Kevin Holland won’t be making a quick turnaround, after all.
Holland (17-5 MMA, 4-2 UFC) was scheduled to fight Daniel Rodriguez at UFC on ESPN 9 on Saturday. However, he was not given medical clearance to compete after sustaining an injury in training.
Two people with knowledge of the situation informed MMA Junkie of Holland’s removal but asked to remain anonymous as the promotion has yet to make an official announcement. It is believed the promotion is currently seeking a replacement to take on Rodriguez (11-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC).
UFC on ESPN 9 takes place Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The event airs on ESPN and streams on ESPN+.
Holland, 27, was scheduled to make a 14-day turnaround. On May 16, Holland defeated Anthony Hernandez by TKO in 39 seconds. The fight against Rodriguez was expected to be his welterweight debut in the UFC.
As for Rodriguez, the Dana White’s Contender Series alumnus is riding high off a submission victory over Tim Means in February. The Donald Cerrone protege has won eight straight fights.
With Holland’s removal the UFC on ESPN 9 lineup includes:
MAIN CARD (9 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN+)
- Gilbert Burns vs. Tyron Woodley
- Blagoy Ivanov vs. Augusto Sakai
- Daniel Rodriguez vs. TBA
- Roosevelt Roberts vs. Brok Weaver
- Hannah Cifers vs. Mackenzie Dern
PRELIMINARY CARD (6 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN+)
- Katlyn Chookagian vs. Antonina Shevchenko
- Spike Carlyle vs. Billy Quarantillo
- Klidson Abreu vs. Jamahal Hill
- Tim Elliott vs. Brandon Royval
- Casey Kenney vs. Louis Smolka
- Chris Gutierrez vs. Vince Morales
