Kevin Holland, a featured fighter at UFC 316, abruptly left Media Day proceedings this afternoon following a question regarding his intense dispute with Rampage Jackson.
The animosity between them escalated after Holland`s problematic appearance on the Jaxxon podcast hosted by the former light-heavyweight champion earlier this year. During a heated exchange, the welterweight competitor expressed a desire to fight Jackson, even acknowledging the significant difference in their size.
Prior to this, Holland had been preparing for a bout against Reinier De Ridder at UFC 311, where he suffered a submission loss. He made a swift recovery and returned to action at UFC London, securing a victory over Gunnar Nelson in a fight at his natural welterweight limit of 170 pounds.
Holland Exits Media Day Following Questions on Rampage Jackson Rivalry
During his media availability today, Holland was questioned about his previous appearances on Rampage Jackson’s Jaxxon podcast. He initially stated that he hadn`t yet been paid for his guest spot, before reacting angrily to a reporter inquiring about the current state of his relationship with Jackson.
Known for his trash-talking style, Holland commented that the controversial podcast interview had made him reluctant to do similar media appearances. He explicitly stated:
“Ever since the Jaxxon Podcast interview I really don’t do none of that sh*t any more, they killed it for everybody. Speaking of that, they still owe me a couple grand and they always do a bad job of paying me on the first of the month. They usually pay around the tenth, I don’t know if they’ve got a money problem but they’ve got to do better with that.”
When pressed further about his relationship with Jackson, Holland reacted with apparent frustration. He responded:
“My current relationship with Rampage Jackson? Bro, Rampage Jackson’s not currently in the UFC is he? Then get off his d*ck, thank you. I’m out of here guys, have a good day.”
Although Holland remained briefly to pose for photos, he seemed visibly annoyed by the line of questioning from the media.
Heated Confrontation During Jackson`s Podcast
The contentious episode occurred in January when Holland appeared on the Jaxxon Podcast shortly before his fight against Reinier De Ridder in California. The discussion rapidly became heated, almost leading to a physical altercation between Jackson and the UFC fighter.
Holland provocatively brought up the idea of an improbable fight between himself and the former world champion. Jackson countered, stating:
“That’s the last thing he wants to do is fight me.”
Holland insisted:
“I still want to. I don’t give a fu*k about the fight on Saturday.”
The 46-year-old Jackson adopted a sterner tone, warning:
“I’m being real with you young buck, you don’t want to fight me.”
Holland dismissed this, saying:
“That sounds good,”
to which Rampage concluded emphatically:
“Sometimes, people don’t know what they want. You don’t want to fight me.”
Gareth Pendleton