Brazilian Top Team black belt Fabio “The Mastermind” Holanda was looking to even out his MMA record to 4-4 after starting his career at a less then impressive 0-3. Going into this fight, Holanda was probably one of  the best fighters in the world with a losing record, he has shown the ability to compete with the best in the world starting off his MMA career with competitive losses to multiple time UFC veterans Thiago Alves, Drew Fickett, and Jay Heiron, all of whom currently fight at 170 lbs. Holanda has since gone 3-1 with his lone loss coming at the hands of Ultimate Fighter 4 competitor Rich Clementi in a fight he was winning until he gassed out in the third round.

Edmonton native Mike Bell has consistently shown the ability to throw down and gave undefeated Team Tompkins phenom Chris Horodecki all he could handle in his TKO debut, but Bell has had an up and down career of his own and this fight would prove to be the biggest test of his career.

Right from the get go Holanda had as much interest in standing with Bell as Bell had with taking Holanda down. “The Mastermind” dove for the takedown and secured it but Bell was wise to it and promptly popped back to his feet. It would all be for naught for Bell, as the ground game would prove to be dangerous territory for him. Holanda looked more like “The Blob” then the “Mastermind” as he almost enveloped his opponent on the ground, smothering him and transitioning seamlessly from various top positions, to back mount, sneaking in submission attempts at every angle. Eventually Bell was able to work himself to the top position but “The Blob” inhaled Bell’s head and arm to cinch in the ever tightening triangle choke, forcing him to gasp for air and tapout in the first round. It was almost ironic that Mark Pavelich who manages Fabio Holanda pitted his fighter against Bell who is managed by his son Dave Pavelich. It was father vs. son in this match and in the end the elder statesmen laid claim to the first battle as Holanda won the fight in impressive fashion.

Rich Clementi (Team Voodoo) TKO 3 ( 4:20 ) Fabio Holanda (BTT Canada )

And the Winner, by Referee Interference…

BTT-Canada mastermind Fabio Holanda did not seem in prime condition or focus for the match, coming in at more than 7lbs overweight, and after having cornered two of his own fighters previously in the night, as opposed to UFC Veteran Clamenti who appeared ripped and ready to go. However, there was to be a third combatant of sorts in this match—the ill-informed, disinterested, (and unfortunately habitually shameful) QAC referee.

Allow me to rant: Clamenti repeatedly retreated from Holanda's guard (a smart tactic) yet when Holanda dropped guard (an equally smart tactic), he received a warning. Clamenti illegally up-kicked Holanda from the guard and the ref said nothing, even when Holanda pointed it out and Clamenti was classy enough to apologize and resume from the same position. (In the previous match with Page and Vigneault, Page was appropriately warned for this violation of TKO rules). Holanda had a full Kimura, rolled Clamenti with it, they hit the ropes, Holanda went to extend, and the ref broke them and stood them up (when this happened later under uber-ref Yves Lavigne's educated watch, he bent the ropes back and let it go until the submission looked doubtful, then broke them). Holanda got a takedown, passed to side control, started moving away from the rope, and the ref broke and stood them up. Holanda was in half-guard, got the kimura grip, and the ref broke them and stood them up. Arguably having won the first 2 rounds and bloodied up Clamenti, with just over 45 seconds to go in the 3rd, the referee stopped the fight, ruling Holanda had ‘Abandoned' the combat. Whether Clamenti could have finished a gassed Holanda in those 45 seconds (he had valiant heel-hook and omoplata/armbar attempts of his won), or whether Holanda (who was visibly exhausted after the match) could have held on for the win become moot points, neither were given the opportunity to actually fight their own match.

To their credit, both TKO and QAC officials looked visibly concerned and frustrated by this referee's actions. However, this is far from the first time the ‘third fighter' has affected the outcome of a match, and in a sport so dependant on the referee, misconduct of this nature even once should be dealt with quickly and job-loss-i-ly.

