In a recent episode of the Love & War show, MMA veteran King Green didn’t hold back his feelings about the grappling-heavy strategies of Islam Makhachev and Khamzat Chimaev. After securing his third consecutive win at UFC 328, Green expressed his frustration over what he described as some of the most disappointing title fights he’s ever witnessed.
Makhachev recently made headlines by moving up in weight to challenge welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena, while Chimaev showcased his wrestling prowess by dominating Dricus du Plessis for five rounds to claim the middleweight title, only to lose it shortly after to Sean Strickland. Despite their successes, Green believes their approaches lack the excitement that fans crave.
“I often clash with wrestlers, especially those from Russia,” Green remarked. “They’re competitors, not artists. They’re not creating something memorable that fans will want to revisit. Chimaev and Islam’s recent fights? They were among the worst title bouts I’ve ever seen.”
Green has a personal history with Makhachev, having faced him in February 2022 when he stepped in as a last-minute replacement for an injured opponent. Makhachev secured a first-round victory over Green, but the veteran fighter has since demonstrated his own wrestling skills, notably in his recent win against Jeremy Stephens, where he executed a rear-naked choke submission.
“What sets me apart is my relentless pursuit of a finish when I grapple,” Green explained. “I had a heated debate with Joe Rogan about grappling. While I appreciate the skill involved, I believe the audience wants to see knockouts, not just wrestling exchanges. I’ve been showing that I can wrestle, but I want to make it exciting.”
With an impressive 35-17 professional record over 18 years, Green has faced fierce competition in the octagon. Despite not having more than four consecutive wins in the UFC, he dismisses the idea that his record defines his value as a fighter.
“Fans only see wins and losses,” he said. “They don’t grasp the nuances behind my record. All they care about is the numbers.”
As Green continues to push the boundaries of his fighting style, one has to wonder: will he inspire a shift in how fighters approach championship bouts?
