UFC 92: Forrest Griffin discusses his bout with Rashad Evans
Reigning UFC light heavyweight champion and all around fan-favorite fighter Forrest Griffin (16-4 MMA, currently ranked No. 8 pound for pound by MMA Chronicler) recently sat down for a video interview for UFC.com.
The topic discussed? His upcoming bout with top contender and undefeated “Sugar” Rashad Evans (12-0-1). Griffin won his title via a hard-fought, bloody five round war with former champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (28-7 MMA) back in July at UFC 86.
“I think he’s been kind of under ranked.” Griffin said about his first challenger for the heavyweight strap. “A lot of people underestimate him…he’s got more knockouts than I do, and his knockouts have been impressive.”
Evans’s most recent—and highest profile—knockout came in the main event of UFC 88 in September, where he knockout out the favored and former light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell in the second round with a pump jab followed by a lightning-quick, devastating overhand right reminiscent of “The Iceman’s” bout against Jackson in 2007. Liddell’s form was motionless on the canvas for more than a full minute after the bell rang.
“He had good takedowns in his first couple of fights…now he’s figured out he’s got tremendous hand speed and [knows] how to use it and how to convert that speed into power. You’ve really got to be prepared at any time because he knows how to cover distance quickly.”
Discussing his strategy heading into his first official title defense, Griffin was broad, no doubt on purpose. “I want to use my feet, use my length, not over commit. I’ve got to stay in that moment the whole fight and obviously keep wrestling…wrestle, wrestle, wrestle, defend every takedown. [And] if he does take me down, just make him work his [expletive] off. Establishing the distance and the jab is going to be a big thing for me.”
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Forrest has effectively used said arsenal in his recent wins over Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and the aforementioned Jackson by consistently gaining an edge in the distance department, creating quick, awkward angles and forcing his opponents to constantly adjust to his versatile jab/leg kick combos.
“Is Rashad hungrier than me?” Griffin questioned in response to his opponent’s mental state. “I don’t know. I’m not his therapist. I’m not in his head.” Despite this obvious statement, the newest UFC light heavyweight champion remains confident in his abilities come fight night.
“I know me. I know I’m willing to do whatever it takes in my mind and I’ll just leave it at that. I’ve got a game plan and I’ve got a couple other things I’m working on. I’ll definitely be prepared to go five and to go five hard.”
While the result of UFC 92’s main event clash between consecutive Ultimate Fighter champions, none can doubt the sincerity of Griffin’s heart. Need confirmation? Watch his title win against the dangerous, powerful “Rampage” back at UFC 86, a fight that went all five rounds, and you’ll finally quit underestimating the original Ultimate Fighter.
> Also see: The Other Side: Rashad Evans on UFC 92 Bout with Forrest Griffin
By Steven T. Kelliher
ProFighting-fans.com Staff Writer