Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar
Encyclopedia
Forrest Griffin
vs. Stephan Bonnar
is a duo of fights starting in the finals of The Ultimate Fighter 1
contest which received national acclaim, and was highly regarded among fans as one of the most exciting and memorable fights in the history of not only the UFC
, but MMA
in general. The bout was voted fight of the year by a poll of over 19,000 readers of the website MMAWeekly.com, and was recognized as the 2005 Shoot Match of the Year by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. The fight was credited by Dana White as the "most important fight in UFC history". The fight was also voted the greatest fight in UFC history in 2009.
show featured sixteen mixed martial artists divided into two weight classes: middleweight
and light heavyweight
. Coaches Randy Couture
and Chuck Liddell
were selected to mentor the contestants. The contestants were distributed evenly between two teams, and a series of exhibition matches were held until only two fighters from each weight class remained. The finalists appeared on national television in the show finale and competed for a contract with the UFC.
Forrest Griffin, coached by Chuck Liddell, and Stephan Bonnar, coached by Randy Couture, met in the light heavyweight final.
Both fighters defeated two opponents to make it to the final. On episode seven, Stephan Bonnar defeated Bobby Southworth from Team Liddell in a split decision. On episode nine, Forrest Griffin defeated his first opponent, Alex Schoenauer, by TKO. In the semi-finals, the contestants fought the remaining teammate in their respective weight class to determine the finalists. Forrest Griffin defeated Sam Hoger by TKO; Stephan Bonnar defeated teammate Mike Swick
by triangle choke
/ armbar submission.
in Las Vegas, Nevada
on April 9, 2005 and was broadcast nationally on Spike TV
. It was refereed by Herb Dean
and was slated for three 5-minute rounds, the standard UFC format for non-title
fights.
Neither fighter offered to "touch gloves" (a gesture of sportsmanship) as the fight began. Both fighters exchanged punches and the occasional low kick, with Griffin gaining a slight advantage (according to color commentator Joe Rogan
). The first round ended with no clear winner. Rogan called the first round the "Hagler-Hearns" of mixed martial arts history (alluding to a famous boxing bout between Marvin Hagler
and Thomas Hearns
, known as The War
).
Early in the second round, a jab
by Bonnar created a cut on Griffin's nose, prompting the referee to stop the fight so a doctor could check the cut and clear Griffin to continue. He was cleared, and the fight continued as Bonnar controlled Griffin with a Muay Thai clinch
and delivered several knees to Griffin's face. The round ended with Griffin failing a takedown
attempt, and Bonnar defending Griffin's offensive Thai clinch.
In the third and final round, Griffin started with low kicks and punches; Bonnar attempted to counterattack from a distance. Griffin delivered several knees from the Thai clinch. Mid-round, Bonnar landed several short punches while infighting
. However, Bonnar counterattacked only when opportunities were present. The round ended with Griffin holding Bonnar in a Thai clinch and attacking with knees, followed by a short exchange of punches.
All three judges scored the fight 29-28 in favor of the winner, Forrest Griffin, but because of Stephan Bonnar's outstanding performance, Dana White
also granted Stephan a UFC contract.
The UFC awarded Griffin a contract, as well as a Scion
car, a dirt bike, and an Audemars Piguet watch.
also awarded Stephan Bonnar a contract due to his performance in the ring. In the months following the fight, Griffin and Bonnar would often be mentioned alongside one another. At the finale of TUF 2, for example, Dana White said of the Welterweight finals, "...in my opinion, ladies and gentlemen, that was Stephan Bonnar and Forrest Griffin, only on the ground."
Spike TV
hosted a segment on their website entitled "He Said / He Said," featuring both Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar. The two fighters voiced their opinions and analysis of the The Ultimate Fighter 2 on an episode-by-episode basis. The feature continued for the next two seasons. Following UFC 62, the "He Said / He Said" feature has not aired.
on August 26, 2006. The referee for the bout was Steve Mazzagatti.
