# Chad Griggs

> Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Chad_Griggs
> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Chad_Griggs.md
> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chad_Griggs
> Source revision: 1331419348
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)

{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2022}}
{{short description|American mixed martial artist}}
{{Infobox martial artist
| name            = Chad Griggs
| other_names     = The Grave Digger
| image           = 
| alt             =
| caption         =
| birth_name      =
| birth_date      = {{Birth date and age|1978|05|15}}
| birth_place     = [Tucson, Arizona](/source/Tucson%2C_Arizona), U.S.
| death_date      =
| death_place     =
| death_cause     =
| height_ft       = 6
| height_in       = 1
| weight_lb       = 205
| weight_class    = [Heavyweight (265 lb)](/source/Heavyweight_(MMA))<br>[Light Heavyweight (205 lb)](/source/Light_Heavyweight_(MMA))
| reach_in        = 73
| style           = [Freestyle](/source/Freestyle_fighting)
| stance          = [Orthodox](/source/Orthodox_stance)
| fighting_out_of = [Tucson, Arizona](/source/Tucson%2C_Arizona)
| team            = Apex MMA/Fight Legion 
| rank            =
| years_active    = 2005–2013
| am_win          = 1
| am_kowin        = 1
| mma_kowin       = 11
| mma_subwin      = 
| mma_decwin      =
| mma_koloss      =
| mma_subloss     = 3
| mma_decloss     =
| mma_draw        = 
| mma_nc          =
| url             =
| sherdog         = 15932
| footnotes       =
| updated         =
}}
'''Chad Griggs''' (born May 15, 1978) is an American former [mixed martial artist](/source/mixed_martial_arts). A professional competitor from 2005 to 2013, he competed in the [International Fight League](/source/International_Fight_League), [Strikeforce](/source/Strikeforce_(mixed_martial_arts)), and [Ultimate Fighting Championship](/source/Ultimate_Fighting_Championship).

==Background==
Griggs is from Tucson, Arizona and attended [Sahuaro High School](/source/Sahuaro_High_School). He was introduced to mixed martial arts when he began training and frequently [sparring](/source/sparring) with legendary fighter [Don Frye](/source/Don_Frye). Griggs attended college, where he received his [EMT](/source/Emergency_medical_technician) and [paramedic](/source/paramedic) certification.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/athlete/chad-griggs |title=Chad "The Grave Digger" Griggs – Official UFC® Fighter Profile |publisher=[UFC](/source/Ultimate_Fighting_Championship) |date= |access-date=August 15, 2017}}</ref>

===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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/athlete/chad-griggs |title=Chad "The Grave Digger" Griggs – Official UFC® Fighter Profile |publisher=[UFC](/source/Ultimate_Fighting_Championship) |date= |access-date=August 15, 2017}}</ref> 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](/source/Ultimate_Fighting_Championship) veteran [Homer Moore](/source/Homer_Moore), on a Rage in the Cage card. Griggs again won via [TKO](/source/technical_knockout).

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](/source/International_Fight_League).

===International Fight League===
Griggs signed with the [IFL](/source/International_Fight_League) in 2007, and was picked to be a part of the [Tucson Scorpions](/source/Tucson_Scorpions), coached by [Don Frye](/source/Don_Frye). He made his promotional debut at [IFL: Houston](/source/2007_International_Fight_League) that took place on February 2, 2007. His opponent was [PRIDE](/source/Pride_Fighting_Championships) 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](/source/2007_International_Fight_League) 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](/source/Strikeforce_(mixed_martial_arts)) at [Strikeforce: Houston](/source/Strikeforce%3A_Houston) on August 21, 2010, against former [professional wrestling](/source/professional_wrestling) star and standout collegiate wrestler [Bobby Lashley](/source/Bobby_Lashley).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/jul/16/chad-griggs-named-next-opponent-bobby-lashley/?fighting |title=Chad Griggs named as next opponent for Bobby Lashley |accessdate=July 16, 2010 |publisher=LASVEGASSUN.com |date=July 16, 2010}}</ref> Griggs defeated Lashley by [TKO](/source/technical_knockout) when the ref stopped the fight after Griggs stuffed a Lashley takedown and pummeled Lashley with hammerfists from a standing position as Lashley held onto Griggs' ankle and tried to cover up from the blows.

