Jorge Masvidal and Kevin Holland separated by security before UFC 287

The pair were separated by security at the fighters’ hotel in Miami, where UFC 287 takes place on Saturday

Jorge Masvidal and Kevin Holland were separated by security at a hotel in Miami on Wednesday, days before UFC 287.

Masvidal is set to fight Gilbert Burns in the co-main event of UFC 287 on Saturday (8 April), after Holland faces Santiago Ponzinibbio.

And security had to separate Masvidal and Holland on Wednesday (5 April), as the Americans traded barbs at the hotel in which fighters are staying this week.

The incident was captured by UFC welterweight Belal Muhammad, who posted footage of the exchange on his Instagram account.

Holland, 30, has lost his last two fights, suffering a TKO by Stephen Thompson in December and a submission by Khamzat Chimaev in September. Prior to his first-round loss to Chimaev, Holland was due to fight Daniel Rodriguez, but a series of incidents – including a backstage clash between Holland and Chimaev – led to the new bout.

Meanwhile, Masvidal was also previously involved in another backstage incident at a UFC event, when he punched Leon Edwards at London’s O2 Arena after beating Darren Till in 2019.

Miami native Masvidal, 38, has lost three fights in a row and last fought in March 2022, suffering a decision defeat by bitter rival Colby Covington. Days later, former title challenger Masvidal was charged with an alleged assault of Covington – his former friend and teammate.

UFC 287 marks the UFC’s first event in Miami in 20 years.

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