In the first round, Griffin used his jab to keep Bonnar at a distance; Bonnar waited for counterpunching opportunities, opting at one point to attempt a spinning back kick. Eddie Bravo
, the unofficial, commentator table judge, scored the first round in favor of Forrest Griffin. In the second round, Bonnar engaged more frequently in striking exchanges with Griffin. Bravo scored the round for Griffin. In the third round, Bonnar began landing more strikes but Griffin finished the round by landing right hands.
All three ringside judges scored the match 30-27 for Forrest Griffin.
, a type of anabolic steroid
. The commission issued a 9-month suspension on Bonnar's fighter's license and fined him $5,000. Spike TV released Bonnar from his duties as a broadcaster on SpikeTV.com; the popular "He Said / He Said" segment disappeared from the website. UFC President Dana White voiced his support of the commission's investigation while remaining empathetic to Bonnar's cause.
Forrest Griffin
Forrest Griffin is an American mixed martial artist. He is currently signed to the Ultimate Fighting Championship where he is a former UFC light heavyweight champion....
vs. Stephan Bonnar
Stephan Bonnar
Stephan Patrick Bonnar is an American mixed martial artist who currently competes for the Ultimate Fighting Championship...
is a duo of fights starting in the finals of The Ultimate Fighter 1
The Ultimate Fighter 1
The debut season of The Ultimate Fighter premiered on January 17, 2005. Sixteen mixed martial arts fighters were invited to participate in the show where they would reside together and train in two separate teams...
contest which received national acclaim, and was highly regarded among fans as one of the most exciting and memorable fights in the history of not only the UFC
Ultimate Fighting Championship
The Ultimate Fighting Championship is the largest mixed martial arts promotion company in the world that hosts most of the top-ranked fighters in the sport...
, but MMA
Mixed martial arts
Mixed Martial Arts is a full contact combat sport that allows the use of both striking and grappling techniques, both standing and on the ground, including boxing, wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, muay Thai, kickboxing, karate, judo and other styles. The roots of modern mixed martial arts can be...
in general. The bout was voted fight of the year by a poll of over 19,000 readers of the website MMAWeekly.com, and was recognized as the 2005 Shoot Match of the Year by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. The fight was credited by Dana White as the "most important fight in UFC history". The fight was also voted the greatest fight in UFC history in 2009.
Background
The first season of The Ultimate Fighter reality televisionReality television
Reality television is a genre of television programming that presents purportedly unscripted dramatic or humorous situations, documents actual events, and usually features ordinary people instead of professional actors, sometimes in a contest or other situation where a prize is awarded...
show featured sixteen mixed martial artists divided into two weight classes: middleweight
Middleweight (MMA)
The middleweight division in mixed martial arts can refer to a number of different weight classes:*UFC's & Strikeforce's middleweight division, which groups competitors within 171 to 185 lb...
and light heavyweight
Light Heavyweight (MMA)
The light heavyweight division in mixed martial arts generally refers to competitors weighing between 186 and 205 lb . It sits between the lighter middleweight division, and the heavyweight division....
. Coaches Randy Couture
Randy Couture
Randy Duane Couture is a retired American mixed martial artist, Greco-Roman wrestler, actor, a three-time former heavyweight champion, two-time former light-heavyweight champion, former interim light heavyweight champion and UFC 13 tournament winner of the Ultimate Fighting Championship...
and Chuck Liddell
Chuck Liddell
Charles David "Chuck" Liddell is a retired American mixed martial artist and former Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight champion. Liddell has an extensive striking background in Kempo, Koei-Kan karate and kickboxing, as well as a grappling background in collegiate wrestling.As of his...
were selected to mentor the contestants. The contestants were distributed evenly between two teams, and a series of exhibition matches were held until only two fighters from each weight class remained. The finalists appeared on national television in the show finale and competed for a contract with the UFC.
Forrest Griffin, coached by Chuck Liddell, and Stephan Bonnar, coached by Randy Couture, met in the light heavyweight final.
