As the UFC gears up for its first pay-per-view event of 2025, Kevin Holland is preparing not just for his next fight but for what he hopes will be an unprecedented year in his mixed martial arts career. With a notable history of frequent bouts, Holland aims to surpass his personal record of five fights set in 2020, and he is setting his sights even higher this time around. Holland, holding a fighting record of 26 wins and 12 losses in MMA and 13 wins against 9 losses in the UFC, is feeling ambitious. “I want to fight ideally six times this year,” he stated during a pre-fight news conference ahead of UFC 311, making it clear that he envisions a vigorous schedule ahead.
Looking back at 2020, a year that was fraught with challenges due to the pandemic yet marked by an impressive performance, Holland feels well-equipped to take on more bouts this time. He reflected on how that year’s condensed timeline didn’t prevent him from thriving in the octagon, reigniting the flame of his competitive spirit. “This year, I have plenty of time, starting in January, so I think six would be easy,” he remarked, displaying both confidence and foresight. By projecting the possibility of even seven fights, Holland is clearly focused on cementing his legacy in the sport, suggesting that he wants to make it difficult for anyone to match his achievements.
Saturday’s UFC 311 event, hosted at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, features a welterweight bout that places Holland face-to-face with former ONE Championship titleholder Reinier de Ridder, who holds a professional record of 18 wins and 2 losses. Holland expressed a mix of respect and tactical evaluation, acknowledging De Ridder’s previous successes in the ONE championship while also drawing attention to his recent struggles. “I know he lost all that before he came over here,” Holland pointedly stated, revealing a strategic mindset as he prepares for the fight.
Furthermore, Holland holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and despite De Ridder’s grappling prowess, he remains unfazed by the threat of submission. Instead, Holland projects confidence regarding the outcome, stating he believes that fatigue and pressure will work in his favor as the match progresses. “I just see him starting to fade and giving me the ‘dub,’” he stated optimistically, emphasizing the importance he places on mental fortitude in competitive matchups.
Holland’s analysis of De Ridder’s fight with Gerald Meerschaert further illustrated his tactical approach. While acknowledging that Meerschaert made a critical mistake leading to his fall, Holland’s remarks demonstrate his ability to dissect potential future encounters and shape his strategy around them. “If Meerschaert had not made that mistake, I think in Round 3 he would have won that fight,” Holland noted, reflecting on the unpredictable nature of combat sports.
As Kevin Holland gears up for a transformative year, his aspirations go beyond simply competing; they encompass a broader vision of excellence and achievement. The drive for six fights illustrates not only his ambition but also his commitment to entertaining fans and making a significant mark in the UFC landscape. With the spotlight shining on UFC 311, all eyes will be on Holland as he strives to not only win but redefine what it means to be an active fighter in the contemporary mixed martial arts arena.