John McCarthy urges Kevin Holland to ditch striking against Stephen Thompson to avoid a 'horrible night' - "It's a very tough fight for him to win"
Kevin Holland is preparing to take on Steven Thompson in the main event of this weekend's UFC card. 'Trailblazer' will be hoping to bounce back from an unfortunate loss to the marauding Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 279.
Holland has a unique blend of skills, being a second-degree Kung Fu black belt as well as a BJJ black belt. 'Trailblazer' is well-versed in grappling, but has an affinity for knockouts, with 13 knock out victories out of 23 total wins.
According to MMA pundit and Bellator commentator John McCarthy, it would be unwise for Kevin Holland to try and strike with Stephen Thompson for 5 rounds.
'Big John' broke down the matchup on a recent episode of the Weighing In podcast with co-host and former Strikeforce champion Josh Thomson.
John McCarthy said this:
"If he tries to [stand with Thompson] he is in for a horrible night. If you're gonna get a win against Thompson, what's the way to do it? On the feet? No. Kevin Holland is not known as a great wrestler.... I think this is a very tough fight for him to win... It's the movement of Stephen Thompson, the bladed stance that he takes."
Watch the video below from 7:30:
Kevin Holland predicts a third round stoppage against Stephen Thompson
Kevin Holland is set to fight Stephen Thompson over five rounds in the main event of this weekend's UFC event.
Holland will be fighting at welterweight for the third time in his UFC career, and currently sits outside the 170 lbs. top 15. His opponent, 'Wonderboy' is ranked No.6 at welterweight.
A win over Thompson could catapult Holland into the welterweight top six and set up potential fights with contenders such as Gilbert Burns and Belal Muhammad.
'Trailblazer' sat down in front of the media today to preview his fight against Thompson. Holland said the following:
"Man I've had plenty of visions on how I see the fight playing out. But ultimately the vision that keeps staying in there is a third round stoppage. So we shall see. Wonderboy is a fantastic fighter, we all know he does wonderful things. He does a good job of not getting hit. But, I think around round 3 I'll start to hit him."
Watch the video below from 3:50: