Kevin Holland didn’t use much time to finish Michael Chiesa at UFC 291, but he still managed to show off his long sought-after takedown defense.
In a welterweight bout on the main card at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Holland (25-9 MMA, 12-6 UFC) cruised to victory with a D’Arce choke submission of Chiesa (16-7 MMA, 11-7 UFC) at 2:39 of Round 1.
From the opening bell, Holland came out aggressive. He moved toward Chiesa, who immediately backpedaled, seemingly uncomfortable on the feet. Chiesa took hold of Holland and attempted a takedown. Holland stuffed the attempt, and a follow-up before they separated.
At distance, Holland leaped in for a knee. While Holland said after the fight the knee didn’t land, Chiesa dropped to the canvas on all fours. Holland landed on top of his opponent and locked in a D’Arce choke – and got the tap.
After the fight, Holland revealed intentions to move back up to middleweight.
KEVIN HOLLAND BY SUBMISSION 😨@Trailblaze2top submits Chiesa in Round 1! #UFC291 pic.twitter.com/5x3pJL3uOT
— UFC (@ufc) July 30, 2023
Holland, 30, has won back-to-back fights. In April, he knocked out Santiago Ponzinibbio at UFC 287. Chiesa, 35, has now lost three in a row. Saturday’s bout was his first fight since November 2021.
Up-to-the-minute UFC 291 results include:
- Kevin Holland def. Michael Chiesa via submission (D’Arce choke) – Round 1, 2:39
- Gabriel Bonfim def. Trevin Giles via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 1, 1:13
- CJ Vergara def. Vinicius Salvador via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Roman Kopylov def. Claudio Ribeiro via knockout (head kick) – Round 2, 0:33
- Jake Matthews def. Darrius Flowers via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 2:37
- Uros Medic def. Matthew Semelsberger via TKO (elbow, punches) – Round 3, 2:36
- Miranda Maverick def. Priscila Cachoeira via submission (armbar) – Round 3, 2:11
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 291.
