Canadian mixed martial artist Lance Gibson Jr. is set to make his UFC debut this Saturday at UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas. At 30 years old, Gibson’s journey in MMA reflects a deep family legacy, as he follows in the footsteps of his father, Lance Gibson Sr., who fought in UFC events back in 2000.
Lance Gibson Jr.: A Legacy in the Making
Gibson Jr. received the call to join the UFC on short notice while having dinner on a Monday. He swiftly packed his essentials and flew to Las Vegas. After undergoing several medical evaluations throughout the week, he is ready to step into the octagon against veteran fighter King Green.
Family Ties in MMA
The Gibsons have a notable history in mixed martial arts. Lance Gibson Sr. competed in UFC 24 and 29, where he achieved mixed results. With this fight, Lance Jr. and his father will become only the third father-son duo to compete in the UFC, joining the ranks of Randy and Ryan Couture, and Gilbert and Elijah Smith.
- Lance Gibson Jr.
- Lance Gibson Sr.
- King Green
(Current Record: 9-1-0)
(Participated in UFC 24 and 29 in 2000)
(Current Record: 32-17-1, one no contest)
A Glimpse into Gibson Jr.’s Journey
Gibson Jr. has been involved in mixed martial arts from a young age, even revealing a childhood photo of himself training at age two. His stepmother, Julia Budd, holds a remarkable background as a three-time Bellator featherweight champion and has competed across multiple promotions, including Strikeforce and the PFL.
Having started his professional career in 2017, Gibson Jr. initially won seven consecutive fights. His latest bout before joining the UFC was a loss to Vladimir Tokov during his time in Bellator. Following the PFL acquisition of Bellator in late 2023, he sought to compete in the UFC.
Upcoming Fight Details
The matchup between Gibson Jr. and King Green will take place at a catchweight of 160 pounds, due to the short notice. King Green, who changed his name from Bobby Green, is a seasoned fighter with 27 UFC appearances since his debut in 2013. Previously, he was slated to face Jai Herbert but is preparing to challenge Gibson Jr. instead.
King Green’s Recent Performance
Despite his experience, King Green has struggled in recent matches, losing three of his last four fights. His most recent battle ended in a quick knockout defeat against Mauricio Ruffy, a rising lightweight contender.
As Gibson Jr. approaches this pivotal moment in his career, he expresses gratitude for the opportunity and a strong belief in his capabilities. With both his father and stepmother present for support in Las Vegas, Gibson Jr. is poised to make a significant mark in the UFC.
