"I'm a little mad" - King Green reveals what he told Herb Dean before UFC 332 loss to Esteban Ribovics

King Green has addressed fight fans after his most recent mixed martial arts matchup, a clash against Esteban Ribovics. 

The veteran fighter revealed what he told Referee Herb Dean before the fight, as well as how his words rang true and his match against Ribovics was indeed a tough one. 

King Green (fka Bobby Green) reveals conversation with Referee Herb Dean before his fight with Esteban Ribovics at UFC 332

King Green's latest Octagon outing witnessed him suffer a first-round TKO defeat at the hands of Esteban Ribovics in their lightweight matchup at UFC 332 on October 3.

The fight saw Green -- who's known for his incredible striking skills -- seemingly get stunned on a few occasions by his Argentinian rival's strikes. Ultimately, Referee Herb Dean had seen enough and waved the fight off at the 4:08-minute mark of round one. Some fans subsequently pointed out that Green was still coherent and protested the stoppage. 

Taking to social media, the American combatant has now echoed similar sentiments. Green suggested that he had a pre-fight conversation with Dean and told him that the fight would likely get grueling, and if it did, he'd like to continue until he either stops his opponent or gets knocked out himself. 

Green explained, "Wow, oh, wow! Sheesh! Man, great fight. Sh** happens. I told myself regardless or not, I'm not gonna be mad at myself. But I'm a little mad. Told Herb (Dean), this is gonna get sticky. Let me go on my shield. I'm still fine. I wanted still to keep fighting."

Reassuring his fans that he'll return soon, he said, "I felt like we were getting somewhere. But it was a great fight. I love you guys. I'm fine. I'm great. I feel like I wanna fight next f**king week. You know what I mean? And so, thank you so much for the support. I love you guys. And I will be back very soon." 

Watch King Green address his pre-flight talk with Herb Dean, the matchup against Esteban Ribovics, and more below: 

King Green says he told Herb Dean to let him go out on his shield: "I'm a little mad. I told Herb, 'this is gonna get sticky, let me go on my shield'. I was still fine. I wanted to keep fighting." #UFC332 https://t.co/OX1TI7jn9y

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 4, 2026

King Green's spectacular win streak ended at UFC 332

The 2026 calendar year had been one of tremendous success for King Green (formerly known as Bobby Green). He was on a four-fight win streak that began last year when he outpointed Lance Gibson Jr. Here in 2026, he knocked out Daniel Zellhuber, submitted Jeremy Stephens, and then knocked out Terrance McKinney. 

The four consecutive wins, comprising a trio of finishes, earned him praise from the vast majority of fans and experts. He was also lauded for competing with an impressive frequency against dangerous opponents in the talent-rich UFC lightweight division. 

Nevertheless, Green's win streak came to an end at the hands of Esteban Ribovics at UFC 332, and the 40-year-old would be eyeing a triumphant return in his next fight.