Over the last two decades, there have been countless individuals that Nick Diaz wanted to give a Stockton slap to, and you can now add UFC veteran Kevin Holland to that unique list.
Holland (21-7) has made a name for himself in the promotion for his talents as a dangerous striker, and one of the most talkative in-fight competitors the UFC has ever seen. And that is saying something because the Octagon has not had a lack of bold orators over the last two decades.
Another fighter who shares the same abilities as the Dana White’s Contender Series alum is legendary MMA bad boy, and one-time Strikeforce welterweight champion, Nick Diaz (26-10). And it seems the man Dana White once nicknamed “big mouth,” and Nate’s older brother, crossed paths in 2018 when Holland was trying to earn his UFC deal on the prospect-driven series. Unfortunately, it seems that the meeting did not go so well because “Trailblazer” dared to wear similar apparel as the Octagon veteran.
Kevin Holland talks that time he dared to wear the same shirt as Nick Diaz
“It’s funny because [before] my Contender Series fight, it was like me and Nick Diaz were wearing the same shirt. So I guess he was mad that we were wearing the same shirt so he tried to slap me. It’s a funny situation there. But he’s still the GOAT.,” Holland told “>Helen Yee Sports recently.
The long-time middleweight has not fought since his Oct. bout with Kyle Daukaus ended in a no-contest after he was knocked silly by an illegal headbutt. It was the third straight fight he went winless in, and the recent skid led him to take his talents down to the welterweight division for his next booking.
‘Trailblazer’ is hoping to debut at welterweight in February or March
Unfortunately, securing a matchup in his new weight class has been difficult. As his plans to fight in Feb. have not come to fruition and certain welterweights have turned down offers to clash with the popular and talkative talent.
“Any of the GOATs, anybody who’s looking for ya know; some of you guys are out there looking for retirement fights, I’m your guy. I’ll strike with you,” Holland said with a smile. … “I was hoping [to return] February 5th, but a couple of these welterweights have turned it down. I’m looking to make the welterweight debut in February. If we can’t do it in February — I don’t want to speak too soon but — I would do [UFC 271] if Texas doesn’t have the same zero-tolerance when it comes to TAC or CBD.
“As long as they got that worked out, and USADA is the only one drug testing me instead, then I’ll fight at Houston and turn that place the f*ck out.”
After a career year in 2020 when he won five fights, 2021 was less productive. As he was outwrestled in back-to-back matchups against elite middleweights in Derek Brunson and Marvin Vettori. Then he ended his disappointing year with the aforementioned bad luck butt from Daukaus a few months ago.
Who do you hope to see Holland make his UFC welterweight debut against?
