King Green
Bobby "King" Green (born September 9, 1986) is an American professional mixed martial artist who competes in the lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).[1] Hailing from San Bernardino, California, Green stands at 5 feet 10 inches tall with a 71-inch reach and fights in an orthodox stance.[2] He turned professional in 2008 and entered the UFC in 2012 after amassing a series of regional successes.[2] Green's professional record stands at 32 wins, 17 losses, and 1 draw, including one no contest, with 11 knockouts, 9 submissions, and 12 decisions among his victories.[1] Prior to his UFC tenure, he captured championships in organizations such as King of the Cage, Total Fighting Alliance, and Warriors Fighting Championships.[2] In the UFC, he has earned notable wins, including a first-round knockout of Grant Dawson in 2023 and an arm-triangle submission of Tony Ferguson at UFC 291 later that year.[3] His career statistics highlight a striking accuracy of 52% and a takedown defense of 74%, underscoring his well-rounded skill set that blends aggressive striking with effective grappling.[1] As of November 2025, Green remains an active competitor in the lightweight division as a veteran fighter, though he has faced recent setbacks, including a first-round submission loss to Paddy Pimblett at UFC 304 in July 2024, a knockout defeat to Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 313 in March 2025, and an injury that led to the cancellation of his scheduled bout against Carlos Diego Ferreira at UFC 319 in August 2025.[3] Despite these challenges, his resilience and entertaining fight style have made him a fan favorite in the sport.[2]Background
Early life
Bobby Ray Green was born on September 9, 1986, in San Bernardino, California, to parents Mitchell Davis and Connie Scott.[4] His early years were marked by significant family instability, as his father faced frequent incarcerations and his mother struggled with drug addiction, rendering her unable to provide consistent care.[5] At the age of five, Green entered the foster care system due to these circumstances, cycling through approximately 50 different homes across Southern California's Inland Empire over the subsequent years.[6][7] Growing up amid poverty and violence in the rough neighborhoods of San Bernardino, Green was exposed to a harsh street life that tested his resilience from a young age.[7] He later reflected on periods of homelessness, surviving by living off others' scraps and navigating dangerous environments.[6] This upbringing included early brushes with minor troubles, such as fights and petty theft, which contributed to forging his determination to overcome adversity.[5] As a means of escape and positive outlet, Green turned to sports during his high school years at A.B. Miller High School in Fontana, California, where he was initially introduced to wrestling.[5] This transition provided structure and a constructive path forward amid his challenging circumstances.Amateur wrestling career
Green began wrestling during his sophomore year at A.B. Miller High School in Fontana, California, where he quickly distinguished himself as a competitive athlete in the sport.[8] His dedication to wrestling served as an anchor amid a challenging upbringing marked by foster care placements and street influences, instilling early discipline and focus.[7] In his junior year, Green competed in the 152-pound weight class at the 2003 California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) State Championships, securing a seventh-place finish and earning initial All-State recognition.[9] As a senior in 2004, he moved up to the 160-pound division and improved to fifth place at the CIF State Championships, solidifying his status as a two-time state placer.[10] These accomplishments highlighted his technical proficiency in takedowns and ground control, skills honed through rigorous high school training that emphasized endurance and precision.[11] Green's high school career also included league dominance, as he captured the Citrus Belt League individual title in his weight class, contributing to team successes such as pinning key opponents in pivotal dual meets.[12] Notable performances included victories in the CIF Southern Section qualifiers, where he advanced past regional competitors to reach the state level both years.[13] Following graduation, Green did not pursue further organized amateur wrestling, instead channeling his grappling foundation into other athletic endeavors.[14]Mixed martial arts career
