The most significant contest in UFC history is thought to have been between Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar. The fact that the two fought on April 9, 2005, in the season finale of The Ultimate Fighter was incredibly advantageous for the group, which was at the time battling to survive.
Fans watched in astonishment for 15 minutes as two highly motivated men pushed one other to their very limits. By the time it was through, the business had succeeded in overcoming restrictions imposed by the mainstream.
Longtime MMA supporters are now commemorating the landmark Stephan Bonnar vs. Forrest Griffin fight, which took place 18 years ago, on Twitter. Check out a few of the responses below:
“Legendary fight that genuinely aided the promotion’s continued existence. “RIP Bonnar #ufc””What a freaking fight! Two warriors giving it everything they’ve got. Was fortunate enough to witness it, and I had no idea how this would help the UFC expand.”These 2 warriors came before Robbie-Rory. Stephan, RIP. I appreciate everything you’ve done for our sport.The best fight I’ve ever witnessed, still. Two warriors engaged in a full-on battle. Amazing heart. Stephan Bonnar, RIP. Too soon”
“This fight launched the #UFC & began to mainstream #MMA,” the tweet read.”Precisely the most significant match in MMA history. Two years later, PRIDE will close. MMA wouldn’t exist as we know it today without this battle.
“The moment the UFC switched permanently from the Red to the Black! Suddenly the Investment was producing big profits!”
Stephan Bonnar vs. Forrest Griffin: How many times did they fight in the UFC?
In the octagon, Stephan Bonnar and Forrest Griffin engaged in two fights. As was already established, they faced up for the first time in the 2005 TUF season finale. Griffin prevailed a unanimous decision in the match.After more than a year, the two faced off inside the octagon once more in August 2006. Although it wasn’t quite like their previous fight, Forrest Griffin once again prevailed by unanimous decision.
Boldenone, a prohibited anabolic steroid, was found in Stephan Bonnar’s test results after the rematch, and he was given a nine-month suspension.
Their fights had a significant impact on their professional lives as well; while Bonnar transitioned from MMA to professional wrestling, Griffin went on to win a championship.
Tragically, on December 22 of last year, 45-year-old Stephan Bonnar passed away from suspected heart issues while at work.