This past weekend on the main card of UFC 272 we saw the welterweight debut of Kevin Holland (22-7, 1 NC). Holland took on the very tough veteran Alex Oliveira (22-12-1, 2 NC) in his 170 pound debut.
Back in 2020, Kevin Holland was one of the UFC’s Fighters of the Year. He went a perfect 5-0 and that stretch launched him into stardom. Between his personality and his ability to handle business inside the cage, Holland looked destined for superstardom.
However, he ran into a tough stretch in 2021. The UFC gave him a headliner against Derek Brunson which could have led to a title shot. However, his wrestling wasn’t up to speed and he lost a lopsided decision. That scenario repeated itself in a main event against Marvin Vettori.
After a No Contest against Kyle Daukaus, Holland decided to drop to welterweight. He was always a very small middleweight and the UFC’s welterweight division seems more like a natural home. He was a big favorite against Alex Oliveira at UFC 272.
However, Cowboy was very game and actually had moments where he hurt Holland in the first round. Almost got himself a submission as well. But, Holland really turned things around in the second round when he rocked and stopped Oliveira to pick up the big TKO win.
After his successful debut, I think Holland needs to get right back after it. Knowing Holland, the UFC is likely going to book him a fight sooner than later given the fact that he loves to stay active.
I don’t think he’s going to get a ranked opponent next, but the opponent I have in mind would be perfect. After this win, I think the UFC should pair him up with the entertaining Daniel Rodriguez (16-2).
Outside of a controversial decision loss, Rodriguez has nearly been perfect in the UFC. He’s riding a three-fight winning streak and would bring an entertaining fight to Holland. Pair these two up on the main card of a PPV and you have the perfect ingredients for a banger and fight of the night.
This post was published on 2022-03-10 10:09