Marvin Vettori out wrestled Kevin Holland, winning by unanimous decision on UFC on ABC 2.
The Italian Dream
Vettori became one step closer to achieving his dream of being the first Italian-born UFC champion. A “template” to beat Holland was made available for the middleweight division with Derek Brunson’s flawless performance three weeks prior. Vettori, who isn’t known for his wrestling credentials, vaguely emulated the Brunson performance tonight to secure the unanimous decision victory. Holland didn’t go out without a fight, stunning Vettori a handful of times through the 25 minutes. Although not the most exciting of fights, Vettori did what he had to secure the victory. Vettori, ranked #6 in the middleweight division, was initially scheduled to take #5 ranked fan favorite Darren Till. Unfortunately, last week Till had to withdraw from the bout, citing a broken collar bone. Coming off a loss and pondering a move down in divisions, the ranked #10 Holland did what he’s done numerous times in the past and took the fight on 9 days’ notice. While things didn’t go his way this time around, short notice appearances are appreciated by the UFC and fans alike.
Adesanya Rematch?
Vettori is now on a 5-fight win streak, with his last loss being to current middleweight champion Israel Adesanya back in 2018. Vettori has been very vocal about getting a rematch
“I want Adesanya next,” Vettori told Daniel Cormier during the post-fight interview. “…I will improve by the next fight, that’s for sure. October, I want to fight [Adesanya]. I think I deserve it.”
Next weekend No. 1 ranked and former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker is taking on #8 ranked Kelvin Gastelum. Both have a history with Adesanya, and depending on the way in which they win could have a better case for a title shot over Vettori. April is certainly playing out as “middleweight month.”
Quick Results
Marvin Vettori def. Kevin Holland by unanimous decision (50-44 x3)
Arnold Allen def. Sodiq Yusuff by unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Julian Marquez def. Sam Alvey by technical submission (rear naked choke) in Round Two
Mackenzie Dern def. Nina Nunes by submission (armbar) in Round One
Daniel Rodriguez def. Mike Perry unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 30-26)
Joe Solecki def. Jim Miller by unanimous decision (29-28 x2, 30-27)
Mateusz Gamrot def. Scott Holtzman by KO (punches) in Round Two
John Makdessi def. Ignacio Bahamondes by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)
Jarjis Danho def. Yorgan De Castro by KO (punch) in Round One
Jack Shore def. Hunter Azure by split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)
Luis Saldaña def. Jordan Griffin by unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Da Un Jung def. William Knight by unanimous decision (30-26 x2, 30-27)
Impa Kasanganay def. Sasha Palatnikov by submission (rear naked choke) in Round Two.
