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ROSS " GRIZZ"
CLIFTON
R.I.P
Story by Hit Boy
Super heavyweight Ross "The Grizzly" Clifton has passed away from an
apparent heart attack. He was 32 years old. When I heard the news my
heart dropped, my kids started to cry, I sat in my backyard with my
dogs for about an hour just thinking about all the special moments
the Grizz and I shared. Aside from knowing him as a proud Champion,
I knew him as a soft hearted, loyal friend. He was always there when
I needed him, he kept my spirits high when I was at the lowest in my
MMA career, we had always talked about traveling together to fight
overseas, I knew him as a great philosopher, he was very
intellectual and not to mention he had a great sense of humor. But
most importantly he was a man that loved his wife, his kids, and his
dogs. Many people will remember him in their own special way, I will
remember him for that famous smile of his.
Those that did not know him the way his closest friends did, will
remember him as a fearless Mixed Martial Arts Fighter, someone that
would fight anyone at a drop of a dime. The Grizz started his MMA
career close to 8 yrs ago to this day, Sept 9, 2001 Colusa Casino.
2001 against Pride veteran Amir Rahnavardi Although he lost his
debut, he was destined to be a champion. The Grizz was a fan
favorite from the start, he gained instant notoriety for being this
young kid who stood 6"8 360 pounds and was very agile for his size,
I had the opportunity to witness many of his fights and I was amazed
to see someone of his size throw leg kicks the way he did, not to
mention the speed and accuracy his punches packed, his opponents
were definitely in a fight when they stepped into that cage. The
Grizz could always be spotted at the shows proudly wearing Worsham
Team X Hockey Jerseys, that was one thing he was proud of, being a
part of that special era of Cal Worsham, Jaime Jara, James
Fanshier,Mike Rumsey and co. Frank Fernandez was also a huge part of
Team X and a very special friend to the Grizz.
I could go on and on and tell many stories but I thought I would do
it a little different this time and let those that were close to him
tell how they remembered Ross Clifton " The Grizz".
" I always remembered Grizz walking around with the GC belt no
matter where he went. I seen that belt and I knew the Grizz was in
the house" -Jaime Jara-
"He was the funniest guy I ever met" -Mike Rumsey-
"I will always remember the stare down between the Grizz and
Shamrock" -Chris Ronquillo-
"The Grizz was a gentle giant, very humble and likeable guy" -Jeff
Gallion-
"The Grizz was a cool ass dude, a big teddy bear. He was a good
person and a solid friend, he will be missed, much love"
-Dave Huckaba-
"The Grizz's heart was bigger than he was, I am deeply sadend"
-Chris David-
On Behalf of Gladiator Challenge, Ted Williams and Family we would
like to offer our condolences to Ross Cliftons wife and kids, mom
and dad and family, This is a deep and tragic loss, The Grizz was an
intrical part of the G.C family. The silver linning here is what
Ross gave and left us throughout his extensive MMA career, it is
almost fitting that his career went full circle, it is was on July
31st that he last fought to defend his title at Colusa Casino, right
were his career began. It was almost two weeks ago that the Grizz
came up to me in Konocti, gave me a big smile and asked for a
rematch. Ross had every intention on coming back and earning back
what was his. The Grizz fought many times on short notice. He will
always be remembered for his ethics and integrity. He will be missed
deeply"
"Cal Worsham"
Ross Clifton was raised in Rancho Cordova is survived by his wife
and kids mother and father, Ross Clifton was the former Gladiator
Challenge Super Heavyweight Champion. His most notable fight was
against UFC Hall Of Famer Ken Shamrock. He ran his own gym called
the Grizzly's Den and was also training with No Limit.
On the behalf of MMA-KO god bless ROSS " GRIZZ" CLIFTON's family on
this very difficult time.
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