| Forrest Griffin | |
|---|---|
 Griffin in 2010 | |
| Born | (1979-07-01)July 1, 1979 (age 46) Columbus, Ohio, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) |
| Weight | 205 lb (93 kg; 14 st 9 lb) |
| Division |
|
| Reach | 77 in (196 cm) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Fighting out of | Las Vegas,Nevada, United States |
| Team | Throwdown Training Center Xtreme Couture |
| Rank | Black belt inBrazilian Jiu-JitsuunderRobert Drysdale[1] |
| Years active | 2001–2012 |
| Mixed martial arts record | |
| Total | 26 |
| Wins | 19 |
| By knockout | 4 |
| By submission | 6 |
| By decision | 9 |
| Losses | 7 |
| By knockout | 5 |
| By decision | 2 |
| Other information | |
| University | University of Georgia |
| Mixed martial arts record fromSherdog | |
Forrest Griffin (born July 1, 1979) is an American retiredmixed martial artist. He is a formerUFC Light Heavyweight Champion and was inducted into theUFC Hall of Fame in 2013. He is now the Vice President of Athlete Development at theUFC Performance Institute. A former Georgia police officer, Griffin first rose to prominence after winning the first season ofThe Ultimate Fighter. In the tournament finals, hedefeatedStephan Bonnar, which is widely credited as sparking the success of theUFC.
Griffin, who is ofIrish descent, graduated fromEvans High School inEvans, Georgia, a suburb ofAugusta, where he playedfootball. He then attended theUniversity of Georgia, graduating with aBachelor of Arts inpolitical science.[2] Thereafter, Griffin served as alaw enforcement officer for theRichmond CountySheriff's Office inAugusta, Georgia. He also served as apatrol officer with theUniversity of Georgia police.[3]
He trained at The HardCore Gym (now SBG Athens) inAthens[4] for seven years under Adam andRory Singer.[5] He later left law enforcement to pursue a career in professionalmixed martial arts.[6] Griffin is also an MMA instructor at Throwdown Training Center andRobert DrysdaleBrazilian jiu-jitsu inLas Vegas, Nevada.[citation needed]
BeforeThe Ultimate Fighter, he fought the likes ofJeff Monson,Jeremy Horn,Chael Sonnen and earlyUFC veteranDan Severn in his first pro fight. Forrest Griffin is also known for a fight with Edson Paradeo, in which Edson broke Griffin's left arm with what appeared to be a badly blockedroundhouse kick aimed at the body. Forrest continued on to win the fight byknockout. As a result of the badly blocked body kick, he has a huge permanent lump on his left forearm.[7]
Griffin first became well known by taking part in the first-season ofSpike TV'sThe Ultimate Fighter, a mixed martial artsreality show. At the time, he had given upmixed martial arts and taken a job with theAugusta/Richmond County Sheriff's Department inGeorgia, but he was persuaded byDana White to take part in the show.
On the show, he reached the finals where he defeatedStephan Bonnar by unanimous decision. The fight was credited by Dana White as the "most important fight in UFC history"[8] and the fight that brought the UFC into the mainstream. For winning the competition he was given a six-figure professional contract to fight with the UFC.[5][9]The Stephan Bonnar fight was declared the #1 UFC fight of all time in the UFC Ultimate 100 Greatest Fights program.[10]
On April 15, 2006, Griffin fought formerlight heavyweight championTito Ortiz atUFC 59, in which he lost a controversial split decision. This fight earned him his firstFight of the Night award.[11]
AtUFC 62, Griffin then foughtStephan Bonnar in a rematch from their earlier fight.[12] Griffin won by unanimous decision, sweeping all three rounds.[13]
Griffin was defeated byUltimate Fighter 2 semifinalistKeith Jardine atUFC 66 byTKO at 4:41 of the first round. After the fight, Griffin sat in his corner crying. Moments later, he walked away fromJoe Rogan's attempt to interview him, saying "I don't ev...Keith came in and he did exactly what I wanted to do and he knocked me the fuck out. Let's go home."[14]
Griffin was scheduled to fight atUFC 70 againstLyoto Machida on April 21, 2007, but he was unable to fight due to astaph infection.[15]
On June 16, 2007, Griffin defeated Hector Ramirez atUFC 72 inBelfast, Northern Ireland via unanimous decision with all three judges scoring the fight 30–27 to Griffin. During the fight, Forrest was able to land 38leg kicks breaking the UFC record for most leg kicks landed in three five-minute rounds.[16] This record has since been broken byAmir Sadollah, who landed 46 againstPeter Sobotta atUFC 122.[17]
AtUFC 76, Griffin fought againstPRIDE Middleweight Grand Prix ChampionMaurício Rua.[18] At the time, Shogun was ranked the number one light heavyweight fighter in the world by several MMA publications. Griffin won byrear naked choke at 4:45 of round three. Griffin required surgery after the fight due to a shoulder injury that was sustained before the bout. Griffin's shoulder has been a recurring problem since.[19] This fight earned him a $40,000Submission of the Night award.[20]
OnThe Ultimate Fighter 6 finale, Dana White announced that Griffin was not only the number one contender for the Light Heavyweight title, but also one of the coaches forThe Ultimate Fighter 7 and would fight the other coach at the end of the series.[21] The other coach,Quinton "Rampage" Jackson was announced by Dana White on December 9 at Spike TV's Video Game Awards show.
