In the Clinch: Thompson vs. Holland Old-School Battle, UFC on ESPN 42 – Stephen Thompson vs. Kevin Holland could be a fun old-school battle. Though, it’s tough being a throwback in the UFC’s welterweight division these days.
Ask veteran Steven ‘Wonderboy‘ Thompson. Currently ranked No. 6, Thompson (16-6-1), 39, is surrounded by grapplers. We’ve seen the results when he faces one of them. So, it’s not surprising that he will meet Kevin Holland (23-8-0, 1NC), 30, at UFC on ESPN 42 Saturday.
Thompson will face a dynamic striker who is willing to test his skills against him in what should be an exciting battle. He is still a problem on the feet, with his unique octagon stance. It makes the 39-year-old an unpredictable striking threat. He could go on Triller and take on Nick Diaz or some crossover martial arts contest when he retires.
Acting has also been following Thompson around. He is set to appear on Season 5 of ‘Cobra Kai’ in addition to his professional modeling duties. But for now, competition seems to be his focus.
Holland is trying to take the Thompson blueprint to another level. He had a nice run at middleweight during the pandemic that raised some eyebrows, particularly the Ronaldo Souza fight. He came down to earth after facing some grapplers. So, he is in a similar position to Thompson there. Holland has been a superhero away from the cage, having stopped a carjacking and even saved a man from an overturned tractor-trailer in Texas. Way to go, Kevin.
This fight could be Fight of the Night if we get the performances we are expecting. If they shy away, it could also be a sleeper. But I think given the number of grapplers both fighters have recently faced, they will be glad to engage.
And that should be a big win for us.
In the Clinch: Thompson vs. Holland Old-School Battle, UFC on ESPN 42 – More Resources
Stephen Thompson
Kevin Holland
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Stephen Thompson
Kevin Holland
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