​LAS VEGAS – King Green is determined to seize a chance to contend for the BMF title. Green, currently 35-17-1 in MMA with a 16-12-1 record in the UFC, takes on Terrance McKinney (18-8 MMA, 8-5 UFC) in the main card opener of UFC 329 on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, broadcast on Paramount+. After a three-fight winning streak, Green’s momentum built with a second-round TKO of Daniel Zellhuber in February, followed by a first-round submission of veteran Jeremy Stephens at UFC 328. A victory over McKinney could position Green for even bigger opportunities, including a potential run for the BMF belt.
“I’m really trying to chase that BMF belt,” Green told MMA Junkie. “Get another accolade to add to my career, and my roster is just chasing the BMF. If I can get that title and bring it back to my boy Nate Diaz, that’s my intention.” Green’s comments stem from the ongoing discussions around the BMF championship, a title that has become a symbol of a fighter’s identity and swagger as much as it is about ring exploits.
The current holder of the BMF belt is Charles Oliveira, who claimed the title after outgrappling Max Holloway in what many considered a lackluster bout at UFC 326. Green isn’t satisfied with how that anticipated showcase unfolded and is eager to demonstrate how the belt should be honored and defended. He believes that the BMF title represents more than just a trophy; it embodies an approach to fighting that preserves a certain spirit and authenticity.
“I feel like the BMF is something different where we’re trying to keep fighting really alive, and Charles fumbled that for us,” Green said. “But I’m determined to keep fighting in its classic form. It’s a fight, and some of the newer guys are trying to water the brand down and say, ‘It’s just a competition. We’re competing.’ No, no, no, we’re fighting. So, hopefully I can earn the honor of being recognized as one of the BMFs and go on to fight for the BMF title.”
Green’s ambition extends beyond securing a single payday or a routine win. He envisions a path back to the attention and admiration that the BMF belt commands, with the ultimate aim of demonstrating that the belt’s essence—its blend of grit, unpredictability, and showmanship—still resonates in the modern era of mixed martial arts. He wants to prove that the title can be a meaningful measure of a fighter’s courage, heart, and willingness to push the envelope, rather than simply a flashy prop.
The road ahead for Green begins with McKinney, a fighter known for his own volatility and ability to swing momentum in rounds. The matchup offers Green an opportunity to showcase not only his technique and conditioning but also his strategic approach to a fight that could define his trajectory within the sport. If Green can navigate McKinney’s offense and impose his own rhythm, he stands a plausible chance of emerging as a serious contender in the BMF conversation.
As UFC 329 approaches, Green’s attention is squarely on the execution required to make a compelling case for a title shot. He understands that the BMF belt has evolved into more than a simple symbol of bravado; it has become an emblem of a fighter’s willingness to push through discomfort, to entertain, and to honor a lineage associated with Nate Diaz and other personalities who have helped shape the belt’s lore. Green intends to honor that lineage by fighting with a level of intensity and authenticity that aligns with the belt’s original spirit.
In the broader context of the UFC’s narrative, Green’s pursuit of the BMF belt underscores a constant tension between tradition and adaptation. The organization has sought to maintain the belt’s distinctive identity while balancing it with the evolving landscape of the sport, where fighters are measured not only by wins and losses but also by their marketability, tenacity, and ability to galvanize fans. Green’s candidness about wanting to bring the belt back to Diaz reflects a broader philosophy: that the BMF title is as much about the culture surrounding the sport as it is about the athletic competition inside the cage.
Ultimately, Green’s performance at UFC 329 could redefine how fans perceive his career and what constitutes a legitimate route to a BMF title. By aligning his fight strategy with the belt’s thematic essence and delivering a memorable, hard-fought victory, he aims to position himself as a credible candidate for future title opportunities, while also paying homage to the fighter who has influenced the belt’s history and remains a central figure in the narrative Green is eager to continue.