UFC lightweight Bobby “King” Green demonstrated the stark difference between boxing and mixed martial arts during a friendly gym session with undefeated welterweight boxer Arnold Barboza Jr.
In a playful but instructive encounter captured on video, Green secured a RNC in approximately five seconds, offering a humbling lesson about the versatility required in MMA.
The footage shows Green and Barboza engaging in light grappling after some lighthearted banter at the gym. What began as casual conversation quickly turned into a teaching moment when Green took Barboza to the ground and applied a textbook submission hold.
The speed of the finish surprised everyone present, with onlookers confirming the tap came in roughly five seconds.
“I just want you to understand something,” Green explained afterward, emphasizing the importance of timing and how differently it functions in grappling versus striking. “Time is so long and you don’t realize how time works. We went five seconds. Ain’t that funny how time works?”
Green, known for his dynamic combat style and wrestling background, used the moment to highlight the respect that should exist between combat sports disciplines.
“A shark is not a lion and a lion is not a shark. Two different worlds,” he said. “Boxers sometimes get confused and they downplay. Don’t get me wrong, I do have some of the flaws, but it’s just about understanding each sport.”
The session continued with multiple exchanges where Green repeatedly demonstrated positional control and submission techniques. Despite Barboza’s best efforts to defend and escape, the gulf in grappling experience was evident.
Green praised Barboza for his willingness to step outside his comfort zone, noting that few boxers dare to test themselves on the mat.
“I got to respect him for doing it today,” Green acknowledged. “He went up there and tried to swim with the jaws. There’s a brave soul out there.”
Green, who began wrestling at 14 and transitioned to MMA at 21, explained his journey through the sport. Working six days per week in a warehouse while competing in Mexico on his seventh day, he gradually built his skills under the guidance of his coach, whom he considers a father figure. His grappling foundation came first, with striking being the last discipline he mastered.
