Kevin Holland

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UFC on ESPN+ 36 results: Kevin Holland squeaks out decision against Darren Stewart

The second series of UFC Apex events comes to an end with UFC on ESPN+ 36 tonight, Saturday, Sept. 19.

Headlining the event is a welterweight-grudge match between Colby Covington and former welterweight champion Tyron Woodley. Welterweights Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone and Niko Price will throw down in the co-main event.

Kicking off the main card is a middleweight bout between the surging Kevin Holland and Darren Stewart. Holland is the winner of his last two bouts, most recently knocking out Joaquin Buckley at UFC Fight 174 on Aug. 8.

The 27-year-old also finished Anthony Hernandez via first-round TKO at UFC on ESPN 8 back in May.

Stewart looks for his second win of 2020 after submitting Maki Pitolo via first-round guillotine on the same card where Holland finished Buckley. Stewart won three of his last four. 

“The Dentist” lost a unanimous decision to Bartosz Fabinski at cage Warriors 113 this past March.

Here is how the middleweight bout between Kevin Holland and Darren Stewart went down at UFC on ESPN+ 36, including round-by-round scoring. For full results of the event, check them out right here.

ROUND 1

The two meet in the middle. Stewart backs Holland up early. Holland comes in with a right hand. Stewart cuts the distance. Holland puts Stewart against the cage. Holland tells Stewart, “You’re Strong.” Stewart lands a knee to the groin. Holland takes a short break and returns to action. The two are trading. Stewart lands a left hand, backs Holland up. Holland is circling. Both men are throwing and letting their hands go. Holland clinches and puts Stewart against the cage. Hollands is stomping Stewart’s feet and lands a knee. Stewart breaks free and they are center. Stewart snatches up the lead leg as Holland defends and peppers short shots. Holland presses Stewart to the cage, attempts a takedown. Stewart defends. The two end the round on their feet.

MyMMANews.com scores it 10-9 for Stewart.

ROUND 2

The two come center again. Holland lands an outside leg kick. Stewart returns a leg kick of his own. Stewart shoots for a takedown, lands a hammer fist. Holland lands an up kick. Stewart is kicking the legs of Holland. Holland is on his back, landing kicks from the ground. Holland is still on the ground. Referee Mark Smith stands them up. Both men trading on their feet. Hollands lands another leg kick. Holland counters and backs up Stewart. Stewart calls for more. Holland lands a jab, follows Stewart and lands a front kick. Holland keeps staying patient for the counter. Holland drops for a takedown, Stewart attacks the net. Stewart lands some punches to the head. Holland gets to his feet. Stewart lands a front kick to the lead leg of Holland. Holland lands a knee and backs Stewart to the cage. Stewart reverses the position and gets a takedown at the buzzer. 

MyMMANews.com scores it 10-9 for Holland, 19-19

ROUND 3

For the last time, Holland and Stewart meet in the center. Stewart lands a leg kick, Holland counters up top with a one, two combination. Stewart drops for a takedown and gets it. Holland tries to work to his feet. Stewart presses Holland against the cage. Holland attacks the arm and they scramble. Stewart goes out the back and puts Holland against the cage. Holland reverses the position. The two separate. Holland drops for a takedown, but gives up on it shortly. Stewart stays in the clinch and puts Holland against the cage. Stewart lands an elbow, but Holland reverses. Stewart drops down and scores his second takedown of the round. Stewart is in Holland’s half guard. Holland lands from his back. Stewart is using some short ground and pound. Stewart landing down elbows on Holland. Stewart is talking to Holland. Stewart ends the round on top. 

MyMMANews.com scores it 29-28 for Stewart

Official result: Kevin Holland def. Darren Stewart via split decision [28-29, 29-28, 29-28].

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Connor Northrup
Connor Northrup once covered municipal meetings and promised himself never again. He is now combining his passion for Mixed Martial Arts and reporting all into one.