Forrest Griffin

Griffin, who is of Irish descent, graduated from Evans High School in Evans, Georgia, a suburb of Augusta where he played football. He then graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Georgia.[http://www.fight3r.com/topics/Forrest%20Griffin Forrest Griffin News, Photos and Videos | FIGHT3R.com] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080720222803/http://www.fight3r.com/topics/Forrest%20Griffin |date=July 20, 2008 }} Thereafter, Griffin served as a law enforcement officer for the Richmond County Sheriff's Office in Augusta, Georgia. He also served as a patrol officer with the University of Georgia police.{{cite web |url=http://www.ultimate-fighter.ca/blog/2007/forrest-griffin-interview-exclusive-to-ultimate-fighter-discussion/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=September 5, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081030073050/http://www.ultimate-fighter.ca/blog/2007/forrest-griffin-interview-exclusive-to-ultimate-fighter-discussion/ |archive-date=October 30, 2008 }}

He trained at The HardCore Gym (now SBG Athens) in Athens{{cite web |url=http://www.forrestgriffin.net/news/news_8.html |title=Forrest Griffin - the Ultimate Fighter |access-date=September 5, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080708194914/http://www.forrestgriffin.net/news/news_8.html |archive-date=July 8, 2008 }} for seven years under Adam and Rory Singer.[http://www.forrestgriffin.net/bio.html Forrest Griffin - The Ultimate Fighter] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080730224437/http://www.forrestgriffin.net/bio.html |date=July 30, 2008 }} He later left law enforcement to pursue a career in professional mixed martial arts.[http://www.forrestgriffin.net/news/news_7.html Forrest Griffin - The Ultimate Fighter] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080708194906/http://www.forrestgriffin.net/news/news_7.html |date=July 8, 2008 }} Griffin is also an MMA instructor at Throwdown Training Center and Robert Drysdale Brazilian jiu-jitsu in Las Vegas, Nevada.{{cn|date=March 2023}}

Before The Ultimate Fighter, he fought the likes of Jeff Monson, Jeremy Horn, Chael Sonnen and early UFC veteran Dan 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 blocked roundhouse kick aimed at the body. Forrest continued on to win the fight by knockout. As a result of the badly blocked body kick, he has a huge permanent lump on his left forearm.{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.net/forums/f7/forrest-griffin-arm-break-ko-435696/|title=Sherdog Mixed Martial Arts Forums|access-date=July 12, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405145048/http://www.sherdog.net/forums/f7/forrest-griffin-arm-break-ko-435696/|archive-date=April 5, 2012}}

Griffin first became well known by taking part in the first-season of Spike TV's The Ultimate Fighter, a mixed martial arts reality show. At the time, he had given up mixed martial arts and taken a job with the Augusta/Richmond County Sheriff's Department in Georgia, but he was persuaded by Dana White to take part in the show.

{{Main|Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar}}

On the show, he reached the finals where he defeated Stephan Bonnar by unanimous decision. The fight was credited by Dana White as the "most important fight in UFC history"{{Cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=dm-ufcmiddle112408&prov=yhoo&type=lgns|title=UFC's greatest hits: the middle years|author=Dave Meltzer|date=November 24, 2008 |publisher=Yahoo!}} 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.[http://www.forrestgriffin.net/news/news_3.html Forrest Griffin - The Ultimate Fighter] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080708195034/http://www.forrestgriffin.net/news/news_3.html |date=July 8, 2008 }}

The Stephan Bonnar fight was declared the #1 UFC fight of all time in the UFC Ultimate 100 Greatest Fights program.{{cite web |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2009/07/ufc-and-spike-tvs-ufc-ultimate-100-greatest-fights-series-averages-1-3-million-viewers |title="UFC Ultimate 100: Greatest Fights" averages 1.3 million viewers, Bonnar vs. Griffin No. 1 |date=July 14, 2009 |website=MMA Junkie |access-date=December 24, 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618235845/https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2009/07/ufc-and-spike-tvs-ufc-ultimate-100-greatest-fights-series-averages-1-3-million-viewers |archive-date=June 18, 2021}}

On April 15, 2006, Griffin fought former light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz at UFC 59, in which he lost a controversial split decision. This fight earned him his first Fight of the Night award.{{Cite web|url=https://clutchpoints.com/ufc/forrest-griffins-net-worth-in-2021|title=Forrest Griffin’s net worth in 2021|publisher=clutchpoints.com|author=JR Malabanan|date=2021-12-30|access-date=2025-03-16}}

