SALT LAKE CITY – Kevin Holland says his UFC 291 assignment is one he asked for specifically.
While his professional opinion on opponent Michael Chiesa (18-6 MMA, 11-6 UFC) has maintained during the course of training camp, Holland (24-9 MMA, 11-6 UFC) admits his personal opinion has changed.
“I really didn’t like the guy at first, but then he took the fight,” Holland told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a news conference Wednesday. “When he took the fight, I was like, ‘OK, it’s not that I don’t like you. It’s just that I want to fight you.’ Now I’m happy he took the fight. I’m very happy we’re going to get to fight. So when I see him, it’s nothing but love and respect.