Early professional career
Green made his professional mixed martial arts debut on January 19, 2008, at Total Fighting Alliance 9 in Santa Monica, California, where he defeated Neal Abrams by third-round technical knockout via punches.[15] Following this victory, he secured a first-round submission win over Enrique Briones with a guillotine choke at Ultimate Combat Mixed Martial Arts 5 on February 23, 2008.[15] His early momentum was interrupted by a unanimous decision loss to Josh Gaskins at Valor Fighting on March 7, 2008, marking his first professional defeat.[15] Over the next several months, Green rebounded with a string of wins in regional promotions, including a second-round submission of Raymond Ayala by choke at TFA 10 on March 22, 2008, and three victories in one night at World Fighting Championships on June 28, 2008—knockout wins over Israel Giron and Rafael Salomao, plus a split decision over Santiago Manzanares.[15] These performances highlighted his emerging versatility in striking and grappling, built on a foundation from his amateur wrestling background. In 2009, Green competed in higher-profile regional events, suffering a first-round rear-naked choke submission loss to Dan Lauzon at Affliction: Day of Reckoning on January 24, 2009, which exposed areas for improvement in his defensive grappling against elite competition. He responded with submission victories in King of the Cage, including a first-round armbar against John Ulloa on February 27, 2009, and a first-round TKO (punches) over Jeff Torch on October 3, 2009.[15] Additional wins came via first-round TKO against Sevak Magakian at Rage in the Cage 2 on November 20, 2009, and a knockout punch over Charles Bennett at KOTC: Fight 4 Hope on December 17, 2009.[15] However, setbacks continued with a first-round toe hold submission to David Mitchell at TPF 2: Brawl in the Hall on December 3, 2009, providing lessons in avoiding unorthodox submissions during transitions. These bouts in promotions like KOTC and TPF helped Green refine his approach, emphasizing faster finishes to conserve energy. Entering 2010, Green maintained his activity in King of the Cage, earning a first-round TKO over Ricky Legere Jr. on February 25, 2010, and a second-round guillotine choke submission against Daron Cruickshank on August 13, 2010, demonstrating growth in his ground control and opportunistic submissions.[15] A second-round TKO loss to Tim Means at KOTC: Imminent Danger on October 7, 2010, due to retirement from a cut, underscored the need for better durability in prolonged striking exchanges.[16] Green closed out his pre-major league phase with a five-round unanimous decision victory over Dom O'Grady at KOTC: Underground 51 on April 21, 2011, showcasing improved cardio and decision-making in longer fights.[15] By this point, he had compiled a regional record of 14-3, training primarily at camps in California to prepare for higher-profile opportunities.[15]Strikeforce
Green made his Strikeforce debut with a split decision loss to Gesias Cavalcante on July 30, 2011, at Strikeforce / M-1 Global: Fedor vs. Henderson.[15] He then secured a pair of submission victories in the promotion's Challengers series, marking his transition to higher-profile bouts in the lightweight division. Green entered the main card of Strikeforce events in 2012. On May 19, 2012, at Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Cormier, he faced veteran James Terry in a closely contested matchup that highlighted Green's evolving striking and grappling defense. Green secured a split decision victory (28–29, 29–28, 29–28) after three rounds, absorbing significant pressure while landing effective counters and avoiding Terry's submission attempts.[15] This win demonstrated his adaptation to elite-level competition, where he relied on cardio and tactical footwork to outpoint a durable opponent. Green's momentum continued on August 18, 2012, at Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman, where he dominated Matt Ricehouse en route to a unanimous decision victory (30–27, 30–27, 30–27). Throughout the fight, Green showcased superior volume striking, outlanding Ricehouse in significant strikes while stuffing takedowns and threatening with ground control in brief scrambles.