Kevin Holland previews UFC 311 clash with Reinier de Ridder: "Go in there and bang it out"

UFC middleweight fan favorite Kevin Holland will face former two-division ONE world champion Reinier de Ridder at UFC 311 this weekend. This will be de Ridder's second bout in the UFC, after his impressive debut back in November, submitting Gerald Meerschaert inside three rounds.

'The Dutch Knight' was one of the most sought-after free agents in the MMA world after he cut ties with ONE Championship last year, concluding a five-year stint in the Asian fight organization. A lot of eyes were on him as he debuted in the UFC.

Now, the Dutch grappling specialist will face a divisional wildman known for being unpredictable - both on the feet and on the ground. Kevin Holland is a Jiujitsu blackbelt who has a penchant for throwing heavy leather - even while on his back.

Speaking to MMA legend and former UFC flyweight king Demetrious Johnson, Holland gave fans an idea of what to expect when he locks horns with de Ridder this weekend. It's vintage 'Big Mouth' Holland:

“Same as any other fight. Go in there and bang it out. Coaches have a game plan. They always have, you know, ideas of what I should do. And they're usually right. It’s just a matter of [whether] I go out there and implement that sh*t or not, you know."

He continued:

“Hopefully I’m in a listening mood when I go out there, but if not, I’ll give you guys what I always give you, a good scrap until it’s not.”

Listen to him here:

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Kevin Holland suffered a freak injury in last fight

On UFC 311, Kevin Holland will look to get back on the winning column after the disappointing outcome of his last fight at UFC 307 last October. His opponent, Roman Dolidze, had stepped in on short notice to replace Chris Curtis.

The fight started well for 'Trailblazer', using his length to pepper the aggressive Dolidze with precision striking. However, Dolidze managed to close the distance enough to score a takedown and land on top position.

While Dolidze rained down heavy ground-and-pound, the two went on a scramble which may have caused Holland to suffer a rib injury. Kevin Holland's movement on the ground appeared to have been limited as Dolidze easily assumed the mount position and attempted to finish the fight there.

Holland miraculously survived the round but was seen pointing to his rib as he walked to his corner. Moments later, his cornermen informed the referee that the American fighter couldn't continue fighting, declaring Dolidze the winner via TKO.

At UFC 311 this weekend, Kevin Holland will look to put his previous fight behind him and push past Reinier de Ridder.