All things have their start or their big break. When it came to the UFC, many forget the turbulent times it underwent before becoming a global phenomenon. However, what many do know is that Dana White has been at the helm since the beginning of it all.
Whilst the UFC itself was founded in 1993, things really began happening after Zuffa bought the company for a mere $2 million in 2001. Thus, there was a lot of hope that the Fertitta brothers and Dana White could salvage the promotion and turn things around. With the company struggling to break even for a long time, it was clear that something had to be done.
Thereafter, in 2005, the UFC and Dana White got their big break with the success of The Ultimate Fighter. In what was the finale of the show’s inaugural season, Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar stepped inside the Octagon and made history. Fighting in the main event, the two men put it all on the line in a fight that would be talked about for years to come.
What did Dana White make of Forrest Griffin vs Stephan Bonnar?
As mentioned previously, TUF Season 1 finale had Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar mixing it up with a UFC contract on the line and a brand new KIA for the winner. In the historic slugfest that ensued, Dana White and co. realized that their plans for the promotion would finally be coming true. Notably, the fight generated a massive viewership of 2.6 million, which led to Spike TV signing on for another season.
In a recent interview with Lex Fridman, UFC President Dana White spoke about the influence of fame and how it changes people:
“A lot of people deal with fame, some people handle it really well and some people don’t. The perfect example of that was Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar. They fought that unbelievable fight on The Ultimate Fighter, and everything blew up after that. Forrest dealt with fame really well and Stephan did not”.
Whilst Forrest won their fight on the night, both fighters went on to win UFC contracts. Since then, the UFC and Griffin went on an upward trajectory, with the fighter also claiming the light heavyweight title. On the other hand, Bonnar struggled with a middling 8-7 record in the UFC. Following his retirement, Bonnar struggled with injuries and medical conditions, which turned into severe addiction, supposedly leading to his passing in 2022.
How did The Ultimate Fighter come to be?
For those somehow unaware of what The Ultimate Fighter is, it is one of the most revered MMA TV series which is produced by the UFC. Previously, owing to the success of the first season, it aired for 14 more seasons on Spike TV. Currently, TUF is on its 32nd season which, like its predecessors will air on ESPN+. Notably, the show revolves around fighters split into two teams, living and fighting together for a chance at a UFC contract.
Along with the Contender Series, The Ultimate Fighter has brought in some of the biggest names in the history of the promotion. As such, it boasts a rich history and a star-studded alumni, most of whom have either challenged for a UFC title or become UFC champions themselves. Debuting on January 17, 2005, the inaugural season saw Randy Couture and Chuck Liddell as the coaches.
Emotions are high as #TUF32 gets underway! 😤
Season airs June 4th 10pm ET/7pmPT on @ESPN & @UFCFightPass pic.twitter.com/QooTQjVu7y
— UFC (@ufc) March 24, 2024
Thereafter, the success derived from the Forrest Griffin vs Stephan Bonnar fight springboarded the sport and the UFC into the mainstream media. As such, The Ultimate Fighter was deemed instrumental to the survival and expansion of the UFC. Recently, Dana White announced that flyweight champ Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko will be the new coaches, taking over from Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler last season.