Welterweight fan favorite Kevin Holland made his return to the Octagon on Saturday night, kicking off a stacked UFC 291 card.
Looking to get back into the win column after coming up short against Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson in December, Holland was matched up with The Ultimate Fighter alumnus Michael Chiesa. ‘Maverick’ entered the bout looking to snap a two-fight skid after dropping back-to-back bouts against Vicente Luque and Sean Brady.
Round 1
Both men came out sizing up one another as Chiesa circled around the outside of the Octagon. Holland moved in and threw a series of strikes that had Chiesa pressed against the fence. As Chiesa attempted to move, he fell to the canvas where Holland followed before allowing Chiesa back to his feet. Holland closed the distance leading Chiesa to shoot for a single leg, but Holland managed to stay on his feet and separate. Holland pushes Chiesa to the fence wall and throws a solid knee that appears to put Chiesa on the canvas. Holland pounces on Chiesa and slaps on a darce choke leaving his opponent with no choice, but to tap out.
Official Result: Kevin Holland def. Michael Chiesa via submission (darce choke) at 2:39 or Round 1.
Check Out Highlights From Kevin Holland vs. Michael Chiesa at UFC 291 Below:
KEVIN HOLLAND BY SUBMISSION 😨@Trailblaze2top submits Chiesa in Round 1! #UFC291 pic.twitter.com/5x3pJL3uOT
— UFC (@ufc) July 30, 2023
Kevin Holland asked DC about his wrestling defense 🤣 #UFC291 pic.twitter.com/bKjS4LyFQ5
— UFC (@ufc) July 30, 2023
