King Green: Makhachev Grappling 'Felt Like Drugs'

King Green says his 2022 fight with Islam Makhachev left him with a lingering suspicion, claiming the grappling exchange felt like the kind of unnatural strength he associates with performance-enhancing drugs.

Green made the comment during a fan Q&A on a Kick stream hosted by Arnold Barboza. Asked how facing Makhachev compared to his other opponents, Green said the feeling was unlike almost anything he'd encountered across a long career. "I've messed with thousands of people. And it's the first time, or a couple of times, where I feel something, like when I go with guys who do drugs: 'That feels like drugs.' I could feel the difference," Green said.

Green didn't stop at Makhachev. He went further, alleging that banned substances remain a hidden problem at the highest levels of the UFC. "There's motherfers in the UFC that still be cheating, OK? They still be cheating. These motherfers cheat; and they're a lot of your titleholders, there are a lot of those guys that you didn't know about it. But they got the money to hide and they know what they are doing," he said, though he declined to name any other names.

What Actually Happened Between Green and Makhachev

Makhachev fought Green in 2022 in what became the last non-title fight of the Russian's career before he moved into title contention. Green took the fight on less than two weeks' notice, replacing Beneil Dariush. Makhachev dominated Green from the opening bell, took him down and landed heavy ground-and-pound to secure the finish in the first round. Short notice or not, it remains one of the most lopsided losses on Green's record, and it's the kind of performance that fueled Makhachev's climb to a lightweight title reign.

Green's Current Form Heading Into UFC 332

Whatever happened in that 2022 fight, Green has rebuilt his stock since. Currently on a four-fight winning streak with three finishes, Green (36-17-1) is scheduled to fight Esteban Ribovics (16-3) at UFC 332 on Oct. 3 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City. That's a real run for a veteran in his mid-30s, and it puts him in position to make a case for a run at the lightweight rankings if he handles Ribovics.

For bettors, the drug allegations don't move any lines, since there's no testing action attached to them and no names beyond Makhachev were mentioned. What matters for the market is the streak: a fighter finishing three of his last four is the kind of form that tends to draw sharp money, especially against a rising prospect like Ribovics who is still building his UFC resume. Expect Green to open as a live underdog or a pick'em depending on how oddsmakers weigh experience against Ribovics' upside.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did King Green say about Islam Makhachev?

King Green said grappling with Islam Makhachev in their 2022 fight felt different from any other opponent, comparing the sensation to facing fighters he believes were using banned substances.

How did the Islam Makhachev vs. King Green fight end?

Islam Makhachev dominated King Green from the start, taking him down and finishing him with ground-and-pound strikes in the first round in 2022.

Who is King Green fighting next?

King Green is scheduled to face Esteban Ribovics at UFC 332 on October 3 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City.