[15] This performance solidified his 4-1 record in Strikeforce overall, with the 2012 wins emphasizing his growth into a well-rounded lightweight capable of competing against top regional talent. A scheduled bout against Jorge Masvidal on November 3, 2012, at what would have been Strikeforce: Marquardt vs. Saffiedine fell through when the event was cancelled amid the promotion's declining operations. During this period, Green honed his skills at local gyms in Southern California, focusing on refining his unorthodox striking style and wrestling base to handle the increased pace of Strikeforce's main roster. The absorption of Strikeforce by UFC parent company Zuffa in early 2013 directly propelled Green into the Octagon, where he made his promotional debut at UFC 156 on February 2, 2013, capitalizing on the momentum from his Strikeforce successes to launch a prominent UFC career.Ultimate Fighting Championship
King Green made his Ultimate Fighting Championship debut on February 2, 2013, at UFC 156 against Jacob Volkmann, securing a rear-naked choke submission victory in the third round, which earned him his first Performance of the Night bonus. His early UFC run showcased his striking prowess, highlighted by a first-round knockout kick against James Krause at UFC Fight Night 31 on November 6, 2013, and unanimous decision wins over Pat Healy at UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Benavidez 2 on December 14, 2013, and a split decision win over Josh Thomson at UFC on Fox: Lawler vs. Brown on July 26, 2014. These victories, building on his Strikeforce experience, established Green as a dynamic lightweight contender with fluid kickboxing and opportunistic grappling. Following a unanimous decision loss to Edson Barboza on November 22, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 57, Green's career experienced ebbs, including a first-round knockout defeat to Dustin Poirier at UFC 199 on June 4, 2016. He rebounded with a split decision draw against Lando Vannata at UFC 216 on October 7, 2017, and a unanimous decision win over Erik Koch at UFC Fight Night 125 on January 27, 2018, demonstrating resilience amid ranking fluctuations that saw him enter the lightweight top 15 briefly after the Koch bout before dropping out following a decision loss to Drakkar Klose on December 15, 2018, followed by a unanimous decision loss to Francisco Trinaldo on November 16, 2019, at UFC Fight Night: Blachowicz vs. Jacaré. Green's evolution toward a lightweight specialist emphasized his high-volume striking, averaging over 5 significant strikes landed per minute across his UFC tenure.[1] In 2020, Green notched three consecutive unanimous decision victories against Clay Guida, Lando Vannata, and Alan Patrick, propelling him back into contention and earning Fight of the Night honors for the Vannata rematch at UFC on ESPN 14 on August 1, 2020. However, a decision loss to Thiago Moises on October 31, 2020, and subsequent defeat to Rafael Fiziev on August 7, 2021, were interrupted by a first-round TKO win over Al Iaquinta at UFC 268 on November 6, 2021, and a unanimous decision victory over Nasrat Haqparast at UFC 271 on February 12, 2022, before the first-round knockout loss to Islam Makhachev on February 26, 2022, at UFC Fight Night: Makhachev vs. Green, followed by a second-round knockout loss to Drew Dober at UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs. Strickland on December 17, 2022, tested his durability, with the Makhachev bout marking a low point as he absorbed heavy ground-and-pound. Green's rankings hovered outside the top 15 during this stretch, reflecting inconsistent results against elite competition. A pivotal moment came in his bout against Jared Gordon on December 10, 2022, at UFC Fight Night: dos Anjos vs. Gordon, where Green suffered a controversial split decision loss but used the post-fight platform to announce his intent to legally change his name to King Green, symbolizing personal empowerment after feeling robbed of the win. Their rematch on April 22, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 222 ended in a no contest due to an accidental head clash, further fueling debate over the original outcome. Green then delivered a signature performance, submitting Tony Ferguson with an arm-triangle choke in the third round at UFC 291 on July 29, 2023, earning Fight of