Arguably one of the most entertaining fighters in UFC is set to make his return at UFC 291. Welterweight fighter Kevin Holland known for his ‘down to fight’ attitude will take on veteran fighter Michael Chiesa. The card is stacked with many electrifying fights but for now, let’s take a look at Michael Chiesa vs. Kevin Holland.
Kevin Holland is coming off a win over his former opponent Santiago Ponzinibbio at UFC 287. The trailblazer finished Santiago in the third round of their bout via a KO/TKO. Holland has been a fan favorite for his technical striking and taking fights against anyone under any condition.
🚨 FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨
Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) is set to face Kevin Holland (@Trailblaze2top) at to UFC 291 on July 29 😤#UFC291 | #UFC | #MMA pic.twitter.com/Vrbx39qO5x
— Combat Sports UK (@CombatSportsUK) May 17, 2023
Meanwhile, his opponent Michael Chiesa has been out of the Octagon for quite a while. The veteran fighter had to take a long break to recover from his back injury. During his time off Chiesa joined the broadcasting team at UFC and analyzed fights for the organization.
With Chiesa returning to the Octagon after so long, a skilled fighter like Kevin will prove to be an interesting challenge as both fighters are ready to move up in ranks at the welterweight division when they fight each other at UFC 291. Before moving forward with the fight breakdown, let’s compare the stats of the two welterweights.
UFC 291: Michael Chiesa vs. Kevin Holland stats
| Stats | Michael Chiesa | Kevin Holland |
|---|---|---|
| Wins | 18 | 24 |
| Losses | 6 | 9 |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in | 6 ft 3 in |
| Division | Welterweight | Welterweight |
| Reach | 75.5 in | 81 in |
| Age | 35 | 30 |
Michael Chiesa vs. Kevin Holland: Fight Breakdown and prediction
Michael Chiesa is heading into his fight with Kevin Holland with a loss on his record, meanwhile, his opponent Kevin Holland is coming off a knockout win in his last. Prior to that, Holland was on a losing streak against Stephen Thompson and Khamzat Chimaev.
Before his fight against Chiesa, Holland was even ready to take a fight against Jack Della Maddalena on short notice and his ready-to-fight attitude had Holland go on a five-fight winning streak in 2020. Both fighters may have different fighting styles but cover up for it through their experience inside the octagon.
Holland is primarily a striker with a second-degree black belt in kung fu and he is also a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu and has submitted opponents during his fights.
Kevin “Trailblazer” Holland 🇺🇸 (24-9)
He fights Michael Chiesa this weekend at UFC 291
All of his finishes in the UFC
THREAD: pic.twitter.com/aBQ26a5gkN
— The Octagon Obsessed (@octagonobsessed) July 26, 2023
Meanwhile, Michael Chiesa is a submission specialist with 11 submission win in UFC itself and he is yet to win a fight via knockout but has gone to decision in many fights. He has great experience in ground control but is also not afraid to mix things up.
Kevin Holland will use his five-inch plus reach to his advantage but once Michael Chiesa manages to score a takedown, Holland will be in trouble. Given their contrasting styles fans might witness Kevin Holland win against Michael Chiesa via a TKO at UFC 291.