At UFC 62, Griffin then fought Stephan Bonnar in a rematch from their earlier fight.{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/events/UFC-62-Liddell-vs-Sobral-4027|title=UFC 62 - Liddell vs. Sobral|work=Sherdog|access-date=July 12, 2015}} Griffin won by unanimous decision, sweeping all three rounds.{{cite web |url=http://martialarts.about.com/od/news/a/ufc62.htm |title=UFC 62 Results - Liddell Vs Sobral - Griffin Vs Bonnar |access-date=October 30, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206003537/http://martialarts.about.com/od/news/a/ufc62.htm |archive-date=December 6, 2008 }}

Griffin was defeated by Ultimate Fighter 2 semifinalist Keith Jardine at UFC 66 by TKO at 4:41 of the first round. After the fight, Griffin sat in his corner crying. Moments later, he walked away from Joe 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."{{cite web|url=http://www.themmaboards.com/showthread.php?t=2632|title=themmaboards.com|access-date=July 12, 2015}}

Griffin was scheduled to fight at UFC 70 against Lyoto Machida on April 21, 2007, but he was unable to fight due to a staph infection.{{Cite web| url=http://www.nokaut.com/?id=12&solo_news=719&lang=e&cur=eur| title=Arlovski vs. Werdum at UFC 70| last=Bolduc| first=Justin| date=February 23, 2007| publisher=nokaut.com| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070226063013/http://www.nokaut.com/?id=12&solo_news=719&lang=e&cur=eur| archive-date=February 26, 2007}}

On June 16, 2007, Griffin defeated Hector Ramirez at UFC 72 in Belfast, Northern Ireland via unanimous decision with all three judges scoring the fight 30–27 to Griffin. During the fight, Forrest was able to land 38 leg kicks breaking the UFC record for most leg kicks landed in three five-minute rounds.{{Cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-72-Victory-Live-Play-by-Play-7931|title=UFC 72 "Victory" Live Play-by-Play|publisher=Sherdog}} This record has since been broken by Amir Sadollah, who landed 46 against Peter Sobotta at UFC 122.{{cite web|url=http://blog.fightmetric.com/2010/11/congrats-amirmma-sadollah-breaks-record.html|title=Congrats @amirmma Sadollah Breaks Record For Most Leg Kicks In A UFC Fight|publisher=FightMetric.com|date=November 14, 2010}}

At UFC 76, Griffin fought against PRIDE Middleweight Grand Prix Champion Maurício Rua.{{Cite web|url=http://www.nokaut.com/?id=12&solo_news=949&lang=e&cur=eur|title=Shogun to Face Griffin, Not Machida|date=July 19, 2007|access-date=July 19, 2007|publisher=nokaut.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927222922/http://www.nokaut.com/?id=12&solo_news=949&lang=e&cur=eur|archive-date=September 27, 2007}} At the time, Shogun was ranked the number one light heavyweight fighter in the world by several MMA publications. Griffin won by rear 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.{{Cite web|url=http://ufcmania.com/2007/10/16/report-forrest-griffin-to-have-shoulder-surgery/|title=Forrest Griffin to have shoulder surgery|date=February 23, 2007|publisher=ufcmania.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071020041531/http://ufcmania.com/2007/10/16/report-forrest-griffin-to-have-shoulder-surgery/|archive-date=October 20, 2007}} This fight earned him a $40,000 Submission of the Night award.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2007/09/griffin-and-tavares-earn-40000-fight-of-the-night-ufc-76-bonuses|title=Griffin and Tavares Earn $40,000 "Fight of the Night" UFC 76 Bonuses|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Staff|date=2007-09-25|access-date=2025-03-16}}

On The 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 for The Ultimate Fighter 7 and would fight the other coach at the end of the series.{{Cite web|url=http://mmafrenzy.com/2007/12/09/one-coach-officially-announced-for-the-ultimate-fighter-7|title=One Coach Officially Announced for The Ultimate Fighter 7|publisher=MMAFrenzy}} 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 the 25 Tuffest Moments in The Ultimate Fighter with Stephan Bonnar and Dana White.{{cite web|url=http://forrestgriffin.proelite.com/|title=Welcome to ProElite.com|access-date=July 12, 2015}}

