Kevin Holland and Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza faced off in an exciting middleweight bout that took place on December 12, 2020, at UFC 256. The fight was highly anticipated, as both fighters were known for their aggressive styles and finishing abilities. In the end, it was Kevin Holland who emerged victorious with an impressive first-round knockout, making a statement in the division.
Right from the start, Holland showed his unorthodox striking style, using a diverse range of techniques to keep Souza guessing. He displayed excellent footwork and head movement, making it difficult for Souza to find his rhythm. Holland’s unorthodox approach paid off when he landed a perfectly timed right hand that dropped Souza to the canvas.
Despite the knockdown, Souza showed his toughness by quickly recovering and attempting to regain control of the fight. He tried to implement his renowned jiu-jitsu skills by taking Holland to the ground, but Holland demonstrated his strong takedown defense and managed to stay on his feet. Holland continued to unleash a barrage of strikes, mixing in punches, kicks, and elbows, overwhelming Souza and preventing him from mounting any significant offense.
As the round progressed, Holland’s confidence grew, and he began to taunt and engage in verbal exchanges with Souza, showcasing his showmanship. This brash behavior didn’t detract from his performance, as he remained focused and continued to land clean, powerful shots. Souza, on the other hand, seemed unable to find an answer to Holland’s striking and was visibly frustrated.
In the closing moments of the first round, Holland capitalized on an opening and delivered a devastating right hook that sent Souza crashing to the mat, unconscious. The referee swiftly stepped in to stop the fight, awarding Holland an emphatic knockout victory. It was a stunning finish that showcased Holland’s power and precision, solidifying his position as a rising star in the middleweight division.
The fight between Kevin Holland and Ronaldo Souza will be remembered for Holland’s dominant performance and spectacular knockout. It highlighted Holland’s unorthodox style, exceptional striking ability, and his knack for entertaining the crowd. While Souza put up a valiant effort, he ultimately fell victim to Holland’s relentless assault. This victory propelled Holland further up the middleweight rankings and earned him well-deserved recognition as a legitimate contender in the division.