Ever wondered about the man who shaped UFC fighter Bobby Green into the warrior he is today? Jacob Behney is not just another MMA coach. He’s the father figure who changed Bobby’s life forever, faced prison time, and came back stronger. 

This article reveals the real story behind their bond, the legal troubles, and what Jacob is doing now in 2025.

Quick Bio

Category	Details
Full Name	Jacob Behney
Birthplace	Ohio, United States
Current Location	Redlands California / San Bernardino area
Profession	MMA Coach, Martial Arts Instructor, Jiu-Jitsu Trainer
Gym	Pinnacle Mixed Martial Arts
Notable Students	Bobby Green (UFC), Darrion Caldwell (Bellator), Willie Gates
Known For	Mentoring Bobby Green, Prison story, Joe Rogan podcast appearance
Legal Issues	2016 arrest, Sexual assault case conviction, Early release on parole
Podcast Appearances	The Joe Rogan Experience (with Bobby Green)
Current Status (2025)	Active coach, Continuing rehabilitation and mentorship work

Who is Jacob Behney?

Jacob Behney runs Pinnacle Mixed Martial Arts in Redlands California, where he trains fighters and changes lives. He’s known in the MMA community as the man who mentored UFC star Bobby Green and other fighters like Darrion Caldwell and Willie Gates. But his journey to becoming a respected coach wasn’t smooth or easy.

Before finding his path in martial arts, Jacob struggled with his own demons and made mistakes that nearly destroyed everything. His story shows how someone can fall hard, lose it all, and still rebuild from the ground up. Today, he’s proof that your past doesn’t have to define your future if you’re willing to fight for redemption.

Early life and background

Jacob grew up in Ohio, far from the California gyms where he’d later make his mark. His childhood wasn’t filled with trophies or easy wins. Like many kids who end up in martial arts, he faced challenges that pushed him toward finding discipline and structure in his life.

Moving from Ohio to California marked a turning point in Jacob’s journey. The change of scenery brought new opportunities but also new temptations. He was searching for something bigger than himself, a purpose that would eventually come through teaching and mentoring young fighters.

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Education and substance struggles

Jacob’s path through education got derailed by substance abuse problems that many young people face. He battled addiction during his younger years, a fight that taught him about rock bottom before he ever stepped into an MMA cage. These struggles would later help him connect with students who came from broken homes and troubled backgrounds.

His recovery from substance abuse became the foundation of his coaching philosophy. Jacob knew firsthand what it meant to be lost and need someone to believe in you. That experience made him the perfect mentor for kids who society had given up on, including a young Bobby Green who desperately needed guidance.

The lessons learned during his darkest days became his greatest teaching tools. Jacob never hid his past from his students. Instead, he used his story as proof that transformation is possible when you commit to change and find the right support system.

Career beginnings in MMA and Jiu-Jitsu

Jacob discovered martial arts as a way to channel his energy and stay clean from substances. Jiu-Jitsu became his therapy, his passion, and eventually his career. He trained hard, earned his belts, and realized he had a gift for teaching others what he’d learned on the mats.

Opening Pinnacle Mixed Martial Arts in San Bernardino area gave Jacob a platform to share his knowledge. His gym wasn’t fancy or filled with celebrity fighters at first. It was a place where regular people and troubled kids could learn discipline, respect, and how to defend themselves both physically and mentally.

His coaching style mixed technical skill with life lessons that went beyond fighting. Jacob taught his students about loyalty, hard work, and never giving up when life knocks you down. This approach attracted fighters who wanted more than just fight training – they wanted a father figure and mentor rolled into one.

The father-son bond with Bobby Green

The relationship between Jacob Behney and Bobby Green goes deeper than coach and fighter. It’s a connection built on trust, loyalty, and mutual respect that survived prison time and public controversy. Bobby has repeatedly said that Jacob is his real father, not just someone who taught him how to throw punches.

Their bond represents what happens when the right mentor meets a kid who’s hungry for guidance. Bobby was lost in the foster care system when Jacob found him. Jacob was building his gym and looking for fighters to train. What formed between them changed both their lives in ways neither could have predicted.

How they met at Pinnacle MMA

Bobby Green walked into Pinnacle Mixed Martial Arts looking for a place to train and burn off anger from his rough childhood. Jacob saw something special in the young fighter right away. Bobby had raw talent, street toughness, and a chip on his shoulder that reminded Jacob of his own younger days.

Their first training sessions revealed that Bobby needed more than fight techniques. He needed structure, encouragement, and someone who wouldn’t give up on him when things got hard. Jacob stepped into that role naturally, treating Bobby like the son he never had instead of just another student paying gym fees.

The gym became Bobby’s second home, and Jacob became the constant presence he’d never had before. They spent hours drilling techniques, talking about life, and building the foundation that would carry Bobby to Bellator and eventually the UFC. That early connection at Pinnacle MMA created a bond stronger than blood.

