Forrest Griffin
Forrest Griffin was the first-season winner of Spike TV’s The Ultimate Fighter, a reality show which showcases mixed martial arts (MMA). He defeated Stephan Bonnar in a popular final bout, winning by unanimous decision and landing him a professional contract to fight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (see Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar). Widely recognized as the comic relief of his profession, he quickly became an audience favorite. His MMA record is 12-3-0 as of April 15, 2006.
Griffin came from Athens, Georgia, where he was once a law enforcement officer. He retired from police service to pursue professional mixed martial arts.
On April 15, 2006, Forrest took on his toughest opponent yet when he fought former Light Heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz at UFC 59. Although mixed martial arts commentator Eddie Bravo scored the fight in favor of Griffin on the UFC unofficial score card, Forrest lost the fight in a split decision.
