Forrest Griffin

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1 Career
2 The Fight That Changed It All
3 Road To The Championship
4 Mixed martial arts record
5 Gallery
6 External links

Career

After winning six straight Amateur bouts Forrest Griffin (born July 1, 1979) made his Pro debut on October 27, 2001. Griffin lost a decision to long time veteran Dan Severn. After this initial loss Griffin went on to win his next eight fights, eventually losing to Jeremy Horn at IFC-Global Domination on September, 9, 2003, the same night he defeated Chael Sonnen with a Triangle Choke.

Forrest rebounded from that loss with a KO victory in his next outing. With a good record and a likable personality Forrest found his way on to The Ultimate Fighter season one. Selected for Team Liddell, Griffin showed his now-legendary work ethic and won fight after fight, securing a place in the season finale.

Perhaps ironically, Griffin now represents that season's opposing coach, Randy Couture's, Xtreme Couture team.

The Fight That Changed It All

On April, 19, 2005, Griffin stepped into the Octagon to face Team Couture's finalist, Stephan Bonnar. The battle between the two Light Heavyweight fighters is considered by many to be the best MMA fight of all-time. Whether or not that is the case, it certainly drew an unprecedented 1.9 rating, continuing to draw in more and more viewers with each passing round.

Griffin would emerge victorious after a three round slugfest. Most industry insiders consider this event to be the one that truly put MMA on the map and into the mainstream. Forrest Griffin was awarded a contract with the UFC, and dubbed "The Ultimate Fighter".

Road To The Championship

Griffin would go on to win two more fights in 2005, and has only lost twice since then. Forrest holds notable wins over Jeff Monson, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, and most importantly Quinton "Rampage" Jackson.

Returning in season seven, Forrest became the first winner of The Ultimate Fighter to return as a coach. The Opposing Coach was Quinton Jackson, the current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. On July,5, 2008 Jackson lost his title, via widely disputed - though unanimous - decision. Thereby earning Griffin the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship of the World. Forrest Griffin is the second winner of The Ultimate Fighter to win a UFC title with the first being Matt Serra.