On June 20, 2008, Griffin co-hosted the25 Tuffest Moments in The Ultimate Fighter withStephan Bonnar andDana White.[22]
On July 5, 2008 atUFC 86, Griffin fought theUFC Light Heavyweight Champion,Quinton "Rampage" Jackson. Viewed as a heavy underdog by many going into the fight,[23] Griffin faced Jackson in a hard-fought battle that earned him a $60,000Fight of the Night award.[24][25] Griffin won a unanimous decision victory and became the new undisputed UFC Light Heavyweight Champion.
Griffin appeared to be in trouble in the first round after being dropped by an uppercut, but he rallied in the second round and landed a damaging leg kick early that severely wobbled Jackson. Griffin followed up with ground strikes and cemented his control, preventing Jackson from mounting any significant offense for the entire round. After three more back and forth rounds, Griffin would go on to win the fight by unanimous decision to capture the light heavyweight title.[26]
The decision was described as controversial by some commentators.[27][28][29] After the fight, Jackson's trainerJuanito Ibarra, unhappy with the judges scoring, expressed plans to protest the unanimous decision with the Nevada State Athletic Commission but never filed as it would not have changed the decision.[30]
Griffin's documented pay for the fight was $210,000. $100,000 to fight, win bonus of $150,000 and $60,000 for the Fight of the Night award.[31]
Griffin's first title defense came atUFC 92: The Ultimate 2008, against undefeated challengerRashad Evans.[32] After Griffin controlled most of the first two rounds with effective striking, Evans caught one of Griffin's kicks and took him down, defeating Griffin by TKO in the third round with ground and pound from inside the champion's guard.[33] The loss was Griffin's third loss since entering the UFC. During the fight Griffin broke his hand,[34] sidelining him for several months. This fight earned him another $60,000Fight of the Night award.[35]
After recovery, Griffin signed on to fight pound-for-pound stalwartAnderson Silva atUFC 101.[36] Griffin was slated to take on BrazilianAnderson Silva, but on April 28, 2009, UFC PresidentDana White confirmed that he would instead accommodate Anderson's return to the light heavyweight division following his middleweight title defense againstThales Leites atUFC 97. During the bout, Griffin was knocked down three times in the first round by Silva. Before the third knockdown, Griffin charged Silva with a flurry of punches, all of which were avoided by sways from Silva, who then countered with a compact right hand whilst retreating, knocking Griffin out.
After the fight, Griffin got up from the canvas, left the cage, and jogged out of the arena. It was initially suggested that Griffin was rushed to a hospital due to a dislocated jaw and trouble hearing in one ear.[37] However, it turned out there was no injury to Griffin's jaw.[38][39][40][41][42]Both fighters were awarded $60,000 asFight of the Night bonuses and Silva received an additional $60,000 in bonus money for Knockout of the Night.[43]
WhenMark Coleman got injured and had to drop out of his matchup against Tito Ortiz, Griffin accepted a rematch against Ortiz at UFC 106.[44] Griffin also wore white and black fight shorts instead of his trademark tan shorts for the fight. Griffin went on to win the gory battle by split decision, showing superior striking skills and a stronger ground game than in their previous fight. After the fight Griffin said, "Tito was a great fight for me to come back, we'll have to do a third that's 1–1 man." With a split decision in both of their fights, Griffin seemed more than willing to get a rubber match put together with Ortiz to settle the score once and for all. "You could tell he was a guy getting ready for Mark Coleman, no offense, and he's a guy coming off back surgery. We'll do it again, I won't break my foot, he'll be in better shape," commented Griffin.[45]
Griffin was expected to faceAntônio Rogério Nogueira on May 29, 2010, atUFC 114, but Griffin pulled out of the fight due to a shoulder injury.[46] He was replaced byJason Brilz.[47]
Griffin faced formerUFC Middleweight ChampionRich Franklin on February 5, 2011, at UFC 126.[48] Griffin controlled the majority of the fight: in the first round he took Franklin down and controlled him on the ground and in the second he used superior kicks and combinations to knock Franklin down. Griffin went on to win by unanimous decision.[49]
