Kevin Holland vs. Gunnar Nelson prediction, pick, start time for UFC Fight Night 255
Kevin Holland and Gunnar Nelson meet Saturday on the main card of UFC Fight Night 255 at The O2 in London. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.
Last event: 2-4
UFC main cards, 2025: 21-20-1
Kevin Holland vs. Gunnar Nelson UFC London preview
When Holland (26-13 MMA, 13-10 UFC) is winning fights, it's usually in exciting fashion. He has bonuses in seven of his past nine wins. But wins also have been hard to come by: He's 3-6 the past 2.5 years. … Nelson (19-5-1 MMA, 10-5 UFC) took two years off after a submission of Bryan Barberena, which was a year after he returned from a 2.5-year break. He's pledging to be more active and going after his third straight win, but at 36 the clock may be ticking.
Kevin Holland vs. Gunnar Nelson UFC London expert pick, prediction
Serving as a solid styles fight at 170 pounds is a showdown between former middleweights, Kevin Holland and Gunnar Nelson.
Both fighters are a complete contrast in almost every aspect, ranging from their personalities to their activity as fighters.
Holland, for example, is the modern-day Donald Cerrone, while Nelson is like the UFC's official groundhog for Groundhog's Day, coming out about once a year or so. But as far as styles go, it's hard not to favor Nelson.
Nelson isn't exactly a spring chicken and has been caught on his entries before, but the longtime Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt is such a specialist when it comes to his submission grappling – something that has long been kryptonite for Holland and his stylistic sensibilities.
Despite this 'feeling' like a spot where Holland scores an upset and makes it look easy, I'll side with what history says will be the most probable outcome here. The pick is Nelson but submission in Round 1.
Kevin Holland vs. Gunnar Nelson UFC London odds
The oddsmakers and the public are favoring the Icelandic fighter, listing Nelson -128 and Holland +104 via FanDuel.
Kevin Holland vs. Gunnar Nelson UFC London start time, how to watch
Holland and Nelson are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 5:45 p.m. ET. The fight will stream on ESPN+.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie's event hub for UFC Fight Night 255.
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