On July 5, 2008 at UFC 86, Griffin fought the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson. Viewed as a heavy underdog by many going into the fight,{{Cite web

|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles.asp?n_id=13545

|title=No Joke. Griffin on Serious Rampage for Jackson|date=July 4, 2008|access-date=July 4, 2008|publisher=sherdog.com}} Griffin faced Jackson in a hard-fought battle that earned him a $60,000 Fight of the Night award.{{Cite web |url=http://mmaweekly.com/ufc-86-review-main-event-wows-forrest-wins-2 |title=UFC 86 REVIEW: MAIN EVENT WOWS, FORREST WINS! |date=July 6, 2008 |access-date=July 6, 2008|publisher=MMAWeekly.com}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2008/07/06/griffinjackson-named-fight-of-the-night-at-ufc-86|title=Griffin-Jackson named Fight of the Night at UFC 86|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=MMA Fighting|date=2008-07-06|access-date=2025-03-16}} 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.{{Cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/ufc-86-jackson-vs-griffin-play-by-play-13559|title=UFC 86 'Jackson vs. Griffin' Play-by-Play|publisher=Sherdog}}

The decision was described as controversial by some commentators.{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=dm-ufcscoring070708&prov=yhoo&type=lgns|title=UFC 86 decision spotlights scoring system|work=Yahoo Sports|date=July 7, 2008 |access-date=July 12, 2015}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/griffin-snatches-ufc-title-with-controversial-win-13564|title=Griffin Snatches UFC Title with Controversial Win|author=Mike Sloan|publisher=Sherdog}}{{cite web|url=http://mmaweekly.com/ufc-86-review-main-event-wows-forrest-wins-2.|title=UFC 86 Review: Main Event Wows, Forrest Wins! |work=MMA Weekly |date=July 6, 2008 |access-date=July 12, 2015}} After the fight, Jackson's trainer Juanito 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafrenzy.com/2008/07/11/juanito-ibarra-holding-off-on-protest|title=Juanito Ibarra Holding Off On Protest|publisher=MMAFrenzy.com}}

Griffin's documented pay for the fight was $310,000. $100,000 to fight, win bonus of $150,000 and $60,000 for the Fight of the Night award.{{Cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/4741/griffin-jackson-guillard-and-miller-earn-60k-ufc-86-bonuses.mma|title=Griffin, Jackson, Guillard and Miller earn $60K UFC 86 bonuses|author=John Morgan|publisher=MMAjunkie|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080818230359/http://mmajunkie.com/news/4741/griffin-jackson-guillard-and-miller-earn-60k-ufc-86-bonuses.mma|archive-date=August 18, 2008}}

Griffin's first title defense came at UFC 92: The Ultimate 2008, against undefeated challenger Rashad Evans.{{Cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/evans-mir-crowned-rampage-gets-revenge-15607|title=Evans, Mir Crowned; Rampage Gets Revenge|author=Joe Hall|publisher=Sherdog}} 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.{{Cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/ufc-92-play-by-play-15600|title=UFC 92 Play-by-Play|publisher=Sherdog}} The loss was Griffin's third loss since entering the UFC. During the fight Griffin broke his hand,{{cite web |url= http://mmaweekly.com/forrest-griffin-suffers-broken-hand-in-loss |title=Forrest Griffin Suffers Broken Hand In Loss |date=December 28, 2008 |publisher=MMAWeekly.com |access-date=July 24, 2011}} sidelining him for several months. This fight earned him another $60,000 Fight of the Night award.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2008/12/28/evans-griffin-rampage-win-ufc-92-postfight-honors|title=Evans, Griffin, 'Rampage' win UFC 92 post-fight honors|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=MMA Fighting|date=2008-12-28|access-date=2025-03-16}}