Also, though this has been said so often as to have become a mantra, the QAC needs to examine the recent Nevada rules change which allows referees to restart in the center in the same position.

Post Interview: Clamenti, like Elvis and the professional reputation of one QAC ref, had left the building…

This fight was intriguing as Holanda stepped on the scale near eight pounds overweight, moving up the fight in the welterweight division. Both guys took some time before engaging the fight, studying each other looking hesitant, and respectful of each other' overall game and reputation.

Holanda started off the confrontation with some takedown attempts, the first two of which were reversed by Clementi into guard, with the American smartly walking away from the Brazilian jiu-jitsu master's guard. It was on the third takedown attempt that Holanda finally got a hold of the top position and even though Clementi tried to stall the action from the bottom, Holanda got good posture and started an effective ground and pound, bloodying up Clementi in the process. “No Love” got to try an Omo Plata, but Holanda, moving methodically got out of it before the bell rang.

The second round saw Holanda more aggressive, trying to finish this fight. He took Clementi down, who retaliated with a nice heel hook attempt, which was astutely defended by the Brazilian. As Holanda got the top position for most of the round, he had to struggle with an energetic Clementi, Holanda, mixing ground and pound and efforts to pass the guard, eventually landed in sidemount, and began secured a kimura....only to be stood up by the now notorious referee, that I won't even name. Twice, twice during the round Holanda was stood up even though he had been working an effective submission attempt. The frustration in the crowd was so intense that we even saw a bottle of water fly over the ring. Holanda, who have given everything he had in the second round, started the third with no energy at all. Exhausted, he was able to secure a single leg on Clementi, but that was too late, Holanda was now too exhausted to mount any effective offense and the fight ended as he pulled guard after a last shoot attempt, with Clementi, also exhausted, pounding away on Holanda to get the stoppage. It was an amazing fight, and an amazing war of attrition between both fighters, only sad that bad reffing stained an awesome performance by both contestants.

www.mmaringreport.com

After a controversial weigh-in day that saw jiujitsu black belt Fabio Holanda weigh in at an unheard of 7.6lbs over weight, the BTT fighter took on the experienced UFC veteran Rich Clementi. Holanda looked to even out his fight record and score another victory at TKO, as Clementi made his TKO debut.

Wanting to take the fight to the ground early, Holanda shot in for a takedown. Clementi was easily able to defend the slowly executed maneuver but is caught in the ropes in the process and the fight is restarted.

Holanda is cautious in his attack, but again shoots in for a takedown, this time successfully taking his opponent to the mat, but allowing Clementi to land in a dominant top position in Holanda's half guard.

Standing back up, Clementi clinches and takes Holanda down to the mat, but chooses to back off and allow the submission expert to get back to his feet.

Holanda moves in again and scores the single leg takedown. Standing in Clementi's open guard, Holanda hammers down fists before moving to side control, where he ends the round in control of the action.

Swinging and missing with a right hand to start the second round, Holanda catches a shoulder to the face that allows Clementi to score another takedown on him.

Clementi tries for a heel hook, but the BTT black belt patiently escapes and gets to side control. The fight is then stood up quickly by the ref, but Holanda manages to get another single leg takedown to land in Clementi's guard.

Trying for his signature kimura, Holanda has the submission locked on tight. Clementi attempts to roll, but getting caught in the ropes, the fight is restarted on the feet.

Holanda again scores a takedown and works Clementi's left arm from his half guard. Once again the action is prematurely stood up as the round ends.

Looking fatigued, Holanda comes out swinging in the third, and then goes for another takedown, defended by Clementi.

Holanda lands a solid low leg kick that drops his opponent to one knee. Clementi gets a takedown, but lands in a triangle attempt. After escaping, Clementi stands up and backs up to allow Holanda to get back to his feet. After Holanda slowly gets back to his feet, Clementi takes him back to the ground, trying to secure an armbar on the submission specialist. Holanda escapes and moves to Clementi's back, but is unable to do anything from this position.

