UFC Vegas 22 : Derek Brunson stops the ‘Kevin Holland’ train

Kevin Holland’s impressive five-match win streak came to an end, as he put on a tame performance.

Derek Brunson defeated the surging Kevin Holland via. unanimous decision in the main event of UFC Vegas 22. The number 7 ranked middleweight contender didn’t have many difficulties in seeing off his number 10 ranked counterpart. Kevin Holland put on a very weak performance, largely devoid of action, as his 5 match win streak was snapped.

‘I’m gonna bang him up until I can bang him up no more’ – Kevin Holland warns Derek Brunson ahead of fight night main event

‘The Trailblazer’ was completely outwrestled by a vastly superior Brunson, as he succumbed to his (49-45, 49-46, 49-46) first loss in five games. At the post-fight interview, Brunson said, “I wanted to knock him out. Everyone can’t be pretty. Dana White, Mick Maynard, Sean Shelby, I’ve been putting in mad work in this division for so long. I wasn’t really too excited about this matchup. I wanted a top five [opponent].

‘Costa, what’s up man‘ – Derek Brunson at the post-fight interview

Brunson then called out number 2 ranked middleweight contender Paulo Costa, who recently pulled out from his fight against Robert Whittaker. Brunson exclaimed, “Costa, what’s up man. I saw you just pulled out of a fight. I’m still here for you. Me and Costa, that sounds like a fight I’d like to have.”

That was some performance from Brunson. The win might propel him into the top 5 of the middleweight rankings. As for Kevin Holland, it has to be back to the drawing board. He will have to pick himself up and get back stronger.

Other results :

Main card :

Max Griffin def. Song Kenan via KO (first round)

Montserrat Ruiz def. Cheyanne Buys via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-27)

Adrian Yanez def. Gustavo Lopez via KO (third round)

Tai Tuivasa def. Harry Hunsucker via KO (first round)

Prelims :

Macy Chiasson def. Marion Reneau via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Grant Dawson def. Leonardo Santos via TKO (third round, when just one second was left)

Trevin Giles def. Roman Dolidze via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Montel Jackson def. Jesse Strader via TKO (first round)

Bruno Silva def. JP Buys via TKO (second round)

‘Of the people I have worked with…He would be at the top of the list’ – Ben Askren on training with legendary trainer Freddie Roach