The UFC160 post-fight press conference saw one of the UFC's favourite sons announce his retirement from active competition. Forrest Griffin made the call that he was finally hanging up his gloves for good naming a recent bad run of injuries as one of the more conclusive factors that helped him make his decision.
Griffin retires sporting a healthy 19-7 record and having won his last fight by Unanimous Decision at UFC148 against the also retired Tito Ortiz. He was also a former UFC Light Heavyweight champion after having beaten Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson to claim the strap at UFC86 in 2008.
Shortly after Forrest's announcement, UFC President Dana White announced that Griffin along with his TUF Season 1 Finale opponent Stephan 'The American Psycho' Bonnar would be the next two fighters to be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame joining the likes of legends such as: Royce Gracie, Chuck 'The Iceman' Liddell, Randy 'The Natural' Couture and 'The Huntington Beach Bad Boy' Tito Ortiz.
Griffin and Bonnar are remembered for their performance in the finale of the first season of The Ultimate Fighter which turned out to be a one of the all-time greatest fights in MMA history. Griffin won a close Unanimous Decision.
While Griffin won the inaugural 'Ultimate Fighter' title for the 205-pound division as well as the UFC Light Heavyweight title, Bonnar never quite reached championship heights, despite having challenged for the title on more than one occasion. This, in conjunction with his having tested positive for illegal performance enhancing substances on two occasions, has caused people to question whether he really deserves a spot among such a highly regarded group of MMA personalities.
Either way, the dynamic pair will become the 10th and 11th members (respectively) of the Hall of Fame when they are inducted at the UFC Fan Expo that takes place in the lead up to UFC162: Silva vs. Weidman.
Until next time,
Peace!
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