Kevin Holland Submits Vicente Luque

🔥UFC 316: Kevin Holland Submits Vicente Luque

BySaurav Chhabra

Kevin Holland delivered one of the biggest surprises of UFC 316, submitting Vicente Luque in the second round with a slick and perfectly timed D’Arce choke.

After a cautious first round from both men, Holland flipped the switch and finished the bout on the ground at 2:54 of Round 2.

The win snaps Holland’s losing skid and puts him right back in the mix at welterweight.

Also Read: Joshua Vans Finishes Bruno Silva

Holland Shocks Luque with Sudden Submission

Luque came into the bout as the favorite, with a deep submission game of his own. But Holland showed he’s just as dangerous — especially when underestimated.

After keeping it tight in Round 1, Holland found himself in a grappling exchange early in the second. When Luque shot in for a takedown, Holland countered, locked up the D’Arce choke, and rolled into position.

Seconds later, Luque tapped.

Holland smiled as he got to his feet — another wild finish added to “Trailblazer’s” résumé.

Fight Recap: Patient Start, Sudden Finish

Round 1: Both fighters felt each other out. Holland used range; Luque stayed low, looking for the legs. Minimal damage on either side.

Round 2: Luque attempted a takedown. Holland sprawled and transitioned beautifully into a D’Arce. With textbook technique, he tightened the choke and forced the submission.

It was Kevin Holland’s first submission win in over three years — and one of his cleanest yet.

Also Read🔥 Azamat Murzakanov Flattens Brendson Ribeiro at UFC 316

Holland: “That’s What Happens When You Sleep on Me”

In classic Kevin Holland fashion, he kept it real in the post-fight interview.

“That’s what happens when you sleep on me,” he told Joe Rogan. “I’ve been working. I’ve been grinding. Y’all must’ve forgot I can tap people out too.”

He didn’t call out anyone specific but said he’s “ready for whoever” and hinted that he wants a ranked opponent next.

MMA Community Reacts to Holland’s Huge Win

The internet blew up after the D’Arce choke — especially given Luque’s BJJ black belt status.

“Kevin Holland with a D’ARCE on VICENTE LUQUE? What did I just watch?”
— @OctagonEdge

“Holland might be the most entertaining dude on the roster. He can strike, he can submit, and he’s never boring.”
— @MMAFanRoundup

“Holland looked sharp and composed. Not just wild — calculated. That’s dangerous.”
— @CageFocusNews

It was one of the most talked-about moments of UFC 316, next to Azamat Murzakanov’s KO and Joshua Van’s flawless TKO.

Where Does Holland Go from Here?

Now back in the win column, Kevin Holland could be lined up for a ranked matchup at 170 lbs. Potential opponents include:

  • Colby Covington

His performance reminded everyone why he became a fan favorite in the first place — not just for his personality, but for his ability to finish anyone, anywhere.

For official stats and breakdowns, visit UFC’s event page for UFC 316.

Saurav Chhabra fell in love with the UFC after stumbling upon the wild trash talk between McGregor and Khabib. Since 2022, he’s been hooked watching every event and writing about UFC news with passion and zero fluff.