Derek Brunson and Kevin Holland face off today (Sat., April 10, 2021) in a main event Middleweight clash from UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada at UFC Vegas 23. It may not be the high-profile main event that anyone is desperate to see, but these two high-level Middleweights have a lot to gain and lose in this match up. Vettori is riding a serious wave of momentum, a hard-fought win streak that pushes him close to the title mix. Holland, alternatively, enters just three weeks removed from a fairly embarrassing loss, and this short-notice opportunity was a chance to make up for that defeat.
One man will leave the cage with his hand raised. Strap in for tonight’s main event and follow along below for live updates and highlight clips:
Round One
Holland opens with a pair of low kicks. Lots of kicks from Holland, one of which goes to the cup and stalls the action. Holland finds a right hand from the edge of his distance. Vettori moves the fight into the clinch, looking to score a takedown and slow his opponent’s fast start. Holland stuffs the shot and escapes back to the center. Vettori finds a left hand and moves back to the clinch. Holland stuffs a takedown, lands a couple kicks, then is pressed back into the cage. Vettori lands the trip takedown! The Italian is active with clubbing punches from within the guard. Holland kicks off the fence and returns to his feet, though he eats a heavy left hand. Vettori pressures to end an exciting round.
Round Two
Holland scores a nice lead right to start the second. Another clean right! Vettori rips a counter left and uses it to enter on the legs, completing a shot along the fence. Vettori settles in full guard, continuing to work. Holland looks for an armbar, eats punches for his efforts. Holland tries to stand with a minute remaining and is dragged back down. None of Vettori’s punches are insanely damaging, but he consistently worked Holland the entire round. Vettori lets a big flurry loose to end the round.
Holland’s eye is jacked up.
Round Three
Round Four
Round Five
Result:
For complete UFC Vegas 23: “Vettori vs. Holland” results and play-by-play, click HERE!