Career Timeline of King Green: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of King Green, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

King Green is an American professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC's Lightweight division. He turned professional in 2008 and is a former King of the Cage Lightweight and Junior Welterweight Champion. Prior to the UFC, Green competed in organizations such as Tachi Palace Fights, Strikeforce, and Affliction.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

January 2008: Professional MMA Debut

In January 2008, King Green made his professional mixed martial arts debut.

2008: MMA Debut

In 2008, King Green began his career as a professional mixed martial artist.

February 25, 2010: Wins KOTC Junior Welterweight Championship

On February 25, 2010, King Green defeated Ricky Legere to win the King of the Cage Junior Welterweight Championship via first-round TKO.

July 14, 2011: Signs with Strikeforce

On July 14, 2011, King Green signed a four-fight deal with Strikeforce.

May 19, 2012: Victory at Strikeforce

On May 19, 2012, King Green faced James Terry at Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Cormier and won via split decision.

August 18, 2012: Victory at Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman

On August 18, 2012, King Green defeated Matt Ricehouse at Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman via unanimous decision.

2012: First Scheduled Bout with Jorge Masvidal

In 2012, King Green was first scheduled to face Jorge Masvidal under the Strikeforce banner, but the bout was scrapped.

February 2, 2013: UFC 156 Victory and Submission of the Night

On February 2, 2013, King Green defeated Jacob Volkmann at UFC 156 via rear-naked choke submission in the third round, earning him the Submission of the Night honor.

November 6, 2013: Victory at UFC Fight Night 31

On November 6, 2013, King Green fought James Krause at UFC Fight Night 31, resulting in a TKO victory for Green after an unusual sequence of events involving groin strikes and a disputed blow.

July 26, 2014: Victory against Josh Thomson at UFC on Fox 12

On July 26, 2014, King Green faced and won against Josh Thomson at UFC on Fox 12 via split decision.

August 2, 2014: Rescheduling of Trujillo Bout

On August 2, 2014, the bout between King Green and Abel Trujillo was originally scheduled for UFC 176, before being cancelled.

August 16, 2014: Rescheduling of Trujillo Bout

On August 16, 2014, the bout between King Green and Abel Trujillo was expected to take place at UFC Fight Night 47, before being cancelled again.

September 27, 2014: Rescheduling for UFC 178

On September 27, 2014, King Green was originally scheduled to face Jorge Masvidal at UFC 178, but instead faced Donald Cerrone after a change in plans.

October 7, 2017: Draw Against Lando Vannata at UFC 216 and Fight of the Night Award

On October 7, 2017, King Green faced Lando Vannata at UFC 216, resulting in a split draw and earning the Fight of the Night award.

January 27, 2018: Victory Against Erik Koch at UFC on Fox

On January 27, 2018, King Green faced Erik Koch at UFC on Fox: Jacaré vs. Brunson 2 and won the fight via unanimous decision.

March 3, 2018: Expected Bout at UFC 222

On March 3, 2018, King Green was expected to face Beneil Dariush at UFC 222.

June 20, 2020: Victory Against Clay Guida at UFC Fight Night

On June 20, 2020, King Green faced Clay Guida at UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. Volkov and won the fight via unanimous decision.

August 1, 2020: Victory Against Lando Vannata and Fight of the Night Award

On August 1, 2020, King Green had a rematch with Lando Vannata at UFC Fight Night: Brunson vs. Shahbazyan, winning via unanimous decision and earning the Fight of the Night award.

September 12, 2020: Victory Against Alan Patrick at UFC Fight Night

On September 12, 2020, King Green faced Alan Patrick at UFC Fight Night 177, replacing Rodrigo Vargas, and won the fight via unanimous decision.

November 6, 2021: Victory Against Al Iaquinta at UFC 268 and Performance of the Night Award

On November 6, 2021, King Green faced Al Iaquinta at UFC 268 and won the fight by TKO in round one, earning him the Performance of the Night award.

February 12, 2022: Victory Against Nasrat Haqparast at UFC 271

On February 12, 2022, King Green faced Nasrat Haqparast at UFC 271 and won the bout via unanimous decision.

November 16, 2022: Eligibility to Fight Again

On November 16, 2022, King Green became eligible to fight again after serving his USADA suspension.

April 22, 2023: No Contest Result Against Jared Gordon at UFC Fight Night 222

On April 22, 2023, King Green faced Jared Gordon at UFC Fight Night 222; initially, Green won by knockout, but the result was changed to a no contest due to an accidental clash of heads.

July 29, 2023: Victory Against Tony Ferguson at UFC 291 and Performance of the Night Award

On July 29, 2023, King Green faced Tony Ferguson at UFC 291 and won the fight via technical submission, earning his second Performance of the Night bonus award.

October 7, 2023: Victory Against Grant Dawson at UFC Fight Night 229 and Performance of the Night Award

On October 7, 2023, King Green faced Grant Dawson at UFC Fight Night 229 and won the fight via knockout in the round one, earning him the Performance of the Night award.