“Run, forrest, run”! To quote the famous line from the classic oscar award winning movie, Forrest Gump- the situation ideally would have been completely flipped around. To parallel the storylines of both characters, Forrest(Gump) and Forrest (Griffin), one would believe that the ‘quoted line’ would have reflected victory, excitement and a sense of overcoming at UFC 101 for Mr. Griffin. But what happened in reality at UFC 101 was, in a sense, a literal translation of Forrest Griffin actually ‘running’ out of the venue after facing a nasty defeat. Forrest (Gump) would have faced adversity and defeat by breaking off his leg plates and transcended into a running sprint. Instead, Forrest (Griffin) pulled a Lebron James (post Eastern Conference Finals loss to the Orlando Magic), pouted and ran away into the locker rooms. No handshakes, no post fight interview with Joe Rogan, no “I lost, but my heart is still bigger than yours” …. Nothing!

Now, my burning questions during and after the fight… Where did Forrest (Griffin) run to? Why did he run? What was he thinking? Was his head so bashed up that he couldn’t think? Is it time to retire?

I thought to myself… What the heck just occurred in this embarrassment of a fight? All the credit to Anderson Silva for his dominating performance, but was Forrest sparring with himself or something?

Don’t get me wrong… Forrest is a good fighter. He is or was the face of the UFC- the ultimate fighter winner which many has embraced and loved, the all American boy that has overcome a lot- winning, losing, winning, and was a champion at one point in time. . His legendary fight with Stephan Bonner single handedly resurrected the UFC. For crying out loud, he’s on the cover of the UFC 2009 undisputed video game.

But after UFC 101, I’m not sure myself or many fans can look at him the same. I wonder if he’s taken one too many punches to the face. The wear and tear is finally catching up. He has shown his glass chin and is prone to getting dropped. Sure he’s got heart, but it appears he was running somewhere after the fight to find what was left of it. Perhaps he was searching for the almighty wizard of oz to grant him a new one.

The other nagging thought… Was he injured during the fight? Was that the reason his corner rushed him out so quickly? I doubt it. It was truly an embarrassing moment for Forrest Griffin. All the training and preparation for this fight just got tossed out the window. Silva was too fast, too quick and too strong whereas Forrest was too slow, too hesitant and too defeated.

Final thoughts- In my book, Anderson Silva now stakes claim as the best pound for pound fighter. I really think he can clean out the 205 class. What’s left? Brock Lesnar? Will he or should he fight his buddy, Lyoto Machida? He won’t.

As for Forrest Griffin, it’s time for you to retire. Your head is probably as mushed as Chuck Liddell’s head. Fight any more and even the ring girls can knock you out. You can’t move up in weight because Brock, Shane, Cain or Mir would eat you alive. What is left in the tank?

Anyway, let’s hear your thoughts.