"MMA drama" - Roman Dolidze shares unexpected backstage altercation with Kevin Holland after their UFC 307 fight
Roman Dolidze and Kevin Holland had an uncomfortable interaction backstage following the former's win at UFC 307. While the details of their interaction are relatively scarce, the Georgian 185-pounder told Aaron Bronsteter in an interview that Holland was less than pleased with him.
Specifically, Holland was alleged by Dolidze to have been irate by the outcome, which saw Holland lose via TKO due to a corner stoppage after the latter sustained an unspecified rib injury on the mat. When asked about the altercation, Dolidze seemed unbothered by it.
"You know, I think it's just MMA drama. I always try to be away with it. He was also very nice this fight week, and probably he was a little bit angry after losing and he started some conversation. But I hope when everything settles down, we can talk and understand what exactly went [on]."
Check out Roman Dolidze's thoughts on his altercation with Kevin Holland (0:27):
With the win over Holland, Dolidze is now on a two-fight win streak, having previously beaten one-time light heavyweight title challenger Anthony Smith in a 205-pound bout, which he took on short notice. He is now hoping to author an impressive enough win streak to earn a crack at middleweight gold.
Holland, meanwhile, will now lick his wounds in what has been the latest setback of his worst-ever career rough patch. He is 1-3 in his last four fights and appears directionless besides fighting frequently. His current stint at middleweight is already a questionable 1-1.
His prior welterweight run was similarly disappointing, losing to Michael 'Venom' Page and Jack Della Maddalena while scoring wins over Michael Chiesa, who was on a two-fight losing streak, and Santiago Ponzinibbio, who was 1-2 at the time.
Did Roman Dolidze cause Kevin Holland's rib injury?
The exact nature of Kevin Holland's rib injury is unknown, as even UFC CEO Dana White questioned whether it was a fracture or dislocation, among other possible variations. However, what is known is that the injury occurred after Roman Dolidze had secured a takedown.
Check out the end of Roman Dolidze vs. Kevin Holland:
With Holland under him on the mat, it appeared that 'Trailblazer's' attempt to scramble out of the position led to one of his ribs fracturing or popping out of place. The decision to stop Holland from fighting following the injury also drew criticism from the likes of Conor McGregor, who felt that 'Trailblazer' should have continued.