After recovery, Griffin signed on to fight pound-for-pound stalwart Anderson Silva at UFC 101.{{Cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=ki-silvagriffin042909&prov=yhoo&type=lgns|title=UFC signs Silva-Griffin blockbuster|author=Kevin Iole|date=April 28, 2009 |publisher=Yahoo!}} Griffin was slated to take on Brazilian Anderson Silva, but on April 28, 2009, UFC President Dana White confirmed that he would instead accommodate Anderson's return to the light heavyweight division following his middleweight title defense against Thales Leites at UFC 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.{{Cite news| url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/boxingandmma/5998996/Forrest-Griffin-camp-reveal-dislocated-jaw-as-Anderson-Silva-contemplates-Lyoto-Machida.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090812031714/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/boxingandmma/5998996/Forrest-Griffin-camp-reveal-dislocated-jaw-as-Anderson-Silva-contemplates-Lyoto-Machida.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=August 12, 2009 | work=The Daily Telegraph | location=London | title=Forrest Griffin camp reveal dislocated jaw as Anderson Silva contemplates Lyoto Machida| first=Gareth A | last=Davies | date=August 9, 2009 | access-date=May 2, 2010}} However, it turned out there was no injury to Griffin's jaw.{{Cite news| url=http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/sport/garethadavies/100001149/ufc-101-forrest-not-injured-confirms-his-boxing-coach/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090812105656/http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/sport/garethadavies/100001149/ufc-101-forrest-not-injured-confirms-his-boxing-coach/ | url-status=dead | archive-date=August 12, 2009 | work=The Daily Telegraph|location=London|title=UFC 101: Forrest 'not injured' confirms his boxing coach|first=Gareth A|last=Davies|date=August 9, 2009| access-date=March 12, 2012}}{{Cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=ys-mmaweekly081009&prov=yhoo&type=lgns|title=Griffin uninjured, not dealing well with loss|date=August 10, 2009 |publisher=Yahoo!}}{{Cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/15802/handful-of-medical-suspensions-follow-ufc-101-tamdan-mccrory-needs-doctors-clearance.mma|last=Staff|title=Handful of medical suspensions follow UFC 101, Tamdan McCrory needs doctor's clearance|publisher=MMAjunkie.com|date=August 11, 2009|access-date=August 16, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090815205311/http://mmajunkie.com/news/15802/handful-of-medical-suspensions-follow-ufc-101-tamdan-mccrory-needs-doctors-clearance.mma|archive-date=August 15, 2009}}{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/ShowdownJoe/status/3211430858|title=ShowdownJoe's Tweet|date=August 9, 2009|access-date=March 12, 2012}}{{Cite web|url=http://news.lalate.com/2009/08/09/forrest-griffin-jaw-youtube/|title=Why did Forrest Griffin Run – No Broken Jaw!|date=August 9, 2009|access-date=March 12, 2012}}

Both fighters were awarded $60,000 as Fight of the Night bonuses and Silva received an additional $60,000 in bonus money for Knockout of the Night.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2009/08/penn-griffin-take-60k-while-silva-earns-120k-in-fight-night-bonuses-at-ufc-101|title=UFC 101 bonuses: B.J. Penn and Forrest Griffin take $60K, Anderson Silva earns $120K|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=John Morgan|date=2009-08-09|access-date=2025-03-16}}

When Mark Coleman got injured and had to drop out of his matchup against Tito Ortiz, Griffin accepted a rematch against Ortiz at UFC 106.{{Cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/ortiz-griffin-rematch-slated-for-ufc-106-20234|title=Ortiz-Griffin Rematch Slated for UFC 106|author=Brian Knapp|publisher=Sherdog}} 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.{{cite web |url= http://mmaweekly.com/griffin-settles-the-score-with-ortiz-2 |title=GRIFFIN SETTLES THE SCORE WITH ORTIZ |date=November 22, 2009 |publisher=MMAWeekly.com |access-date=July 24, 2011}}

Griffin was expected to face Antônio Rogério Nogueira on May 29, 2010, at UFC 114, but Griffin pulled out of the fight due to a shoulder injury.{{Cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=ys-mmaweek050410|title=Injury pulls Griffin off UFC 114|publisher=sports.yahoo.com|date=May 4, 2010}} He was replaced by Jason Brilz.{{cite news| url=https://www.usatoday.com/communities/mma/post/2010/05/evans-bisping-nogueira-win-at-decision-filled-ufc-114/1 | work=USA Today | title=Evans, Bisping, Nogueira win at decision-filled UFC 114 | date=May 30, 2010}}

Griffin faced former UFC Middleweight Champion Rich Franklin on February 5, 2011, at UFC 126.{{cite news| url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/10/05/rich-franklin-vs-forrest-griffin-fight-planned-for-feb-5-ufc-c/ | work=mmafighting.com | title=Rich Franklin vs. Forrest Griffin Fight Planned for Feb. 5 UFC Card | date=October 5, 2010}} 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.{{Cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/22382/ufc-126-medical-suspensions-griffin-and-ellenberger-facing-potential-long-layoffs.mma|title=UFC 126 medical suspensions: Griffin and Ellenberger facing potential long layoffs|publisher=MMAjunkie|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110210031102/http://mmajunkie.com/news/22382/ufc-126-medical-suspensions-griffin-and-ellenberger-facing-potential-long-layoffs.mma|archive-date=February 10, 2011}}

