Esteban Ribovics reveals real target of UFC 332 post-fight trash talk

Esteban Ribovics clarified the target of his trash talk following his first-round technical knockout of King Green at UFC 332 in Salt Lake City on Saturday. After Herb Dean stopped the bout with Ribovics having dropped Green three times, the Argentine lightweight shouted at his opponent. However, Ribovics later revealed those final words—"Keep talking"—were not directed at Green but at professional boxer Arnold Barboza Jr., Green's friend, over a confrontation outside their hotel the day before.

Ribovics explained that he anticipated Green's in-cage verbal exchanges, a known aspect of the veteran's fighting style. To prepare, he had a teammate mimic Green's talking during sparring sessions. At the post-fight press conference, Ribovics acknowledged Green's habit but made clear his prepared response was aimed at a different target. "He talked a little shit, but it's his game," Ribovics said. "I knew he was gonna do that. I came ready for that... It was for the day before. But it's not Bobby. It's the boxer guy."

Despite the heated buildup—which included tension over Ribovics' weight miss—the two fighters embraced after the stoppage and showed mutual respect. Ribovics' clarification adds context to the post-fight moment, revealing that the broader circumstances and cast of characters surrounding the bout influenced his in-cage demeanor more than the fight itself.