Two of the most experienced warriors in UFC history are set to collide as the main card of UFC 328 kicks off this Saturday night at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. Lightweight veterans King Green and Jeremy Stephens bring decades of octagon knowledge to this highly anticipated matchup, and the stakes couldn't be higher for both men.
King Green (34-17-1 MMA, 15-12-1 UFC) is riding a wave of momentum, looking to string together three consecutive wins for the first time since 2020. His recent performances have been nothing short of impressive, including a hard-fought split decision victory over Lance Gibson Jr. in December and a devastating second-round TKO finish of Daniel Zellhuber in February. Known for his slick striking and unorthodox movement, Green has the tools to frustrate any opponent on the feet.
On the other side, Jeremy Stephens (29-22 MMA, 15-19 UFC) finds himself in a precarious position. One more loss would tie him for the most defeats in UFC history—a dubious record no fighter wants. "Lil Heathen" hasn't tasted victory in MMA since June 2022, and his last octagon appearance ended in a unanimous decision loss to Mason Jones. After a brief detour to BKFC, Stephens is back in the UFC, hungry to remind everyone why he was once considered one of the most feared strikers in the division.
This fight is a classic example of the UFC's matchmaking philosophy: pit two experienced veterans against each other in a lightweight scrap that promises fireworks. Green is among the most active fighters in octagon history, while Stephens debuted in the promotion when Chuck Liddell was still wearing the belt—a testament to his longevity and durability.
From a technical standpoint, this matchup is fascinating. Stephens has looked sharper in training since moving to Xtreme Couture, and the betting odds might be underestimating his chances. However, Green's striking savvy and ability to control range inside the larger octagon could pose significant problems for Stephens early on. Both men possess knockout power, and the consensus among analysts is that this fight won't go the distance.
Our prediction: Green gets the job done by Round 3, though it won't come easy. The oddsmakers agree, listing Green as a heavy favorite at -385, while Stephens comes in as a +290 underdog on FanDuel.
Mark your calendars: Green and Stephens are expected to walk to the cage around 9:10 p.m. ET, with the action streaming live exclusively on Paramount+. Whether you're a fan of technical striking or raw brawling, this main card opener has all the ingredients for an unforgettable showdown.