Christmas Eve this year came with unfortunate news – the death of MMA legend Stephan Bonnar.
Over the days, many fans, fighters and people in the MMA community paid their tribute and respects online to the finalist from Season 1 of “The Ultimate Fighter” reality series. But one name, and the most linked to Bonnar, kept quiet until now.
Former UFC light heavyweight champion and “TUF 1” winner Forrest Griffin posted on Twitter on Wednesday to share some words on the death of his two-time opponent.
“Stephan was a lot of things: He was always the most interesting person in the room, he had the biggest heart and most importantly, he was my friend,
Griffin wrote on Twitter. “I always loved it that people got excited when they found out we were really friends. I’ll always miss you, brother.”
Stephan was a lot of things: He was always the most interesting person in the room, he had the biggest heart and most importantly, he was my friend. I always loved it that people got excited when they found out we were really friends. I’ll always miss you, brother. https://t.co/lXuMgRgaJV
— Forrest Griffin (@ForrestGriffin) December 28, 2022
Griffin and Bonnar first fought in the “TUF 1 Finale” in April 2005. It was the culmination of the UFC’s attempt at reality television on Spike, now known as Paramount.
The two went toe to toe for 15 minutes and delivered an instant classic that converted a new wave of fans. It was exactly what the UFC needed at the time. The promotion was struggling financially and was hadn’t been able to fully break into the mainstream sports world. Many pundits and experts think Griffin vs. Bonnar was a milestone for the UFC and one of the most important fights in the company’s history.
In the end, Griffin defeated Bonnar by unanimous decision and became the light heavyweight winner of “TUF 1.” The fight was so good that Bonnar, despite coming up short, also received a contract with the UFC and went on to fight under the Las Vegas-based promotion for many years.
The two fought a little more than a year after their first meeting at UFC 62 in August 2006. Griffin won the rematch by unanimous decision.
