At UFC Mexico City, 39-year-old veteran King Green upset heavily favored Daniel Zellhuber with a technical knockout in the second round. Green capitalized on counters to drop Zellhuber and finish with ground-and-pound strikes at 4:55. The win marks Green's second consecutive victory after a losing streak.
The lightweight bout between King Green and Daniel Zellhuber took place at Arena CDMX in Mexico City, Mexico, as part of the UFC Mexico City event on March 1, 2026. Green, entering with a 2-3 record in his last five fights, faced Zellhuber, who was attempting to snap a two-fight losing streak with decision defeats to Michael Johnson in July 2025 and Esteban Ribovics prior to that.
In the first round, Zellhuber pressed forward aggressively, but Green employed his signature style of keeping hands low and taunting his opponent. Green scored two takedowns, landing punches before Zellhuber scrambled back to his feet. Exchanges in the pocket saw both fighters land strikes, with Green countering effectively, including a left hook and a right to the body.
The second round began similarly, with Zellhuber advancing. Green secured another takedown into side control, escaping a choke attempt by Zellhuber. After resetting, Green landed a straight left and a big right hand that staggered Zellhuber. As Zellhuber retreated toward the cage, Green followed with heavy punches, dropping him to the canvas. Referee Herb Dean stopped the contest at 4:55 due to unanswered ground strikes.
Post-fight, Green acknowledged Black History Month and called for the UFC to reinstate Nate Diaz. "Dana [White], bring my boy Nate Diaz back to the UFC," Green said. "Let him retire where he belongs."
Zellhuber, a -410 betting favorite with a reach advantage, has now lost three straight fights as a heavy favorite, including a -900 line against Johnson and a -430 debut loss to Trey Ogden in 2022. Green's victory improves his record to 34-17-1.