Both fighters defeated two opponents to make it to the final. On episode seven, Stephan Bonnar defeated Bobby Southworth from Team Liddell in a split decision. On episode nine, Forrest Griffin defeated his first opponent, Alex Schoenauer, by TKO. In the semi-finals, the contestants fought the remaining teammate in their respective weight class to determine the finalists. Forrest Griffin defeated Sam Hoger by TKO; Stephan Bonnar defeated teammate Mike Swick
Mike Swick
Mike Swick is an American mixed martial artist currently competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship as a welterweight....
by triangle choke
Triangle choke
A triangle choke, or sankaku-jime in Judo, is a type of figure-four chokehold which strangles the opponent by encircling the opponent's neck and one arm with the legs in a configuration similar to the shape of a triangle...
/ armbar submission.
The Ultimate Fighter Finale
The finale was held at the Cox PavilionCox Pavilion
The Cox Pavilion is a , multi-purpose indoor arena on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, USA, campus, connected to the Thomas & Mack Center, which serves as the home court for UNLV Lady Rebels women's basketball and volleyball programs as well as the annual NBA Summer League.Cox Communications...
in Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and is also the county seat of Clark County, Nevada. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and fine dining. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous...
on April 9, 2005 and was broadcast nationally on Spike TV
Spike TV
Spike is an American cable television channel. It launched on March 7, 1983 as The Nashville Network , a joint venture of WSM, Inc...
. It was refereed by Herb Dean
Herb Dean
Herb Dean is an American mixed martial arts fighter and referee. Dean is one of the most seen and well respected referees in mixed martial arts with well over 3,500 professional matches worldwide...
and was slated for three 5-minute rounds, the standard UFC format for non-title
Championship
Championship is a term used in sport to refer to various forms of competition in which the aim is to decide which individual or team is the champion.- Title match system :...
fights.
Neither fighter offered to "touch gloves" (a gesture of sportsmanship) as the fight began. Both fighters exchanged punches and the occasional low kick, with Griffin gaining a slight advantage (according to color commentator Joe Rogan
Joe Rogan
Joseph James "Joe" Rogan is an American comedian, video blogger, actor, writer, podcaster, and martial artist. He is best known for his work on NewsRadio, his work as color commentator for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and his hosting work on Fear Factor.-Acting:In 1994, Rogan co-starred on...
). The first round ended with no clear winner. Rogan called the first round the "Hagler-Hearns" of mixed martial arts history (alluding to a famous boxing bout between Marvin Hagler
Marvin Hagler
Marvelous Marvin Hagler , is a former professional boxer who was undisputed world middleweight champion between 1980 and 1987. Hagler holds the distinction of having the highest KO% of all middleweight champions at 78%...
and Thomas Hearns
Thomas Hearns
Thomas "Hitman" Hearns is a retired American boxer. Nicknamed the "Motor City Cobra" and more famously "The Hitman", Hearns became the first boxer in history to win world titles in four divisions. He would also become the first fighter in history to win five world titles in five different divisions...
, known as The War
The War (boxing)
The War, also known as Marvin Hagler vs. Thomas Hearns or Hagler-Hearns, was a world middleweight championship boxing match between Undisputed Champion Marvin Hagler and challenger Thomas Hearns, who was himself the world's junior middleweight champion...
).
Early in the second round, a jab
Jab
A jab is a type of punch used in the martial arts.Several variations of the jab exist, but every jab shares these characteristics: while in a fighting stance, the lead fist is thrown straight ahead and the arm is fully extended...
by Bonnar created a cut on Griffin's nose, prompting the referee to stop the fight so a doctor could check the cut and clear Griffin to continue. He was cleared, and the fight continued as Bonnar controlled Griffin with a Muay Thai clinch
Collar tie
Collar tie is a grappling clinch hold that is used to control the opponent. It is performed from the front of the opponent by grabbing the opponent by the collar, behind the neck, or behind the trapezius muscle. A collar tie using one hand is called a single collar tie, and a collar tie with both...
and delivered several knees to Griffin's face. The round ended with Griffin failing a takedown
Takedown (grappling)
A takedown is a martial arts and combat sports term for a technique that involves off-balancing an opponent and bringing him or her to the ground, typically with the combatant performing the takedown landing on top. The process of quickly advancing on an opponent and attempting a takedown is known...
attempt, and Bonnar defending Griffin's offensive Thai clinch.