A rematch with Maurício Rua took place on August 27, 2011, at UFC 134.{{Cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2011/04/15/forrest-griffin-vs-mauricio-rua-rematch-to-take-place-at-ufc-ri/|title=Forrest Griffin vs. Mauricio Rua Rematch to Take Place at UFC Rio Event|publisher=MMAfighting|date=April 15, 2011}} 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.{{Cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/25026/ufc-134-medical-suspensions-griffin-nedkov-assuncao-and-loveland-out-up-to-six-months.mma|title=Forrest Griffin out 6 months possibly|publisher=mmajunkie|date=August 31, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003182911/http://mmajunkie.com/news/25026/ufc-134-medical-suspensions-griffin-nedkov-assuncao-and-loveland-out-up-to-six-months.mma|archive-date=October 3, 2011}}

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.{{cite web|url=http://mmaweekly.com/ufc-134-post-fight-forrest-griffin-makes-no-excuses-dana-white-calls-him-a-warrior|title=UFC 134 Post Fight: Forrest Griffin Makes No Excuses, Dana White Calls Him a Warrior|work=MMA Weekly|date=August 28, 2011 |access-date=July 12, 2015}}

Griffin faced Tito Ortiz for a third time on July 7, 2012, at UFC 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.{{cite web |url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2012/3/20/2886598/forrest-griffin-vs-tito-ortiz-3-ufc-148-july|title=Tito Ortiz Vs. Forrest Griffin III Set For July's UFC 148 |work=bloodyelbow.com |date=March 20, 2012}} The fight also won Fight of the Night earning both Griffin and Ortiz a $75,000 fight bonus.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmaweekly.com/news/ufc-148-fighter-bonuses-silva-griffin-and-ortiz-bank-75k|title=UFC 148 Fighter Bonuses: Silva, Griffin and Ortiz Bank $75K|publisher=mmaweekly.com|author=Jeff Cain|date=2012-07-08|access-date=2025-03-16}}

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.{{cite web |url=http://msn.foxsports.com/ufc/story/Forrest-Griffin-Tito-Ortiz-UFC-148-show-some-class-070712|title=TForrest takes Tito's moment of glory|work=foxsports.com |date=July 8, 2012}}

Griffin was expected to fight Chael Sonnen in a rematch on December 29, 2012, at UFC 155. Instead Sonnen was pulled out of the fight to coach TUF season 17.{{cite web |url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2012/8/14/3243665/chael-sonnen-to-meet-forrest-griffin-in-light-heavyweight-bout-in|title=Chael Sonnen to Meet Forrest Griffin in Light Heavyweight Bout on December 29|work=mmafighting.com.|last=Helwani |first=Areil |date=August 14, 2012}} Griffin was then expected to face Phil Davis at the event.{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Phil-Davis-Replaces-Chael-Sonnen-Meets-Forrest-Griffin-at-UFC-155-on-Dec-29-in-Las-Vegas-46641|title=Phil Davis Replaces Chael Sonnen, Meets Forrest Griffin at UFC 155 on Dec. 29 in Las Vegas|publisher=Sherdog.com|date=October 19, 2012|access-date=October 24, 2012|last=Whitman|first=Mike}} However, on December 5 it was announced that Forrest was forced out of the bout due to an MCL tear and ACL strain.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/forrest-griffin-out-of-ufc-155-with-knee-injury|title=Forrest Griffin Out of UFC 155 with Knee Injury|publisher=MMAWeekly.com|date=December 5, 2012}}

Griffin hoped to return from injury by the end of 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/03/ufcs-forrest-griffin-targets-late-2013-for-return|title=UFC's Forrest Griffin targets late 2013 for return|publisher=MMAjunkie.com|date=March 5, 2013}}

