logo
UFC's most active fighter Kevin Holland: ‘So many fights I don't remember'

UFC's most active fighter Kevin Holland: ‘So many fights I don't remember'

Yahoo13 hours ago

The UFC's most active fighter Kevin Holland has admitted that he 'doesn't remember' some of his fights as he prepares to once again return to the Octagon next month.
Holland faces Vicente Luque on June 7, his 21st fight for the UFC since 2020, which makes him the promotion's most regular competitor over the past five years.
Advertisement
A fan favourite due to his activity and charismatic personality, Holland equalled the record for most UFC wins in a calendar year back in 2020 - managing five fights and winning all of them.
"My whole career I've always been pretty active,' he told BBC Sport. 'You're an athlete, you can't be an athlete for 40 years, you can only be it for so long. So take advantage and wish for the best.
"Between super matches in jiu jitsu, Muay Thai, MMA, I'd fight seven to eight times a year. I've always fought a lot, never really sit on my butt too much.
"I've had so many fights I don't remember none of them."
Advertisement
Holland last fought at UFC London back in March, beating Gunnar Nelson by decision to return to winning ways, two months after being finished in the first round by Reinier de Ridder.
Bouncing back from defeat is seemingly what Holland is best at, saying he barely needs any time to rest and recuperate before returning to the cage.
"As soon as I was healthy to go it's straight back in the gym,' he added. 'It's simple, I like to stay in there and stay active.
Kevin Holland last competed in March, when he beat Gunnar Nelson (Getty Images)
"I don't really need much time in between fights, two days is typically all a man needs."
Luque, ranked 14th at welterweight, will be his third bout of 2025, with Holland eyeing a potential return to the top 15 with a win.
Advertisement
However, Holland does not look too far into the future when it comes to his fighting career, taking things one bout at a time.
"I'm just focused on one thing only, and that's the fight coming up," he said.
"Treat MMA like a real job. Respect and appreciate it, listen to your coaches, and put the grind in. Don't listen to the critics, listen to the coaches."

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

UFC Coach Hints at Major Comeback for Francis Ngannou
UFC Coach Hints at Major Comeback for Francis Ngannou

Yahoo

time31 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

UFC Coach Hints at Major Comeback for Francis Ngannou

UFC Coach Hints at Major Comeback for Francis Ngannou originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Former UFC Heavyweight Champion and current PFL Super Fights Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou left the world's most elite mixed martial arts (MMA) organization on bad terms, however he might be open to a return. Advertisement He won the UFC title in 2021 against Stipe Miocic by knocking him out in the second round, marking the pinnacle in his life journey from homelessness to heavyweight king. Ngannou's reign included a successful title defense over Ciryl Gane, where he showcased his grappling to win. It was later revealed that Ngannou fought Gane with a Grade 3 MCL tear and ACL damage, making the win even more impressive. About a year later, he was stripped of the title after failing to reach an agreement on a new contract. Ngannou advocated for financial freedom and respect but left the promotion for the PFL. Since leaving the UFC, he's lost boxing matches to Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Ngannou returned to MMA last October and defeated Renan Ferreira via ground and pound. Now, he's assessing all of his options, but staying busy in the gym. Advertisement 'He's training, he looks happy to be back in the gym with the team,' MMA coach Eric Nicksick said. 'He's been asking for that Wilder fight, and if that happens, great, but right now the heavyweight division is kind of in shambles. There's no real direction, and that creates an opportunity.' Ngannou left the UFC to chase prize fights and generational wealth, which he acquired. According to Nicksick, he is open to negotiations to return. 'I think this is more about business than it is about ego. At least it is from Francis's side. He just wants to be treated like an independent contractor, paid fairly and given the freedom to pursue other opportunities. And he did that. He went out, boxed, made a lot of money, and proved himself,' Nicksick added. Advertisement 'Where does his motivation come from now? It's not about money anymore. It's about competition. And the best competition is in the UFC.' The current state of the UFC's heavyweight division with undisputed champion Jon Jones and interim champion Tom Aspinall is unknown. Jones is thinking of retirement, while Aspinall just wants a shot at being undisputed. Could Ngannou be the answer the UFC needs? 'Dana's a smart businessman,' Nicksick said. 'I think he's level-headed enough to say: the past is the past. Let's explore the future. Look at the heavyweight division right now, what are we doing? Tom Aspinall is holding an interim belt for nearly 600 days. It's time to get things moving.' This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 6, 2025, where it first appeared.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store