Fans and fighters express shock over referees’ decision not to deduct points
Mike Malott scored perhaps the biggest win of his UFC career, defeating Kevin Holland in front of a home Canadian crowd. The fight served as the co-main event of UFC Vancouver and quickly drew attention for its unusual sequence of events.
The bout started quietly before Holland caught a kick from Malott and dropped him with a powerful right hand. Malott recovered quickly, securing a leg and sweeping Holland to gain top control. He applied heavy grappling pressure before both fighters returned to their feet. In rapid succession, Malott landed two accidental low blows, including a knee to Holland’s groin, visibly hurting him. Holland endured the full five minutes, showing resilience despite obvious pain. Fans and fighters questioned why officials did not dock Malott a point, especially after Drew Dober’s earlier penalty in the evening.
Malott finds rhythm in second round
After a brief delay to check Holland’s condition, Malott gained momentum in the second round. He landed precise technical strikes, combining punches with a knee to the body that appeared to weaken Holland further. Holland seemed slower than usual in his responses, allowing Malott to control the pace. By the third round, Malott added a slam takedown and an arm-triangle attempt, cementing his path to a decision victory.
Malott’s streak continues
With this victory, Malott extends his winning streak to three fights. He now holds a 6-1 UFC record since debuting on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2021. He entered UFC Vancouver after a knockout win over Charles Radtke at UFC 315.
Holland struggles in recent fights
Kevin Holland now suffers four losses in his last six outings. He came into UFC Vancouver after a defeat against Daniel Rodriguez at UFC 318, adding pressure to his performance against Malott. Fans continue debating the fairness of the bout, especially regarding the unpenalized low blows.
