Kevin Holland has always been a dynamic presence in the UFC, not just for his prowess inside the octagon but also for his unconventional approach outside of it. One intriguing aspect of his personality is how he handles internet trolls who take their online antics into the real world.
In a recent appearance on the Overdogs Podcast, Holland shed light on his encounters with internet hecklers brave enough to challenge him in person. These confrontations often lead to sparring sessions at his gym, where the trolls quickly learn the consequences of their words.
“There’s been a couple times,” Holland shared. “I took one guy, and then there was another guy. We were at one of the UFC things, doing a meet and greet. Some dude just kept talking, so I was like, ‘Bro, you can meet me at the gym.’ And the guy showed up to the gym the next day, so [I] beat his a*s.”
Despite the physical nature of these encounters, Holland maintains a level-headed and almost welcoming stance toward those willing to back up their online trash talk in person. “I like them when they show up, bro. You can run your mouth all you want, long as you show up,” he explained. “You show up, you got rights to do whatever the hell you want to do with it, bro. You know what comes with this, so you’re good.”
Holland’s respect for those who take their words into the real world contrasts with the typical disdain many athletes feel for online trolls. For Holland, the willingness to confront him face-to-face earns a measure of respect—even if it results in them getting soundly beaten in sparring.
Bigger Issues?
Kevin Holland’s forthrightness extends beyond dealing with trolls. On the same Overdogs Podcast episode, he also addressed broader societal issues, particularly racial profiling, during a discussion about former UFC star Mike Perry’s recent arrest.
Perry had been detained on suspicion of DUI, but many online commenters suggested the incident was a case of racial profiling—a sentiment Holland echoed. “Speaking of that racist stuff, you know them cops was racial profiling me… comments on the Internet is just saying that they was, you know, pulling me over driving while Black,” Perry said, to which Holland replied, “I think so too.”
Holland encouraged Perry to combat the charges, suggesting, “Tell them, ‘I don’t think I got a DUI; I think I got a DWB [Driving While Black].’” Perry acknowledged he had accepted a plea deal but expressed lingering frustration about the situation, noting, “I think I’ve accepted a plea on that just so we can get it gone. I think I’m currently on probation as we speak.”
The two seemed to have a fun time discussing the contentious moment in Perry’s life.
