UFC 279: Khamzat Chimaev vs Kevin Holland Live Blog
Khamzat Chimaev will face Kevin Holland in a 180 lbs catchweight bout in a 5-rounds co-main event at UFC 279 PPV after their backstage fight two days back and Chimaev missing weight.
Chimaev was supposed to headline the event against Nate Diaz. But, events transpired. First, a backstage fight at Press Conference event resulted in his reputation taking a hit. Later, he missed weight for his welterweight bout by a whopping 7.5 lbs. As UFC looked to rearrange the card last minute after the weigh-in, Holland agreed to face Holland.
Despite what has happened over the week, Khamzat Chimaev is still expected to win this fight and continue with his unbeaten record. He has defeated Gerald Meerschaert, Li Jingliang and Gilbert Burns in his last three bouts in the past two years. Holland comes into the bout on back of two wins this year over Alex Oliveira and Tim Means.
Will he be the one to stop Chimaev’s unbeaten journey? Tune in as we bring round-by-round and play-by-play live updates from Khamzat Chimaev vs Kevin Holland 180 lbs catchweight bout from UFC 279 PPV.
Khamzat Chimaev vs Kevin Holland Live Updates
We are into the pre-fight video package for this fight. Kevin Holland walks out first. Lots of boos as the lights go off for Chimaev’s entrance. As Chimaev reaches the tunnel, he runs out quickly, leaving the security to chase behind him. Chimaev gets into the ring and teases Holland. There is more security than usual inside the cage also as Bruce Buffer does the official announcements. Herb Dean is the referee.
Round 1:
Chimaev goes for the takedown right away and gets on the waistlock. Holland is back on his feet quickly. Chimaev still holds his waist though. Chimaev tries to get him under control and is successful in getting on top. Holland is working well until now to not get hit with any significant strikes. Chimaev still working with his superior wrestling skills. He gets neck and shoulder locked. He is trying to wrap his legs around Holland now. Holland is blocking it until now. The choke from Chimaev is proving too much though. Holland tries to roll over and Chimaev gets a chance to get the choke on for good. Holland taps out.
Some words are exchanged after the fight as Holland is devasted by early finish.
Official Decision: Khamzat Chimaev wins via submission(D’Arce Choke) at 2:30 in round 1
