On the main card of UFC 302, we saw a fun matchup in the middleweight division. “The Trailblazer” Kevin Holland (25-11) was moving back up to 185 on relatively short notice to take on a tough opponent in Poland’s Michal Oleksiejczuk (19-7, 1 NC).
Oleksiejczuk was looking to bounce back after his last fight. He took on Michel Pereira back in March and was stopped quickly in the first round. Overall, Oleksiejczuk was 3-2 in his last five entering tonight and he really wanted to get a signature win to get him back on track.
Kevin Holland famously went 5-0 at 185 in 2020 to become a star. However, since then, it’s been a little up and down. He’s fought anyone and everyone he could but he’s primarily been at welterweight. Holland’s lost his last two fights to Jack Della Maddalena and Michael “Venom” Page. However, at UFC 302, he looked refreshed and he was happy to be fighting back at 185 without having to cut the extra weight.
UFC 302 Recap
Round 1
The UFC 302 middleweight contest kicked off with a touch of the gloves. Quick right straight from Holland and a counter left from Oleksiejczuk. Another nice right from Holland and a side kick. Oleksiejczuk lands a nice jab and he’s really coming forward in the opening minute.
Jab from Holland and a huge left from Oleksiejczuk that drops Holland. Oleksiejczuk is on him here but Holland swings his legs up and immediately snatches up an armbar. Oleksiejczuk is fighting through the pain but it looks like the arm snaps and Herb Dean stops the fight. Huge win for Kevin Holland at UFC 302.
Kevin Holland def. Michal Oleksiejczuk by Submission – Round 1