The Hidden Rivalry That Could Steal the Show at UFC 329
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While much of the attention surrounding UFC 329 has centered on Conor McGregor’s long-awaited return against Max Holloway, another fight on the card may have quietly developed into one of the most personal matchups.
King Green and Terrance McKinney are set to kick off the pay-per-view portion of the card in what many expected to be nothing more than an exciting lightweight clash. However, according to Green, this is no longer just another fight.
UFC 329’s Opener
Speaking on the Anik & Florian Podcast, He revealed that his relationship with McKinney goes far beyond competitors sharing a division. In fact, he considered McKinney a friend.
“I’m fighting Terrance because Terrance and I are supposed to be friends,” Green explained.
Green went on to describe a conversation they had after McKinney initially expressed interest in fighting him. Having recently put together a three-fight winning streak, Green questioned why someone he viewed as “the homie” wanted to stand across from him inside the Octagon.
He even credited Nate Diaz for instilling a simple rule that has stuck with him throughout his career.
“We don’t fight the homies.”
According to Green, the two men talked it over and reached an understanding that they wouldn’t accept a fight against each other. He believed the situation had been settled.
Instead, Green says he went out of his way to help McKinney. He recalled driving to Los Angeles to pick him up, providing him with a car and clothes, and inviting him to train together.
More importantly, Green said he wanted to mentor McKinney by showing him areas where he believed he could improve as a mixed martial artist.
“I wanted to show him the things I saw, the holes in his game,” Green said. “There’s a difference between just fighting and actually understanding fighting.”
That agreement, however, didn’t last.
Green claims McKinney later reached out again after receiving another offer for the matchup, showing messages from his management that suggested the UFC had been pursuing the fight for weeks. At that point, Green’s mindset completely changed.
Disrespecting King Green
Rather than seeing it as business, Green began to feel disrespected.
He questioned whether McKinney viewed him as an easy opponent or believed he could capitalize on Green’s recent momentum. Feeling that his loyalty wasn’t being returned, Green decided to accept the fight without another conversation.
“Now we’re going to scrap,” Green said. “You’re playing with me now.”
The veteran also acknowledged that he didn’t believe the matchup did much for his own career. In his eyes, a win over McKinney would lead critics to dismiss the victory, while a loss would fuel claims that he was past his prime.
Despite that, Green made it clear the stakes have become much bigger than rankings or resumes.
Calling His Shot
“It’s personal now,” he said before delivering one final message to his former friend.
“I’m going to knock your ass out.”
Whether McKinney shares Green’s perspective remains to be seen, but Green’s comments have added a new layer to UFC 329.
What looked like a guaranteed action fight on paper now carries genuine emotion between two fighters who were once close enough to train together.
With the spotlight fixed on McGregor and Holloway, Green and McKinney may have become one of the most compelling stories.
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