King Green Accepted the Setback After Pimblett’s Submission
King Green addressed his UFC 304 defeat through Instagram Stories reported on July 29, 2024. The lightweight thanked supporters for checking on him, described a disappointing performance and accepted the criticism that would follow his loss to Paddy Pimblett.
Green offered no excuses
In his first public response after the Manchester event, Green characterized the fight as a bad night. He acknowledged that the finishing sequence had gone against him and said he understood the reaction that came with losing.
The message focused on taking responsibility for the immediate setback. He did not use those comments to announce retirement or identify a confirmed opponent for his next appearance.
A takedown became the turning point
Pimblett had been finding success on the feet when Green initiated a takedown. Once the contest moved into grappling, Pimblett threatened a guillotine before switching to a triangle choke.
Green lost consciousness in the hold, and the fight ended at 3:22 of the first round on July 27. The submission gave Pimblett a sixth consecutive UFC victory and prevented Green from ending that promotional winning run.
The defeat interrupted a long submission gap
MMA Fighting noted that it was Green’s first submission defeat since 2009 and only the third of his professional career. That history made the quick ending particularly notable for the veteran lightweight.
Pimblett also received a $200,000 performance bonus. Green’s later message supplied the losing fighter’s own response to the result, centered on accountability and appreciation for the people who had contacted him afterward.
Sources
- MMA Fighting: Green’s Instagram response and submission history
- UFC: finishing sequence and official time
- MMA Fighting: Pimblett’s performance award
