Chad Griggs made his Light Heavyweight debut on the FX prelims of UFC 154 against Cyrille Diabate. It didn't take long for Diabate to sink in a rear naked choke and finish Griggs mid-way through the first round. Diabate improves his UFC record to 4-2 (19-8-1 overall). In two fights in as many divisions Chad Griggs has yet to get a win in the UFC. The submission loss dropped his record to 11-3.
Griggs came out looking to kick early, but was sent to the mat by Diabate punch. Cyrille followed him to the ground but Griggs managed to escape. Diabate slammed him back to the ground and it was pretty clear the end was coming. Not long after, Cyrille took the back and forced the tap.
What was the high point of the fight?
Diabate's slam. Despite coming down from the higher weight class, Diabate dwarfed Griggs and used that size advantage extremely well.
Where do they go from here?
Coming off a close decision over Tom DeBlass, Cyrille Diabate wasn't really on the chopping block but he wasn't in great shape either. This win secures his roster spot and he'll continue to fight amongst the lower tier of the 205 lb. division.
No one thought Chad Griggs was a world beater before this fight and they certainly don't think it afterward. He's been generally embarrassed and outclassed in both his fights in the UFC. They may decide to give him one more shot in Light Heavyweight, but I doubt it.
Watch it now, later, or never?
Watch it now. It's not the most technical fight, but it's short and fun.
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