UFC 307 just reminded fans of how unpredictable MMA can be. Kevin Holland and Roman Dolidze stepped into the Octagon, ready for a middleweight showdown. But sometimes, the fight game has other plans. ‘Trailblazer’ was looking to make a splash in his return to 185 pounds. He had been dabbling at welterweight but decided to bulk back up after a couple of tough losses.
Dolidze, on the other hand, was riding high after a last-minute victory over Anthony Smith. He was eager to cement his place in the middleweight rankings. The fight started with both guys feeling each other out. Holland looked sharp, showcasing his speed and landing some lovely counters.
As often happens in MMA, everything changed in an instant. Dolidze scored a takedown about halfway through the round. As Holland attempted to create space from his back, something went wrong. He rolled for an armbar, and suddenly, fans could see the pain etched on his face.
Dolidze, sensing his opponent’s distress, pounced hard. He rained down shots from mount as the round came to an end. Between rounds, it became clear that Holland was in serious trouble. It turns out he had broken a rib.
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@tntsports Roman Dolidze wins by STOPPAGE over Kevin Holland due to injury! 🙃 #UFC307 #UFC #MMA ♬ original sound – TNT Sports
So, it was no surprise when Holland’s corner called off the fight. Dolidze was awarded the TKO victory, but it felt a bit hollow. This bout is a stark reminder of the risks these athletes take every time they step into the cage. One wrong move, one awkward twist, and suddenly, months of training go down the drain.
‘Trailblazer’ has always marched to the beat of his drum. He was supposed to face Chris Curtis, but the latter had to pull out. Instead, he fought Dolidze. Known for his in-ring trash talk and out-of-the-cage antics, Holland recently dropped some wisdom about legacy building. He believes staying active is the key to cementing a lasting UFC legacy.
Holland’s work ethic stems from his humble beginnings. He reminisced about doing electrical work and his grandparents’ janitorial business. These experiences taught him the value of putting in the hours. Seeing a fighter who doesn’t shy away from hard work is refreshing. At the UFC 307 press conference, “Trailblazer” Holland spilled the beans on his philosophy.
“I’m an active motherf*cker. At the end of the day it’s like I did a little electrical work before. My grandma and grandpa owned a janitorial business. So I understood the 9-to-5 and clocking in hours and getting done with the job to get paid. I had real jobs before this so I understand activity. I understand going to work so I can pay my bills and I’ve got a lot of bills…I’m just active,” said Holland.
The numbers don’t lie. Kevin Holland has fought a whopping 11 times in the past three years. That’s more than any other UFC fighter in that span. His approach might not be for everyone. Not all fighters can compete so frequently. But fans can’t deny his passion for the sport.
Not exactly as safe sport!