Griggs next fight for Strikeforce came against promotional newcomer [Gian Villante](/source/Gian_Villante) at [Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Silva](/source/Strikeforce%3A_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.<ref>{{cite web|author=Strikeforce Event Replays Marquardt vs Saffiedine |url=http://strikeforce.com/news/2011/01/all-heavyweight-card-set-for-strikeforce-world-grand-prix-kickoff-saturday-feb-12-live-on-showtime%C2%AE/ |title=Strikeforce |publisher=Strikeforce |date= |accessdate=August 15, 2017}}</ref>

Griggs' next fight was against [Valentijn Overeem](/source/Valentijn_Overeem) at [Strikeforce: Overeem vs. Werdum](/source/Strikeforce%3A_Overeem_vs._Werdum) on June 18, 2011, in [Dallas, Texas](/source/Dallas%2C_Texas).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmaweekly.com/strikeforce-in-dallas-gets-gina-carano-overeem-vs-griggs-and-del-rosario-vs-cormier|title=Strikeforce in Dallas Gets Gina Carano, Overeem vs. Griggs, and Del Rosario vs. Cormier|accessdate=November 5, 2010 |publisher=MMAWeekly.com |date=April 9, 2011}}</ref> He won the fight via [submission](/source/submission) to strikes in the first round.

===Ultimate Fighting Championship===
With the elimination of the [Strikeforce](/source/Strikeforce_(mixed_martial_arts)) [Heavyweight](/source/Heavyweight_(MMA)) division, Griggs moved to the [UFC](/source/Ultimate_Fighting_Championship) in 2012 and faced [Travis Browne](/source/Travis_Browne) on April 21, 2012, at [UFC 145](/source/UFC_145).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/27068/ufc-145-gets-mcdonald-vs-torres-blanco-vs-brimage-seven-bouts-shift-to-atlanta.mma.mma |title=UFC 145; seven bouts shift to Atlanta |publisher=mmajunkie.com |date=January 20, 2012 }}{{dead link|date=November 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> He lost the bout in the first round via submission due to an arm-triangle choke.

Griggs was expected to face [Phil Davis](/source/Phil_Davis_(fighter)) in his [Light Heavyweight](/source/Light_Heavyweight_(MMA)) debut on August 4, 2012, at [UFC on FOX 4](/source/UFC_on_FOX_4).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/28694/phil-davis-vs-chad-griggs-added-to-augusts-ufc-on-fox-4-event.mma |title=Phil Davis vs. Chad Griggs added to August's UFC on FOX 4 event |publisher=mmajunkie.com |date=May 14, 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616133249/http://mmajunkie.com/news/28694/phil-davis-vs-chad-griggs-added-to-augusts-ufc-on-fox-4-event.mma |archivedate=June 16, 2012 }}</ref>  However, Griggs was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by promotional newcomer [Wagner Prado](/source/Wagner_Prado).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/28964/phil-davis-now-meets-undefeated-newcomer-wagner-prado-at-ufc-on-fox-4.mma |title=Phil Davis now meets undefeated newcomer Wagner Prado at UFC on FOX 4 |publisher=mmajunkie.com |date=May 30, 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120604042906/http://mmajunkie.com/news/28964/phil-davis-now-meets-undefeated-newcomer-wagner-prado-at-ufc-on-fox-4.mma |archivedate=June 4, 2012 }}</ref>

After moving down to [Light Heavyweight](/source/Light_Heavyweight_(MMA)), Griggs lost to [Cyrille Diabaté](/source/Cyrille_Diabat%C3%A9) via first round [rear-naked choke](/source/rear-naked_choke) submission on November 17, 2012, at [UFC 154](/source/UFC_154).<ref name="GriggsIn">{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/30691/chad-griggs-vs-cyrille-diabate-joins-montrealufc-154-lineup.mma|title=Chad Griggs vs. Cyrille Diabate joins Montreal's UFC 154 lineup|publisher=MMAjunkie.com|date=September 19, 2012|accessdate=September 19, 2012|author=Staff|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120921171002/http://mmajunkie.com/news/30691/chad-griggs-vs-cyrille-diabate-joins-montrealufc-154-lineup.mma|archivedate=September 21, 2012}}</ref> He was released from the UFC on January 18, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2013/1/18/3890324/ufc-releases-nine-fighters-griggs-hougland-levesseur-mma-news|title=UFC releases nine fighters from their roster, including Chad Griggs, Jeff Hougland, and Marcus LeVesseur|author=Mookie Alexander|date=January 18, 2013|publisher=bloodyelbow.com}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Griggs has two children with his ex-wife, Julie. He has been in a relationship with Stevie Dillon since 2023. <ref>{{cite web |url=http://azstarnet.com/sports/article_de0d7ec4-9dc1-5cb7-91d7-62e96c4924f8.html |title=Tucsonan set for big stage tonight when he fights on Strikeforce  |accessdate=August 22, 2010 |publisher=AZSTARNET.com |date=August 21, 2010}}</ref> Griggs also works as a full-time firefighter and a paramedic with the Tucson Fire Department.

