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Welterweights Stephen Thompson and Kevin Holland promised to deliver a memorable affair in their five-round headliner, and they absolutely delivered, turning in a thrilling contest for as long as it lasted. In what's sure to end up on many "Fight of the Year" lists, Thompson ultimately walked away with a fourth-round TKO victory in the UFC on ESPN 42 main event, which aired on ESPN from Amway Center in Orlando, Fla.
Holland was the aggressor to start, clearly willing to trade on the feet with his opponent, a noted striking specialist. An early clash of heads drew blood near Thompson's left eye, while Holland also absorbed a few heavy left hands in the early going. Nevertheless, Holland smiled and talked with his opponent as he moved forward and engaged, wobbling Thompson with a massive right hand. To his credit, Thompson battled through the adversity and continued to find a home for well-timed straight punches, but Holland walked through them all, seemingly unaffected, en route to claiming the round.
