Mike Malott Responds to Kevin Holland: The Rising Star UFC Vancouver Can’t Ignore

In the fast-paced world of MMA, respect is earned—not given. When rising welterweight contender Mike Malott heard that Kevin Holland didn’t know who he was ahead of their UFC Vancouver showdown, the Canadian fighter didn’t take it personally. Instead, he saw an opportunity. “That’s fine,” Malott told reporters. “He’ll know me after June 22.”

This exchange isn’t just pre-fight banter—it’s a snapshot of where Malott stands in the UFC’s stacked 170-pound division. With a 9-1-1 record, five straight wins, and a knack for finishing fights, Malott is no longer a prospect; he’s a problem. Holland, a seasoned middleweight dropping to welterweight, may have overlooked him, but the numbers don’t lie. For fans tuning into UFC Vancouver, this bout isn’t just another card filler—it’s a litmus test for Malott’s ascent and Holland’s resilience.

So, who is Mike Malott, and why should Kevin Holland (and the rest of the division) be paying attention? Let’s break down the fighter, the matchup, and what’s at stake when these two step into the Octagon.

Who Is Mike Malott? The Canadian Finisher Making Waves

Before we dissect the Holland vs. Malott dynamic, it’s worth understanding why Malott’s name is gaining traction. Hailing from Sarnia, Ontario, the 32-year-old welterweight has quietly built one of the most impressive résumés in the division’s new guard. Here’s what makes him a threat:

1. A Finisher’s Mentality

80% finish rate: Of Malott’s 9 wins, 7 have come by way of knockout or submission. His last three victories? All first-round finishes.
Diverse skill set: Whether it’s a slick guillotine choke (see: his 48-second win over Yohan Lainesse) or precise striking (his TKO over Mickey Gall), Malott adapts mid-fight.
Composure under pressure: His lone loss—a split decision to Phil Rowe in 2021—showed his ability to hang with elite competition. He’s since rebounded with five straight wins.

2. The X-Factor: Fight IQ

Malott isn’t just a brawler; he’s a student of the game. Training out of Adrenaline MMA in London, Ontario, he’s honed a fight style that blends Muay Thai precision with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fundamentals. His ability to stay calm in chaotic exchanges—like his come-from-behind submission against Adam Fugitt—suggests he thrives when opponents underestimate him.

3. The Underdog Narrative

Malott’s career has been defined by proving doubters wrong. He entered the UFC via Dana White’s Contender Series in 2021, where he earned a contract with a first-round submission. Since then, he’s steadily climbed the ranks, often as the betting underdog. Against Holland, a former middleweight ranked as high as #7, he’s once again the lesser-knowame. But as he told TSN: “I like being the underdog. It takes the pressure off.”

Kevin Holland’s Welterweight Experiment: A High-Risk Gamble

Kevin Holland is no stranger to the spotlight. With a 25-10 record, a reputation for entertaining fights, and a stint in the middleweight top 10, “Trailblazer” is one of the UFC’s most recognizable personalities. But his move down to 170 pounds is a calculated risk—and Malott is his first test in the division.

Why the Drop to Welterweight?

Performance struggles at 185: Holland’s 3-3 record in his last six middleweight bouts includes losses to Khamzat Chimaev, Marvin Vettori, and Stephen Thompson.
Size and speed advantage: At 6’3″ with a 78-inch reach, Holland is a large welterweight. If he can maintain his power at 170, he could be a nightmare for smaller opponents.
Fresh start: A new division means new matchups and a chance to reboot his career trajectory.

Holland’s Strengths—and Potential Weaknesses

Holland’s biggest asset is his striking volume. He holds the UFC record for most significant strikes landed in a single year (2020), and his unorthodox, high-output style has frustrated even elite opponents. However, his defensive lapses and questionable cardio in five-round fights have cost him against top-tier competition.

Against Malott, Holland’s chin and gas tank will be tested. If he can’t finish early, he risks being dragged into deep waters where Malott’s submission grappling could take over.

The Stakes for Both Fighters

For Malott, a win over Holland would catapult him into the welterweight top 15 and set up a potential clash with ranked opponents like Sean Brady or Jack Della Maddalena. For Holland, a loss could force him to reconsider his welterweight experiment—or worse, send him tumbling down the rankings.

How Mike Malott Can Shock the World at UFC Vancouver

On paper, Holland is the more experienced, higher-profile fighter. But styles make fights, and Malott has the tools to exploit Holland’s weaknesses. Here’s his path to victory:

1. Weather the Early Storm

Holland is at his most dangerous in the first five minutes. His blitzkrieg striking and creative combinations (see: his flying knee KO of Joaquin Buckley) can overwhelm opponents. Malott must avoid early exchanges and look for counters.

2. Take the Fight to the Ground

Holland’s takedown defense is suspect (he’s been taken down 10 times in the UFC). If Malott can secure top position, he can wear Holland down with ground-and-pound or hunt for submissions. Holland’s 58% takedown defense rate suggests this is a viable strategy.

3. Exploit the Cardio Question Mark

Holland has struggled in later rounds, particularly against grapplers. If Malott can survive the early onslaught, he could take over in the second and third rounds, where Holland’s output tends to drop.

