs. Forrest Griffin at the Ultimate Fighter 1 Finale. The war that launched the UFC to stardom and that launched the career of this battle-scarred fighter.

Stats and Record

Height: 6 ft 3 in

Weight: 205 lbs – Light Heavyweight

Born: July 1, 1979

Fights out of: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Record:
- Lost to Rashad Evans by technical knockout at UFC 92 on December 27, 2008; Round 3 – 2:46. He lost the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship and won Fight of the Night Honors.

- Defeated Quinton “Rampage” Jackson by unanimous decision at UFC 86 on July 5, 2008; Round 5 – 5:00. He won the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship and won Fight of the Night Honors.

- Submitted Mauricio “Shogun” Rua by rear naked choke at UFC 76 on September 22, 2007; Round 3 – 4:45.

- Defeated Hector Ramirez by unanimous decision at UFC 72 on June 16, 2007; Round 3 – 5:00.

- Lost to Keith Jardine by technical knockout at UFC 66 on December 30, 2006; Round 1 – 4:41.

- Defeated Stephan Bonnar by unanimous decision at UFC 62 on August 26, 2006; Round 3 – 5:00.

- Lost to Tito Ortiz by split decision at UFC 59 on April 15, 2006; Round 3 – 5:00.

- Defeated Elvis Sinosic by technical knockout at UFC 55 on October 7, 2005; Round 1 – 3:30.

- Submitted Bill Mahood by rear naked choke at UFC 53 on June 4, 2005; Round 1 – 2:18.

- Defeated Stephan Bonnar by unanimous decision at The Ultimate Fighter 1 Finale on April 9, 2005; Round 3 – 5:00. He won The Ultimate Fighter: Light Heavyweight Tournament

- Defeated Edson Paredao by knockout at Heat FC 2: Evolution on December 18, 2003; Round 1 – 1:04

- Lost to Jeremy Horn by knockout at IFC: Global Domination on September 6, 2003; Round 2 – 3:40.

- Submitted Chael Sonnen by triangle choke at IFC: Global Domination on September 6, 2003; Round 1 – 2:25.

- Submitted Ebenezer Fontes Braga by rear naked choke at Heat FC 1: Genesis on July 31, 2003; Round 1.

- Submitted Steve Sayegh by strikes at KOTC 20: Crossroads on December 15, 2002; Round 1 – 1:45.

- Defeated Travis Fulton by technical knockout at CC 1: Halloween Heat on October 26, 2002; Round 1 – 5:00.

- Defeated Jeff Monson by unanimous decision at WEFC 1: Bring It On on June 29, 2002; Round 4 – 4:00.

- Submitted Kent Hensley by triangle choke at Battle at the Brewery on April 12, 2002; Round 1 – 2:26.

- Defeated Jason Braswell by split decision at RSF 7: Animal Instinct on January 26, 2002; Round 3 – 4:00.

- Submitted Wiehan Lesh by rear naked choke at Pride and Honor on November 24, 2001; Round 1.

- Lost to Dan Severn by unanimous decision at RST 5: New Blood Conflict on October 27, 2001; Round 3 – 4:00.

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