Forrest Griffin vs Rashad Evans — Fight recap

Rashad Evans defeated Forrest Griffin via TKO in the third round at 1:46 on December 27, 2008, in a decisive light heavyweight clash. Griffin landed 50 significant strikes at 33% accuracy but struggled to find consistent offense, while Evans proved more efficient with 49 significant strikes at 47% accuracy, including 44 to the head.

Evans controlled the fight's tempo by landing his sole takedown attempt and maintaining 2:11 of control time compared to Griffin's 0:03, dictating the pace with superior striking volume and cage positioning. Griffin's leg-kick strategy—landing 24 of 32 attempts—provided his clearest offensive avenue, but it proved insufficient against Evans's composed, technical approach.

The stoppage came as Griffin's resistance deteriorated late in the third round, cementing Evans's status as a top light heavyweight contender.