Kevin Holland is gearing up for an eventful 2025, determined to surpass his 2020 performance where he fought five times and emerged victorious in all his bouts. Ahead of UFC 311, scheduled to take place at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, Holland, who has a record of 26 wins and 12 losses, is setting ambitious targets for himself. His desire to have six or seven fights within the year illustrates both his passion for the sport and his competitive spirit. The fact that he is taking a proactive approach by beginning the year with a fight in January shows his dedication and eagerness to maintain a high level of activity in the octagon.
Holland’s enthusiasm is palpable as he discusses his goals with reporters. “Ideal would be six times,” he stated, displaying a confident demeanor in envisioning a prolific fight year. By starting earlier than in previous years, he positions himself in a favorable spot to achieve his targets. For Holland, setting a personal record is not merely about numbers; it’s an expression of his determination to solidify himself as one of the promotion’s standout fighters.
On the horizon for Holland is a matchup against Reinier de Ridder, a former ONE Championship titleholder with an impressive record of 18 wins and 2 losses in mixed martial arts (MMA). De Ridder makes his UFC debut against Holland after a strong showing in his previous promotion, where he showcased his grappling skills by submitting veteran fighter Gerald Meerschaert. However, Holland remains unfazed, asserting that he is well-prepared and confident in his abilities to counter de Ridder’s strategies.
Holland’s experience as a black belt gives him a distinct edge in the grappling department, and he is adamant that he is not overly concerned about being submitted. Instead, he anticipates that de Ridder may falter under pressure, suggesting that he could take advantage of any lapses in de Ridder’s performance during the fight. “Ultimately, I just see him starting to fade and just giving me the ‘dub,'” Holland confidently predicts. This self-assuredness reflects his fighting style and mental approach, emphasizing his belief in not just physical preparation but also psychological readiness.
While Holland respects de Ridder’s capabilities, he draws on his experiences to strengthen his own game. He reflects on Meerschaert’s missed opportunities in their fight, suggesting that had Meerschaert not made certain mistakes, different outcomes could have resulted. This reflection indicates Holland’s analytical mindset, which he employs to improve his fighting strategies.
As the day of the fight approaches, it’s clear that Holland is not only focused on winning but also on redefining his limits and pushing the envelope of his potential. Should he succeed against de Ridder, it would not only be a list-topping achievement in his record but also a strategic step towards establishing a legacy in the UFC. A successful year filled with wins could very well see Holland’s name engraved among the elite fighters in the sport as he aims to build upon his growing reputation and encourage others to dare to dream big – just as he is doing in 2025.