King Green Drops Out of UFC 319—Last-Minute Fight Card Changes

By Ali Hammad August 17, 2025 08:10

UFC 319, scheduled for August 16, 2025, at the United Center in Chicago, experienced a significant shakeup on the undercard when veteran lightweight King Green was forced to withdraw from his bout against Diego Ferreira. The cancellation, announced just hours before the event, is a blow to fans anticipating an intense matchup and adds to an already turbulent week for the promotion marked by multiple fight cancellations.

King Green, a UFC veteran with a professional record of 32 wins, 17 losses, and 1 no contest, publicly revealed his withdrawal was due to a severe injury that left him unable to walk. In a heartfelt video posted on his social media, Green admitted the frustration and disappointment he felt at having to pull out of the fight, emphasizing, “I made a promise that I wouldn’t pull out of a fight, even if I had to limp there, but this is different... I can’t even walk right now.” The nature of the injury was not specified, but it was severe enough to end his fight week abruptly.

Green’s bout against Diego Ferreira was highly anticipated. Ferreira, also a UFC veteran with a 19-6 record, had publicly expressed excitement for the fight, highlighting a long-standing interest in finally competing against Green. Ferreira was reportedly midway through his weight cut when he was informed of Green’s withdrawal, a disappointment shared by fans and analysts alike.

The cancellation of this bout marked the third fight lost on the UFC 319 card in just two days, compounding concerns over the event's stability. Earlier cancellations included the Bryan Battle vs. Nursulton Ruziboev middleweight fight, which was scrapped when Battle missed weight by four pounds, and a welterweight finale between Rodrigo Sezinando and Daniil Donchenko due to injury.

Despite these disruptions, UFC 319’s main event, a highly anticipated middleweight title fight between champion Dricus Du Plessis and challenger Khamzat Chimaev, remained intact and continues to be the focal point of the event. This marquee matchup is expected to deliver profound implications for the division and potentially shift MMA’s competitive landscape.

King Green’s withdrawal not only impacts UFC 319's fight card but also raises questions about his immediate future in the promotion. Known for his gritty style and lengthy UFC tenure dating back to 2013, Green has had a mixed career with notable highs and lows. This marked his 11th fight withdrawal in the UFC, which could factor into future matchmaking and promotional decisions.

In response to the cancellation, Green issued a sincere apology to Ferreira and fans, acknowledging the disappointment caused. He expressed gratitude for the ongoing support throughout his career and promised to return stronger. Ferreira has expressed understanding and professionalism, wishing Green a swift recovery and hoping for the fight to be rescheduled in the future.

King Green’s last-minute withdrawal from UFC 319 due to a severe injury is yet another twist in an event marred by multiple fight cancellations. While the loss diminishes the undercard depth, the event’s headliners remain firmly in place, promising a thrilling evening for fans. For Green, the focus now shifts to recovery and future opportunities to compete, as UFC insiders anticipate potential rematches and career recalibration.