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2026-10-05 06:11 UTC → 2026-10-09 01:40 UTC ·
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Ahead of UFC 332 in Salt Lake City, tensions rose between lightweight fighters King Green and Esteban Ribovics. Following a backstage altercation and a weight miss where the first-round TKO victory by Esteban Ribovics weighed in over King Green at 156.5 pounds, Ribovics faced a 20 percent purse deduction and loss of bonus eligibility. Ribovics attributed UFC 332, new details have emerged regarding the weight miss to an air-conditioning malfunction in his hotel that prevented him from sweating effectively during his weight cut. During intense friction between the bout, Ribovics overcame two camps. While the pre-fight friction to defeat Green via fight was marked by a first-round TKO at 4:08. The controversial stoppage by referee Herb Dean, following three knockdowns by Ribovics, sparked significant controversy. Dean—which Green expressed frustration on social media, contested by stating he felt capable of continuing and had previously asked Dean wanted to ‘let me go ‘go out on my shield’ rather than stopping shield’—the animosity extended beyond the cage. Ribovics revealed that the tension escalated during fight prematurely. week, alleging that members of Green’s team, including professional boxer Arnold Barboza Jr., attempted to ‘bully and disrespect’ him. Ribovics described several confrontations, including an exchange before the ceremonial weigh-ins and a serious incident outside a hotel where he alleges Green noted, ‘I was still fine. I wanted shoved him. Ribovics, who faced a 20 percent purse deduction after weighing in at 156.5 pounds due to keep fighting.’ a hotel air-conditioning malfunction, characterized the knockout as the ‘most satisfying win’ of his career given these circumstances. While UFC President Dana White defended the decision, noting that Green had been dropped referee’s decision to stop the bout after three times in rapid succession. White also noted that Dean has had a ‘difficult year’ regarding officiating decisions. Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson, who was cornering Green, also supported the intervention, emphasizing that cumulative damage and fighter safety must take precedence. While knockdowns, the loss ends Green’s four-fight winning streak, Ribovics’ performance marks victory serves as a major significant statement victory for Ribovics in the lightweight division.