On May 26, 2013, it was announced at the post-event news conference for UFC 160 that Griffin had retired from MMA fighting, citing chronic injuries as the reason for his decision.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/05/tuf-winner-former-light-heavyweight-champ-forrest-griffin-retires-from-ufc|title='TUF' winner, former light heavyweight champ Forrest Griffin retires from UFC|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=May 26, 2013}} After the announcement of Griffin's retirement, Dana White announced that Griffin and Stephan Bonnar would be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame on July 6.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/forrest-griffin-and-stephan-bonnar-will-enter-ufc-hall-of-fame-together-in-july|title=Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar Will Enter UFC Hall of Fame Together in July |publisher=MMAWeekly.com|date=May 26, 2013}} 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.{{Cite web |url=http://www.fiveknuckles.com/mma-news/Forrest-Griffin-married-girlfriend-over-the-weekend.html |title=Forrest Griffin married girlfriend over the weekend |access-date=July 7, 2010 |publisher=FIVEKNUCKLES.com |date=September 23, 2009 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090926034436/http://www.fiveknuckles.com/mma-news/Forrest-Griffin-married-girlfriend-over-the-weekend.html |archive-date=September 26, 2009 }} The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, in September 2011.{{cite web |url=http://www.bsnonline.net/blog/forrest_griffin.html?entry=1663 |title=Forrest Griffin blog |access-date=August 25, 2011 |publisher=Bsnonline.net |date=May 31, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008211203/http://www.bsnonline.net/blog/forrest_griffin.html?entry=1663 |archive-date=October 8, 2011 |url-status=dead }} Forrest's wife was going into labor (nine days early) as he competed against Maurício "Shogun" Rua at UFC 134 on August 27, 2011.{{cite web |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/ufc/sport/story/108341.html |title=Griffin won't blame distractions for defeat |access-date=August 30, 2011 |publisher=ESPN.co.uk |date=August 29, 2011}}

• Ultimate Fighting Championship
• UFC Hall of Fame (Modern Wing, Class of 2013) and (Fight Wing, Class of 2013) vs. Stephan Bonnar at The Ultimate Fighter 1 Finale
• UFC Light Heavyweight Championship (One time)
• The Ultimate Fighter: Light Heavyweight Tournament Winner
• Fight of the Night (Five times) vs. Tito Ortiz 1 & 3, Quinton Jackson, Rashad Evans, and Anderson Silva
• Submission of the Night (One time) vs. Maurício Rua 1
• UFC Encyclopedia Awards
• Fight of the Night (Two times) {{small|vs. Stephan Bonnar 1 and Elvis Sinosic}}{{cite book |last= Gerbasi|first= Thomas|date= 2011-10-17|title= UFC Encyclopedia - The Definitive Guide to the Ultimate Fighting Championship|location= New York|publisher= DK|page= 212|isbn=978-0756683610}}{{cite book |last= Gerbasi|first= Thomas|date= 2011-10-17|title= UFC Encyclopedia - The Definitive Guide to the Ultimate Fighting Championship|location= New York|publisher= DK|page= 222|isbn=978-0756683610}}
• UFC.com Awards
• 2005: Fight of the Year vs. Stephan Bonnar 1{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/ten-best-2012-fights-year|title=TEN BEST - 2012 FIGHTS OF THE YEAR and previous years|date=January 7, 2013|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
• 2006: Ranked #5 Fight of the Year {{small|vs. Tito Ortiz 1}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=4144|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070108115733/http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=4144|url-status=dead|archive-date=2007-01-08|title=Ten Best – The Top UFC Fights of 2006|date=January 5, 2007|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
• 2007: Submission of the Year {{small|vs. Mauricio Rua 1}},{{cite web|url=

https://www.ufc.com/news/ten-best-2012-submissions-year|title=Ten Best - 2012 Submissions of the Year (and before)|date=January 4, 2013|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}} Ranked #2 Upset of the Year {{small|vs. Maurício Rua 1}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=9374|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080125205304/http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=9374|url-status=dead|archive-date=2008-01-25|title=Ten Best – The Biggest Upsets of 2007|date=December 30, 2007|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}} & Ranked #6 Fighter of the Year{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=9445|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080129053712/http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=9445|url-status=dead|archive-date=2008-01-29|title=Ten Best – The 2007 Fighters of The Year|date=January 3, 2008|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}

