The Ultimate Fighter Finale - Season 1
The Ultimate Fighter 1 Finale was a mixed martial arts event held by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) on April 9, 2005. Featured were the finals from The Ultimate Fighter 1 in both the Middleweight and Light Heavyweight divisions.
Even though the main attraction of the event was Rich Franklin vs the UFC Hall of Famer Ken Shamrock the spotlight was stolen by the incredible bout between Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar. Hailed as one of the greatest fights in MMA history by many, Forrest and Stephan produced a 3 round stand up war that went the distance. Although Forrest would take the decision both men were given UFC contracts for their amazing performance.
Many claim that The Ultimate Finale and The Ultimate Fighter in general saved the UFC from going under and launching it into the mainstream. Had the Ultimate Finale had lackluster bouts the UFC may not have made it. Forrest Griffin went on to become the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion while Stephan Bonnar's career has been plagued with uneven performances and a steroid scandal.
Results
Preliminary card
* Welterweight bout: United States Alex Karalexis vs United States Josh Rafferty
Karalexis wins by TKO (strikes) at 1:40 of the first round.
* Middleweight bout: United States Mike Swick vs Argentina Alex Schoenauer
Swick wins by KO at 0:20 of the first round.
* Middleweight bout: United States Nate Quarry vs United States Lodune Sincaid
Quarry wins by TKO at 3:17 of the first round.
* Middleweight bout: United States Josh Koscheck vs United States Chris Sanford
Koscheck wins by KO at 4:21 of the first round.
* Middleweight bout: United States Chris Leben vs Canada Jason Thacker
Leben wins by TKO at 1:35 of the first round.
* Light Heavyweight bout: United States Sam Hoger vs United States Bobby Southworth
Hoger wins by unanimous decision.
Main card
* Middleweight bout: United States Diego Sanchez vs United States Kenny Florian
Sanchez wins by TKO at 2:46 of the first round, to become the first Middleweight winner of The Ultimate Fighter.
* Light Heavyweight bout: United States Stephan Bonnar vs United States Forrest Griffin
Griffin wins by unanimous decision (29–28, 29–28, 29–28) in what is described as one of the best fights in the history of the UFC. He wins the first Ultimate Fighter Championship in the Light Heavyweight division, but Dana White grants Bonnar a UFC contract as well after his performance.
* Light Heavyweight bout: United States Ken Shamrock vs United States Rich Franklin
Franklin wins by TKO at 2:42 of the first round.
