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UFC’s middleweight veteran Bobby Green, aka ‘King’, is as tough as they come! Despite battling a hard childhood as a young boy, lacking the shadow of a father figure, the American MMA fighter has turned his life upside down.

One thing about this UFC star’s personal life has always caught some of the spotlight – his biological father’s identity. Although ‘King’ is a very active fighter in the UFC, very little is known about his relationship with his biological father. Also, in case you’re not up to speed with ‘King’s life, the middleweight’s heart is filled with gratitude for his coach-turned-foster dad. So, what’s the story about his ‘fathers’?

The biological father of Bobby Green: Why were they separated?

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Bobby Green’s struggles with his biological parents were deeply impactful and challenging. His biological parents, Mitchell Davis and Connie Davis, could not provide him with a stable and nurturing upbringing. This instability was primarily a result of their involvement in legal troubles, which ultimately prevented them from being able to care for Green effectively. His father was imprisoned on more than one occasion, however, the exact details of his legal trouble are not in public domain.

via Imago

As a result, Green experienced a turbulent and unstable childhood. Likewise, the lack of a stable home environment and parental guidance meant that he had to navigate a difficult path on his own. He spent many years moving through multiple foster homes, which further added to the instability in his life during his formative years.

However, despite these adversities, Green displayed a natural talent for athletics and excelled in nearly every sport he engaged in. Even as a teenager, he showcased a passion for wrestling, setting the stage for his future in combat sports. According to ‘King’ himself, it was his chameleon-like personality that enabled him to connect with people from diverse backgrounds.

How did Bobby Green meet his foster dad and coach, Jacob Benny?

The turning point in Bobby Green’s life arrived when he crossed paths with his foster dad and coach, Jacob Benny. Their serendipitous meeting occurred in a gym where Green was pursuing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Jacob Benny, noticing Green’s relentless dedication and grit, initiated a conversation by asking about his supplements and training regimen.

Recalling how he met his dad, the middleweight veteran revealed: “I met my dad in gym. I’m going and doing Jig-Jitsu – and from the one class[es] – he[Benny] called me. And he’s like – ‘What are you taking?’ I said, ‘What do you mean?’ He’s like, ‘Your supplement. We don’t even know what supplement was [back then]. [Benny] -It’s like, you know, BCAA’s and stuff like that.”

In June 2020, just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Green introduced Benny to the public following a dominant victory over Clay Guida. At the post-fight press conference, Green emotionally declared, “This is my father. I was born in foster care. I didn’t have a mother or father [and] they gave me away. My father wasn’t fit to be my father. This is my dad here, Jacob Benny. He’s been there since the beginning. He’s done everything. He’ll lay his life down for me, I’ll lay my life down for him.”

Green’s words were filled with deep gratitude and affection. He introduced Benny not just as a coach or a mentor but as a father figure who stepped into his life when he needed it most. The phrase “He’s been there since the beginning” signified the enduring nature of their relationship, highlighting Benny’s unwavering support and dedication.

Jacob Benny’s famous prison story on Joe Rogan’s podcast

Jacob Benny, Green’s coach and foster dad, shared his remarkable life story on the UFC top gun and JRE host Joe Rogan’s podcast. He was featured on the podcast alongside his student-turned-foster son, Bobby Green. His narrative shed light on his time in prison as a first-time offender. Benny’s life journey had been fraught with hardships, just like the Greens, motivating him to create a better future for his child.

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During the podcast, Benny reflected on the pivotal role of life experiences, including his time in prison, which helped in shaping his path. He asserted, “If you don’t get [it] – if you can get locked up! If you don’t get all these different situations, you know, yeah, so I’m trying to walk you down this pathway of me, going from [a] coach and figuring out how to this fighting thing…”

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Moreover, Benny’s transition from a coach to a foster dad is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It signifies his determination to provide Green with the guidance, love, and stability he needed. Benny’s story serves as an inspiration for many. It illustrates how individuals can rise above difficult circumstances and make meaningful impacts on the lives of others.

Inside the Octagon, Bobby Green showcased his strength, but it’s the resilience and support of his foster dad and coach that completed the portrait of the man behind the fighter. So, what do you think of this story about Green’s biological father and his coach-turned dad? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!