(Video) Pro Boxer Faces Fierce MMA Test Against 39-Year-Old UFC Veteran King Green

King Green remains one of the UFC’s most experienced veterans, with the 39-year-old riding a four-fight winning streak. His latest victory came against Terrance McKinney at UFC 329, where he scored a final-second TKO. However, Green was recently seen dominating WBO Global welterweight champion Arnold Barboza Jr. in sparring.

Barboza Jr. is a seasoned boxer from California with a 33-1 record and 11 wins by knockout. He captured the vacant WBO Global welterweight title by defeating Kenneth Sims Jr. via unanimous decision in March 2026. His lone defeat came against Teofimo Lopez in May 2025, after previously beating Jack Catterall and Jose Ramirez.

Green and Barboza Jr. recently held an MMA sparring session, marking their first training together under MMA rules. The UFC veteran used his wrestling and grappling against the professional boxer during the session. The sparring was streamed live on Barboza’s Kick channel, where Green eventually secured a rear-naked choke.

Pro boxer Arnold Barboza Jr sparred UFC fighter King Green in MMA for the first time 👀

“This what happens to any of you boxers that come in here. I’ll dog walk you!” pic.twitter.com/kKsZJAifog

— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) August 20, 2026

The boxing sparring highlighted the contrast between Green’s MMA experience and Barboza Jr.’s boxing skills. The WBO Global welterweight champion landed combinations and pressured Green against the ropes. Barboza Jr. also connected with several clean punches as he cornered the 39-year-old during the exchange.

The boxing-versus-MMA debate has intensified recently, with Terence Crawford emerging as a major figure. The former undisputed champion has promoted boxing’s superiority while repeatedly targeting Ilia Topuria. Crawford recently drew criticism as he trolled the Spaniard after his first career loss to Justin Gaethje.

The boxing-versus-MMA debate intensified after Shakur Stevenson criticized MMA fighters during an appearance on Adin Ross’ stream.

UFC welterweight contender Joaquin Buckley pushed back, defending MMA and challenging Stevenson’s view of the sport. The exchange added another chapter to the boxing-versus-MMA rivalry.

The major gap between boxing and MMA is not skill, but fighter pay and compensation. UFC CEO Dana White has faced criticism over fighter pay from prominent boxing figures, including Mike Tyson and Chris Eubank Jr. Their comments have kept the UFC’s compensation model central to the broader debate.

King Green remains one of the UFC’s most battle-hardened veterans, with notable wins over veterans of the sport like Tony Ferguson and Clay Guida.

His MMA experience was evident against Barboza Jr., highlighting the differences between both disciplines. The sparring session added another chapter to the ongoing boxing-versus-MMA debate.

King Green reacts to one of the biggest upsets of 2026

UFC 328 carried major stakes in the middleweight division, with Khamzat Chimaev entering his first title defense. The Chechen phenom had captured the belt through a dominant win over Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319. Sean Strickland earned his golden opportunity by defeating Anthony Hernandez at UFC Houston.

UFC 328 produced a highly competitive five-round main event between Chimaev and Strickland. ‘Tarzan’ defended takedowns, controlled stretches of the fight, and used his jab while ‘Borz’ landed significant strikes. The controversial star entered as a massive +350 underdog against the -500 favorite before winning by split decision.

King Green has criticized the grappling-heavy styles of Islam Makhachev and Chimaev in recent title fights. The UFC veteran called their championship performances among the most disappointing he had seen. However, Green was shocked after the Chechen star failed to defeat Strickland at UFC 328.

I thought you had to beat the champion, and that’s what I didn’t see. I thought Khamzat won.

King Green via Jaxxon podcast

King Bobby Green thought Khamzat Chimaev defeated Sean Strickland at UFC 328:

“I thought you had to beat the champion, and that’s what I didn’t see.

I thought Khamzat won.” 🏆

🎥 @JaxxonPodcast pic.twitter.com/jEjKQwxU91

— MMA UNCENSORED (@MMAUNCENSORED1) May 13, 2026

Talk of a rematch between Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev has grown since UFC 328. The two-time champion has targeted a December return while recovering from a shoulder injury.

Interestingly, King Green’s assessment contrasts with the popular belief surrounding their first meeting.

Also Read:

• UFC Sacramento Headliner Reveals the Challenges of Sparring Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland
• Carlos Prates Insists He’s Next for Islam Makhachev Despite Michael Morales Also Wanting Title Shot