Derek Brunson and Kevin Holland face off today (Sat., March 20, 2021) in a main event Welterweight clash from UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada at UFC Vegas 22. Brunson continues getting matched with up-and-comers and prospects; men favored to take him out and climb towards the title. He’s won his last three bouts, however, finally making the most of both his athleticism and experience. “Trailblazer” is a different type of challenge though, a wild man who throws up all sorts of offense while maintaining a full-on conversation. Based on his last performance, absolutely anything can happen!
One man will fall, and the other will take another step up the 185-pound ladder. Strap in for tonight’s main event and follow along below for live updates and highlight clips:
Round One
The two open the main event with kicks. After an early slip from Holland, Brunson cracks his foe with a left hand and takes top position! Brunson drops some good punches and elbows from within the guard. Holland is maintaining the body triangle from his back, but it’s keeping him on the mat, where Brunson is landing. Brunson largely controls and beats up his foe from within guard for the rest of the round.
Round Two
* SOUND ON *
@Trailblaze2top is chatting with Khabib between rounds! #UFCVegas22 pic.twitter.com/DbwTtP8GhX
— UFC (@ufc) March 21, 2021
Holland lands a big counter hook to start the second. Good kicks too — in between a cage side conversation with Khabib. Brunson’s takedown is stuffed, but he lands a hard left on the break. Holland starts connecting with his right hand, and Brunson is hurt! Holland tries to force the finish, but Brunson manages to survive and convert the chaos into a takedown. Mount! Holland escapes back to his guard. Brunson attacks the arm triangle, slowly working towards side control. It gets tight, but Holland manages to escape and roll back to his feet in one movement! Brunson puts him back down with a big double leg shot. The round ends with Brunson in top position.
Round Three
Holland lands a stiff right hand counter off a slow low kick. Holland sticks another clean right, but Brunson takes him down immediately afterward. Holland attempts a triangle/armbar, but Brunson is aware of it. It takes a while, but Brunson eventually starts landing some decent shots from within the guard. In the final minute of the round, Brunson began committing more of his weight to elbows and punches. Once more, the round ends with Brunson on top.
Round Four
As has become a pattern, Holland starts the round quickly with good right hands. This time, he’s able to deny a few takedown attempts. However, Brunson would not be denied, completing a shot about 90 seconds into the round. Holland scrambles up quickly and is put back down. Holland cheers as Brunson lands an elbow. Holland escapes back to his feet with a minute left in the round, but he’s still in the clinch. The round ends there.
Round Five
After a feeling out process, the two trade big power shots. Good jab from Holland. Brunson ties him up and forces the clinch. The two trade knees, and Holland scores an inside trip takedown of his own — the first man to take down Derek Brunson! Holland digs some body shots. Brunson back to his feet with 90 seconds remaining, and right away he takes his opponent down. Almost the rest of the bout takes place there, but Brunson does land a decent high kick in the closing seconds of the fight.
Result: Derek Brunson defeats Kevin Holland via unanimous decision (49-45, 49-46, 49-46)
For complete UFC Vegas 22: “Brunson vs. Holland” results and live play-by-play, click HERE!