King Green had one of the most disappointing nights of his career at UFC 304.
The 50-fight veteran was looking to be the first fighter to beat Paddy Pimblett inside the octagon, but he instead was choked out in Round 1, losing by submission for the first time since 2009 and just the third time ever.
On Monday, Green reflected on the loss in his first public comments since Saturday’s event.
“What a day,” Green said in an Instagram Story. “Thank you, guys, for checking in on me. I’m OK, I guess. Shit happens. Feel like I slipped into some shit and it just went all went the perfect way, I had a bad night. No excuses. Shit happens.
“I live by a code: Kill or be killed. Today I got killed. Let the ridicule begin, I know what comes with this. You guys can talk your shit, I know what comes with this.”
Making Green’s loss particularly befuddling is that he initiated the grappling with Pimblett, a larger fighter known for his ground skills. Pimblett was having success in the standup, but it was still surprising to see Green go to his wrestling so early in the fight. Shortly after a Green takedown, Pimblett secured a triangle choke that eventually left Green sleeping.
Pimblett improved to 6-0 in the UFC with the win and is expected to have a number next to his name when the promotion next updates its official rankings.
