UFC on ESPN: Brunson vs. Holland
| Industry | Mixed martial arts promotion |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1993 |
| Headquarters | Enterprise, Nevada , United States |
| Website | www |
UFC on ESPN: Brunson vs. Holland—also referred to as UFC on ESPN 21 and UFC Vegas 22'—was a mixed martial arts competition organized by the Ultimate Fighting Championship. It took place on March 20, 2021, at the UFC Apex facility located in Enterprise, Nevada, within the Las Vegas Metropolitan Area.
Background
The main event featured a middleweight clash between Derek Brunson and Kevin Holland.
A women's bantamweight matchup between Marion Reneau and Macy Chiasson was postponed several times due to Reneau testing positive for COVID-19 and an injury sustained by Chiasson, before finally being scheduled for this card.
The light heavyweight contest initially set between Paul Craig and Jamahal Hill was called off following Hill’s positive COVID-19 test; plans are in place to reschedule the bout.
Dricus du Plessis, formerly the KSW Welterweight Champion, was slated to fight Trevin Giles but withdrew because of visa complications. His spot was filled by Roman Dolidze.
In the women’s strawweight division, promotional newcomer Cheyanne Vlismas faced Montserrat Ruiz, who stepped in after Kay Hansen withdrew for undisclosed reasons.
A bantamweight fight between Johnny Eduardo and Anthony Birchak was canceled due to Eduardo encountering visa issues.
Heavyweight competitor Don'Tale Mayes pulled out for undisclosed reasons and was replaced by debutant Harry Hunsucker in a bout against Tai Tuivasa.
During the weigh-ins, Jesse Strader came in 1.5 pounds over the limit; his fight proceeded at catchweight with a 20% fine of his purse awarded to opponent Montel Jackson. Although former Invicta FC Bantamweight Champion Julija Stoliarenko made weight successfully, her scheduled fight against Julia Avila was canceled after she fainted twice while attempting to weigh in.
On the day of the event, the lightweight co-main event between Gregor Gillespie and Brad Riddell was scrapped due to COVID-19 related protocols.
Bonus awards
Monetary bonuses of $50,000 were granted as follows:
- Fight of the Night: No award was presented.
- Performance of the Night: Max Griffin, Adrian Yañez, Grant Dawson, and Bruno Gustavo da Silva