American · Augusta, Georgia, USA · Born 1 July 1979American UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and winner of the inaugural Ultimate Fighter reality show, whose 2005 fight with Stephan Bonnar is widely credited with popularizing MMA in America.
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.
Winning the inaugural Ultimate Fighter and a fight with Stephan Bonnar credited with popularizing MMA in America
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
American Athletes