Holland Tells UFC Fighters To Stop Complaining About Refs

Kevin Holland thinks UFC fighters need to stop whining about referees.

Holland told MMA Fighting that fighters are setting a bad example by blaming officials for losses, pointing to recent complaints from fighters like Alex Pereira and Jamahal Hill about stoppages and resets. "We all know what we step in there to do," he said. "Before the fight gets started, they say, 'Protect yourself at all times,' and we have to protect ourselves. It's part of the game."

Holland's Message: Accept Reality

The welterweight acknowledged that poor officiating has plagued the UFC for years, with eye pokes, low blows, and cage grabs rarely drawing point deductions. Holland himself had issues with Herb Dean during his fight against Khamzat Chimaev, when the referee reportedly missed repeated shorts-grabbing. Still, he argues fighters must adapt rather than complain.

"I've got two sons, I don't have two daughters," Holland said. "I don't want my sons to grow up thinking it's OK to cry and complain about stuff. There's no reason to complain. Do better next time and figure it out. Man up."

Holland referenced the Pereira-Ciryl Gane finish at the UFC White House event and Hill's criticism of Dean at UFC 300 as examples of fighters offloading responsibility. "This is what we signed up to do," he said. "Win, lose or draw, you signed up to do this. So just take what you get."

Whether the uptick in post-loss excuses stems from rampant cheating or poor sportsmanship remains an open question. Holland fights next at UFC 331 in November.

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• MMA Mania — Kvein Holland has a message for fighters complaining about bad refereeing: ‘Man up!’