4. Stay Disciplined

Holland thrives in chaotic, back-and-forth fights. Malott must stick to his game plan: jab-heavy striking, clinch work, and timely takedowns. If he gets drawn into a brawl, Holland’s power and experience could take over.

Beyond UFC Vancouver: What’s at Stake for the Wier

This fight isn’t just about bragging rights—it’s about momentum. Here’s what a win could mean for each fighter:

If Mike Malott Wins:

Top-15 ranking: A victory over a name like Holland would almost certainly earn Malott a spot in the welterweight rankings.
Matchup with a ranked opponent: Potential fights include Sean Brady (coming off a loss to Ian Machado Garry) or Randy Brown.
Canadian star power: With Rory MacDonald retired and Georges St-Pierre long gone, Malott could become Canada’s next welterweight contender.

If Kevin Holland Wins:

Welterweight legitimacy: A dominant performance would silence critics who question whether he can compete at 170.
Fast-track to the rankings: Holland could leapfrog into the top 10 with another win, setting up a clash with the likes of Shavkat Rakhmonov or Stephen Thompson.
Redemption arc: After a rough patch at middleweight, Holland could rebrand himself as a welterweight force.

Why UFC Vancouver’s Malott vs. Holland Is a Must-Watch

Not every UFC fight is a title eliminator, but the best matchups tell a story. Here’s why Malott vs. Holland is one to circle on your calendar:

1. The Classic Striker vs. Grappler Dynamic

Holland’s unpredictable striking vs. Malott’s methodical grappling is a textbook MMA chess match. Will Holland’s power prevail, or will Malott drag him into deep waters?

2. High Stakes for Both Fighters

This isn’t a “who’s next?” fight—it’s a career-defining moment for both men. For Malott, it’s his chance to aounce himself as a contender. For Holland, it’s a prove-it moment in a new division.

3. The Underdog Energy

There’s something electric about a fighter like Malott, who’s used to being overlooked. If he pulls off the upset, it’ll be one of those “I was there when…” moments for MMA fans.

4. Implications for the Welterweight Division

The UFC’s 170-pound division is in flux. With Leon Edwards and Colby Covington tied up in a title rematch and Khamzat Chimaev lurking, fresh contenders are needed. The wier here could insert themselves into the conversation.

How to Watch Malott vs. Holland at UFC Vancouver

Don’t miss this welterweight showdown. Here’s how to catch all the action:

Date & Location

Event: UFC Fight Night: Holloway vs. Allen (co-main event)
Date: June 22, 2024
Venue: Rogers Arena, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Broadcast Details

Main Card (ESPN/ESPN+): Starts at 7 PM ET / 4 PM PT
Prelims (ESPN/ESPN+): Begin at 4 PM ET / 1 PM PT
Early Prelims (UFC Fight Pass): Kick off at 3:30 PM ET / 12:30 PM PT

Where to Stream

In the U.S., the event airs on ESPN and ESPN+. International viewers can check local broadcasters like TSN (Canada), BT Sport (UK), or UFC Fight Pass for global access.

Malott vs. Holland: Odds, Predictions, and Expert Takes

As of June 2024, the betting lines reflect Holland’s experience and name recognition:

Current Odds (via BetMGM)

Kevin Holland: -180 (Favorite)
Mike Malott: +150 (Underdog)

Expert Predictions

Analysts are split on this one:

Pro-Holland: “Holland’s striking and size will be too much for Malott early. He’ll land a big shot in the first round and finish it.” — MMA Fighting’s Shaun Al-Shatti
Pro-Malott: “Malott’s grappling and cardio could be the difference. If he survives the first round, he takes over.” — TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter
Wildcard: “This fight is a coin flip. Holland’s chin is suspect, and Malott hits hard. Don’t be surprised if we see a shocking KO.” — Bloody Elbow’s Zane Simon

Key Stats to Watch

	Mike Malott	Kevin Holland
Record	9-1-1	25-10
Height/Reach	6’0″ / 73″	6’3″ / 78″
Significant Strikes Landed per Minute	3.82	5.14
Takedown Accuracy	50%	33%
Submissions	4	7

Final Thoughts: A Fight That Could Steal the Show

Mike Malott vs. Kevin Holland might not be the main event at UFC Vancouver, but it’s the kind of matchup that could end up being the talk of the night. For Malott, it’s a chance to prove he belongs among the elite. For Holland, it’s a fresh start in a new division. And for fans? It’s a guaranteed fireworks show.

Will Holland’s power and experience prevail, or will Malott’s relentless grappling and underdog grit shine through? One thing’s for sure: After June 22, Kevin Holland will know exactly who Mike Malott is—and so will the rest of the welterweight division.

Don’t miss it.

How to Follow the Action

📺 Watch: Tune in on ESPN/ESPN+ or your local UFC broadcaster.
📱 Social Media: Follow @ufc, @mikemalottmma, and @trailblazer_ko for updates.
🎙️ Post-Fight: Catch the press conference on UFC’s YouTube chael for reactions.

Who are you picking? Drop your predictions in the comments—and don’t forget to tune in on June 22!

Tags: Canadian MMA fighters, Kevin Holland, Mike Malott, MMA fights 2024, rising UFC stars, UFC Fight Night, UFC odds, UFC predictions, UFC Vancouver, UFC welterweight

Kebun Firdaus