Green was born in San Bernardino, California, and became a foster child when he was five years old, as his father was incarcerated and mother was unable to take care of her children due to a drug addiction.
Green began pursuing a career in professional mixed martial arts while he was also working at a warehouse to help support his son.
[6] Green made his professional mixed martial arts debut in January 2008, and quickly amassed an 8–1 record while fighting on independent events.
[7] Green drew the attention of Affliction Entertainment and fought on their second (and final) card Day of Reckoning.
Green was docked two points in the first round, in what Sherdog has called one of the dirtiest fights in recent memory.
On February 25, 2010, Green defeated Ricky Legere via first-round TKO to win the King of the Cage Junior Welterweight Championship at KOTC Arrival at the San Manuel Casino in Highland, California.
On April 21, Green defeated Dom O'Grady by unanimous decision to win the King of the Cage Lightweight Championship.
[10] However, on July 19, it was announced he would be filling in for Lyle Beerbohm against Gesias Cavalcante at Strikeforce: Fedor vs.
Green won the fight via submission (arm-triangle choke) in the second round but is out indefinitely due to left and right hand injuries.
On May 19, 2012, Green faced James Terry at Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Cormier where he won via split decision (28–29, 29–28, 29–28).
Green next faced Matt Ricehouse on August 18, 2012, at Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman and won the fight via unanimous decision.
Green defeated Jacob Volkmann on February 2, 2013, at UFC 156 via rear-naked choke submission in the third round.
[17] The fight ended in unusual fashion as Green had previously kicked Krause in the groin area twice, resulting in a one-point deduction.
Referee John McCarthy declared it a legal blow and awarded Green a TKO victory.
[18] Green quickly stepped back into the octagon filling in for the injured Jamie Varner against Pat Healy at UFC on Fox 9.
[22] However, in the week leading up to the event, Green pulled out of the bout citing another injury and was replaced by Yancy Medeiros.
[27] A bout with Jorge Masvidal, first scheduled under the Strikeforce banner in 2012 before being scrapped, was expected to take place on September 27, 2014, at UFC 178.
[29] Following the signing and scheduling of former Bellator MMA Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez to face Cerrone at the event, Green was rescheduled to compete at a later, undetermined date.
[32] Green was briefly linked to a bout with Jorge Masvidal on April 4, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 63.
[39] However, Green pulled out of the fight on September 9 citing personal issues and was replaced by promotional newcomer Zak Ottow.
[47] Green faced Erik Koch on January 27, 2018, at UFC on Fox: Jacaré vs. Brunson 2.
[63] Green faced Alan Patrick, replacing Rodrigo Vargas on September 12, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 177.
[87] Green won the fight by knockout in the first round, following an accidental clash of heads that went unnoticed by the referee.
Upon review, the ringside officials determined a clash of heads indeed occurred, with the result being changed to a no contest.
[89] He won the fight via technical submission, rendering Ferguson unconscious with an arm-triangle choke late in the third round.