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Mike Malott Defeats Kevin Holland at UFC Vancouver After Unpenalized Low Blows Raise Officiating Questions

Unpenalized groin strikes in Round 1 have kept the result under scrutiny.

Overview

  • Malott won the co-main event by unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring it 29-28.
  • Two illegal low blows in the opening round left Holland in severe pain and using the full five-minute recovery as referee Dan Miragliotta issued only a warning.
  • Several analysts said a one-point deduction to Malott would likely have produced a draw, and outlets expect him to enter the welterweight top 15 this week.
  • Holland posted that he is still experiencing testicular pain and said he will undergo an ultrasound following the bout.
  • Malott maintained the strikes were accidental and apologized, recounting a tense backstage exchange in which Holland called the fouls “cheap.”