5 potential opponents for Kevin Holland after UFC 272 win
At UFC 272, Kevin Holland made his UFC welterweight debut, instantly putting the division on notice with a brutal second-round TKO of Alex 'Cowboy' Oliviera. Holland had previously hinted that his future lies at 170 pounds and everything about that performance indicates that he has made the right decision.
Previously a middleweight, Holland racked up five consecutive wins in 2020 alone, defeating the likes of Jacare Souza, Darren Stewart and Joaquin Buckley. These impressive victories saw Holland enter the top 15 of the division.
However, it was here that the 'Trailblazer' began to have issues. Opponents with larger physical frames were able to outwrestle him with ease, as both Marvin Vettori and Derek Brunson showed in their unanimous decision victories over Holland.
Now at welterweight, Holland will look to mount a new run at the top 10 of the division. He is still likely one win away from entering the rankings, so picking the next opponent carefully is crucial. With that being said, here are five potential fights for Kevin Holland to take next.
#5. Kevin Holland vs. Donald Cerrone
Following Kevin Holland's emphatic knockout victory over Alex Oliveira, he instantly called out Donald 'Cowboy' Cerrone.
The UFC veteran is currently booked to fight Joe Lauzon at UFC 274. However, he has already stated that a bout with 'Trailblazer' would appeal to him later in the year.
The reason Cerrone is not higher on the list is because the fight really makes little sense right now in either fighter's career. Cerrone is well past his prime and has not won a fight in his last six walks to the octagon.
Holland, meanwhile, is already on the cusp of breaking into the rankings and should only be fighting against the top 20 names in the division.
