Imagining an MMA Hall of Fame: Borderline Candidates, Part 1

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Forrest Griffin Reality Superfighting (2001, 2002); Pride and Honor (2001); International Sport Combat Federation (2002); World Extreme Fighting Championships (2002); Cagefighter Championships (2002); King of the Cage (2002); Heat Fighting Championship (2003, 2003); International Fighting Championship (2003); Ultimate Fighting Championship (2005-12)
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CASE FOR: The biggest star to emerge from the first season of “The Ultimate Fighter,” Griffin’s tremendous fight with Stephan Bonnar at the April 2005 finale put both fighters on the map. From then on, he won over fans with his heart and fighting spirit. His shocking upset of heavy favorite Mauricio Rua in 2007 set up a UFC light heavyweight title win over Quinton Jackson, as he made it to the top of what was then the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s marquee division. He added wins over the likes of Rich Franklin and Tito Ortiz to establish he was much more than just a reality TV star. CASE AGAINST: Griffin was an overachiever, and at times looked overmatched against upper-echelon opposition. He also did not win over supporters with his post-fight reactions in losses to Keith Jardine and Anderson Silva. VERDICT: Should he go in? Yes.

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