the Night and climbing to No. 13 in the lightweight rankings. Continuing his resurgence, Green achieved a rapid first-round knockout over Grant Dawson on October 7, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 229, securing Performance of the Night and solidifying his top-15 status. This momentum halted with a first-round knockout loss to Jalin Turner on December 2, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 52, dropping him from the rankings. In 2024, Green scored a unanimous decision victory over Jim Miller at UFC 300 on April 13, 2024, before officially changing his name to King Green ahead of his bout against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 304 on July 27, 2024, where he fell to a first-round triangle choke submission. His UFC tenure includes eight post-fight bonuses, primarily for Fight of the Night, underscoring his entertaining style despite a 13-12-1 record with one no contest in the promotion. Green's 2025 began with a first-round knockout loss to Mauricio Ruffy via spinning wheel kick at UFC 313 on March 8, 2025, in a Fight of the Night-caliber clash that highlighted Ruffy's striking but left Green reflecting on defensive lapses. Scheduled to face Diego Ferreira at UFC 319 on August 16, 2025, Green withdrew days before due to an undisclosed injury, later sharing on social media that he "can't even walk," emphasizing the recovery challenges and his reluctance to fight compromised.[17] This cancellation, amid ongoing lightweight focus, paused his push for redemption, with Green voicing optimism for a return while prioritizing health.Personal life
Family and relationships
King Green is a father to three children: two sons, Jeremiah and Jacob, from previous relationships, and a daughter, Isabella, whom he shares with his long-term partner, Tabitha Swann.[18][19] He has emphasized his devotion to fatherhood, providing financial support for his sons while co-parenting all three children across multiple relationships, though specific ages remain private.[18] There is no confirmed marriage in Green's personal history, but his partnership with Swann has been described as a stable foundation, with the couple focusing on building a supportive family life away from public scrutiny.[19][20] Green's mixed martial arts career presents challenges in balancing professional demands with family time, as he has noted the difficulty of equally dividing attention among his children while traveling for fights and training camps.[21] Despite this, he fights with his family as a primary motivation, stating that his children provide emotional drive, though they prioritize his presence over his victories.[21] Swann has been a key source of unwavering emotional support during career milestones, including attending events and offering stability amid the sport's highs and lows.[19] The fighter's commitment to being an involved parent stems from his own childhood experiences with an absent biological father, Mitchell Davis, whose repeated incarcerations contributed to Green's placement in foster care at age five.[22] In contrast to the instability of his early years, Green credits his adoptive father figure and coach, Jacob Behney, for instilling values of loyalty and presence, vowing to "lay his life down" for such support and applying it to his role as a father.[22] Green's extended family includes two brothers, Mitchell Davis Jr., who was tragically killed in a 2014 drive-by shooting, and Charles Gasaway, who survived a separate shooting that year; these events underscored the UFC's support when the organization covered funeral costs, fostering Green's lifelong loyalty to the promotion as part of his broader family network.[20][23]Public persona and name change
