Longtime UFC fans get nostalgic celebrating 18 years of historic Stephan Bonnar vs. Forrest Griffin scrap

Stephan Bonnar vs. Forrest Griffin is considered to be the most important bout in the history of the UFC. The two locked horns back on April 9, 2005, in the finale of the very first season of The Ultimate Fighter.

While the highly captivating contest was a treat to watch for the fans, it also served great benefit to the organization, which was struggling to survive at the time.

For 15 minutes, fans looked in awe at the two highly motivated men who were pushing each other to their limits. By the end of it, the company had struck gold in terms of breaking through the mainstream barriers.

Now, longtime MMA fans have taken to Twitter to celebrate 18 years of the historic Stephan Bonnar vs. Forrest Griffin bout. Take a look at some of the reactions below:

"Legendary fight that literally helped the promotion exist further. RIP bonnar #ufc"

"Two warriors, giving it everything they got, what a fucking fight. Was lucky enough to be watching it and had no idea how this would grow the UFC."

"Before Robbie-Rory....we have these 2 warriors. RIP Stephan. Thank you for all you had done for our sport."

"Still the best fight I've ever seen. Two warriors going at it, holding nothing back. Incredible heart. RIP to Stephan Bonnar. Gone too soon"

"This fight catapulted the #UFC & started to make #MMA mainstream"

"Literally the most important fight in MMA history. PRIDE would close 2 years later. Without this fight, MMA as we know it now wouldn’t exist."

"The day the UFC went from the Red to the Black forever! Suddenly the Investment was paying huge dividends!"

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Stephan Bonnar vs. Forrest Griffin: How many times did they fight in the UFC?

Stephan Bonnar and Forrest Griffin fought each other twice in the octagon. Their first bout, as mentioned earlier, was in the season finale of TUF in 2005. Griffin won the bout via unanimous decision.

The two locked horns inside the octagon yet again after over a year in August 2006. While it wasn't quite like their first matchup, the bout was once again won by Forrest Griffin via unanimous decision.

Following the rematch, it was revealed that Stephan Bonnar tested positive for boldenone, a banned anabolic steroid, and was suspended for nine months.

Their matchups had a great impact on their careers as well, and while Griffin went on to become a champion, Bonnar faded away from MMA and turned his attention to pro-wrestling.

Stephan Bonnar tragically passed away at the age of 45 last year on December 22 due to presumed heart complications while working.