American · Augusta, Georgia, USA · Born 1 July 1979Forrest Griffin's classic TUF 1 finale win over Stephan Bonnar is credited with saving the UFC, and he went on to win the Light Heavyweight title in 2008.
Born on 1 July 1979, Forrest Griffin won the inaugural season of The Ultimate Fighter reality show in 2005, defeating Stephan Bonnar in a fight so entertaining it is widely credited with a surge in mainstream popularity for the sport in the United States. Griffin became the first Ultimate Fighter contestant to win a UFC title, capturing the Light Heavyweight Championship with a unanimous decision over Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson at UFC 86 in 2008. His reign lasted five months before he was stopped by Rashad Evans at UFC 92. Griffin notably pulled off upset victories over former champions Tito Ortiz, Rich Franklin and a post-surgery Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua, memorably winning Rua's UFC debut fight despite being a significant underdog. His subsequent fight with middleweight champion Anderson Silva, who moved up in weight for the bout, ended in a first-round knockout loss. Griffin retired in 2013 following a final win over Tito Ortiz, and was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame that same year. He later became a UFC vice president of athlete development.
TUF 1 winner; former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion
How They Played
Gritty, high-volume striker known for durability and relentless pace
Lasting Impact
A foundational figure in bringing mainstream American attention to mixed martial arts
Career Honours
- UFC Light Heavyweight Champion 2008
- TUF 1 Winner
- UFC Hall of Fame 2013
American Athletes