King No Longer Just a Nickname For the Artist Formerly Known as Bobby Green

Bobby Green wanted to show he had gone from nothing to something. The long-time UFC veteran made it official recently. Green did the paperwork to change his first name from Bobby to King, which was previously his fighting moniker.

But Green wanted his first name to represent that he made something of himself. So he decided to give himself a name that represents royalty. Green, 37, has seen a career renaissance over the past few years. He turned in a virtuoso performance at UFC 300 and will have an opportunity at UFC 304 to derail the hype train of Paddy Pimblett.

Green will want to continue producing interesting fights as he gets older.  MMA latest updates shows that having a personality that separates him from the rest of the mid-level fighters will help keep him relevant in the MMA landscape.

UFC 300 Win Cemented His Fame

Green has never had a strong enough winning streak in the UFC to be a serious title contender. But Green has produced many legendary moments to cement himself as a solid mid-carder. When Green was paired against fellow veteran Jim Miller at UFC 300, many people believed Green would be submitted.

MMAfighting latest news shows that many people were reluctant to back Green after he was knocked out in horrible fashion by Jalin Turner in December 2023. Turner put Green to sleep several times before the referee finally dove in to save him. Green appeared to be cooked.

But that’s not how the Miller fight went. Not by a long shot. Instead, Green relied on his excellent striking to bully Miller. Green had hit Miller so many times that many people felt the fight could have been stopped several times.

Green also picked up a notable win at UFC 291 when he submitted Tony Ferguson with only six seconds left in the fight. Another standout moment came when Green halted Grant Dawson’s long winning streak in October 2023 by knocking him out in 33 seconds. 

Building His Base

Green didn’t have any kind of throne handed to him. The newly self-christened King had to pull himself up throughout his life. Green was born in California and went through the system as a foster kid. While growing up, Green’s dad was in jail, and his mom couldn’t care for him due to a drug injury.

Green didn’t pick up wrestling until his sophomore year of high school. He would prove to be an above-average, if not truly elite, wrestler. Having to work part-time jobs, as well as manage his emotions from his home life hardened Green. 

That mental toughness likely helped Green on the wrestling mat. Adversity in a sport wasn’t going to break him down. Green was a two-time state place winner in California but didn’t go on to college.

Instead, Green began training in mixed martial arts and worked at a warehouse to support his son. Green would end up making his professional debut in 2008.

Early Success, Minor Titles

When Green started fighting in MMA, the path to the UFC was much different. The UFC’s roster was much smaller, and there were more competing organizations fighting for the top spot. So Green had to battle his way through the regional and other UFC competitor promotions to reach the top.

Green opened his career by winning eight of his first nine fights. Along the way, Green won the Warriors Fighting Championship lightweight tournament and picked up the Total Fighting Alliance Lightweight Championship.

Green would find his way to the UFC after joining Strikeforce in 2011. Strikeforce would later be purchased by the UFC and absorbed by the bigger brand. Green lost his debut fight in Strikeforce by split decision before winning his final four fights in the promotion.

MMA news websites show that Green was able to carry that momentum throughout his early UFC tenure.

UFC Has Been Roller Coaster for Green

Green, who was 21-5 when he debuted in the UFC against James Krause, made a strong first impression. He knocked out Krause in the first round and kicked off a run of three straight wins. However, the next stretch of his career would foreshadow everything to come.

When Green stepped up to fight championship-level talent, he came up short. Green’s first losses in the UFC came to long-time ranked fighter Edson Barboza and former interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier. But one thing the UFC could always count on Green to do was step up and take on difficult challenges.

Two Weeks’ Notice

Green was pleased when he picked up his second straight win by beating Nasrat Haqparast by decision at UFC 271. The promotion then had a problem. For a February 26, 2022 Fight Night card, Beneil Dariush had pulled out of his fight against current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.

Green, who hadn’t been touched much by Haqparast, was happy to step up and take the fight. Green never stood a chance in this bout. Makhachev ended up finishing Green in the first round. But the King showed his toughness.

Where Does Green Go From Here?

When Green fights Pimblett, he will be making his 50th walk to the cage in his career. Green has compiled a 32-15-1 record with one no contest. Green has put a lot of miles on his tires according to MMA news sites.

However, Green has proven many times over recently that he can still dish out punishment to any opponent. It would behoove the UFC to utilize Green the way they are for UFC 304. He’s not a championship fighter.

But Green is willing to take chances and makes for a fun pairing with many opponents.  If the UFC can continue to pair him with other fighters with similar mindsets should make him a strong asset going forward for the promotion.

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By Dean McHugh.