Chad Griggs

Chad Griggs (born May 15, 1978) is former American mixed martial artist who most recently competed in the UFC's Light Heavyweight division. A professional competitor since 2005, he has also formerly competed for the Tucson Scorpions of the IFL and Strikeforce.

Background
Griggs is from Tucson, Arizona and attended Sahuaro High School. He was introduced to mixed martial arts when he began training and frequently sparring with legendary fighter Don Frye. Griggs attended college, where he received his EMT and paramedic certification.

Early career
Griggs won his lone amateur fight via knockout in 13 seconds, and then made his professional debut in December 2005, on the first Total Fighting Alliance card. He fought and quickly defeated Johnathan Tsosie, an 0-3 fighter at the time, only eighteen seconds into round one. In April 2006, Griggs took his second fight against UFC veteran Homer Moore, on a Rage in the Cage card. Griggs again won via TKO.

Only a month after his second fight, Griggs fought Johnathan Tsosie in a rematch from their December fight. Griggs again came out victorious, winning via submission due to punches. He won another fight before signing with upstart promotion, the International Fight League.

International Fight League
Griggs signed with the IFL in 2007, and was picked to be a part of the Tucson Scorpions, coached by Don Frye. He made his promotional debut at IFL: Houston that took place on February 2, 2007. His opponent was PRIDE and UFC veteran, John Marsh. Griggs won the fight by TKO in the third round.

At that time undefeated, he then fought at IFL: Connecticut against Shane Ott. Ott defeated Griggs with a kimura submission early in round one. Griggs was released from the promotion, despite the loss being the first of his career.

Regional circuits
Griggs won two fights after being released from the IFL. After his second win, he took a year and a half off from competition. He returned in April 2009, winning against Jon Alexander at Ultimate Style Fighting: Rumble in Wyoming.

Strikeforce
Griggs made his debut for Strikeforce at Strikeforce: Houston on August 21, 2010, against former professional wrestling star and standout collegiate wrestler Bobby Lashley. Griggs defeated Lashley by TKO when Lashley was unable to return to his corner at the end of the 2nd round after Griggs landed a flurry of strikes.

Griggs next fight for Strikeforce came against promotional newcomer Gian Villante at Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Silva. Griggs won the fight in the first round via TKO. The fight served as a reserve bout for the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix.

Griggs' next fight was against Valentijn Overeem at Strikeforce: Overeem vs. Werdum on June 18, 2011, in Dallas, Texas. He won the fight via submission to strikes in the first round.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
With the elimination of the Strikeforce Heavyweight division, Griggs moved to the UFC in 2012 and faced Travis Browne on April 21, 2012, at UFC 145. He lost the bout in the first round via submission due to an arm-triangle choke.

Griggs was expected to face Phil Davis in his Light Heavyweight debut on August 4, 2012, at UFC on FOX 4. However, Griggs was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by promotional newcomer Wagner Prado.

After moving down to Light Heavyweight, Griggs lost to Cyrille Diabaté via first round rear-naked choke submission on November 17, 2012, at UFC 154. He was released from the UFC on January 18, 2013.

Personal life
Griggs and his wife Julie have two children. Griggs also works as a full-time firefighter and a paramedic with the Tucson Fire Department.