UFC Referee Big John Gives His Take on Kevin Holland’s Armbar That Broke Oleksiejczuk’s Hand in Just 94 Seconds.
In a jaw-dropping turn of events during UFC 302, Kevin Holland executed a lightning-fast armbar that left Michal Oleksiejczuk nursing a broken or dislocated limb.
Dean, a seasoned official, emphasized the speed and accuracy of Trailblazer’s submission.
“It was like watching a masterclass,”
“Holland seized the opportunity with surgical precision. The moment Oleksiejczuk’s arm extended, Kevin was already transitioning into the armbar.”
Talking about his reaction, he added: “As an official, you have to trust your instincts,” Dean explained. “When I saw the angle and the pressure Holland applied, I knew it was over. The safety of the fighters is paramount, and I couldn’t risk further damage to Oleksiejczuk’s arm.”
Kevin Holland Armbar: Big John Defends Dean
A lot of fans called out the UFC for too much interference from the officials. And Big John was swift to come to the defense of the company and Herb Dean. Replying to one such question he posted on X (formerly Twitter):
If the referee sees a dislocation or a break in a major limb due to a submission hold. The referee shall stop the fight and the injured fighter will lose by technical submission. In the case of JDM vs Burns, JDM did break his arm in the fight, but it was not done by submission… https://t.co/L393DUhY6Q
— Big John McCarthy (@JohnMcCarthyMMA) June 3, 2024
Dean also praised Holland’s sportsmanship. “Kevin showed incredible restraint,” he noted. “He could have cranked the armbar harder, but he sensed Oleksiejczuk’s resistance and adjusted accordingly. That’s the mark of a true professional.”
Fans Not Happy with Ref’s getting in the way
The aftermath of the fight sparked debate among fans and analysts. Some questioned whether Dean acted too swiftly, denying Oleksiejczuk a chance to escape. However, Dean defended his decision. “In the heat of the moment, you rely on your training and experience,” he said. “I stand by my call—it was a clean break, and the fight needed to end.”
Armbar: A lethal submission instrument
An armbar is a type of martial arts technique primarily used to hyperextend an opponent’s elbow. It’s commonly applied in sports such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, judo, and mixed martial arts (MMA). The goal is to exert just enough pressure to cause discomfort, gradually increasing it until the opponent submits. In an armbar, the attacker typically secures their opponent’s arm and applies upward pressure, targeting the elbow joint. If executed effectively, it can lead to submission or even arm damage.
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