Forrest Griffin

Forrest Griffin serves as Vice President, Athlete Development at Zuffa, LLC, which operates UFC®, the world’s leading mixed martial arts organization. Griffin joined UFC’s front office following a Hall of Fame career that included winning the inaugural season of the groundbreaking reality show The Ultimate Fighter® and capturing the light heavyweight championship. In his current role, Griffin is responsible for developing and executing key athlete-based initiatives, as well as supporting the conception, expansion, and implementation of athlete symposiums, aimed at assisting current and former UFC athletes with enhancing their life skills outside of the Octagon.

Griffin began his UFC professional career as Vice President of Community Outreach. During this time, he was responsible for promoting the global brand’s continued efforts of giving back to the community by developing relationships with local organizations and overseeing the company’s extensive social responsibility/public outreach programs.

Griffin entered UFC during the inaugural season of The Ultimate Fighter® in 2005. After earning a spot in the show’s finale, Griffin and fellow Hall of Famer Stephan Bonner engaged in a thrilling fight that is widely regarded as the launching platform for MMA’s current success and popularity.

During his UFC career, Griffin held notable victories over Rich Franklin, Mauricio Rua and Quinton Jackson, at which time he captured the light heavyweight championship. Griffin ended his professional competing career in 2012 with a victory over fellow UFC Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz. He ended his career with a record of 19-7.

Prior to his mixed martial arts career, he served as a deputy for the Richmond County Sheriff’s Department in Augusta, Georgia. Griffin was introduced to mixed martial arts during his defensive tactics training as a cadet at the police academy.

Since his retirement, Griffin has continued to support the company’s numerous ventures with organizations like Three Square Foodbank, ONE DROP, Nevada’s Big Give Day, Boy’s Town of Nevada, and various initiatives for members of the United States Armed Forces.

Griffin also served as a spokesman for the partnership between UFC and the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada to raise awareness of the realities of HIV among young individuals under 30. As part of the “Protect Yourself At All Times” campaign, Griffin traveled to several communities around the world to help inform and educate young people about the danger and realities of the disease.

A native of Columbus, Ohio, Griffin earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Georgia. He resides in Las Vegas with his wife, Jaime and daughter, Ella.