With Holanda now turtling on the ground, Clementi moves over him into side control. Clementi lands only one knee to Holanda's body before the ref halts the bout. Holanda, despite his fatigue and lethargic performance, was controlling the fight up until that point and did not look to be in much trouble when the action was called to a stop.

After the bout ended, however, it was apparent that Holanda was more than a little fatigued, as he was barely able to even stand due to exhaustion.

Clementi defeats Holanda via TKO after 4:12 of Round 3.

www.impactmma.com

Holanda vs. Fredrickson

Unofficially named the best Canadian fighter without a win, Brazilian Top Team fighter Fabio Holanda finally tasted victory in his last match-up against top ranked Canadian Lightweight Kultar Gill. Now looking to add another win to his record, he steps up against tough Gibson Pankration fighter Blake Fredrickson.

Fredrickson comes out of his corner at the bell throwing kicks and short jabs to feel out his opponent and maintain a safe distance from the Brazilian jiujitsu black belt. Holanda closes the gap and comes in for the double leg takedown, but takes Fredrickson through the ropes, causing the fight to be brought back to the standing position.

Holanda tries for the takedown again, this time coming in from far away, but still managing to get Fredrickson to the mat. Comfortable on the ground, Holanda moves to the mount position and throws down strikes and elbows to open up an opportunity to execute a submission. That chance comes as Fredrickson tries to turn to escape, as Holanda slips on a fast armbar and gets the tap at 2:27 of Round 1.

Fabio Holanda over Kultar Gill Rd 1 Kimura

Fabio Holanda (BTT) vs. Jay Heiron (Renzo)

The fighters touch gloves; Holanda tests the distance with a jab; Heiron responds with a solid leg kick. Holanda shoots; Heiron has a nice sprawl, and Holanda chooses to roll to guard. Heiron briefly tires to pass, and instead stands and lands a hard punch, and tells Holanda to stand up. The two exchange leg kicks; Heiron lands a nice one-two combo, and Holanda shoots again. Heiron shows some nice wrestling with another sprawl/front headlock. They stand and Holanda clinches; Heiron throws him and stands again instead of fighting from Holanda's guard. Holanda throws a bad leg kick; Heiron responds with a hard left hook and a right hand that drops Holanda.

Heiron tries to throw the legs aside to pass but can't – he lands another punch and makes Holanda stand again. Holanda comes in with some punches; Heiron defends and clinches, throwing Holanda into the corner. Heiron lands some nice knees to the gut and legs; Holanda tries to jump to guard and Heiron punishes him with hard punches to the body and face – Holanda tries to set up a triangle that's nowhere near a threat. They stand again, and Heiron drills Holanda in the face – but Holanda gets the takedown! Briefly side mounted, the two scramble, and Heiron ends up in Holanda's guard again. Heiron stands and lands some nice straight punches, and drops Holanda with a one-two as Holanda goes for the takedown.

Heiron sprawls and punches to the ribs, and they stand again. Holanda trips Heiron down after taking another knee, but they get caught in the ropes and the ref stands them up. They exchange punches – Holanda catches Heiron on the chin with a right hand, but Heiron body-locks him to the mat. Holanda briefly turtles and rolls to guard. They get caught in the ropes and the ref drags them away from them. Holanda locks in a tight triangle, but Heiron escapes – Holanda immediately switches to omoplata. Heiron expertly defends the submission, and Holanda ends up turtled – Heiron turns him to his back; they then scramble to their feet.

