5 sidelined UFC stars set to return better than ever

#2. Kevin Holland - UFC middleweight

Kevin Holland was one of the biggest breakout stars for the UFC in 2020. He competed five times and won all five fights. This included the brutal KO of MMA legend Jacare Souza.

However, in 2021, Holland has been defeated twice, with both Derek Brunson and Marvin Vettori exploiting Holland's vulnerability to a wrestling-heavy approach. Rather than continue with his habit of fighting every few weeks, Holland has taken the time to work on his ground game, training with the likes of Daniel Cormier at AKA.

Holland is set to return to the UFC octagon before the year is out. He'll face Kyle Daukaus at a UFC Fight Night event in October. Daukaus is a strong wrestler in his own regard and should provide the perfect opportunity for Holland to display his improved wrestling defense.

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#1. Luke Rockhold - UFC middleweight

Former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold appeared to be on the cusp of retiring from MMA after being knocked out by Jan Blachowicz at UFC 239. Rockhold suffered a broken jaw after being caught by the Pole's left hook.

Instead of retiring, Luke Rockhold took a few years away from the sport and is now making a comeback. The former champion is moving back to middleweight and will face off against Sean Strickland at UFC 268.

Strickland is ranked within the top 10 of the 185-pound division, meaning that a win here for Rockhold may well put him within touching distance of a number one contender shot.