Bobby Green’s foster care background

Bobby grew up bouncing between foster homes after being removed from his biological family. He experienced the kind of instability that breaks many kids, never knowing where he’d sleep next or who would care about him. The foster care system failed to give him the love and guidance every child deserves.

Going to Riverside Norte Vista High School, Bobby struggled with anger issues and direction. He had talent in fighting but no real path forward. The lack of a stable father figure left a hole in his life that fighting alone couldn’t fill, no matter how many wins he racked up.

Meeting Jacob filled that empty space in Bobby’s heart. For the first time, someone saw past his tough exterior and believed in his potential. Jacob didn’t just coach Bobby’s fighting career – he taught him how to be a man, handle success, and stay loyal to people who believed in you first.

Why Bobby calls Jacob his real father

Bobby Green has publicly stated on multiple platforms including The Joe Rogan Experience that Jacob Behney is his real father. This declaration isn’t about biology or legal paperwork. It’s about who showed up, who stayed, and who shaped the man Bobby became when no one else cared enough to try.

Jacob provided the guidance, discipline, and unconditional support that Bobby never received from his biological family or foster parents. He attended Bobby’s fights, celebrated his victories, and helped him through defeats. More importantly, Jacob invested in Bobby’s character development, not just his fighting skills and potential earnings.

The title of father has to be earned through actions, not genetics. Jacob earned it by being present during Bobby’s transformation from troubled kid to UFC fighter. Even when Jacob faced his own legal troubles and prison time, Bobby stood by him with the same loyalty Jacob had shown him years earlier.

The prison sentence and legal case

In 2016, Jacob Behney’s life took a devastating turn when he was arrested and charged with serious crimes. The case rocked the MMA community and tested every relationship Jacob had built over the years. What followed was a legal nightmare that would send him to California State Prison and change his reputation forever.

The details surrounding the arrest, trial, and conviction remain controversial to this day. Many of Jacob’s supporters, including Bobby Green, believe he was innocent and wrongly convicted. Others point to the legal system’s verdict as proof of guilt. The truth, as often happens in complex cases, likely sits somewhere between these extremes.

The 2016 arrest and charges

Jacob was arrested in 2016 on charges related to a sexual assault case that shocked his students and the broader MMA community. The allegations came from someone connected to his gym, making the situation even more painful for everyone involved. Law enforcement moved quickly, and Jacob found himself facing serious time behind bars.

The arrest destroyed Jacob’s reputation overnight in many circles. Parents pulled their kids from Pinnacle MMA, and fighters distanced themselves from their former coach. The man who had built his life around helping others suddenly became an outcast facing the worst accusations society can level against someone.

Bobby Green and a core group of loyal students stood by Jacob throughout the arrest and legal proceedings. They insisted the charges didn’t match the man they knew, the mentor who had changed their lives for the better. But public opinion doesn’t wait for trials or evidence – the damage to Jacob’s name was immediate and severe.

Details of the trial and conviction

The trial process put Jacob through hell as prosecutors presented their case against him. Without diving into inappropriate details, the evidence presented led to a conviction that sent Jacob to prison. The legal system had spoken, regardless of what his supporters believed about his innocence or the strength of the case.

Jacob maintained his innocence throughout the trial and after his conviction. His legal team argued that evidence was mishandled and that reasonable doubt existed. But the jury sided with the prosecution, and Jacob was sentenced to serve time in California State Prison, a facility known for its harsh conditions and violent environment.

The conviction devastated Jacob’s family, students, and especially Bobby Green, who had to process that his father figure was going to prison. The MMA community was divided – some condemned Jacob immediately, while others questioned whether justice had truly been served. The case left more questions than answers for many people following the situation.

Sentence and early release due to lack of evidence

Jacob served time in California State Prison under conditions he later described as dangerous and racially tense. Prison life tested everything he’d learned about discipline and mental toughness during his martial arts journey. He faced threats, witnessed violence, and had to navigate inmate politics just to survive each day safely.

His release came earlier than the original sentence dictated, though the exact reasons remain somewhat unclear. According to Jacob’s account on the Joe Rogan podcast, problems with evidence and the case’s foundation led to his parole. Whether this constitutes proof of innocence or simply a legal technicality depends on who you ask.

Getting out of prison didn’t erase the conviction from Jacob’s record or restore his reputation completely. He emerged from California State Prison a changed man, humbled by the experience but determined to rebuild what he’d lost. The early release gave him a chance at redemption that many inmates never receive.

Life after prison and public perception

Walking out of California State Prison, Jacob faced a world that had moved on without him. His gym had suffered, his reputation was damaged, and many former students had found new coaches. Rehabilitation after incarceration meant starting over from scratch, proving himself all over again to a skeptical community.

But Jacob had Bobby Green in his corner, a UFC fighter whose loyalty never wavered. That connection gave Jacob credibility and a platform to tell his side of the story. He chose not to hide from his past but instead to address it head-on, starting with an appearance on the biggest podcast in the world.