Bobby Green, known professionally in mixed martial arts as "King" Green, announced his intention to legally change his name following his controversial split decision victory over Jared Gordon at UFC on ESPN 42 in December 2022, though the formal declaration came ahead of their rematch in April 2023.[24] He described the change as a personal evolution from "peasant to king," symbolizing his rise from humble beginnings, and confirmed it would apply to all future fights.[24] The legal name change to King Green was finalized in July 2024, just before his bout against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 304, marking a complete shift in his official identity within the sport.[25] Green's public persona is characterized by charisma and bold trash-talk, often delivered with motivational undertones that emphasize resilience and self-belief, earning him a reputation as a fan-favorite entertainer in the UFC lightweight division.[26] In post-fight interviews, he frequently refers to himself as "King," delivering viral speeches that blend humor, defiance, and inspiration, such as declaring himself "the guy" everyone should aspire to after victories. His social media presence amplifies this image, with clips of these moments garnering widespread attention for their raw energy and street-wise authenticity.[27] Green has made notable media appearances that highlight his narrative of overcoming adversity, including episodes of UFC Embedded where he shares glimpses of his training and mindset, and podcasts discussing mental health challenges tied to his journey from street life to professional success. On platforms like the "Overcome Challenges" podcast, he opens up about making better life choices amid personal struggles, framing his career as a testament to mental fortitude and growth.[28] His engaging personality has fueled fan interactions and high-profile rivalries, most prominently his heated feud with Paddy Pimblett, which escalated through pre-fight banter at UFC 304 where Green accused the younger fighter of being "built" by the UFC rather than forged through hardship.[26] This bold style draws crowds and amplifies online discourse, with fans praising his unfiltered authenticity during events and media days. In August 2025, Green faced a setback when an undisclosed injury forced him to withdraw from his scheduled UFC 319 bout against Diego Ferreira, revealing on social media that he "can't even walk" but vowing resilience and a strong return.[29] In an emotional Instagram post, he apologized to fans and his opponent, emphasizing his commitment to never quitting despite the pain, which underscored his public narrative of perseverance.[30]Championships and accomplishments
Mixed martial arts
Green began his professional MMA career by capturing regional titles in promotions such as King of the Cage, Total Fighting Alliance, and Warriors Fighting Championships. On July 12, 2008, he won the TFA Lightweight Championship with a second-round TKO victory over Toby Grear at TFA 11.[31] On June 28, 2008, Green won the WFC 2008 Lightweight Tournament with victories including a first-round TKO over Rafael Salomao.[15] In the King of the Cage promotion, on February 25, 2010, he won the KOTC Junior Welterweight Championship with a first-round TKO victory over Ricky Legere Jr. at KOTC: Arrival in Highland, California.[15] Later, on April 21, 2011, Green claimed the KOTC Lightweight Championship via unanimous decision against Dom O'Grady at KOTC: Moral Victory in Highland, California, solidifying his status as a top regional contender in the division.[15] In the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Green has earned multiple post-fight bonuses for his performances, highlighting his exciting fighting style and finishing ability. He received his first UFC bonus at UFC 156 on February 2, 2013, earning $50,000 for Fight of the Night after submitting Gleison Tibau in the second round. Subsequent accolades include Fight of the Night honors for his split draw with Lando Vannata at UFC Fight Night 173 on November 14, 2020, where the back-and-forth battle showcased both fighters' resilience.[32] Green also secured Fight of the Night bonuses for his intense war against Rafael Fiziev at UFC 265 on August 7, 2021, despite the loss, and against Drew Dober at UFC Fight Night 216 on December 17, 2022, in a thrilling bout that ended in a second-round knockout for Dober.[33][34] Green earned a Performance of the Night award for submitting Tony Ferguson in the third round at UFC 291 on July 29, 2023. He followed with another Performance of the Night for his knockout victory over Grant Dawson at UFC Fight Night 229 on October 7, 2023, marking one of his most dominant showings in the Octagon.[35][36] These awards underscore Green's reputation for delivering high-impact performances in the lightweight division. Although Green has not captured a major world title, his consistent showings have led to recognition in official rankings. Following his knockout of Dawson, he entered the UFC lightweight rankings at No. 13 in October 2023, representing his peak placement in the division.[37]Amateur wrestling
