VANCOUVER – Kevin Holland didn’t realize Mike Malott was his opponent for UFC Fight Night 262 until he saw the person he was expecting to face step into the cage for a recent bout.
Holland (28-14 MMA, 15-11 UFC) admits he thought Jake Matthews was the man he would be standing across the cage from on Saturday’ card at Rogers Arena in Vancouver (ESPN+). He actually faces Malott (12-2-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC), who he considers a solid welterweight, but not one who is capable of beating him.
“I thought it was Matthews, but it’s no big deal,” Holland told MMA Junkie on Tuesday. “I’ve seen the guy fight. The guy is a wonderful fighter, but he’s just a step behind the level of competition that I am, and he’s two steps behind the level of competition I usually lose to – so it’s just not going to be a good one.”
Holland, 32, has been the busiest fighter in the UFC this year, going 2-2 with wins over Vicente Luque and Gunnar Nelson, with losses to Reinier de Ridder and Daniel Rodriguez. He will likely be the only fighter to enter the octagon five times in 2025, but said he isn’t stopping it there.
It’s Holland’s primary goal to beat Malott and then return in December, with his ideal opponent being Neil Magny. Holland said he’s already discussed another quick turnaround with UFC executive Hunter Campbell, and is confident fans will see him complete an ultra-rare year of six fights before he peels things back in 2026.
“Put the work in on this dude, then hopefully run something back and get our sixth fight of the year,” Holland said. “Next year will be a chill year. But in 2027, I’ll fight seven times. I’ve fought enough this year where next year I can just relax a little bit. Let the brain rest up, let the body heal up and I’ll be ready to get back out there the year after.
“I’d like to say whatever happens on Saturday, I’ll get one more in. Saturday night, I’m f*cking sh*t up. So I’m for sure getting one more in.”
