Kevin Holland’s journey in the UFC has been quite the rollercoaster. Known for his quick wit and even quicker hands, Holland’s latest fight took an unexpected turn. At UFC 307, he faced Roman Dolidze in what promised to be an exciting middleweight clash. But sometimes, life throws you a curveball, or in Holland’s case, a rib-cracker.
The bout came to an abrupt halt in the first round. Holland suffered a rib injury during a grappling exchange. His coaches made the tough call to throw in the towel during the break for the second round. It was a decision that’s sparked debate among fans and fighters alike. Now, ‘Trailblazer’ is dealing with the aftermath with humor and a hefty dose of self-deprecation.
”Can’t have a response to everyone but yeah I feel like a total piece of sh*t. My bad to all the [ones] who put some bread on the line or told their friend I was gonna win. Ima p*ssy,” said Holland via Instagram Story.
It’s this kind of raw honesty that’s endeared Kevin Holland to fans. He’s not afraid to poke fun at himself, even in tough moments. But let’s not forget injuries are no joke in MMA. Rib injuries can be particularly nasty. They make everything from breathing to laughing a painful ordeal.
Kevin Holland’s coach, Bob Perez, defended the decision to call off the fight. He stressed it was the right call, prioritizing Holland’s health over a potential highlight reel moment for Roman Dolidze.
Conor McGregor Goes After Kevin Holland For Withdrawing With Injury
Holland recently faced Roman Dolidze in what promised to be a middleweight barnburner. Fans were salivating at the prospect of these two powerhouses colliding. But fate had other plans as ‘Trailblazer’ suffered a freak rib injury during the first round. The pain was so intense that his corner threw in the towel between rounds.
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Conor McGregor is not someone to hold his tongue and keep his opinions to himself. The Irishman took to X with guns blazing. He lambasted Kevin Holland for not even trying to continue the fight.
“Didn’t even f*cking try? Nah that is ridiculous! Go out again and see how it is. If folds up again then you end it with the towel. Nah that’s not it for me folks. Holland is a solid veteran he well should have went out and gave it a shot to see how he was. Wrong move,” McGregor wrote via X in a now-deleted tweet.
Ironically, McGregor’s last fight ended with his leg snapping, and he withdrew from his recent bout with a pinky toe injury. Holland, for his part, remained silent on McGregor’s comments. Perhaps he was too busy nursing his ribs to care about that.
Also Read: Former UFC Champion Daniel Cormier Gives His Take on Who Should Kevin Holland Fight Next
