Mike Malott won his UFC Vancouver fight against Kevin Holland, but there was some controversy.
Malott took the Netherlands with two low blows, but referee Dan Miragliotta decided not to deduct a point. It was clear that “The Trailblazer” was affected by the fouls, but he decided to fight on until the final horn. Malott was given the unanimous decision win.
Speaking to reporters at the post-fight press conference, Malott said he felt like he was giving the Netherlands a legal knee-jerk (via MMA Junkie).
“Maybe I’m crazy, but my knee hit him in the hip, just above the belt line. He’s just so tall – that guy is all limbs. His hips are so high it’s hard to get that knee up. I’m sure my shin hit him in the groin. I bet it hurt. I don’t think he was being dramatic. I’m sure it bothered him. But yeah, a bit strange – but it happened. You got it no control over it, and there are 10 minutes straight, so we have that too to get into it, reset and focus.
Regardless of the bad fight, Malott is now enjoying a three-fight winning streak. It was a nice recovery for him when he was stopped by Neil Magny in January 2024. Malott will find a number next to his name once the official UFC welterweight rankings are updated.
As for the Netherlands, this is its second defeat in a row. It’s not unusual territory for Holland, who is keeping himself active and has proven he is capable of getting back into the win column before his skid gets out of hand. Despite two consecutive defeats, the Netherlands’ most recent victory came in June.
It’s likely that the 44-fight veteran will return to the Octagon sooner rather than later. Time will tell who he will face.
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