This week, the Iranian government shocked the sports world by executing 19-year-old rising freestyle wrestler Saleh Mohammadi, a member of Iran’s national wrestling team. Additionally, authorities publicly hanged two others. They had participated in January’s anti-regime protests, and authorities accused them of killing police officers. The executions sent shockwaves through the combat sports community, while also drawing widespread condemnation worldwide, and have now even dragged a UFC fighter into the outcry.
With UFC stars largely remaining silent, Iranian journalist Masih Alinejad highlighted a UFC fighter’s voice to protest Saleh Mohammadi’s execution. On X, Iranian-origin CBS News contributor Masih Alinejad shared her protest against Iran’s regime and the Supreme Court’s sentence for the young wrestler. Specifically, she shared an old video of King Green from five years ago, when Iran executed wrestler Navid Afkari, which in turn prompted Green to finally speak out on the issue.
UFC star condemns execution of Saleh Mohammadi
In that clip, during a press conference at UFC Vegas 110, King Green, who is also a wrestling coach, criticized the Iranian government’s actions while visibly emotional, calling them “f—ing terrible” and sad as he sobbed. More recently, Masih Alinejad used the clip to express her outrage over Saleh Mohammadi’s execution.
Furthermore, she urged Green to speak out on the “heartbreaking” matter again, and he finally did so on his Instagram story, where he posted the old video along with the caption already written on it.”
“When they executed Navid Afkari, @bobbykinggreen was the only UFC fighter who publicly voiced his disgust at this demonic regime. Now, the Islamic regime has done it again by executing another talented wrestler, #saleh_mohammadi.”
In addition, Dana White and the UFC also appear tagged in the clip.
This time, however, King Bobby Green did not release any video or voice statement as he did previously when he called out Dana White. Back in 2020, even Donald Trump commented on the issue.
This time, however, major figures in the U.S. largely ignored the matter, yet Bobby Green still made his stance clear. The 39-year-old, who actively coaches, cannot digest seeing a 19-year-old wrestler hanged to death.
Saleh Mohammadi may have been only 19, but at the cadet level, he had already made a significant mark, winning medals ranging from bronze to gold at national cadet-level championships since 2023. Similarly, around the world, like King Green, people express outrage over his execution, which they consider to have taken place without a “fair trial” and without credible evidence.
The recent execution of this young wrestler will likely push Iran to take a stronger stance on the international stage, especially amid ongoing tensions with the U.S. At the same time, Bobby Green is pursuing a side quest to bring back his legendary “cousin” to the UFC once again.
Bobby Green calls for MMA icon to make a comeback
Earlier this month, King Green delivered a defining moment with his vintage performance against Daniel Zulhuber, finishing the fight with a knockout. Afterward, Green asked Dana White to bring Nate Diaz back to the UFC, hoping Diaz could retire on the platform he is best known for. The request sparked excitement, as fans still recognize Nate Diaz as one of the most popular MMA stars in the U.S.
Nate Diaz has remained a free agent since his 2022 win over Tony Ferguson, after the UFC released him. Over the past few years, Diaz has hinted at a comeback, but nothing materialized. When asked about his callout to Nate Diaz, ‘King’ clarified that he did not intend to challenge him, but simply wanted him back.
“No, no, Nate Diaz is my boy, I said bring him back. That’s like a cousin to me,” said Bobby Green.
Now, Nate Diaz has started his return to MMA, although not in the UFC—he will fight in Jake Paul’s promotion, MVP, against Mike Perry on May 16.
