UFC

Challenger Forrest Griffin's win over then champion Quinton Jackson via unanimous decision sparked a lot of controversies among UFC fans.  And for good reason, it was such a close battle.  The win gave Griffin the UFC Light Heavyweight crown, which is often described as the most hotly contested division in the organization.

The judges scored it 49-46, 48-46, and 48-46; with the smallest of margins separating the two.  Controversies crept up, however, as various independent fan sites and experts gave the match to the then reigning champion. For instance, Ropes Ring and Cage scored the bout 48-47 for Jackson.

Some comment that Jackson's power shots in the highly contentious third round should have had more weight than Griffin's high output.  While it is true that the fighters' work rates are worlds apart (91 for Griffin, 37 for Jackson), the new champ only connected eight more shots than his opponent overall.  The power strikes, meanwhile, went the other way, with Jackson connecting 14 and Griffin landing 9.  In the end, a lot of UFC fans believe that Griffin simply did not do enough to snag that belt away from Jackson.

On the other hand, the upset drew 10,990 attendees for a live gate of more than $3.3 million, the sixth highest in UFC history, dwarfing the attendance at The Ultimate Fighter 7 Finale on June 21, registering a live gate of $495,350.


-Glenn Diaz, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: Ropes, Rings, and Cage, Sports Illustrated, MMA Junkie
(Image Courtesy of Octagon Buzz)