Got Fight?: Forrest Griffin's book cracks New York Times best-seller list

by Brian Oswald on Jun 24, 2009 12:20 PM EDT

Forrest Griffin has made a career out of surprising people. The former Georgia cop-turned mixed martial artist has done it again -- only this time its for his accomplishments outside the Octagon.

The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) winner from the inaugural season and previously ranked number one light heavyweight fighter in the world now finds himself ranked number eight in the top 10 of the New York Times best-seller list for hardcover advice books.

If you have had the opportunity to spend a little time with Griffin, as well as read the book, it should come as no surprise though. His blend of biting sarcasm, self deprecating humor and down-to-earth personality lends itself perfectly to any medium fans can easily access.

His book, "Got Fight?," which is subtitled "The 50 Zen Principles of Hand-to-Face Combat" brought all of that together in an engrossing read that went well beyond the ‘been there done that’ autobiographical.

When MMAmania.com had the chance to attend his book signing out in Long Island, N.Y., on June 1, 2009, it was enlightening to witness how well fans connected with Griffin and how well he connected back in response.

From opening line, the crowd applauded the former light heavyweight champion when he quipped, "Calm down, it’s not going to be that good. Take some of those claps back."

Griffin revealed to us beforehand he actually enjoyed the process of putting his thoughts down on paper and having people actually read them. "It’s flattering that people would give up 20 bucks to read what my dumb ass thinks."

He must now be flattered tenfold after hearing this latest good news.

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Comments

I’ve never been a huge Forrest fan, but I’ve always appreciated his attitude win or lose. He seems like a very approachable and down to earth type of person. I appreciate that in athletes, because so few are that way. I respect the way Forrest fights too. Though not the most technical and talented, he puts everything on the line and I have to respect that. Forrest has already achieved quite a bit of success in the fighting game and I’ll continue to wish Forrest successs (except in his next fight…I’m a Silva fan).

by RealDrew on Jun 24, 2009 2:52 PM EDT reply actions

Well stated RD. I really like Forrest’s personality and attitude. While he may not be the greatest fighter ever, he generally puts on a good show and I’ll likely always be a fan. While I expect The Spider to emerge victorious in their upcoming fight, I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see Forrest give him all the trouble he wants. Forrest is an excellent representative for the UFC and I’m sure Dana & Lorenzo will keep him employed as long as he wants.

by BigRedOne on Jun 24, 2009 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Forrest has been in the MMA game for longer than most people think. I’m looking forward to reading things from his unusual perspective.

by MMAMoneyLine on Jun 24, 2009 3:07 PM EDT reply actions

Just ordered this book- should be an interesting read me thinks

by BritishBulldog on Jun 24, 2009 4:18 PM EDT reply actions

Wow, never expected his book to do that well.

I bet he didn’t either.

Grats Forrest, hope you beat Anderson. (i think i might be only one)

by DirtyML on Jun 24, 2009 5:54 PM EDT reply actions

You aren’t alone in hoping that Forrest defeats Silva. While I do think Silva will win, I hope Forrest comes out on top. Maybe a loss would light a fire again in Silva since his last couple of fights have been very boring.

by San Jose Rob on Jun 25, 2009 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions

wow i never figured a picture book would crack the nyt best seller list.

by day1er on Jun 24, 2009 8:13 PM EDT reply actions

I actually just got done reading the book. It was a great read except for the cahpted about going out and hitting the clubs up. That chapter was retarded. Other than that it was pretty funny. It had some great advice too, especially if you are an aspiring MMA fighter.

by Tango87 on Jun 24, 2009 8:22 PM EDT reply actions

Congrats to Forrest…that’s awesome! I read the book and it was a very entertaining read. It had me laughing out loud through out the book, but amidst the humor, there was some good information too. Definitely worth picking up if you haven’t read it already.

by Laura on Jun 24, 2009 8:33 PM EDT reply actions

Good for Forrest.

by Jeff on Jun 24, 2009 10:13 PM EDT reply actions

I hope they’ll sell it here in the Phils.

by ryan on Jun 24, 2009 10:18 PM EDT reply actions

See Spot Run

by Vanilla Gorilla on Jun 25, 2009 3:02 PM EDT reply actions

… from Manilla
How about you actually add to the conversation instead?

by JS on Jun 25, 2009 5:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Well done forrest, the guy never ceases to amaze me. He’s humble, down to earth and always self deprecating and he isn’t that bad of a fighter. I hope i get the chance to read it, i think its been out for a while now so maybe it will be easier for me to find because most people here dont know who he is or what he does or what the UFC is. (i live in scotland) good luck in your next fight against tito, hope you beat him pretty much because i cant stand him and so i hope you get the nod this time or even better hope you finish him inside the distance. Best of luck bud

by Allan on Nov 2, 2009 1:25 PM EST reply actions