• 2008: Fight of the Year & Ranked #5 Upset of the Year {{small|vs. Quinton Jackson}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/highly-unofficial-2008-ufc-awards-upsets|title=The Highly Unofficial 2008 UFC Awards - The Upsets|author=Thomas Gerbasi|date=December 28, 2008|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
• Wrestling Observer Newsletter
• 2005 Fight of the Year vs. Stephan Bonnar 1 on April 9
• 2008 Fight of the Year vs. Quinton Jackson on July 5
• Fighting Spirit Magazine
• 2006 Fight of the Year vs. Tito Ortiz on April 15 {{cite web|url=http://ronin5.com/fighters/bio/Tito_Ortiz|title=Tito Ortiz Bio, Videos, Photos + Ronin5 MMA Clothing - MMA Shirts - Martial arts t-shirts|access-date=July 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307151425/http://ronin5.com/fighters/bio/Tito_Ortiz|archive-date=March 7, 2014|url-status=dead}}
• Triumph United
• 2007 Upset of the Year vs. Maurício Rua on September 22

{{MMArecordbox

| draws=

| nc=

| ko-wins= 4

| ko-losses= 5

| sub-wins= 6

| sub-losses=

| dec-wins= 9

| dec-losses= 2

| dq-wins=

| dq-losses=

| other-wins=

| other-losses=

}}

{{MMA record start}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 19–7

| Tito Ortiz

| Decision (unanimous)

| UFC 148

| {{dts|2012|July|7|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| {{small|Fight of the Night.}}

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 18–7

| Maurício Rua

| KO (punches)

| UFC 134

| {{dts|2011|August|27|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 1:53

| Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 18–6

| Rich Franklin

| Decision (unanimous)

| UFC 126

| {{dts|2011|February|5|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 17–6

| Tito Ortiz

| Decision (split)

| UFC 106

| {{dts|2009|November|21|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 16–6

| Anderson Silva

| KO (punch)

| UFC 101

| {{dts|2009|August|08|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 3:23

| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

| {{small|Fight of the Night. Griffin tested positive for Xanax.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/forrest-griffin-served-30-day-suspension-paid-fine-after-positive-drug-test-at-ufc-101|title=Forrest Griffin Served 30-Day Suspension, Paid Fine After Positive Drug Test at UFC 101|work=MMA Weekly|date=October 2, 2012 |access-date=July 12, 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2012/10/2/3443902/ufc-forrest-griffin-drug-test-failure-suspension|title=More details emerge on Forrest Griffin drug test failure and suspension|author=Nate Wilcox|work=Bloody Elbow|date=October 2, 2012 |access-date=July 12, 2015}}}}

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 16–5

| Rashad Evans

| TKO (punches)

| UFC 92

| {{dts|2008|December|27|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 2:46

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| {{small|Lost the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. Fight of the Night.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 16–4

| Quinton Jackson

| Decision (unanimous)

| UFC 86

| {{dts|2008|July|05|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 5

| align=center| 5:00

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| {{small|Won the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. Fight of the Night. Fight of the Year (2008).}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 15–4

| Maurício Rua

| Submission (rear-naked choke)

| UFC 76

| {{dts|2007|September|22|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 4:45

| Anaheim, California, United States

| {{small|Submission of the Night. Submission of the Year.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 14–4

| Hector Ramirez

| Decision (unanimous)

| UFC 72

| {{dts|2007|June|16|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

|

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 13–4

| Keith Jardine

| TKO (punches)

| UFC 66

| {{dts|2006|December|30|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 4:41

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 13–3

| Stephan Bonnar

| Decision (unanimous)

| UFC 62

| {{dts|2006|August|26|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 12–3

| Tito Ortiz

| Decision (split)

| UFC 59

| {{dts|2006|April|15|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Anaheim, California, United States

| {{small|Fight of the Night.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 12–2

| Elvis Sinosic

| TKO (punches)

| UFC 55

| {{dts|2005|October|07|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 3:22

| Uncasville, Connecticut, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 11–2

| Bill Mahood

| Submission (rear-naked choke)

| UFC 53

| {{dts|2005|June|04|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 2:18

| Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 10–2

| Stephan Bonnar

| Decision (unanimous)

| The Ultimate Fighter 1 Finale

| {{dts|2005|April|09|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| {{small|Won The Ultimate Fighter 1: Light Heavyweight Tournament. Fight of the Year (2005).}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 9–2

| Edson Paredao

| KO (punch)

| Heat FC 2: Evolution

| {{dts|2003|December|18|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 1:04

| Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

|{{small|Heavyweight bout.}}

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 8–2

| Jeremy Horn

| KO (head kick)

| IFC: Global Domination

| {{dts|2003|September|06|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 3:40

| Denver, Colorado, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 8–1

| Chael Sonnen

| Submission (triangle choke)

| IFC: Global Domination

| {{dts|2003|September|06|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 2:25

