Luck has not been on Marvin Vettori’s side in his past few bouts, as he has had to deal with last-minute cancellations and opponent changes. And this weekend it was no different, as ‘The Italian Dream’ was initially set to fight Darren Till. However, the Englishman suffered a broken collarbone and had to withdraw from the fight.
Holland, as he has done so many times in his UFC career, offered to step in on short notice. He took the fight just weeks after his lackluster display against Derek Brunson.
The fight started off well for Holland as he maintained the distance using kicks and stuffing takedowns. It was something he could not do in his last fight. However, towards the end of the first round, ‘The Italian Dream’ secured a takedown and landed some good damage.
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The second round was all Marvin, as he took Holland down and kept the fight there for most of the round. More of the same followed in round three. Vettori dominated the last two rounds with lethal ground and pound to secure a unanimous decision and move to 5-0. In the process, he set a record for the most takedowns landed in a fight.
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Twitter reacts as Marvin Vettori hands Kevin Holland his second successive loss
Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski shared his thoughts on a daytime fight card.
Love my Day time UFC, now in the states….how good!! 👏 What we doing later today Vegas? #UFCVegas23
— Alex Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) April 10, 2021
Johnny Munoz made a bold prediction for the main event.
I feel this fight goes 5 rounds. #UFCVegas23
— Johnny Muñoz (@KidKvenbo) April 10, 2021
Ariel Helwani noted a fresh approach to the fight from Kevin Holland this time around.
Dare I say, different vibes from Holland this time around.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) April 10, 2021
Rob Tatum scored the first round to ‘The Italian Dream’.
10-9 Vettori. Very close round. Holland did well early, but Vettori took over late in the round. #UFCVegas23
— Rob Tatum (@RobTatum303) April 10, 2021
UFC Flyweight O’Neill voiced her support for ‘Loud Mouth’.
Still on that @Trailblaze2top train 🚂 #UFConABC2
— Casey Oneill (@kingcaseymma) April 10, 2021
Ryan Frederick scored both rounds for Marvin Vettori.
20-18 Vettori through two rounds #UFCVegas23
— Ryan Frederick (@ryanjfrederick) April 10, 2021
Kevin Holland’s corner did not impress welterweight champion Kamaru Usman with the way they managed the swelling.
There was absolutely nothing done in that corner for Holland to reduce that swelling. Not very good corner work here #UFCVegas23 #UFConABC2
— KAMARU USMAN (@USMAN84kg) April 10, 2021
Marvin Vettori was leading after three rounds for Sean Sheehan.
29-27 Vettori. #UFCVegas23
— Seán Sheehan (@SeanSheehanBA) April 10, 2021
Ryan Frederick had Vettori as the clear winner of the opening four rounds.
40-36 Vettori after four #UFCVegas23
— Ryan Frederick (@ryanjfrederick) April 10, 2021
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Derek Brunson trolled Marvin Vettori after a well-earned win.
I feel like Marvin Vettori owes me money for the blueprint! #UFCVegas23
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) April 10, 2021
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What did you make of Marvin Vettori’s performance tonight? Does he deserve a title shot next?