In the third and final round, Griffin started with low kicks and punches; Bonnar attempted to counterattack from a distance. Griffin delivered several knees from the Thai clinch. Mid-round, Bonnar landed several short punches while infighting
Infighting (martial arts)
Infighting is the name given to certain martial art techniques used while in close proximity to the opponent. The Chinese martial art of Wing Chun specializes in infighting....
. However, Bonnar counterattacked only when opportunities were present. The round ended with Griffin holding Bonnar in a Thai clinch and attacking with knees, followed by a short exchange of punches.
All three judges scored the fight 29-28 in favor of the winner, Forrest Griffin, but because of Stephan Bonnar's outstanding performance, Dana White
Dana White
Dana White is the current President of the Ultimate Fighting Championship , a mixed martial arts organization based in the United States.- Biography :...
also granted Stephan a UFC contract.
The UFC awarded Griffin a contract, as well as a Scion
Scion (car)
Scion is a brand of vehicles produced by Toyota Motor Corporation for the North American market. Founded in 2002, Scion's long-term goal is to appeal to Generation Y consumers. The first Scion models, the xA hatchback and xB wagon, went on sale in California in 2003, followed by a sports coupe, the...
car, a dirt bike, and an Audemars Piguet watch.
Aftermath
The UFCUltimate Fighting Championship
The Ultimate Fighting Championship is the largest mixed martial arts promotion company in the world that hosts most of the top-ranked fighters in the sport...
also awarded Stephan Bonnar a contract due to his performance in the ring. In the months following the fight, Griffin and Bonnar would often be mentioned alongside one another. At the finale of TUF 2, for example, Dana White said of the Welterweight finals, "...in my opinion, ladies and gentlemen, that was Stephan Bonnar and Forrest Griffin, only on the ground."
Spike TV
Spike TV
Spike is an American cable television channel. It launched on March 7, 1983 as The Nashville Network , a joint venture of WSM, Inc...
hosted a segment on their website entitled "He Said / He Said," featuring both Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar. The two fighters voiced their opinions and analysis of the The Ultimate Fighter 2 on an episode-by-episode basis. The feature continued for the next two seasons. Following UFC 62, the "He Said / He Said" feature has not aired.
UFC 62: The rematch
The rematch took place at UFC 62UFC 62
UFC 62: Liddell vs. Sobral was a mixed martial arts event held by the Ultimate Fighting Championship on August 26, 2006. The event took place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada and was broadcast live on pay-per-view in the United States and Canada.The main event was a Light...
on August 26, 2006. The referee for the bout was Steve Mazzagatti.
In the first round, Griffin used his jab to keep Bonnar at a distance; Bonnar waited for counterpunching opportunities, opting at one point to attempt a spinning back kick. Eddie Bravo
Eddie Bravo
Eddie Bravo is a Mexican-American practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu who holds a second degree black belt under Jean-Jacques Machado...
, the unofficial, commentator table judge, scored the first round in favor of Forrest Griffin. In the second round, Bonnar engaged more frequently in striking exchanges with Griffin. Bravo scored the round for Griffin. In the third round, Bonnar began landing more strikes but Griffin finished the round by landing right hands.
All three ringside judges scored the match 30-27 for Forrest Griffin.
Drug testing
After UFC 62, Bonnar tested positive for the banned substance BoldenoneBoldenone
Boldenone , also known under the trade names Equipoise, Ganabol, Equigan and Ultragan, is an anabolic steroid developed for veterinary use, mostly for treatment of horses...
, a type of anabolic steroid
Anabolic steroid
Anabolic steroids, technically known as anabolic-androgen steroids or colloquially simply as "steroids", are drugs that mimic the effects of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in the body. They increase protein synthesis within cells, which results in the buildup of cellular tissue ,...
. The commission issued a 9-month suspension on Bonnar's fighter's license and fined him $5,000. Spike TV released Bonnar from his duties as a broadcaster on SpikeTV.com; the popular "He Said / He Said" segment disappeared from the website. UFC President Dana White voiced his support of the commission's investigation while remaining empathetic to Bonnar's cause.