...OH, ONE MORE THING - PLEASE BOOKMARK US & VISIT DAILY!
By: Tony Becerra, MMATorch Contributor
Last Saturday night, The Ultimate Fighter I alum and former Light Heavyweight Champion Forrest Griffin retired from the active competition in the UFC. His contributions to the sport go beyond the cage, with Dana White commenting on Griffin's charity saying, "that's who Forrest Griffin is." He was referring to Griffin's work at Foursquare, a Las Vegas Charity where Forrest would donate his time and money helping cook food and pack lunches for those in need.
Forrest compiled a mixed martial arts record of 19 wins and 7 losses and on his long road to Light Heavyweight supremacy, the former Georgia police officer turned ultimate fighter had his fair share of memorable moments that helped cement his legacy in the UFC. What follows are five of the future Hall of Famer's most memorable fights in the UFC.
UFC 126 vs. Rich Franklin - 2/5/11 - (win via decision)
In a fight that paired two former champions, Forrest used effective striking and leg kicks to control the fight, dropping Franklin and controlling him on the ground in route to a unanimous decision win.
UFC 59 vs. Tito Ortiz - 4/15/06 - (loss via decision)
In what was deemed Forrest's biggest test to date, this was the fight that showed his heart and determination. Although losing via controversial split decision, Forrest was able to win many fans in Ortiz's backyard as this was to be only the beginning of a trilogy between the two men.
UFC 76 vs. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua - 9/22/07 - (win via rear-naked choke rd. 3)
Forrest Griffin was the sacrificial lamb that was served on a silver platter for the then #1 ranked light heavyweight in the world, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua. Rua was supposed to easily defeat Griffin on his way to a title shot and rematch against then champ Quinton "Rampage" Jackson; however, Forrest had other plans. Utilizing an effective game plan, Forrest was able to do what only two men have ever done to date, submit Shogun.
UFC 86 vs. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson - 7/5/08 - (win via decision)
Coming off of his impressive performance over Rua, Forrest was granted a title shot against a Jackson who had just come off his first successful title defense over Dan Henderson. Viewed as a heavy underdog, Forrest had his work cut out for him as an early uppercut dropped him in the first round. Forrest came back and, using effective leg kicks - which visibly hurt Jackson and neutralized his striking power - Forrest won a unanimous decision and was crowned undisputed UFC Light Heavyweight Champion.
The Ultimate Fighter I Finale vs. Stephan Bonnar - 4/9/05 - (win via decision)
Forrest's fight against Stephan Bonnar on the Ultimate Fighter I Finale will forever be known as the fight that helped launch the UFC into the mainstream market. A fight that he will forever be revered for, Forest's athleticism and skill was enough to take the decision victory, winning the six figure contract and beginning his illustrious career in UFC. This July he will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame alongside Stephan Bonnar in what is sure to be a memorable weekend.
(Attention MMATorch app users: Make sure to upgrade to the latest edition of the MMATorch app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device!)
Jamie Penick, editor-in-chief
(mmatorcheditor@gmail.com)
STAFF COLUMNISTS: Shawn Ennis - Jason Amadi
Frank Hyden - Rich Hansen
Chris Park - Matt Pelkey
Interested in joining MMATorch's writing team? Send idea for a theme to your column (for Specialist section) or area of interest (i.e. TV Reporter) along with a sample of writing to mmatorch@gmail.com.
