UFC 328 Bout Preview: Lightweight Veterans Clash In Exciting Scrap

The focal point of UFC 328 will surround the hopefully violent meeting between current middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev and previous belt-holder Sean Strickland. For months, the buildup of their upcoming grudge match has been the talk of the mixed martial arts community, with their main event clash being the main attraction of the entire show.

However, while the top-billed clash stands as a must-see battle between bitter nemeses, UFC 328 also offers a splendid lightweight offering between two well-seasoned competitors, as King (formerly Bobby) Green takes on Jeremy Stephens in the main card opener.

With over 50 professional bouts to their names each, Green and Stephens stand as two of the most tenured active names in the sport. What’s more, they both possess impeccable and fan-friendly striking styles, guaranteeing that audiences around the world will be tuning in to watch a standup affair for the ages at UFC 328.

Check out below for a full preview of King Green and Jeremy Stephens’s fight at UFC 328:

UFC 328: The Return of The King

A veteran of nearly 30 matches under the UFC banner, Green has stood the test of time as a lightweight luminary. Having been a part of the division since 2013 following the company’s acquisition of Strikeforce, the Californian has established himself as a favorite among fans for his fight-anyone attitude and hands-down boxing style. While he never has quite been able to reach top contender status, Green has shared the Octagon with some of the best fighters ever like Dustin Poirier and Islam Makhachev.

Last seen in action earlier this year at UFC Fight Night 268 in Mexico, Green extended his current winning streak to two after soundly beating once touted prospect Daniel Zellhuber. Demonstrating elite-level reactions and shot placement, the 39-year old decimated the hometown hero Zellhuber, battering him with punches to score an amazing late second round knockout. The victory came as an upset, as “Golden Boy” had not been finished in almost 20 fights post-amateur.

In his upcoming appearance at UFC 328, Green will be facing an adversary that is close to him in terms of both age and cage experience for the first time in over two years since defeating Jim Miller at UFC 300. Given his more active schedule compared to his fellow American, Green heads into the scrap as a substantial favorite. Should he find a way to get his hand raised in Newark this weekend, his streak in the win column will be raised to three in a row, a feat he has not accomplished in six years.

UFC 328: “Lil' Heathen” Endeavors to Deliver Barnburner in New Jersey

Starting his journey into mixed martial arts at just the young age of 16, Stephens has compiled a legacy of ruthless aggression and highlight reel stoppages. During his first stint in the UFC starting in 2007, the Iowa native was well known for his destructive punching power across both the featherweight and lightweight divisions, earning the record for most knockdowns in UFC history. This proficiency with setting down his opposition would see him net massive wins against stern opponents like Renan Barão, Josh Emmett, Gilbert Melendez, and future 155-lb champion Rafael dos Anjos.

After an unfortunate five-bout losing streak, Stephens was released from the UFC after fighting in the organization for almost two decades in 2022. While most combatants would have been content with hanging up their gloves after competing at the highest level for multiple years, “Lil Heathen” opted instead to pursue opportunities in different sport entities such as the PFL and bare knuckle fighting, notably besting former UFC lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez at BKFC Knucklemania V.

Jeremy Stephens Makes Comeback in UFC Last May

Following a lengthy absence from the company, Stephens eventually made his way back to the UFC last year at their Iowa event that May. In what would be his 35th outing in the Octagon, he locked horns with previous Cage Warriors two-division kingpin Mason Jones. Although Stephens entered the bout as a heavy underdog, including losing out in all aspects of physical advantages, the American demonstrated a vast reserve of grit, absorbing over 100 strikes from the younger athlete while managing to bloody his face. Though he did go on to lose to Jones by decision, Stephens still received much praise from the Des Moines crowd.

At UFC 328, Stephens will be seeking his first win in the promotion since 2018. Tasked with opening the main card for one of 2026’s premier shows, fight fans should expect a motivated “Lil Heathen” to go out and engage in a rip-roaring fire fight on the feet, as he has done so so many times in the past as a previous contender.