A rematch withMaurício Rua took place on August 27, 2011, atUFC 134.[50] Griffin lost the bout via KO (punches) in the first round and would be out up to 6 months with possible right-foot and jaw injuries.[51]Before the fight, Griffin was updated that his wife had gone into labor. Dana White also voiced his support for Griffin, stating that he was very proud of him regardless of the loss.[52]
Griffin facedTito Ortiz for a third time on July 7, 2012, atUFC 148. He won the fight via a 29–28 unanimous decision out-striking Ortiz 2:1 despite being knocked down by Ortiz as well as being taken down twice.[53] The fight also wonFight of the Night earning both Griffin and Ortiz a $75,000 fight bonus.[54]
This fight marked the third time in his career that he left the Octagon on unusual terms, simply walking out before the fight results were read. He later went back to the ring and gave Tito Ortiz an unexpected interview.[55]
Griffin was expected to fightChael Sonnen in a rematch on December 29, 2012, atUFC 155. Instead Sonnen was pulled out of the fight to coach TUF season 17.[56] Griffin was then expected to facePhil Davis at the event.[57] However, on December 5 it was announced that Forrest was forced out of the bout due to an MCL tear and ACL strain.[58]
Griffin hoped to return from injury by the end of 2013.[59]
On May 26, 2013, it was announced at the post-event news conference forUFC 160 that Griffin had retired from MMA fighting, citing chronic injuries as the reason for his decision.[60] After the announcement of Griffin's retirement,Dana White announced that Griffin andStephan Bonnar would be inducted into theUFC Hall of Fame on July 6.[61] Griffin has remained in the sport, and is currently working as the vice president of athlete development at the UFC Performance Institute.
Griffin and his longtime girlfriend Jaime Logiudice were married on September 18, 2009.[62] The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, in September 2011.[63] Forrest's wife was going into labor (nine days early) as he competed against Maurício "Shogun" Rua at UFC 134 on August 27, 2011.[64]
| 26 matches | 19 wins | 7 losses |
| By knockout | 4 | 5 |
| By submission | 6 | 0 |
| By decision | 9 | 2 |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win | 19–7 | Tito Ortiz | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 148 | July 7, 2012 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Fight of the Night. |
| Loss | 18–7 | Maurício Rua | KO (punches) | UFC 134 | August 27, 2011 | 1 | 1:53 | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | |
| Win | 18–6 | Rich Franklin | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 126 | February 5, 2011 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 17–6 | Tito Ortiz | Decision (split) | UFC 106 | November 21, 2009 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Loss | 16–6 | Anderson Silva | KO (punch) | UFC 101 | August 8, 2009 | 1 | 3:23 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States | Fight of the Night. Griffin tested positive forXanax.[74][75] |
| Loss | 16–5 | Rashad Evans | TKO (punches) | UFC 92 | December 27, 2008 | 3 | 2:46 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Lost theUFC Light Heavyweight Championship. Fight of the Night. |
| Win | 16–4 | Quinton Jackson | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 86 | July 5, 2008 | 5 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Won theUFC Light Heavyweight Championship. Fight of the Night. Fight of the Year (2008). |
| Win | 15–4 | Maurício Rua | Submission (rear-naked choke) | UFC 76 | September 22, 2007 | 3 | 4:45 | Anaheim, California, United States | Submission of the Night. Submission of the Year. |
| Win | 14–4 | Hector Ramirez | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 72 | June 16, 2007 | 3 | 5:00 | Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom | |
| Loss | 13–4 | Keith Jardine | TKO (punches) | UFC 66 | December 30, 2006 | 1 | 4:41 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 13–3 | Stephan Bonnar | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 62 | August 26, 2006 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Loss | 12–3 | Tito Ortiz | Decision (split) | UFC 59 | April 15, 2006 | 3 | 5:00 | Anaheim, California, United States | Fight of the Night. |
| Win | 12–2 | Elvis Sinosic | TKO (punches) | UFC 55 | October 7, 2005 | 1 | 3:22 | Uncasville, Connecticut, United States | |
