Forest Griffin looks back on his 20th anniversary since winning “TUF 1”

Forrest Griffin is primarily responsible for saving UFCs.

Twenty years ago, Griffin won Season 1 of “The Ultimate Fighter” as a light heavyweight. His memorable war with the late Stephen Bonner on April 9, 2005 helped them advance to the promotion during a period of financial struggle, and UFC Brass is forever grateful. Despite losing the battle, Bonner was also awarded a UFC contract.

Griffin and Bonner helped put the UFC on the map and strengthened the TV rating that night.

“This was a critical moment for the UFC for the sport and helped to balance the book,” Griffin told MMA Junkie.

Griffin, who won the UFC Light Heavyweight title, shared a special moment of reflection, but hasn’t seen himself reacting to moving forward.

“I think it’s 20 years. I think we’ll celebrate one last time and forget that forever,” Griffin said. “I really didn’t notice that, then someone said 19 years last year, and I was like, ‘Holy crap, absolutely nothing.” But for me, 20 years is pretty cool.

Their monumental battle was directed to the UFC Hall of Fame. Bonner was there for the ceremony, but passed away in December 2022 from an accidental fentanyl overdose. Griffin revealed he was in contact with Bonner a few years after the show ended.

“Obviously Stephen was a big part of it. We became friends after that. We were around,” Griffin said. “It’s funny. He’s been living in Vegas for a while and we always do fun gigs together. He was one of those people who thought, ‘Hey, I have a great idea.’