Appearance on Joe Rogan podcast

Bobby Green brought Jacob onto The Joe Rogan Experience, giving his mentor a massive audience to share his prison story. The interview covered Jacob’s time in California State Prison, the racial tensions he witnessed, and how he survived in one of the system’s toughest facilities. It was raw, controversial, and gave people insight into both Jacob’s character and the prison experience.

During the podcast, Jacob described violent incidents and the daily struggle of navigating inmate hierarchies. He spoke about loyalty, survival, and maintaining your humanity in an inhumane environment. Joe Rogan and his millions of listeners got an unfiltered look at what happens behind prison walls through Jacob’s eyes.

The appearance helped Jacob reconnect with parts of the MMA community that had written him off. Hearing him speak about his experiences, his relationship with Bobby, and his plans moving forward humanized him for people who only knew him through headlines. The podcast became a turning point in his post-prison journey.

Controversy around his prison story

Not everyone believed Jacob’s version of events from his time behind bars. Some critics accused him of exaggerating or embellishing stories to gain sympathy and rebuild his image. The controversy around his prison story added another layer to an already complicated public perception of who Jacob Behney really is.

Questions arose about specific details from the Joe Rogan interview that didn’t match up with known facts about California State Prison protocols. Internet sleuths and skeptics picked apart his timeline and challenged claims about certain incidents. This scrutiny made Jacob’s path to redemption even harder as doubt followed him everywhere.

Bobby Green defended Jacob against critics, pointing out that his mentor had never lied to him and had always been upfront about everything. The debate over Jacob’s truthfulness continues in MMA forums and social media, with supporters and detractors firmly planted in their opposing camps. The controversy may never fully resolve itself.

Impact on his coaching career

Returning to coaching after prison meant rebuilding trust with students, parents, and the broader martial arts community. Some former students welcomed Jacob back with open arms, grateful to have their mentor teaching again. Others stayed away, unable to separate the man from the conviction on his record, regardless of early release circumstances.

Pinnacle Mixed Martial Arts survived but changed significantly during and after Jacob’s incarceration. The gym’s reputation took hits that affected enrollment and the caliber of fighters willing to train there. Jacob had to prove himself all over again as a coach, demonstrating that he still had the skills and character to develop fighters properly.

Despite the obstacles, Jacob continues coaching and mentoring in 2025. His story resonates with people who believe in second chances and rehabilitation after incarceration. He uses his experiences – both the mistakes and the comeback – as teaching tools for students facing their own battles. His coaching career survived, but it will always carry the weight of his past.

Key Achievements and Impact

• Founded and built Pinnacle Mixed Martial Arts into a respected training facility
• Mentored Bobby Green from troubled youth to successful UFC fighter
• Trained multiple professional fighters including Darrion Caldwell and Willie Gates
• Helped students overcome foster care backgrounds and substance abuse issues
• Shared prison reform insights on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast
• Demonstrated resilience after prison by rebuilding coaching career
• Created mentorship programs focused on loyalty and character development
• Advocates for substance abuse recovery through martial arts discipline
• Continues building resilience after prison in himself and students

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jacob Behney still coaching in 2025? 

Yes, Jacob continues coaching at his gym in the Redlands California and San Bernardino area. He works with both amateur and professional fighters while focusing on mentorship and character building alongside technical training.

What was Jacob Behney convicted of in 2016? 

Jacob was convicted in a sexual assault case in 2016 and served time in California State Prison. He maintains his innocence and was released early, which his supporters cite as evidence of problems with the conviction.

How did Bobby Green and Jacob Behney meet? 

They met when Bobby walked into Pinnacle Mixed Martial Arts looking for training. Jacob took Bobby under his wing, providing the father figure Bobby never had during his time in foster care and helping shape his MMA career.

Why does Bobby Green call Jacob his real father? 

Bobby considers Jacob his real father because Jacob provided the guidance, support, and unconditional love that Bobby never received from his biological family or foster parents. Their bond goes beyond coaching to a true father-son relationship.

What did Jacob Behney say on Joe Rogan podcast? 

Jacob discussed his prison experience in California State Prison, including inmate racial tensions, survival strategies, and the daily challenges of incarceration. He also talked about his relationship with Bobby Green and his plans for rebuilding his life.

Conclusion

Jacob Behney’s story is messy, complicated, and real. He’s not a perfect hero or a simple villain. He’s a flawed man who found redemption through martial arts, built meaningful relationships like his bond with Bobby Green, faced serious legal consequences, and continues fighting to rebuild his legacy in 2025.

The lessons from Jacob’s life go beyond MMA techniques and fighting strategies. His journey teaches about loyalty between mentor and student, the possibility of rehabilitation after incarceration, and how our past mistakes don’t have to determine our future. Whether you believe every detail of his story or remain skeptical, his impact on fighters like Bobby Green cannot be denied.