Challenges Faced by King Green: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped King Green's life and career.

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

July 27, 2013: Withdrawal from UFC on Fox 8

On July 27, 2013, King Green was scheduled to face Danny Castillo at UFC on Fox 8, but he pulled out of the bout due to an injury.

February 1, 2014: Withdrawal from UFC 169

On February 1, 2014, King Green was expected to face Abel Trujillo at UFC 169, but he pulled out due to undisclosed reasons.

April 26, 2014: Withdrawal from UFC 172

On April 26, 2014, King Green was expected to face Jim Miller at UFC 172, but he pulled out of the bout citing another injury.

November 22, 2014: Loss to Edson Barboza at UFC Fight Night 57

On November 22, 2014, King Green faced Edson Barboza at UFC Fight Night 57 and lost via unanimous decision.

April 4, 2015: Withdrawal from UFC Fight Night 63

On April 4, 2015, King Green was briefly linked to a bout with Jorge Masvidal at UFC Fight Night 63 but had to pull out due to an injury.

July 15, 2015: Withdrawal from UFC Fight Night 71

On July 15, 2015, King Green was expected to face Al Iaquinta at UFC Fight Night 71 but had to pull out in mid-June due to another injury.

June 4, 2016: Loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 199

On June 4, 2016, King Green faced Dustin Poirier at UFC 199 and lost the fight via knockout in the first round.

October 1, 2016: Withdrawal from UFC Fight Night 96

On October 1, 2016, King Green was expected to face Josh Burkman at UFC Fight Night 96, but he pulled out due to personal issues.

April 15, 2017: Loss to Rashid Magomedov at UFC on Fox 24

On April 15, 2017, King Green faced Rashid Magomedov at UFC on Fox 24 and lost the fight by split decision.

February 14, 2018: Withdrawal from UFC 222

On February 14, 2018, it was announced that King Green was forced to pull out from the UFC 222 event, citing injury.

June 9, 2018: Withdrawal from UFC 225

On June 9, 2018, King Green was forced out of the bout against Clay Guida at UFC 225 due to an injury.

November 16, 2019: Loss to Francisco Trinaldo at UFC on ESPN+

On November 16, 2019, King Green returned to face Francisco Trinaldo at UFC on ESPN+ 22 and lost the fight via unanimous decision.

October 31, 2020: Loss to Thiago Moisés at UFC Fight Night

On October 31, 2020, King Green faced Thiago Moisés at UFC Fight Night 181 and lost the fight via unanimous decision, despite many media outlets scoring the bout as a win for Green.

February 13, 2021: Cancellation of Fight Against Jim Miller at UFC 258

On February 13, 2021, King Green was scheduled to face Jim Miller at UFC 258, but the fight was cancelled when Green collapsed after the weigh-ins.

August 7, 2021: Loss to Rafael Fiziev at UFC 265 and Fight of the Night Award

On August 7, 2021, King Green faced Rafael Fiziev at UFC 265 and lost the fight via unanimous decision, though he earned the Fight of the Night award.

February 26, 2022: Loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC Fight Night 202

On February 26, 2022, just two weeks after his last fight, King Green stepped up to replace an injured Beneil Dariush and faced Islam Makhachev at UFC Fight Night 202, losing via TKO in the first round.

May 16, 2022: USADA Suspension

On May 16, 2022, King Green received a six-month USADA suspension for testing positive for Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on an out-of-competition drug test.

July 2, 2022: Withdrawal from UFC 276

On July 2, 2022, King Green was rebooked to face Jim Miller for the third time at UFC 276, but he was forced to pull out of the bout a week before the event.

December 17, 2022: Loss to Drew Dober at UFC Fight Night 216 and Fight of the Night Award

On December 17, 2022, King Green faced Drew Dober at UFC Fight Night 216 and lost the fight via knockout in round two, earning him the Fight of the Night award.

December 2, 2023: Loss to Jalin Turner at UFC on ESPN 52

On December 2, 2023, King Green faced Jalin Turner at UFC on ESPN 52 and lost the fight via knockout in the first round, after Dan Hooker withdrew due to injury.