Looks like welterweight is going to be good for Kevin Holland.
In his first fight in a new division at UFC 272, the 185-pound former contender engaged in a wild fight with Alex Oliveira in the opening round and made short work of the Brazilian as the second round began.
Holland engaged in a hard punch that put Oliveira on the ground, and from there it was a blistering series of punches and elbows that caused the second round to stop at just 38 seconds. While Holland fought at welterweight earlier in his career, it was certainly the best he saw at 170 pounds.
"'Cowboy' really came to scrap," Holland said of Oliveira. "I started with a small flat, I guess I was getting used to being in the weight class.
"Honestly, I don't know who really needs me next. I just took out one 'cowboy,' I hate to call another. This is what the world wants."
The drop in weight wasn't slowing Hollande down, but he was also jumping into the exchange with Oliveira, which allowed the Brazilian to throw some tough counter strikes. Holland fired back in the middle with a straight right hand that staggered Oliveira for a moment, but "Cowboys" refused to let go as they tried to level the score.
As he looked to inflict more damage, Holland actually began digging in a series of calf-kicks, but Oliveira ended the opening round with a late submission effort as time ran out. .
Back in his corner, Holland's coaches told him that he had lost in the first round, which appeared to be under fire as he came out guns blazing in the second.
Holland came out and immediately hit a punch in the middle that caught Oliveira off guard and knocked him to the ground. As Oliveira hit the canvas, Holland was on the ground and pounded on top of him until the referee had no choice but to stop the fight.
Later, Holland apparently hinted at a potential showdown with Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone, who has fought at welterweight in the past, but looks like he's ready to make waves in his new division, now he's 170 pounds. But have settled.