Derek Brunson ended another hype train last night (Sat., Mar. 20, 2021) at UFC Vegas 22 live on ESPN/ESPN+ from inside UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nev., when the veteran middleweight snapped Kevin Holland’s five-fight win streak with a unanimous decision win in their main event showdown.
An early slip cost Holland the first round. Brunson jumped into guard and landed solid ground-and-pound to gain an early lead on the scorecards. Holland was able to stay on his feet early into the second and nearly ended Brunson with a barrage of punches. Brunson smartly took Holland down and worked towards an arm-triangle choke. Holland defended to get to the third.
Brunson went back to the well in the third round and gained top control with minutes left on the clock. Holland did well to threaten with submissions off his back, but Brunson’s top game was heavy and in stayed in position. It was much of the same in the fourth as Brunson waded through Holland’s striking to get inside and score the takedown.
Holland actually turned the tides in the fifth round by scoring his own takedown. It was the first time in Brunson’s UFC career that he’s been taken down. Unfortunately for Holland, he needed a finish, not top control. “Trail Blazer” was unable to get the finish and Brunson walked away with the unanimous decision win.
Check out the video highlights below courtesy of UFC/ESPN:
CONFIDENCE
@Trailblaze2top is ready to put it all on the line!
[ #UFCVegas22 on @ESPN & #ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/5H2evwv7RT
— UFC (@ufc) March 21, 2021
Older.
Wiser.
Something to prove.
@DerekBrunson looks to halt the talk on @ESPN. #UFCVegas22 pic.twitter.com/rmH6E3DGWC
— UFC (@ufc) March 21, 2021
Kevin Holland slipped and @DerekBrunson took advantage #UFCVegas22 pic.twitter.com/VDjodHUGCV
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) March 21, 2021
Leave it to @Trailblaze2top to ask @TeamKhabib for wrestling advice #UFCVegas22 pic.twitter.com/EtVCJiBH3s
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) March 21, 2021
Huge flurry from @Trailblaze2top, but @DerekBrunson survived and turned the tables #UFCVegas22 pic.twitter.com/GT7QHTLoFI
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) March 21, 2021
“No matter what, that’s a freaking win.”
Likely down in the fight, @Trailblaze2top secured a takedown and celebrated the small victory #UFCVegas22 pic.twitter.com/vx6Q8dYhYE
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) March 21, 2021
Halted the hype!
Tonight belongs to @DerekBrunson #UFCVegas22 pic.twitter.com/CenSKWRlZl
— UFC (@ufc) March 21, 2021
Make the win streak 4??!
The best may still be to come for @DerekBrunson. #UFCVegas22 pic.twitter.com/3jJkChKz27
— UFC (@ufc) March 21, 2021
For complete UFC Vegas 22 results and coverage click here.