Kevin Holland and Canadian standout Mike Malott faced off in a high-stakes welterweight showdown on Saturday night at UFC Vancouver with both men looking to make a defining statement in one of the UFC’s most volatile divisions.
Holland (28-14) has competed at welterweight for his last three bouts, going 2-1 during that stretch. He entered UFC Vancouver coming off a loss to Daniel Rodriguez at UFC 318 in July. Known as one of the UFC’s most active and fan-favorite fighters, Holland has routinely bounced between welterweight and middleweight in pursuit of the biggest matchups available.
Malott (12-2-1) has found success since earning his UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2021, going 5-1 inside the promotion. A win over the #15 ranked Holland on Saturday night had the potential to vault him into the welterweight rankings.
Round one started with Holland coming forward threatening low leg kicks early. Malott began with a cautious approach, but found a home for a good body kick to left hook combo midway through the round. Shortly after, Holland landed a big right hand that sat Malott down. Malott was able to reverse position in a scramble gaining the back of Holland near the fence. Malott secured a takedown but was quickly reversed by Holland who got back to his feet. After a brief stoppage due to a unintentional low blow, Malott held control against the cage before again inadvertently connecting on an illegal shot below the belt line.
After taking the full five minutes allowed, Holland returned to action but seemed to be compromised in his movement. Malott marched forward, cutting the cage off and landing a good combination to the head and body of Holland. After the opening five minutes Malott had jumped out to an early lead.
In between rounds, Holland continued to grab at his groin region and did not seem like he was near full strength after two low blows. The ringside doctor came in to ask Holland if he can continue, which he did after a brief discussion. Malott seemingly unfazed by the circumstances surrounding him, marched forward and continued to put pressure on the respected contender Holland. A big left hook coming out of the clinch landed clean for Malott, who was ahead in significant strikes. Holland landed his best shot of the fight so far with a shovel uppercut down the middle that got the attention of Malott. Returning fire, Malott threw a front kick that narrowly missed. Malott continued to sting Holland on the end of combinations, and was the quicker and more accurate striker so far.
Near the one minute mark of the second round, Malott landed multiple shots to the body before a knee up the middle stumbled Holland. Malott was starting to bleed out of his nose but seemingly was up two rounds heading into the third. Starting the final round, Malott seemed to have a broken nose. Blitzing forward with straight punches Malott stung Holland midway through the round, forcing him to retreat. A body kick to right hand combo from Malott landed clean, with Holland trying to initiate the clinch moments after. With two minutes in the round, Malott got to the legs of Holland and performed a slam takedown near the cage. Now in the full guard, Malott started peppering Holland with elbows on top. Transitioning to half guard, Malott was looking for an arm triangle choke that was getting extremely tight.
Holland was able to return to his feet with fifteen seconds remaining, but this fight was all Mike Malott after landing multiple takedowns and out striking Holland over three rounds. All three judges scored the contest 29-28 for Malott who earned his third straight victory in the promotion.
Official Result: Mike Malott def. Kevin Holland via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
