Run, Forrest, Run...But Where To?

The title was out there, and somebody had to use it.

Bad jokes aside, the truth is that since his bout with Anderson Silva, Forrest Griffin has gone underground, and has yet to really resurface.

Forrest Griffin's embarrassment was twofold, because not only was his performance in the fight humbling, but Forrest Griffin also made a big mistake in judgment by running out of the Octagon as he did.

Looking bad in a fight against Anderson is nothing to be ashamed of.  As Forrest himself said before the fight, Anderson takes good fighters and he makes them look bad.

I don't think that anybody really holds Forrest's loss against him.  He took up a challenge against Silva, and fought in a way that was not smart, but was the same way that earned him legions of fans.

But running out of the Octagon for a second time is a little bit worse, and is something that Forrest may have difficulty living down.

If you're a Forrest fan, you're hoping that when he does resurface he will say something funny that once again endears himself to the fans.

But the next question is, who does he fight next?

Despite being embarrassed, Forrest is still a really good fighter.

Forrest fighting with his natural style against Anderson's natural style is a terrible matchup for the contender. 

Even if Forrest does not adapt his strategy, his natural style can still be effective against some other matchups.

Some people have suggested that he should make a move to heavyweight, where he may still possess a speed advantage.  However, I personally don't think that is a great idea.

Forrest has always been a fighter who takes shots as he gives them, while he is also not a powerful striker.  

This would spell trouble for Forrest when he fights against the power strikers like Cheick Kongo in the heavyweight division.

Furthermore, he doesn't have the wrestling ability to stop the takedowns of the big four wrestlers of Couture, Lesnar, Carwin, and Velasquez.

Since it is unlikely that he would be able to keep his distance, or knock them out, he would have big trouble against these fighters.

I believe that there is still a bright future for Forrest at 205.  Rich Franklin has proved that a fighter doesn't need to be contending for a title to have a successful career.

Forrest Griffin should acclimate himself to a similar role.

In the future there are still appealing rematches with Keith Jardine, Tito Ortiz, Quinton Jackson, Rashad Evans, and Mauricio Rua.

I would also be interested in seeing a match with veterans like Rich Franklin, Brandon Vera, or Matt Hamill.

Or perhaps matches with up-and-comers like Jon Jones or Luiz Cane.

Either way, I am still looking forward to seeing Forrest fight again in the future.