Chad Griggs Ready to Shine In New Weight Class

STUDIO MMA, RIVERSIDE, CA – After suffering his first loss in roughly 5 years, Chad “The Grave Digger” Griggs knew a change was inevitable.

Griggs has a successful Strikeforce run with wins over Bobby Lashley, Gian Villante and Valentijn Overeem. Following Zuffa’s purchase of Strikeforce in 2011, the heavyweight division was absorbed into the UFC. Griggs made his Octagon debut in April at UFC 145, suffering a submission (arm-triangle) loss to rising heavyweight prospect Travis Browne.

You probably heard of the expression, ‘if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it’. For example: Michael Bisping had to lose a decision to Rashad Evans before he made the drop down middleweight. Griggs’ loss to Browne finally put the wheels in motion for the long-talked about move to the light heavyweight division. (Via UFC.com)

It’s absolutely something we have been talking about for the past four or five fights. We were having a good run at heavyweight and didn’t figure we should change anything until we lost. The loss came and it was a good time to drop.

I had a great training camp and my weight is going to be right on target. This is my first fight in the light heavyweight division and I’ve been very cautious with my diet. We’ve done a couple test runs to get down to 205 pounds and get everything dialed in. I feel very good about how things have gone. I’m excited to get into this new division.

Being an under-sized heavyweight also played a role.

I’m fighting in the UFC, at the top of the food chain, and heavyweights are a new breed of giants. I walk around weighing around 230 pounds and these guys are cutting to make 265. That is a pretty big weight gap. In all reality, 205 is where I probably should have been for quite some time.

Griggs will officially make his light heavyweight debut at UFC 154 in Montreal, when he takes on slick striker Cyrille Diabate. Griggs is well aware of the strengths Diabate possesses, but is intent on bringing it to the Frenchman.

I don’t really have too many gears. The only one I know is full throttle. I don’t go into a fight to win on points. I go into finish. I’m definitely going into this throwing leather and I’ll be looking to either submit him or knock him out every round I’m in there. I’m sure he knows that. It has been my style from the very beginning. It should be an exciting fight for the fans and I don’t see this one going the distance. I’ve never been to the judges’ cards and I don’t plan on starting now.

The Gravedigger is coming back. I’m bringing the sideburns in with me and I’m coming in to throw heavy leather. I’m going to push the pace, get on him, and I’ve always been willing to take a few punches to give a few in return. I’ll trade any day. It’s going to be a fast-paced fight and exciting for the fans.

(Photo via UFC.com)