The co-main event of UFC Vancouver features a high-stakes welterweight clash between fan-favorite Kevin Holland and rising contender Mike Malott. The No. 15-ranked Holland aims to snap out of a spell of inconsistency, capped by a disheartening decision loss in July. Meanwhile, Malott eyes his third straight victory — and a spot in the top 15 — as he enters the Octagon in front of his hometown crowd.
The odds are neck-and-neck on DraftKings Sportsbook, with Malott listed at -112 on the moneyline and Holland at -108. The total is set at 2.5 rounds. Here’s my best bet for Saturday’s welterweight showdown.
Kevin Holland to win by KO/TKO/DQ (+300)
Kevin Holland (28-14-0) has been a staple of the UFC roster since his debut in 2018. Saturday night marks his 28th appearance with the promotion in just seven years — and his fifth fight of the calendar year. While relentless activity has bolstered his reputation as a fan favorite, it has also kept him at arm’s length from true title contention, as he’s struggled to find consistent success across both welterweight and middleweight. He enters his bout with Malott having dropped three of his last five fights — most recently suffering a brutal unanimous decision loss to Daniel Rodriguez at UFC 318.
Still, the 32-year-old Holland remains an unpredictable striker with knockout power and a concrete chin, boasting 13 KOs and 10 submission victories.
Mike Malott (12-2-1) is a dangerous kickboxer with a black belt in jiu-jitsu — and he’s showcased all his tools since entering the UFC Octagon in 2022. The 33-year-old burst onto the scene with three straight stoppage wins, two coming in the first round. However, his hype came to a screeching halt in January 2024, when he dominated Neil Magny for three rounds — only to fade in the final minute and suffer a stunning finish with just 15 seconds left.
Malott rebounded with two straight wins, most recently a second-round knockout of Charles Radtke at UFC 315 in May. His bout against Holland marks a second chance to break into the welterweight rankings — a golden opportunity that might not come around again.
Holland is a question mark, a total wild card who’s been notoriously difficult to predict throughout his career. He’ll have his work cut out for him against Malott, who complements well-timed counterstrikes and power kicks with elite clinch wrestling, owning five knockouts and six submission victories over his career.
But despite his inconsistency, Holland is the more battle-tested fighter, one who’s shown flashes of greatness and an ability to thrive in chaotic exchanges. The “Trailblazer” also boasts an eight-inch reach advantage, a staggering size edge he could employ to press the action and hunt for another highlight-reel finish.