Holanda lands a pair of hard rights to the jaw, Heiron looks dazed for a brief moment. Heiron defends the clinch and Holanda lands some nice knees and hard shots to the face – Heiron clinches. Heiron looks gassed but muscles Holanda to the ground. Holanda bucks up and tries to set hooks, but Heiron defends and tosses him to the ground. They briefly get caught in the ropes and move to the center of the ring in Holanda's guard as round one ends. Round two begins with the fighters touching gloves – Heiron lands several hard one-two combos. Holanda lands a vicious leg kick and rushes in with punches and shoots for the double again. Heiron defends, and Holanda attempts a kneebar but gets his arm caught up in the ropes. The referee gets his arm un-tangled, and the two stand again and exchange punches. Heiron lands a hard knee, and they throw simultaneous leg kicks. Heiron drills the shit out of Holanda with a right hand, and begins pounding him from Holanda's guard. Holanda ties up Heiron's hands, looking to set up the triangle – Heiron defends by talking shit while posturing.

The ref drags them away from the ropes, and Holanda lands some nice punches from the bottom; Heiron quickly responds with a hard right hand. Holanda holds on to the gloves of Heiron, who can only pull off light punches to the body, as well as the occasional head shot. The referee wisely stands them up due to inactivity. Holanda tries to charge in; Heiron secures double-underhooks and lands a solid knee to the gut. Holanda misses a punch; Heiron lands a hard left, a right, and another left; Holanda shoots and Heiron sprawls again. Heiron punches to the face while sprawled on top; Holanda rolls to guard and clings on – the ref won't let him stall like that again, and stands them up. Heiron shoots, then stands to clinch and lands a knee; Holanda throws weak looking punches to the body – he looks real tired.

Heiron takes Holanda down into guard; Holanda attempts a kimura/sweep combo – as he sits up, Heiron sends him back down with a right hand. They get caught in the ropes and stood back up. Holanda comes in with a cross and a shot, finally getting the takedown he's been looking for. Heiron turtles; Holanda takes his back and gets a completely locked-out armbar as the round ends – Heiron should get a lottery ticket with that kind of luck.

Winner: Jay Heiron
Unanimous Decision

The first Fabio holanda's fight in the MMA world took place at his own city, Natal, in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Norte. It was November 28th 2002. The fight winner was the Brazilian fighter and new star in Brazil at that time, Tiago "Pitbull" Alves. His victory was by unanimous decision, however, what we saw was so far from a slow and boring fight, but a fight where both fighters were looking after the victory all the time, each one using its own style.

In this way, the strategy adopted by the muay thay fighter had predominated the fight. In the other hand, Fábio Holanda was fighting in a good manner when we talk about punches and kicks and he got an equal fight in this field too. But a problem occurred in this fight that made the Fabio's life more difficult and disturb the fight style of the BTT warrior: the mat was very slippery and wet!!!

However, in the words of Holanda, "the decision was fair and pitbull really deserved this victory". And he added, "For me, this fight was very good. It was my opening fight and I was so calm and I felt a excellent feeling when I was inside the fight area".

This was the impression of the journalist Dionisio Outeda, editor-chief of the most popular newspaper in town (Natal), after the fight:

"After 6 years without MMA fights in our state, last Thursday, the audience had the big opportunity to watch great fighters from national and local jiu jitsu. The first Bitetti Combat Northeast brought more than 5 thousand of people to the gymnasium called Machadinho and the event showed 8 high level fights.

"The event organization defined that each fight had three five minutes rounds, and 1 minute between them.

"The seventh fight of the night brought together Tiago Pitbull and Fabio Holanda. Pitbull did everything he could to avoid going to the ground, where Fabio had sharp advantage. However, Fabio put pitbull on the ground in the last 30 seconds and the Pitbull victory come trough the referee's decision.

"One of the organizers of the event, the former fighter Amaury Bitetti was took by surprise with the high level of the local fighters and with the big number of audience and supporters. 'I would like to congrats the people here, the fighters and the audience, that came and behaviour themselves excellently'.

"This time, we didn't have the old complains of the previous years, when the audience used to left the gymnasium upset with the known 'pro-wrestling" fights. Also, we didn't have any problems between the supporters, as usual in events like this. In sum, it was a real sport show".