UFC 316 recap: Kevin Holland outclasses Vicente Luque, scores clean D'Arce submission victory
(You can now subscribe to our
(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel
Kevin Holland returned to the spotlight at UFC 316 with a dominant submission win over Vicente Luque , reminding fans why he remains one of the UFC's most unpredictable and dangerous finishers. Fighting in the Prudential Center on June 7, Holland submitted Luque in the second round via D'arce choke — a technique he's become known for.Known for his unorthodox style, constant trash talk, and ability to compete across multiple weight classes, Holland has long been a fan favorite.After bouncing between middleweight and welterweight over the past few years, the 31-year-old 'Trailblazer' reaffirmed his place in the 170-pound division with a sharp, confident win in Newark.From the opening bell, both fighters exchanged aggressive strikes. Luque initiated the action with a front kick, while Holland responded with heavy elbows, momentarily staggering the Brazilian late in the first round. Despite the onslaught, Luque remained composed as Holland prowled, confident and rhythmic.The finish came early in the second round. Holland caught a kick from Luque and executed a takedown. Almost instantly, he locked in a tight D'arce choke.Luque struggled to escape but ultimately tapped out at 1:03 of the round. It marked the first submission loss of Luque's UFC career.Holland spoke about his strategy post-fight: 'He wanted a war, so I gave him a war… I'm really, really good at doing a D'arce choke. My arms are just viciously long.' His confidence and sharp timing underlined his experience and technique.Holland's victory snapped a middling run at welterweight. He had returned to 170 lbs earlier in March, securing a unanimous decision over Gunnar Nelson and earning a Performance of the Night bonus.Vicente Luque entered the bout aiming to rebound. He came off a quick submission win at UFC 310 and is tied for the second-most D'arce/brabo choke submission wins in the division's history.His aggressive style kept Holland honest, but the Brazilian became the first welterweight to fall via D'arce choke.UFC 316 itself delivered a strong card full of action. The welterweight match kicked off the PPV main portion, followed by a bantamweight rematch between Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O'Malley, and a women's title bout featuring Julianna Peña and Kayla Harrison.Other notable bouts included Kelvin Gastelum vs. Joe Pyfer and Mario Bautista vs. Patchy Mix, rounding out a packed night of MMA.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Today
7 hours ago
- India Today
Gianluigi Donnarumma-Ederson transfer domino at Manchester City: Explained
The transfer saga dominating the summer window has been unlike most others, not just because it involves two of the world's best goalkeepers, but because of the chain reaction it could unleash across European City's Ederson and Paris Saint-Germain's Gianluigi Donnarumma are at the centre of this domino. Ederson's potential move to Galatasaray hinges entirely on City securing Donnarumma, while PSG's willingness to offload the Italian adds yet another twist to a storyline that blends uncertainty with uncertain futureFor weeks, the Brazilian's future has hung in the balance. Ederson, who has been the heartbeat of Pep Guardiola's Manchester City since 2017, remains locked in talks over a move to Galatasaray. The Turkish giants are pushing hard, offering a lucrative contract package worth 8 million per season, but City have made it clear they won't sanction a departure until a replacement is as Guardiola's big callThat replacement, all signs suggest, is Donnarumma. Still only 26, the Italian international has already built a career of extremes — Euro 2020 heroics on one side, but a turbulent spell at PSG on the other, where he has now been sidelined in favour of new arrival Lucas his agent Enzo Raiola publicly declaring that the Premier League is the 'right step' for his client, the stage is set for a potential switch to Guardiola, the challenge goes far beyond finding a new name on the teamsheet. Ederson has long been the heartbeat of City's style, a goalkeeper whose distribution and calmness under pressure have shaped how the team builds from the him out of the equation means more than losing a shot-stopper; it means losing the tactical foundation of Guardiola's system. Donnarumma, with his towering presence and proven pedigree, offers reliability between the posts, but his game has been more traditional in nature. Whether he can adapt to the fluid, possession-heavy demands of City's setup remains an open domino effect in motionIn Paris, the situation appears fluid. PSG are believed to be open to discussions, while Donnarumma's representatives have been pressing for clarity on his future. The equation is straightforward: Galatasaray are chasing Ederson, City are eyeing Donnarumma, and PSG seem ready to part ways with their Italian No.1. Until one deal is finalised, however, all three clubs remain stuck in a holding supporters at the Etihad, the idea of Donnarumma stepping into Ederson's gloves sparks both anticipation and unease. Securing a Champions League-winning goalkeeper is a rare opportunity, but replacing a figure as influential as Ederson is bound to come with its own Guardiola himself admitted after City's 4-0 win over Wolves, he remains without information on the Brazilian's future. But beneath the manager's poker face, the reality is this: one transfer could spark one of the most significant goalkeeping reshuffles of the modern era.- Ends
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Time of India
