“There’s never been a more important fight ever in mixed martial arts except maybe UFC 1. Let me tell you something. As far as this company goes, as far as this sport goes, this was the most important fight in the history of the company.” Dana White has seldom taken a step back from praising Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar. Even though it was a fight for the finale of The Ultimate Fighter season 1, it was a fight that paved the path for stars like Conor McGregor and Islam Makhachev to rise. Needless to say, it wouldn’t be wrong if we look at White’s $12.6B empire as a result of TUF 1. But would you believe me if I told you that Griffin once considered making a comeback against one of his former opponents? 

Despite losing the bout and the light heavyweight belt at UFC 86, Quinton Jackson had amassed massive respect for the legendary fighter. Yes, like most of Griffin’s bouts, this one also went on for the entire 5 rounds. But there wasn’t a single second that didn’t entertain the fighting realm. And that kick to the leg that ‘Rampage’ talked about? Jackson could never forget it. During an episode of The JAXXON Podcast in February 2025, Jackson told Griffin all about the kick that dictated the outcome of UFC 86. He said, “I was the champion; I didn’t want to lose my belt. But when you hurt my leg, in that fight, my mind was so strong, I healed myself up in between rounds. I had never been leg-kicked like that before.” 

But ‘Rampage’ had a question for his former opponent. It was a time when Jackson was getting ready to face Rashad Evans inside a squared ring. He questioned, “What’s your number to get in there with me after I knock Rashad out?” Well, being the star that he is, Griffin can attract quite a bit of dough. However, he stuck to the early millions. He answered, “Mine, $3 million. It’s so, I’m blessed.”  

Jackson was utterly baffled by the 45-year-old’s response. He pointed out that his partner was a billionaire. And Griffin had the chance to become one as well. But Forrest Griffin was always one for modesty. He went on, “So, I’m blessed. The amount of money I want to fight is worth way more that it is for me to fight. Like, you would be an idiot to pay my old a– that money. But that’s the money.” 

But did Griffin always demand a lower payment than what he could have gotten? Well, not really. But he did have one superpower. The Columbus-born mixed martial artist had a way to manage his money that never pushed him to demand more than what he required. Let’s hear it straight from the UFC head honcho. 

Dana White once appreciated Forrest Griffin’s money management

White once said, “Forrest Griffin always says this: ‘go out and fight like you, but go to the bank like me.’ Which means he’s cheap as hell. Forrest Griffin is still wearing the jacket he wore in Season 1 of The Ultimate Fighter. He’s still driving a Scion. Scion is going to do a commercial about how many miles this kid has on his car, and it’s still running.”

You see, despite putting the UFC on the map with his performance at TUF 1, Griffin began his UFC career with a base pay of $16K. He used to get $16K to show up for his fights and another $16K to win them. It wasn’t until he defeated Jackson at UFC 86 and won the LHW belt that he got a 6-figure paycheck. 

White pointed out that Griffin’s way was the only correct way to survive in the fight business. One had to save money, and do the right things with it. The reason? Things can end pretty quickly in the realm of mixed martial arts. He said, “This isn’t some long-term gig.” Of course, the UFC CEO wanted the fighters to stay away from lavish expenses till they were stable. After all, UFC wasn’t a stable source at all. 

What are your thoughts on Griffin agreeing to fight for $3 million? Do you think he could have made millions more with a rematch against Jackson? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.