| Win | 11–2 | Bill Mahood | Submission (rear-naked choke) | UFC 53 | June 4, 2005 | 1 | 2:18 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | |
| Win | 10–2 | Stephan Bonnar | Decision (unanimous) | The Ultimate Fighter 1 Finale | April 9, 2005 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | WonThe Ultimate Fighter 1: Light Heavyweight Tournament. Fight of the Year (2005). |
| Win | 9–2 | Edson Paredao | KO (punch) | Heat FC 2: Evolution | December 18, 2003 | 1 | 1:04 | Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil | Heavyweight bout. |
| Loss | 8–2 | Jeremy Horn | KO (head kick) | IFC: Global Domination | September 6, 2003 | 2 | 3:40 | Denver, Colorado, United States | |
| Win | 8–1 | Chael Sonnen | Submission (triangle choke) | IFC: Global Domination | September 6, 2003 | 1 | 2:25 | Denver, Colorado, United States | Light Heavyweight debut. |
| Win | 7–1 | Ebenezer Fontes Braga | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Heat FC 1: Genesis | July 31, 2003 | 1 | N/A | Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil | |
| Win | 6–1 | Steve Sayegh | TKO (submission to punches) | KOTC 20: Crossroads | December 15, 2002 | 1 | 1:45 | Bernalillo, New Mexico, United States | |
| Win | 5–1 | Travis Fulton | TKO (doctor stoppage) | CC 1: Halloween Heat, ISCF Sanctioned | October 26, 2002 | 1 | 5:00 | Atlanta, Georgia, United States | |
| Win | 4–1 | Jeff Monson | Decision (unanimous) | WEFC 1: Bring It On, ISCF Sanctioned | June 29, 2002 | 4 | 4:00 | Marietta, Georgia, United States | |
| Win | 3–1 | Kent Hensley | Submission (triangle choke) | Battle at the Brewery, ISCF Sanctioned | April 12, 2002 | 1 | 2:26 | Atlanta, Georgia United States | |
| Win | 2–1 | Jason Braswell | Decision (split) | RSF 7: Animal Instinct | January 26, 2002 | 3 | 4:00 | Lakeland, Florida, United States | |
| Win | 1–1 | Wiehan Lesh | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Pride and Honor | November 24, 2001 | 1 | N/A | South Africa | |
| Loss | 0–1 | Dan Severn | Decision (unanimous) | RSF 5: New Blood Conflict, ISCF Sanctioned | October 27, 2001 | 3 | 4:00 | Augusta, Georgia, United States | For the RSF Heavyweight Championship. |
| Exhibition record breakdown | ||
| 2 matches | 2 wins | 0 losses |
| By knockout | 1 | 0 |
| By submission | 1 | 0 |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win | 2–0 | Sam Hoger | TKO (strikes) | The Ultimate Fighter 1 | April 4, 2005 (airdate) | 2 | 1:05 | Las Vegas, Nevada | The Ultimate Fighter 1 Semi-final round. |
| Win | 1–0 | Alex Schoenauer | Submission (strikes) | March 14, 2005 (airdate) | 1 | 1:20 | The Ultimate Fighter 1 Quarterfinal round. |
| No. | Event | Fight | Venue | City | PPV Buys |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | UFC 86 | Jackson vs. Griffin | Mandalay Bay Events Center | Las Vegas, Nevada | 540,000[76] |
| 2. | UFC 92 | The Ultimate 2008 | MGM Grand Garden Arena | Las Vegas, Nevada | 1,050,000[77] |
| 3. | UFC 106 | Ortiz vs. Griffin 2 | Mandalay Bay Events Center | Las Vegas, Nevada | 375,000[78] |
Griffin is the author of two books, 2009'sGot Fight?: 50 Zen Principles of Hand-to-Face Combat and 2010'sBe Ready When The Shit Goes Down: A Survival Guide to the Apocalypse, which both received positive reviews.[citation needed]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell | Better Cop | |
| 2010 | 13 | Joey Blarro | |
| 2010 | Unrivaled | Landon 'The Brither' Popoff | |
| 2010 | Locked Down | Mule |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Law & Order: Special Victims Unit | Mike Kona | Episode: "Fight" |
| 2008 | The Ultimate Fighter | Host | |
| 2012 | The Roots of Fight | 2 episodes | |
| 2021 | Hell's Kitchen | Himself | Episode: "Young Guns: If You Can't Stand the Heat..." |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | UFC 2009 Undisputed | Himself | Cover athlete |
| 2010 | UFC Undisputed 2010 | Himself | |
| 2012 | UFC Undisputed 3 | Himself | |
| 2014 | EA Sports UFC | Himself | |
| 2016 | EA Sports UFC 2 | Himself | |
| 2018 | EA Sports UFC 3 | Himself | |
| 2020 | EA Sports UFC 4 | Himself | |
| 2023 | EA Sports UFC 5 | Himself |
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
| Awards and achievements | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | 8thUFCLight Heavyweight Champion July 5, 2008 – December 27, 2008 | Succeeded by |
| Pioneer Wing | |
|---|---|
| Modern-Era Wing | |
| Contributors | |
| Fights | |
| Community Award | |
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| People | |
