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Kevin Holland stunned the MMA world a few weeks ago when he announced his retirement from the sport via a cryptic post on Instagram.
However, the 'retirement' didn't last long, with the UFC offering 'Trailblazer' a bout against the legendary Stephen 'Wonderboy' Thompson. Holland had hinted that only a big fight in the organization could keep him in the octagon and the UFC has apparently delivered.The 29-year-old will be taking on Thompson in the main event of UFC Fight Night: Orlando on December 3.
When originally announcing his retirement, Holland reasoned that due to being nearly in his 30s and making enough money in MMA, he would be stepping away from the dangerous sport:
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"Had a good run, 30 in a little over a month, got paid, I'm out. Next career choice?"
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It didn't take long for Kevin Holland to make a U-turn on this announcement. His upcoming bout against Stephen Thompson will likely dictate his MMA trajectory.
Watch Holland speak about his retirement here:
Both Holland and 'Wonderboy' are coming into this bout with the taste of defeat in their mouths. Thompson has lost his last two UFC outings against Belal Muhammad and Gilbert Burns. 'Trailblazer' was submitted in the very first round when he took on Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 279 on short notice.
Stephen Thompson vs. Kevin Holland: Height, reach and UFC record comparison
'Trailblazer' will have a decent height advantage against 'Wonderboy', with Holland standing at 191cm tall and 8cm taller than his opponent.
Given his height advantage, it's no surprise that 'Trailblazer' also has a longer reach than Thompson. Holland has a reach of 206cm, which is a staggering 15cm longer than the 39-year-old's reach. However, Thompson is a master at managing distance and effectively canceling out any reach advantage.
Kevin Holland joined the organization in 2018 and has a UFC record of 10 wins, five losses and one no-contest. Despite joining the UFC six years before Holland, Stephen Thompson only has two more total bouts than 'Trailblazer' and has an organizational record of 11 wins, six losses and one draw.
