UFC Fight Night – Kevin Holland vs Mike Malott: Preview & Betting Tips

The UFC returns to Vancouver, Canada this Saturday for a UFC Fight Night and the co-main event features a fascinating welterweight showdown between Kevin Holland and Mike Malott.

Holland (28-14, 1 NC) needs to regain momentum in this fight. Once one of the UFC’s most active and entertaining fighters, Holland’s career has recently been marked by inconsistency, featuring flashes of brilliance mixed with puzzling lapses against opponents you’d expect him to beat.

Malott (12-2-1) is on the rise and very much one to watch at 170-pounds. The Canadian standout has steadily climbed the welterweight ranks with a mix of slick submissions, powerful boxing, and smart aggression.

Tale of the Tape 

Kevin Holland – Odds 2.05

Record: 28-14, 1 NC

Age: 32

Height: 6ft3

Reach: 81”

Weight: Welterweight 

Stance: Orthodox 

Mike Malott – Odds 1.80

Record: 12-2-1

Age: 33

Height: 6ft1

Reach: 73”

Weight: Welterweight 

Stance: Orthodox 

Kevin Holland vs Mike Malott: Analysis

Holland’s eight-inch reach advantage will be one of the fight’s key storylines. His long, awkward striking style has frustrated opponents in the past, particularly when he keeps the fight at range and uses his jab and front kicks effectively.

When focused, he’s an elite-level counter-striker who can punish reckless entries. However, his tendency to get drawn into brawls or playful exchanges has cost him before. Against a finisher like Malott, discipline is essential and Holland can’t afford to give up position or engage in wild scrambles.

The Canadian needs to exploit Holland’s occasional defensive lapses on the mat. Holland’s takedown defence remains his Achilles heel; he’s been controlled and submitted by strong grapplers before. Malott, with his black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu will look to capitalise if the fight hits the floor. A win over a name like Holland would certainly mark the biggest victory of his UFC career.

Holland vs Malott: Prediction & Betting Tips

If Malott can survive Holland’s reach and establish pressure early, his path to victory lies through grappling transitions and top control. But Holland’s durability and ability to reverse scrambles make a late-round finish less likely.

This one will be a competitive bout with moments of danger for both men. Malott will test Holland’s takedown defence and composure early, but over three rounds, Holland’s length, movement, and striking variety should tell the story.

As the underdog, I do like the American in this one due to his incredible size difference as well as his experience. I am leaning towards a decision win, though you can’t rule out Holland latching onto a d’arce or anaconda choke. 

So with this in mind, I’m just going to take Kevin Holland moneyline at odds of 2.05.