Kevin Holland and Jack Della Maddalena fight Saturday in UFC Fight Night 227 at T-Mobile Arena. Holland enters this fight with a 25-9 record and has won 56 percent of his fights by knockout. Holland enters this fight with a 15-2 record and has won 73 percent of his fights by knockout.
Kevin Holland Betting Preview
Holland has won 4 of his last 6 fights and is coming off a July win over Michael Chiesa. Holland is averaging 4.11 significant strikes per minute, with an accuracy percentage of 52 percent. Holland is averaging 0.83 takedowns with an accuracy percentage of 41 percent. Holland is coming off a submission win at UFC 291 where he landed 12 total strikes. It was Holland’s seventh career submission, and each of his last 6 wins have been finishes. Holland is fighting for the third time this year and the fourth time since December, making him one of the busier fighters on the UFC roster. Holland is a lengthy, athletic fighter with an 81-inch reach and impressive stand-up ability. He’s light on his feet, constantly moving and not giving his opponent an easy target. Holland has a boxing and kickboxing background, quick hands and good footwork. A black belt in Kung Fu and BJJ, Holland closes the distance well, and he’s gotten a lot more comfortable on the canvas over the years. Because of his length, Holland can really make life difficult for his opponent once on the ground. Five of Holland’s 9 career losses have come by decision. This will be Holland’s 11th career fight in Nevada.
Jack Della Maddalena Betting Preview
Maddalena has won each of his last 15 fights and is coming off a July win over Bassil Hafez. Maddalena is averaging 7.27 significant strikes per minute, with an accuracy percentage of 52 percent. Maddalena is averaging 0.36 takedowns with an accuracy percentage of 20 percent. Maddalena is coming off a split decision win at UFC Vegas 77 that earned fight of the night honors. In the win, Maddalena landed 149 total strikes and produced 1 takedown. He’s now 6-0 under the UFC banner and has earned performance bonuses in his last 4 fights. Maddalena hasn’t lost a bout since his second pro fight in May 2016. He’s a 27-year-old Australian who comes from a boxing background and has a brown belt in BJJ. Maddalena wants a fight standing up, as he has legit pop in both hands and lands accurate shots. Maddalena has two wins via rear-naked choke, but he’s shown little willingness to go to the ground, and he has a takedown defense percentage of 81 percent. Maddalena has seen two fights go the distance, and he won both of those fights. This will be Maddalena’s fourth career fight in Nevada.
H2H History
There’s no fight history between these 2 fighters.
Randy’s Free Pick
It’s hard to step in front of Maddalena given this run he’s on, but it is fair to question the competition, as there’s not many marquee names on his resume to be fair. Also, Holland has an 8-inch reach advantage and a fight that’s likely going to stay on the feet, that’s a massive edge for the American. Holland also has fair and away more willingness to take things to the ground if he chooses, which will take Maddalena out of his comfort zone. Still, the reach edge is hard to ignore. Give me Holland and the slight plus money.