Kevin Holland's coach explains corner stoppage at UFC Orlando - "They can die in there"
In the recently concluded UFC Orlando main event bout against Stephen Thompson, Kevin Holland's coach Bob Perez prevented further injury to his pupil's broken hand.
Oren Hodak, Kevin Holland's manager, told ESPN MMA that 'Trailblazer' suffered fractures to the third, fourth, and fifth metacarpal bones in his right hand during the fight against Wonderboy. Additionally, Holland will consult with an orthopedic hand specialist to make surgery arrangements.
Kevin Holland will need surgery after breaking bones in his right hand Saturday night against Stephen Thompson, Holland’s manager Oren Hodak told @marcraimondi. https://t.co/lveIlkoiLo
The injury was caused by a right cross delivered by Holland on Stephen Thompson in the first round of the fight. Holland's hand appeared to be injured, and it was obvious that the injury was affecting his ability to defend himself and launch a range of attacks. His trainer, Bob Perez, made the conscious decision to throw in the towel at the end of the fourth round.
Holland and his corner decide to call off the fight after four hard fought rounds at #UFCOrlando https://t.co/0QbvuNzD6S
Shedding light on what led to his decision to call an end to the fight in a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Perez stated:
“My primary job there is to protect him. People can die in there, man. I think as fans, we tend to forget that. They can die in there. It could’ve been career-ending or permanent, permanent damage that could’ve been done to his hand. Thankfully, it’s not that bad.”
Perez added that as a coach, the welfare of the fighters is a top priority even if they're insistent on continuing to fight:
"Sometimes you have to play that father figure if that makes any sense. You have to be the protector. You have to save them from themselves, because fighters will fight until the end. That’s what they do.”
Sean O'Malley claims that Kevin Holland should have capitalized on the takedown he landed on Stephen Thompson
Kevin Holland's toughness and durability were on full display in the recently concluded fight against Stephen Thompson at UFC Orlando.
Despite the fact that Thompson and Holland were friendly and cordial with one another all week, it did not prevent them from beating each other up for four rounds, enthralling MMA fans worldwide. The exciting clash rightly earned them the Fight of the Night honors.
During one particular sequence from the fight, Holland managed to take 'Wonderboy' to the ground only for him to allow Thompson to get back on his feet, keeping up with their promise of a standup affair.
Biggest Chad move of the year by @Trailblaze2top right there 🫡 https://t.co/KcNiFiVPy8
Reacting to that particular moment from the fight on his YouTube channel, Sean O'Malley claimed that Holland perhaps should have taken advantage of the favorable position:
"Kevin Holland takes Stephen Thompson on the ground... let's him up after getting pieced up. Not the smartest move. Kevin Holland wanted to give the fans what they wanted, a striking battle. But in those moments, you've got to f**ing take advantage of them."
Catch O'Malley's comments below: