Watch highlights from the Derek Brunson vs. Kevin Holland full fight video from the UFC Vegas 22 main event above, courtesy of the UFC.
Brunson vs Holland took place on March 20 at UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada. Derek Brunson (22-7) and Kevin Holland (21-6) collided in a middleweight dispute at the event’s main event, which aired live on ESPN +. See more video highlights below.
For more information on Brunson vs. the Netherlands, check out Steven Marrocco’s MMA Fighting live blog.
Holland immediately extends his fingers, possibly trying to touch the gloves, but Brunson doesn’t bite. Brunson lands a big punch on a slippery kick from the Netherlands, and he settles in full guard. Practically the worst scenario at the moment for the Netherlands, which gets a body triangle underneath. Brunson goes to work at the top, and the damage starts to increase. Holland tries to climb his legs for a finishing set-up and Brunson hits some elbows and punches from top to bottom. There were three minutes left and Brunson was still in position, trying to restrict his breathing. Holland, of course, starts talking. His attempt to escape is immediately stopped and Brunson returns to the ground and pound. More talk, of course, and Holland tries to roll with the worst shots and cover up when he can’t. Brunson’s good left, but he didn’t shut up Holland, who hits his opponent on the head as time runs out. Brunson gives enough space to attack the big shots, and Holland rolls over to stand. He misses the chance to counterattack, but tries in vain to touch the gloves.
MMA Fighting marks Brunson’s 10-9 round.
The Netherlands is entertaining a Khabib Nurmagomedov next to the cage before the start of the hideout round. He opens with a few ranged attacks and grazes. Brunson deludes himself and Holland tells Khabib to warn him when shots are coming. He doesn’t, and the clinch comes in its place. Brunson kneels down, but does not convert, and Holland gains space. Holland hits a right hand that rocks Brunson, then another, and suddenly Brunson is on wobbly legs, desperately trying to raise one leg and knock Holland over. He can’t catch him initially, but he eventually gets the body blocked and goes down the fight, quickly advancing to the mount. Holland runs away from danger and gives an upkick, but Brunson goes to the half-guard and prepares an arm triangle. As Brunson moves to free his leg to end the choke, the Netherlands is unable to shake off. The position is good and Brunson is tightening, but the Netherlands is still there, holding on. There are 90 seconds left and Brunson adjusts to finish. Holland explodes and rolls freely, and they are back on their feet. A violent punch prepares Brunson for a big takedown and, with one minute left, he is in a position to close the round tightly. There isn’t much going on, however, and the round ends with the Netherlands kicking their opponent.
MMA Fighting scores the 10-9 score for the Netherlands, and is still at 19-19.
Holland heads straight to the right while Brunson kicks. Brunson more hesitant, and he turns his right hand on the way to another fall. Holland tries to secure the armbar, but does not have the necessary support. Brunson stands overhead, but the Netherlands does not explode and accepts full custody. Brunson is working just enough to maintain his position, but Holland is covering himself well and shooting back with his elbows from below. Brunson seems to have run out of breath and may be reloading. Dean warns for action. There is very little steam in Brunson’s photos. Holland still hits him with slaps and elbows. Brunson went back to working with elbows and punches. Holland tries to walk in the cage, and Brunson’s punches force him to cover himself. The round ends with the Netherlands at the bottom.
MMA Fighting marks the 10-9 round for Brunson, who is 29-28.
Brunson looks tired, and Holland looks happy as always before the start of the round. A slower start for this one, and Holland is trying to intercept Brunson on arrival. Once again, he hits with a heavy combination, causing Brunson to bend down and grab. The same thing happens again, and this time Brunson hits kicks through the middle before securing the clinch and knocking down. Holland manages to get up and Brunson trips him back to the ground. Three minutes left and Brunson takes the lead. If the Netherlands fails to resist, Brunson will end the frame with ground and pound, as he has done in all rounds so far. Holland tries another walk in the cage, but elbows in his face make it difficult. Brunson is doing enough to maintain his position and score points, and is getting away with the round. Holland tries to fight again, and again, the elbow keeps him honest. I do not talk much. Another armbar attempt and Holland rolls over and stands. He doesn’t get very far before Brunson chokes him against the fence. Slaps don’t do much to stop Brunson, who has two underhooks. Dean warns for action. Holland tries one last time to escape, and Brunson won’t let him go.
MMA Fighting scores a 10-9 score for Brunson, who is 39-37.
Holland tries a frontal kick to the face and Brunson goes low with his kicks. The two men are visibly tired. Brunson sits down with a beautiful left hand, and Holland closes to take his. Hooks inside fail, and Brunson uses them to grab. He’s cut. A party of blows while the two fight for a position, and the Netherlands takes an internal trip. Instantly, he celebrates while Brunson takes charge. He has three minutes left to do something spectacular, because he is definitely below the scoreboard. He has gas to make something happen. He softens Brunson’s flanks before getting up and trying to knock out Brunson in the Rampage-Arona style. That doesn’t exactly have the effect, and the Netherlands is back to ground and pound. Dean warns him of action, he gets up and fires a few shots. The Netherlands gains space and has a final confrontation before Brunson closes the distance and gets another fall. The fight is ending here. One minute to go and Brunson is doing what he needs to do to maintain his position. It doesn’t have much force in its punches, but it is enough. A walk in the cage brings a “nope” from Brunson. Brunson suddenly stands up and Holland walks away, on his back. Finally, he faces Brunson, who kicks him in the head. Another embarrassing skirmish, and this one comes to an end.
MMA Fighting marks round 10-9 for Brunson, who makes the decision 49-46.
Official decision
Derek Brunson won. Kevin Holland by unanimous decision (49-45, 49-46, 49-46)