10. Forrest Griffin Vs. Mauricio Shogun Rua UFC 76
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vV7iKNMcL-Y Result: Griffin defeated Rua via submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:45 of round 3 Forrest Griffin was regarded as the sacrificial lamb to herald the arrival of Shogun Rua from Japan-based promotion Pride. The original Ultimate Fighter supposedly wouldnt have the striking skill necessary to defend against the awesome might of the Brazilian but was at least tough enough to ensure that UFC 76s co-main event lasted a reasonable amount of time. Like a lump of clay to a master sculptor, Griffin was put in the Octagon for Shogun to demonstrate what he could do with his venomous Muay Thai-based offence. However, Griffin wasnt willing to roll over and follow the UFCs script. He proved that superior skill meant nothing if you didnt have the fitness to implement it. Griffin who has always been known for his relentless conditioning since the fight with Bonner got in Shoguns face, ground him down and outconditioned him. Rua seemed to have been expecting an early stoppage and was exhausted by the start of the second round. Forrest was just as surprised as the 14,000 in attendance when he took down the highly-touted Brazilian, sunk in a deep rear naked choke and submitted the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, proving that high level grappling stood for very little without fitness.
Sam Heard
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Hailing from South East London, Sam Heard is an aspiring writer and recent graduate from the University of Warwick. Sam's favourite things include energy drinks, late nights spent watching the UFC with his girlfriend and annihilating his friends at FIFA.
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