5 best UFC fights of March 2022

Alex Pereira at UFC Vegas 50 [Image via @espnmma on Twitter]

The UFC delivered some stellar fight cards in March. Across three Fight Nights and one blockbuster pay-per-view, we saw some incredible barnbuners and back-and-forth slugfests, including some legitimate 'Fight of the Year' contenders.

The first event of the month was the UFC 272 pay-per-view, headlined by the highly-anticipated grudge match between Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal.

Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal at the T-Mobile Arena [Image via @GamebredFighter on Twitter]

Seven days after the pay-per-view, an action-packed Fight Night went down at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, witnessing eight finishes across the fight card. The next two weeks saw the world's premier MMA organization finally return to Fight Nights in front of capacity crowds. The promotion visited London, England, and Columbus, Ohio, on back-to-back weekends. It was a refreshing change after almost 18 months at the Apex.

Across the aforementioned events, fans witnessed some outstanding and hugely memorable contests. Here are the five best UFC fights of March 2022.

#5. Kevin Holland vs. Alex Oliveira – UFC 272

Upon joining the UFC, Kevin Holland plied his trade in the 185-pound division for his first 13 fights. In 2020, 'Trailblazer' went on a scintillating 5-0 run and even broke into the middleweight rankings following his TKO victory over MMA veteran Ronaldo 'Jacare' Souza.

Following back-to-back decision losses to top contenders Marvin Vettori and Derek Brunson, it became apparent that 185 pounds wasn't the ideal weight class for Holland. He fought just once more at middleweight before opting to drop down to his more natural weight class, welterweight.

At UFC 272, Holland took on Alex Oliveira in his promotional welterweight debut. He faced some early adversity in the first round as Oliveira repeatedly attacked the former middleweight's calf with devastating kicks. 'Cowboy' even landed a few takedowns and finished the first frame attempting a choke.

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Holland seemed concerned with Oliveira's speed while in conversation with his cornermen after the first round. He struggled to find his range in the opening five minutes and barely landed any significant strikes.

Nevertheless, he bounced back in style in the second round. A little over 30 seconds in, Holland landed a crisp right hook, sending Oliveira crashing to the canvas. A couple of ground-and-pound strikes later, the referee called a halt to the action, handing 'Trailblazer' an encouraging first win at 170 pounds.

Kevin Holland is back ❗️

TKO au 2eme round pour Big Mouth 🔥 #UFC272 https://t.co/5ldZ2dk9y0