Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar (The Ultimate Fighter 1 Finale)

About

The Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar fight at The Ultimate Fighter 1 Finale is widely regarded as one of the most pivotal moments in UFC history. Held on April 9, 2005, at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, the bout marked the culmination of the inaugural season of The Ultimate Fighter reality show. Forrest Griffin, coached by Chuck Liddell, faced Stephan Bonnar, mentored by Randy Couture, in a thrilling light heavyweight final. The fight was intense from the start, with both fighters giving their all and showcasing the true spirit of mixed martial arts. The bout was won by Forrest Griffin via unanimous decision, with all judges scoring 29-28 in his favor. Despite losing, Stephan Bonnar's impressive performance earned him a UFC contract alongside Griffin. This fight is often credited with catapulting the UFC into mainstream popularity, thanks to its excitement and the exposure provided by the reality show. It was voted the greatest fight in UFC history in 2009 and remains a legendary moment in MMA, remembered for its ferocity and the impact it had on the sport's global success.