Bobby Green

Background

Green was born in San Bernardino, California, and became a foster child when he was five years old, as his father was incarcerated and mother was unable to take care of her children due to a drug addiction. Green began wrestling in his sophomore year at A.B. Miller High School in Fontana, California, placing twice in the state tournament. Green began pursuing a career in professional mixed martial arts while he was also working at a warehouse to help support his son.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Green made his professional mixed martial arts debut in January 2008, and quickly amassed an 8–1 record while fighting on independent events.

Green drew the attention of Affliction Entertainment and fought on their second (and final) card Day of Reckoning. He lost to Dan Lauzon via submission in the first round. Green was docked two points in the first round, in what Sherdog has called one of the dirtiest fights in recent memory.

Following the loss, Green began a successful run in the King of the Cage promotion. On February 25, 2010, Green defeated Ricky Legere via first-round TKO to win the King of the Cage Junior Welterweight Championship at KOTC Arrival at the San Manuel Casino in Highland, California. He eventually defended the title once before losing it to Tim Means. On April 21, Green defeated Dom O'Grady by unanimous decision to win the King of the Cage Lightweight Championship.

Strikeforce

On July 14, 2011, it was announced that Green had signed a four-fight deal with Strikeforce. It was originally announced that Green would debut against Milton Vieira at Strikeforce Challengers: Gurgel vs. Duarte. However, on July 19, it was announced he would be filling in for Lyle Beerbohm against Gesias Cavalcante at Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Henderson. The fight was very back and forth, but Green lost the fight via a narrow split decision.

His next bout came against Charon Spain at Strikeforce Challengers: Larkin vs. Rossborough. Green won the fight via submission (arm-triangle choke) in the second round but is out indefinitely due to left and right hand injuries.

Green was scheduled to face Isaac Vallie-Flagg at Strikeforce Challengers: Britt vs. Sayers. However, Vallie-Flagg was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by J. P. Reese. He won the fight via submission in the third round.

On May 19, 2012, Green faced James Terry at Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Cormier where he won via split decision (28–29, 29–28, 29–28).

Green next faced Matt Ricehouse on August 18, 2012, at Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman and won the fight via unanimous decision.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Green defeated Jacob Volkmann on February 2, 2013, at UFC 156 via rear-naked choke submission in the third round. After back and forth action in the first two rounds, Green displayed some great grappling, countering Volkmann's attempts and finishing with the choke after some vicious ground and pound, which forced Volkmann to give up his back. The performance earned Green Submission of the Night honors.

Green was expected to face Danny Castillo on July 27, 2013, at UFC on Fox 8. However, in mid-July, Green pulled out of the bout citing an injury and was replaced by Tim Means.

Green faced James Krause on November 6, 2013, at UFC Fight Night 31. The fight ended in unusual fashion as Green had previously kicked Krause in the groin area twice, resulting in a one-point deduction. Green then landed a blow to Krause's belt line, which resulted in Krause falling to the canvas. Referee John McCarthy declared it a legal blow and awarded Green a TKO victory.

Green quickly stepped back into the octagon filling in for the injured Jamie Varner against Pat Healy at UFC on Fox 9. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Green was expected to face Abel Trujillo on February 1, 2014, at UFC 169. However, Green pulled out due to undisclosed reasons and was replaced by Jamie Varner.

Green was expected to face Jim Miller on April 26, 2014, at UFC 172. However, in the week leading up to the event, Green pulled out of the bout citing another injury and was replaced by Yancy Medeiros.

The bout with Trujillo was rescheduled for August 2, 2014, at UFC 176. However, after UFC 176 was cancelled, Green/Trujillo was rescheduled and was expected to take place on August 16, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 47. Subsequently, Green was removed from this fight on July 11 in favor of a matchup with against Josh Thomson as Green replaced Michael Johnson on July 26, 2014, at UFC on Fox 12. Green won the bout via split decision.

A bout with Jorge Masvidal, first scheduled under the Strikeforce banner in 2012 before being scrapped, was expected to take place on September 27, 2014, at UFC 178. However, on August 14, the UFC announced that Green would now face Donald Cerrone at the event. Following the signing and scheduling of former Bellator MMA Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez to face Cerrone at the event, Green was rescheduled to compete at a later, undetermined date.

Fighting style

King Green's striking style in mixed martial arts is built around his boxing and defensive mastery. His approach is heavily influenced by the Philly Shell defensive system, where he uses his lead shoulder to protect his chin while keeping his rear hand glued to his temple. Green also shows a willingness to keep his hands low even in the pocket using calculated baiting. Green drops his hands to draw out an opponent's offense, intending to counter it with a shoulder roll and strikes of his own.

His footwork and stance-switching add another layer of complexity to his game. Green flows seamlessly between orthodox and southpaw stances, maintaining fluidity from either position. He constantly takes small angles through L-steps and stance switches while keeping his head balanced over either leg. This movement sets up his straight punches when opponents attempt to walk him down, Green snaps jabs and crosses disrupting his opponent's combinations. He is also known for his pull counter and ability to slip and fire simultaneously.

While primarily a boxer, Green's arsenal includes effective kicking attacks, particularly from southpaw where he targets the inside thigh and liver. His takedown defense has been consistently strong throughout his career, defending 71% of attempts, and he's known as a scrambler who rarely offers much control time on bottom. Green also incorporates offensive wrestling, securing body locks and slamming opponents when they shoot on him.

Personal life

Green has three children. In April 2023, ahead of UFC Vegas 71, he announced he would legally retire the name “Bobby Green” and transition to his longtime nickname by changing his name to “King.” In July 2024, he confirmed the legal name change to “King Green,” sharing a video of his amended birth certificate.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Submission of the Night (One time) vs. Jacob Volkmann

Performance of the Night (Four times) vs. Al Iaquinta, Tony Ferguson, Grant Dawson and Terrance McKinney

Fight of the Night (Four times) vs. Lando Vannata (2x), Rafael Fiziev and Drew Dober

Most significant strikes in UFC Lightweight division history (2050)

Fourth most significant strikes landed in UFC history (2124)

Third most bouts in UFC Lightweight division history (29)

Most total strikes landed in UFC Lightweight division history (2312)

Tied (Gleison Tibau) for fifth most wins in UFC Lightweight division history (16)

Fifth most total fight time in UFC Lightweight division history (5:03:57)

Fourth highest striking differential in UFC Lightweight division history (2.89)

Second highest significant strike differential in a UFC Lightweight bout (+129) (vs. Jim Miller)

Third highest significant strike differential in a UFC Lightweight bout (+112) (vs. Nasrat Haqparast)

UFC.com Awards

2013: Ranked #6 Import of the Year

Amateur wrestling

California Interscholastic Federation

CIF All-State (2003, 2004)

CIF State Championship Sportsmanship Award (2004)