Kevin Alan Holland Bio
Kevin Alan Holland, born November 5, 1992, is an American professional mixed martial artist and former kickboxer. He competes in the Welterweight and Middleweight divisions of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Since turning professional in 2015, Holland has also fought for Bellator MMA, King of the Cage, and Legacy Fighting Alliance.
Early Life and Background
Kevin Alan Holland was born in Riverside, California, and was primarily raised by his grandparents in Rancho Cucamonga and Ontario. His mother and father have both faced incarceration during his life. Holland attended Los Osos High School and later Chaffey College. He began training in martial arts at age 16 and became a fan of Georges St-Pierre. His passion for the UFC was sparked after watching UFC 100 during a visit to his father in Philadelphia.
Path to MMA
Holland started his amateur MMA career with a perfect 5–0 record before turning professional in 2015. He competed across several regional promotions including Xtreme Knockout, Legacy Fighting Championship, King of the Cage, Bellator MMA, and Legacy Fighting Alliance. Building a record of 12–3, he earned recognition that led to his signing with the UFC. His early career was marked by steady development and gaining experience against diverse competition.
Kevin Alan Holland Career
Early Career (2015–2018)
Kevin Holland began his professional MMA career in 2015, quickly establishing himself with a strong record in regional circuits. He fought in multiple promotions, honing his skills and gaining valuable fight experience. His amateur success transitioned well into the professional ranks, where he demonstrated versatility and resilience.
By 2018, Holland had amassed a 12–3 professional record, which included bouts in Bellator and King of the Cage. His performances caught the attention of the UFC, leading to his debut later that year.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2018–Present)
Holland made his UFC debut on August 4, 2018, against Thiago Santos at UFC 227, where he lost by unanimous decision. He quickly rebounded with a submission win over John Phillips in November 2018. Over the following years, Holland secured multiple victories, including notable wins by technical knockout and submission, earning several Performance of the Night awards.
In 2020, Holland tied the record for most UFC wins in a calendar year with five victories, highlighted by a first-round knockout of Ronaldo Souza. He has competed in both Welterweight and Middleweight divisions, showcasing adaptability. His aggressive style and finishing ability have made him a fan favorite and a consistent contender in the UFC.
Phalanx MMA Academy Era (2010–Present)
Kevin Holland trains out of Phalanx MMA Academy in Fort Worth, Texas, where he has developed his skills under experienced coaches. His training includes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Travis Lutter, from whom he earned a black belt. Holland’s training environment has been integral to his growth as a fighter, supporting his performances inside the octagon.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Holland fights with an orthodox stance and is known for his long reach of 81 inches, which he uses effectively to control distance. He combines striking and grappling skills, holding a second-degree black belt in Kung Fu and a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His versatile approach allows him to finish fights by knockout, submission, or decision.
Notable Events and Milestones
Kevin Holland has earned multiple Performance of the Night bonuses, reflecting his exciting fighting style. He tied the UFC record for most wins in a calendar year in 2020. His resilience and ability to compete in two weight classes have marked significant milestones in his career.
Kevin Alan Holland Career Wins
Kevin Holland has achieved 28 professional MMA wins out of 44 fights, with victories coming by knockout, submission, and decision. His career includes notable UFC wins and strong performances in other major promotions.
UFC Highlights
Holland’s UFC tenure includes multiple highlight-reel finishes and a record-tying five wins in 2020. His first UFC win was a rear-naked choke submission against John Phillips. More recently, he secured a first-round submission victory over Michael Chiesa in 2023, earning his sixth Performance of the Night award.
Other Wins and Performances
Before joining the UFC, Holland compiled a solid record in regional promotions such as Bellator MMA and King of the Cage. His amateur record was undefeated at 5–0, demonstrating early promise in his MMA career.
Kevin Alan Holland Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Kevin Holland was raised primarily by his grandparents due to his parents’ incarceration. His mother and father have not been publicly named. This challenging family background influenced his early life and motivation to succeed in martial arts.
Personal Life
Holland resides in Fort Worth, Texas. He has gained attention for his actions outside the octagon, including intervening in criminal incidents to protect others. Details about his marital status and children are not publicly disclosed.
2025 Season Performance
Kevin Holland’s 2025 season includes scheduled bouts against top contenders such as Reinier de Ridder and Gunnar Nelson. Despite some recent losses, he continues to compete at a high level, earning Performance of the Night awards and maintaining his status as a dynamic and versatile fighter. His ability to compete in both Welterweight and Middleweight divisions provides strategic options for his career moving forward.