Kevin Holland wishes Paulo Costa delayed recent withdrawal, would have stepped in to fight Robert Whittaker

LAS VEGAS – It seems quite clear that Kevin Holland would have jumped all over the opportunity to face Robert Whittaker had he been given a chance.

Holland said his eyes lit up when Paulo Costa withdrew from his April 17 UFC headliner with Whittaker due to illness, but unfortunately for him, the news came a few days too early.

Holland (21-5 MMA, 8-2 UFC) meets Derek Brunson in the main event of UFC on ESPN 21 this Saturday at the UFC Apex in an event that airs on ESPN following prelims on ESPN2. Holland said was prepared to make a quick turnaround and face Whittaker, as well, but much to Holland’s disappointment, the UFC opted to go with Kelvin Gastelum.

“It was perfect,” Holland told reporters, including MMA Junkie, at a Wednesday media day. “I’m already in shape for the Brunson fight. I could have went in and took the Whittaker fight. It made sense. I thought Paulo Costa – he literally should have waited three more days before announcing that he couldn’t take the fight.

“Had he waited until I had already beat Brunson, then I’d be fighting Robert Whittaker next. Now, instead, Kelvin Gastelum gets to fight Robert Whittaker, and Kelvin Gastelum is coming off like what, three, four losses? And he finally got one ‘W,’ and now he gets to fight the ex-champ. This is bull crap. But they were supposed to fight already, so I’m happy that they finally get to fight, so props to those guys.”

Though Holland jokingly stated that he isn’t too keen on headlining shows, Saturday marks his first UFC main event. MMA Junkie’s most recent “Male Fighter of the Year,” had a breakout 2020, tying the record for most wins in a year at five, which was highlighted by his spectacular knockout over “Jacare” Souza.

To see the full availability with Holland, check out the video below.