Kevin Holland’s Injury: Everything we know about the brutal setback UFC welterweight faced back in 2022

UFC 299 will feature a lot of interesting matchups. Among them is Michael ‘Venom’ Page‘s much-awaited UFC debut against #13 ranked Kevin Holland in a welterweight bout that is expected to be a striking masterclass. While all eyes will be on Page and his dynamic striking, the bout is an equally important one for Holland.

Having lost two of his last fights, Holland has the chance to showcase his talent and prowess against a hyped opponent. A victory over the Englishman will help Holland rebound from his losses and get back in the welterweight title mix. As he sets up to face ‘MVP’, let us take a look at a devastating injury he suffered not too long ago.

Kevin Holland’s hand injury against Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson

Kevin Holland fought Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson in a five-round welterweight bout at UFC Orlando in December 2022. Holland caught the opponent with a good right hand in the first round that wobbled ‘Wonderboy’, who managed to recover. However, this right cross also broke Holland’s hand. Things worsened in the fourth round when Holland’s right hand was further compromised due to blocking Thompson’s kicks, forcing his corner to throw in the towel. The Trailblazer posted a picture of his injured hand that had swollen up like a balloon the next day.

Holland broke three bones in his hands and had to undergo surgery and rehabilitation for it. However, despite this, the fighter was eager to return to the octagon and showed his toughness by taking his next fight before his hand could fully recover.

Kevin Holland fought again without letting his injury heal!

Barely a few months after his Thompson bout, he fought Santiago Ponzinibbio at UFC 287, going on to win the bout via knockout. However, he was not very comfortable with his right hand and later revealed that he was mulling not going into the octagon right before the fight since he wasn’t sure his hand would hold up.

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“We actually threw the right hand in the back, and it was my first time putting on little gloves. I hit the pad and I was like, ‘Damn, that sh*t hurts.’ To remind you, I did break it. That didn’t feel good… I actually messaged my mom right before I went out there like, ‘Man, should I even be f*cking fighting?’” he told ESPN MMA after the bout. What do you think about Holland’s comments? Let us know in the comments section below.

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