| Denver, Colorado, United States

|{{small|Light Heavyweight debut.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 7–1

| Ebenezer Fontes Braga

| Submission (rear-naked choke)

| Heat FC 1: Genesis

| {{dts|2003|July|31|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| N/A

| Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 6–1

| Steve Sayegh

| TKO (submission to punches)

| KOTC 20: Crossroads

| {{dts|2002|December|15|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 1:45

| Bernalillo, New Mexico, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 5–1

| Travis Fulton

| TKO (doctor stoppage)

| CC 1: Halloween Heat, ISCF Sanctioned

| {{dts|2002|October|26|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 5:00

| Atlanta, Georgia, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 4–1

| Jeff Monson

| Decision (unanimous)

| WEFC 1: Bring It On, ISCF Sanctioned

| {{dts|2002|June|29|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 4

| align=center| 4:00

| Marietta, Georgia, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 3–1

| Kent Hensley

| Submission (triangle choke)

| Battle at the Brewery, ISCF Sanctioned

| {{dts|2002|April|12|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 2:26

| Atlanta, Georgia United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 2–1

| Jason Braswell

| Decision (split)

| RSF 7: Animal Instinct

| {{dts|2002|January|26|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 4:00

| Lakeland, Florida, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 1–1

| Wiehan Lesh

| Submission (rear-naked choke)

| Pride and Honor

| {{dts|2001|November|24|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| N/A

| South Africa

|

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 0–1

| Dan Severn

| Decision (unanimous)

| RSF 5: New Blood Conflict, ISCF Sanctioned

| {{dts|2001|October|27|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 4:00

| Augusta, Georgia, United States

|{{small|For the RSF Heavyweight Championship.}}

{{end}}

{{MMA exhibition record box

| draws=

| nc=

| ko-wins= 1

| ko-losses=

| sub-wins= 1

| sub-losses=

| dec-wins=

| dec-losses=

| dq-wins=

| dq-losses=

| other-wins=

| other-losses=

}}

{{MMA record start}}

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|2–0

|Sam Hoger

|TKO (strikes)

|rowspan=2|The Ultimate Fighter 1

|April 4, 2005 (airdate)

|align=center|2

|align=center|1:05

|rowspan=2|Las Vegas, Nevada

|{{small|The Ultimate Fighter 1 Semi-final round.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|1–0

|Alex Schoenauer

|Submission (strikes)

|March 14, 2005 (airdate)

|align=center|1

|align=center|1:20

|{{small|The Ultimate Fighter 1 Quarterfinal round.}}

{{end}}

Griffin is the author of two books, 2009's Got Fight?: 50 Zen Principles of Hand-to-Face Combat and 2010's Be Ready When The Shit Goes Down: A Survival Guide to the Apocalypse, which both received positive reviews.{{cn|date=December 2022}}

• List of current UFC fighters

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{Commons category|Forrest Griffin}}

• {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080202171656/http://www.forrestgriffin.net/ |date=February 2, 2008 |title=Official website }}
• {{Sherdog}}
• {{IMDb name|1860010}}
• [https://www.ufc.com/athlete/forrest-griffin UFC Profile]
• {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218063121/http://www.themmadigest.com/forrest-griffins-new-book-be-ready-when-the-sht-goes-down-a-survival-guide-to-the-apocalypse/ |date=February 18, 2020 |title=Forrest Griffin’s new book: Be Ready When the Sh*t Goes Down: A Survival Guide to the Apocalypse }}

{{S-start}}

{{s-ach}}

{{S-bef|before=Quinton Jackson}}

{{S-ttl|title=8th UFC Light Heavyweight Champion|years=July 5, 2008 – December 27, 2008}}

{{S-aft|after=Rashad Evans}}

{{end}}

{{UFC Hall of Fame}}

{{UFC Light Heavyweight Championship}}

{{The Ultimate Fighter}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Griffin, Forrest}}

Category:The Ultimate Fighter winners

Category:1977 births

Category:American male mixed martial artists

Category:Light heavyweight mixed martial artists

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:Mixed martial artists from Ohio

Category:Mixed martial artists from Georgia (U.S. state)

Category:American practitioners of Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:People awarded a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:Living people

Category:Sportspeople from Augusta, Georgia

Category:Sportspeople from Columbus, Ohio

Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship champions

Category:University of Georgia alumni

Category:People from Evans, Georgia

Category:People from Columbia County, Georgia

Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters