This weekend, UFC Orlando Thompson vs Holland. Stephen Thompson and Kevin Holland will face off in a thrilling welterweight bout that will serve as the main event of a PPV-worthy UFC Fight Night.
In the Octagon for the first time since losing to Belal Muhammad in December of last year, “Wonderboy” is eager to end a two-fight losing run.
Formerly planning to retire after being thoroughly defeated by top welterweight contender Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 279, the 39-year-old (16-6-1) will return in 2022 to fight the 23-8 Holland.
At the same Orlando event that these two will be headlining, you may also see Tai Tuivasa, Derek Brunson, and Rafael Dos Anjos.
How to watch UFC Orlando Thompson vs Holland and when
On Saturday, December 3, instead of the UFC Apex Center in Las Vegas, Florida’s Amway Center will host this event.
The main card will begin on Sunday at 3 a.m., although the preliminary rounds will begin at 1 a.m.
Then, at around 5:30 a.m. (UK time), Thompson vs Holland will begin.
Live Broadcast: UFC Orlando Live (Try it for free).
UFC Orlando Thompson vs Holland Preview
Kevin Holland and Khamzat Chimaev got into a fight backstage at UFC 279 in September of this year. The next day, Chimaev failed to make weight at the official weigh-in, necessitating a frantic effort to accommodate him. Because of this, Chimaev didn’t have to fight Nate Diaz in the main event; instead, he had to face Holland, the guy he’d fought in an illegal altercation. Even though Holland ultimately lost by submission in the first round, he should be commended for being flexible enough to accept a switch in strategy at the last minute. Holland’s chance for redemption comes this coming Saturday when he meets Stephen Thompson in front of a sold-out crowd at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. There’s a lot to discuss, so let’s go right in.
Case in point: Thompson vs Holland
Since his unanimous decision loss against Belal Muhammad in December 2019 at The Apex Center in Las Vegas, Stephen Thompson has not competed in the Octagon. He’ll be 40 in February, has lost four of his previous six bouts, and isn’t in the best shape. His two failed title defences against current welterweight champion Tyron Woodley at UFC 205 and UFC 209 were the high points of his career. His performance since then has been below par. The consensus is that his next bout, win or lose, will be his last.
As a result of his actions in March of this year, Houston, Texas, restaurant shooter Kevin Holland gained instant celebrity status among UFC fans. Both his bravery inside and outside the Octagon are impressive. Holland, a welterweight who is 6 feet 3 inches tall, often enjoys the reach edge over his rivals. He presents a huge target, but his agility and timing make him tough to strike. Even though he is not presently rated in the welterweight class, a strong performance on Saturday could propel him into the top fifteen when the new divisional rankings are revealed early next week. Watch how these two seasoned pros square up in the center of the Octagon.
UFC Orlando Thompson vs Holland Fight Card
Main Card:
- Featured matchup: Stephen Thompson vs Kevin Holland
- It’s Bryan Barberena vs. Rafael dos Anjos.
- Matheus Nicolau vs. Matt Schnell
- Taking on Sergei Pavlovich: Tai Tuivasa
- Taking on Kyle Daukaus: Eryk Anders
Preliminary card:
- A match between Jack Hermansson and Roman Dolidze
- Philip Rowe vs Niko Price
- The Angela Hill vs Emily Ducote Debate
- A matchup between Clay Guida and Scott Holtzman
- Marc Diakiese vs Michael Johnson
- Comparison between Darren Elkins and Jonathan Pearce
- Amanda Ribas vs Tracy Cortez
- In a fight between Natan Levy and Genaro Valdez
- Francis Marshall vs. Marcelo Rojo
- Istela Nunes vs. Yazmin Jauregui