Green began his amateur wrestling career at A.B. Miller High School in Fontana, California, where he competed in the 152-pound weight class during his junior and senior years. As a junior in 2003, he earned an eighth-place finish at the CIF State Championships, securing All-State honors.[38][8] In his senior year of 2004, Green won the CIF Southern Section Inland Division championship at 160 pounds, advancing to the CIF State Championships where he placed fifth overall in the 152-pound bracket and received the CIF State Championship Sportsmanship Award.[39][40][10] He also captured the Citrus Belt League individual title three times during his high school tenure, highlighting his dominance in regional competitions.[41] These accomplishments in amateur wrestling provided a strong foundation for Green's transition to mixed martial arts, where his grappling skills became a key asset.[8]Mixed martial arts record
| Result | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | Mauricio Ruffy | KO/TKO (Kick) | UFC 313: Pereira vs. Ankalaev | Mar. 08, 2025 | 1 | 2:07 |
| Loss | Paddy Pimblett | SUB (Triangle Choke) | UFC 304: Edwards vs. Muhammad 2 | Jul. 27, 2024 | 1 | 3:22 |
| Win | Jim Miller | U-DEC | UFC 300: Pereira vs. Hill | Apr. 13, 2024 | 3 | 5:00 |
| Loss | Jalin Turner | KO/TKO (Punches) | UFC Fight Night: Dariush vs. Tsarukyan | Dec. 02, 2023 | 1 | 2:49 |
| Win | Grant Dawson | KO/TKO (Punch) | UFC Fight Night: Dawson vs. Green | Oct. 07, 2023 | 1 | 0:33 |
| Win | Tony Ferguson | SUB (Arm Triangle) | UFC 291: Poirier vs. Gaethje 2 | Jul. 29, 2023 | 3 | 4:54 |
| NC | Jared Gordon | CNC | UFC Fight Night: Pavlovich vs. Blaydes | Apr. 22, 2023 | 1 | 4:35 |
| Loss | Drew Dober | KO/TKO (Punch) | UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs. Strickland | Dec. 17, 2022 | 2 | 2:45 |
| Loss | Islam Makhachev | KO/TKO (Punches) | UFC Fight Night: Makhachev vs. Green | Feb. 26, 2022 | 1 | 3:23 |
| Win | Nasrat Haqparast | U-DEC | UFC 271: Adesanya vs. Whittaker 2 | Feb. 12, 2022 | 3 | 5:00 |
| Win | Al Iaquinta | KO/TKO (Punches) | UFC 268: Usman vs. Covington 2 | Nov. 06, 2021 | 1 | 2:25 |
| Loss | Rafael Fiziev | U-DEC | UFC 265: Lewis vs. Gane | Aug. 07, 2021 | 3 | 5:00 |
| Loss | Thiago Moises | U-DEC | UFC Fight Night: Hall vs. Silva | Oct. 31, 2020 | 3 | 5:00 |
| Win | Alan Patrick | U-DEC | UFC Fight Night: Waterson vs. Hill | Sep. 12, 2020 | 3 | 5:00 |
| Win | Lando Vannata | U-DEC | UFC Fight Night: Brunson vs. Shahbazyan | Aug. 01, 2020 | 3 | 5:00 |
| Win | Clay Guida | U-DEC | UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. Volkov | Jun. 20, 2020 | 3 | 5:00 |
| Loss | Francisco Trinaldo | U-DEC | UFC Fight Night: Blachowicz vs. Jacare | Nov. 16, 2019 | 3 | 5:00 |
| Loss | Drakkar Klose | U-DEC | UFC Fight Night: Lee vs. Iaquinta | Dec. 15, 2018 | 3 | 5:00 |
| Win | Erik Koch | U-DEC | UFC Fight Night: Jacare vs. Brunson 2 | Jan. 27, 2018 | 3 | 5:00 |
| Draw | Lando Vannata | S-DEC | UFC 216: Ferguson vs. Lee | Oct. 07, 2017 | 3 | 5:00 |
| Loss | Rashid Magomedov | S-DEC | UFC on FOX: Johnson vs. Reis | Apr. 15, 2017 | 3 | 5:00 |
| Loss | Dustin Poirier | KO/TKO (Punch) | UFC 199: Rockhold vs. Bisping 2 | Jun. 04, 2016 | 1 | 2:53 |
| Loss | Edson Barboza | U-DEC | UFC Fight Night: Edgar vs Swanson | Nov. 22, 2014 | 3 | 5:00 |
| Win | Josh Thomson | S-DEC | UFC on FOX: Lawler vs Brown | Jul. 26, 2014 | 3 | 5:00 |
| Win | Pat Healy | U-DEC | UFC on FOX: Johnson vs. Benavidez 2 | Dec. 14, 2013 | 3 | 5:00 |
| Win | James Krause | KO/TKO (Kick) | UFC Fight Night: Fight for the Troops 3 | Nov. 06, 2013 | 1 | 3:50 |
| Win | Jacob Volkmann | SUB (Rear Naked Choke) | UFC 156: Aldo vs Edgar | Feb. 02, 2013 | 3 | 4:25 |
| Win | Matt Ricehouse | U-DEC | Strikeforce - Rousey vs Kaufman | Aug. 18, 2012 | 3 | 5:00 |
| Win | James Terry | S-DEC | Strikeforce - Barnett vs Cormier | May. 19, 2012 | 3 | 5:00 |
| Win | James Reese | SUB (Rear Naked Choke) | Strikeforce Challengers 20 | Nov. 18, 2011 | 3 | 2:25 |
| Win | Charon Spain | SUB (Arm Triangle) | Strikeforce Challengers 19 | Sep. 23, 2011 | 2 | 2:54 |
| Loss | Gesias Cavalcante | S-DEC | Strikeforce - Fedor vs. Henderson | Jul. 30, 2011 | 3 | 5:00 |
| Loss | Dan Lauzon | SUB (Rear Naked Choke) | Affliction - Day of Reckoning | Jan. 24, 2009 | 1 | 4:55 |