Kevin Holland’s second fight since returning to the middleweight division ended in unfortunate circumstances at UFC 307.
“Trailblazer” met Roman Dolidze, who was able to secure a takedown in the opening round after taking this fight as a replacement for Chris Curtis.
During a scramble on the ground, Holland injured his rib and was in clear pain but was able to make it to the horn following some heavy ground-and-pound from the Georgian fighter.
In-between rounds, “Big Mouth” spoke to his coach Bob Perez about the injury as his corner asked him whether he could continue.
Referee Jason Herzog gave them some time to make the call and before the second stanza got underway, the Holland corner confirmed that he couldn’t continue.
Conor McGregor Criticizes Kevin Holland For Mid-Fight Injury Stoppage
In a quickly deleted post on X, Conor McGregor reacted to Holland’s injury and criticized the fan favorite for not attempting to continue.
“The Notorious” is no stranger to having fights stopped due to an injury and, in his opinion, “Big Mouth” should have at least tried to resume the contest before withdrawing.
The call wasn’t made by Holland, who undoubtedly would have tried to continue if the decision was up to him.
“Didn’t even f*cking try? Nah that is ridiculous! Go out again and see how is. If folds up again then you end it with the towel. Nah that’s not it for me folks. Holland is a solid veteran he well should have went out and gave it shot to see how he was. Wrong move.”