==Mixed martial arts record==
{{MMArecordbox
|ko-wins=11
|ko-losses=0
|sub-wins=0
|sub-losses=3
|dec-wins=0
|dec-losses=0
}}
{{MMA record start}}
|-
|{{No2}}Loss 
|align=center| 11–3
|   [Cyrille Diabaté](/source/Cyrille_Diabat%C3%A9)
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| [UFC 154](/source/UFC_154)
| {{dts|2012|November|17|format=mdy}}
|align=center|1 
|align=center|2:24
|[Montreal](/source/Montreal), [Quebec](/source/Quebec), Canada
| {{small|[Light Heavyweight](/source/Light_Heavyweight_(MMA)) debut.}}
|-
| {{No2}}Loss
|align=center| 11–2
|   [Travis Browne](/source/Travis_Browne)
| Submission (arm-triangle choke)
| [UFC 145](/source/UFC_145)
| {{dts|2012|April|21|format=mdy}}
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 2:29
|[Atlanta, Georgia](/source/Atlanta%2C_Georgia), United States
| 
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 11–1
|   [Valentijn Overeem](/source/Valentijn_Overeem)
| TKO (submission to punches)
| [Strikeforce: Overeem vs. Werdum](/source/Strikeforce%3A_Overeem_vs._Werdum)
| {{dts|2011|June|18|format=mdy}}
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 2:08
|[Dallas, Texas](/source/Dallas%2C_Texas), United States
| {{small|Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix Reserve Bout.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 10–1
|   [Gian Villante](/source/Gian_Villante)
| TKO (punches)
| [Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Silva](/source/Strikeforce%3A_Fedor_vs._Silva)
| {{dts|2011|February|12|format=mdy}}
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 2:49
|[East Rutherford, New Jersey](/source/East_Rutherford%2C_New_Jersey), United States
| {{small|Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix Reserve Bout.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 9–1
|   [Bobby Lashley](/source/Bobby_Lashley)
| TKO (doctor stoppage) 
| [Strikeforce: Houston](/source/Strikeforce%3A_Houston)
| {{dts|2010|August|21|format=mdy}}
|align=center| 2
|align=center| 5:00
|[Houston, Texas](/source/Houston%2C_Texas), United States
| 
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 8–1
|   Jon Alexander
| KO (elbows)
| USF: Rumble in Wyoming
| {{dts|2009|April|25|format=mdy}}
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 1:13
|[Casper, Wyoming](/source/Casper%2C_Wyoming), United States
| 
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 7–1
|   Eric Garcia
| TKO (punches)
| All Power Combat 1
| {{dts|2007|November|17|format=mdy}}
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 1:02
|[Arizona](/source/Arizona), United States
| 
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 6–1
|   Steve Sayegh
| TKO (punches)
| Rage in the Cage 101
| {{dts|2007|October|06|format=mdy}}
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 2:28
|[Fountain Hills, Arizona](/source/Fountain_Hills%2C_Arizona), United States
| 
|-
| {{No2}}Loss
|align=center| 5–1
|   Shane Ott
| Submission (kimura)
| [IFL: Connecticut](/source/2007_International_Fight_League)
| {{dts|2007|April|13|format=mdy}}
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 1:09
|[Uncasville, Connecticut](/source/Uncasville%2C_Connecticut), United States
| 
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 5–0
|   John Marsh
| TKO (punches)
| [IFL: Houston](/source/2007_International_Fight_League)
| {{dts|2007|February|02|format=mdy}}
|align=center| 3
|align=center| 2:32
|[Houston, Texas](/source/Houston%2C_Texas), United States
| 
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 4–0
|   Tony Mendoza
| TKO (punches)
| WFC: Rumble in the Rockies
| {{dts|2006|September|02|format=mdy}}
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 2:41
|[Loveland, Colorado](/source/Loveland%2C_Colorado), United States
| 
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 3–0
|   Johnathan Tsosie
| TKO (submission to punches)
| Rage in the Cage 82
| {{dts|2006|May|26|format=mdy}}
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 0:43
|[Tucson, Arizona](/source/Tucson%2C_Arizona), United States
| 
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 2–0
|   [Homer Moore](/source/Homer_Moore)
| TKO (punches)
| Rage in the Cage 81
| {{dts|2006|April|29|format=mdy}}
|align=center| 3
|align=center| 0:30
|[Mesa, Arizona](/source/Mesa%2C_Arizona), United States
| 
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 1–0
|   Johnathan Tsosie
| TKO (punches)
| Total Fighting Alliance 1
| {{dts|2005|December|10|format=mdy}}
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 0:18
|[Campo, California](/source/Campo%2C_California), United States
| 
{{end}}

==See also==
*[List of Strikeforce alumni](/source/List_of_Strikeforce_alumni)

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Sherdog}}
* {{UFC|chad-griggs}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Griggs, Chad}}
Category:1978 births
Category:Living people
Category:American male mixed martial artists
Category:Mixed martial artists from Arizona
Category:Heavyweight mixed martial artists
Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Chad Griggs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chad_Griggs) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chad_Griggs?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.