Kevin Holland defeated Michal Oleskiejczuk in the featured bout of UFC 302 in Newark, New Jersey on Saturday, showing he was clearly not paid by the hour in the process.
Poland’s Oleksiejczuk lost to Michel Pereira last time out, just as Holland did to Michael ‘Venom’ Page, two crafty, creative strikers. Holland moved back up to middleweight to try to snap his two-fight losing streak in this one. Fans circled Holland vs. Oleksiejczuk as a particularly fun fight, and for as long as it lasted it was.
Michal pressed forward, throwing his chacteristic looping left hand and hurting Holland from the start. Oleksiejczuk dropped Kevin in the first minute, but Holland instantly went for an armbar, getting it locked up tightly after a few different tries when Michal tried to punch. Holland flattened out his opponent and did not elicit the tap instantly, but at some point it was clear the Polack’s arm had popped and likely broken. Ref Herb Dean stopped it to the protests of Oleksiejczuk, but it was the right call, as he could not even control his right arm.
After his quick submission win, Holland’s post-fight interview was interesting as ever. He called himself “the best gatekeeper ever,” said he will fight anyone up or down the rankings.
Official Result: Kevin Holland def. Michal Oleksiejczuk by technical submission (arm-bar), Round 1, 1:34
