Dana White explains what influenced Kevin Holland’s “Retirement”

UFC president Dana White spoke up about the situation of Kevin Holland who seemingly announced his retirement. White believes Holland was just stunned and thinks that retirement is a bit of an overreaction.

UFC middleweight Kevin Holland confused  MMA fans after he posted he’s retiring. ‘The Trailblazer’ took to his Instagram account to ask fans for his next career choice. He also took to Instagram Story to write, “Retired before 30.”

Holland faced Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 279 earlier this month. He was supposed to face Daniel Rodriguez but due to UFC shuffling the card, Holland had to face the new UFC star. The bout went as expected with Chimaev mauling Holland. As soon as the match started, Chimaev went for a  takedown and successfully ragdolled Holland for two minutes. Holland eventually tapped with Chimaev locking a D’Arce choke.

With that kind of a loss, many fans assumed that Holland was depressed, including UFC head honcho Dana White. The 53-year-old talked about Holland during DWCS press conference and said how he understands what Holland felt.

“We talked about that. Obviously, you know I’m really close to this kid, and I like him a lot. I think when you are competing in a sport like this and you’ve done the things that Kevin Holland has done, you know”

“he gets out of the fight with Brunson and realizes he needs to work on his wrestling more, so he dives in, starts working on his wrestling, and I think when what happened to him happens to you, I don’t know, I think you lay in bed at night and go, ‘Holy sh*t, how did that happen to me.’” White said.

Dana White also said that he would support any decision Holland makes, but at the same time he thinks a retirement would be too soon for Holland.

“He’s an emotional guy, so I think his emotions got the best of him. Just take some time, get back in the gym, and whatever he wants to do, obviously. I love the kid, whatever he wants to do, he can do, but I think retirement, it’s a little bit too soon.” White added.

Many fans were worried at first. However, Holland may already have some grip. The 29-year-old was back to be himself with his recent Instagram posts poking fun at Project Rock.