It's been a great ride Forrest. Thanks for the memories.

In April 2005, Forrest Griffin won the inaugural season of The Ultimate Fighter on Spike TV with a unanimous decision win over Stephan Bonnar in what has become known as the most important fight in modern day mixed martial arts.

Griffin has (18-7) had a total of 14 fights inside the UFC Octagon, and has won nine. Even aside from the historical significance that will forever be linked to his name, he has had a very respectable career and even won the UFC light heavyweight title with a unanimous decision win over Quinton “Rampage” Jackson at UFC 86 in July 2008.

He was unable to successfully defend the title, but at least he made it to the top of the UFC mountain, which is the dream of every young fighter who straps on a pair of gloves, dons a cup and puts in a mouthguard.

UFC President Dana White has a reputation as the type of person to reward those that deserve it, and it is probably safe to assume Griffin has been rewarded immensely for what he has given to the UFC.

And it is probably one reason Griffin is so nonchalant and matter-of-fact when talking about his pro MMA career coming to an end. As a 32-year-old married father who has been fighting professionally now for over a decade, Griffin has indicated the end is near.

Speaking to Fox Sports Radio 920 AM in Las Vegas this past Sunday following UFC 140, Griffin was asked if it is difficult to get motivated for fights at this point in his career, especially now that he is a father.

“I don’t know yet, I don’t think so,” Griffin said. “If anything for me now I’m realizing I don’t have much left. This is the end of the road for me. I want a couple more you know fight fights, like good ones, you know. That’s all I really want. … Fights where I don’t get knocked out in the first round. Fights where like I get hurt, bleed a little, but I kind of like rally, you know, something of that nature.”

Another person who is nearing the end of his career is Tito Ortiz, who lost via first round TKO to Antonio Rogerio Nogueira this past weekend. Ortiz has one fight left on his contract and has made it known he would like his last fight to be against Griffin.

Griffin and Ortiz have fought twice before, each winning once via split decision. When asked if he would be interested in one final fight with Ortiz, Griffin said as long as the fans want to see it and it does not take place outside the country.

“If people will pay to see that fight, I’ll get paid to fight that fight,” said Griffin. “If that fight happens in the United States, in the continental United States, I’m down. I don’t travel well. … I cut a lot of weight and I’ve got it down to a science and it’s like you eat real healthy and then like the last week when it’s most important, you just like guess, like here’s some food, guess what’s in it.”

The fighters have voiced their opinions, now we want to hear from you readers. Is one final bout between Tito Ortiz and Forrest Griffin a fight you want to see, is it a fight you would pay to watch?

Do you want to see Griffin vs. Ortiz 3?

One thought on “Forrest Griffin: “This is the end of the road for me””
  1. […] 2010 Forrest Griffint vs Tito Ortiz, meci de retragere pt amandoi ? WTF ?!?! ( Forrest Griffin: “This is the end of the road for me” : Pro MMA Now Peace is a lie, there is only passion. Through passion, I gain strength. Through strength, I […]

Leave a Reply