Cincinnati Open: Shock as world number one Sinner retires in Cincinnati Open final; Alcaraz lifts trophy after emotional match
Sinner's apology to fans Live Events Alcaraz shows respect Expert reaction (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel The much-anticipated Cincinnati Open final between World No.1 Jannik Sinner and World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz ended in heartbreak for fans after Sinner was forced to retire early in the match due to health issues. Sinner looked fine on Saturday when he dominated Frenchman Terence Atmane in the Italian star, who came into the contest as the reigning champion of the US Open, Australian Open, and Wimbledon , looked visibly unwell from the outset. Alcaraz raced to a 5-0 lead in the opening set before Sinner decided he could no longer back tears, Sinner addressed the crowd in Mason with an emotional apology:'Hello everyone, first, usually I start with the opponent, but today I have to start with you guys. I'm super, super sorry to disappoint you from yesterday. I didn't feel great. I thought that I would improve during the night, but it came up worse, so I tried to come out, trying to make it at least a small match, but I couldn't handle more. I'm very, very sorry for all of you. I know that maybe some of you on Monday had to work or had other commitments, so I'm really, really sorry.'It marked the sixth career retirement for Sinner, who until then had enjoyed a dominant the abrupt ending was a disappointment to fans, Alcaraz showed immense sportsmanship. After consoling Sinner at the net, the Spaniard wrote 'Sorry Jannik' on the on-court camera lens, a gesture that drew applause from victory handed Alcaraz his 22nd ATP title and sixth trophy of the 2025 season. Despite the unusual circumstances, the 22-year-old said he was proud to lift the Cincinnati trophy but acknowledged it was not the way he had wanted to world No. 1 Jim Courier called the development 'shocking' during his analysis on Tennis Channel 'We'll find out eventually, once Jannik does speak to the press, about what the root cause is because he's been able to play through tough conditions all the way up through the final. The effects of whatever hit Jannik today were just too great for him to overcome, which is such a shame for everyone.'Sinner's withdrawal raises questions ahead of the upcoming US Open in New York, where he is expected to defend his title. Alcaraz, meanwhile, heads into Flushing Meadows brimming with confidence, having reaffirmed his dominance on hard courts.
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Time of India
Watch: Khamzat Chimaev receives hero's welcome in Abu Dhabi after being crowned UFC middleweight champion
Khamzat Chimaev (Image Source: Getty) Khamzat Chimaev is now a national hero as he took to the skies following UFC 319 and his dominant victory over Dricus du Plessis in Abu Dhabi. Fans were excited to welcome the 28-year-old man into his first home in the UAE after his historic achievement, after the new UFC champ recently moved to the country. His dominant showing in Chicago not only culminated in him reclaiming the middleweight strap but also solidified his position as the most dangerous man in the sport today. Khamzat Chimaev delivers record-breaking performance at UFC 319 Khamzat Chimaev faces the then-middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis in the main event of UFC 319 on August 16, 2025, at the United Center in Chicago. Chimaev won every round, landing 12 of 17 takedowns and owning the octagon for more than 20 minutes of fighting from the outset. He landed 529 strikes to just 45 for du Plessis, and all three judges scored the bout 50-44 in favour of Whittaker. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ColorsTV (@colorstv) Chimaev not only claimed a middleweight title with the win, but he also set a new UFC record for total control time in a middleweight fight with this victory. His striking skills, coupled with his wrestling prowess, have been praised by fans and analysts alike, a testament to his work ethic and preparation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If the Cat Bites You, Here's What It Really Means. Weird Cat Behavior Explained Undo Fans swarm Abu Dhabi to celebrate Khamzat Chimaev's triumph Chimaev was welcomed back to Abu Dhabi with a grand cheering crowd. Social media was flooded with videos showing supporters chanting for him, waving flags, and celebrating as winners on various media platforms. Also Read: Dricus Du Plessis gets heartfelt support from fiancee Vasti Spiller after UFC 319 loss to Khamzat Chimaev The celebration highlighted not just how close he felt to the UAE, but the increasing prominence of MMA and the sport's international appeal and impact more broadly within the region. Given Chimaev's local success, it is indeed a good deal of local pride for many of his fans, and his hero welcome signifies the loyalty he garnered after moving to Sweden. What's next for UFC's new middleweight champion? Chimaev's already eyeing his first title defense following his 15-0 collision. He has shown a willingness to fight at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi on October 25, 2025. Chimaev suffered no such sweat and is in extraordinary shape. Chimaev, as his fans know, hails from war-torn Chechnya and has fought his way to the top of the UFC, while mixed martial arts has become a global phenomenon, reaching all corners of the globe and uniting people across borders with a shared passion akin to football/soccer. Not only does his recent win and now a hero's welcome mark it as a milestone for his career, but a clear indication that his rising star is one of the sport's most exciting champions to view at present. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
