UFC on ESPN 42: Stephen Thompson vs. Kevin Holland Preview, Betting Odds and Prediction - December 3

Stephen Thompson is looking to bounce back from a two-fight losing skid tonight when he takes on fellow welterweight striker Kevin Holland. Holland is also coming into tonight's clash off the back of a defeat; he was viciously mauled by rising star Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 279.

Holland and Thompson are both well-liked by fans and renowned for putting on entertaining performances. They're also both in tough spots right now. For Thompson, he's a long way away now from his days as a challenger for the welterweight gold. His past two bouts have seen him grounded and grappled into frustrating decision losses.

Holland, meanwhile, became a fan favorite thanks to his fearless five-fight winning streak at middleweight in 2020. 'Trailblazer's momentum has been halted since then, including similar decision losses to Thompson's in the form of Derek Bruson and Marvin Vettori in 2021. He heads into tonight at 2-1 for his three fights so far this year.

Stephen Thompson vs. Kevin Holland Fight Details

Date & Time: Saturday, December 3, 11:20p.m. EST (approx)

Venue: Amway Center, Orlando, Florida

Stephen Thompson vs. Kevin Holland Betting Odds

Fighter	Moneyline	Win by TKO/KO	Win by Submission	Win by Decision	Draw
Stephen Thompson	+148	+330	+2800	+390	+5000
Kevin Holland	-184	+165	+750	+420	+5000

$1,000 No Sweat First Bet

Stephen Thompson vs. Kevin Holland Tale of the Tape

'Trailblazer' will enjoy sizeable height and reach advantages at three inches and six inches, respectively.

Both fighters typically use an orthodox stance in the octagon, with Thompson often opting for a bladed karate stance with his hands held alarmingly low. The stance has often succeeded in luring headhunting opponents in for a selection of quicks kicks and strikes. This could be a very dangerous strategy for 'Wonderboy' to employ against a quick-handed Kung Fu maestro like Holland though.

Fighter	Age	Height	Weight	Reach	Record
Stephen Thompson	39	6'0"	170lbs	75"	16-6-1
Kevin Holland	30	6'3"	170lbs	81"	23-8-0 (1 NC)

Thompson vs. Holland Prediction

'Wonderboy' has proven to be one of the most technically skilled strikers in UFC welterweight history over the years. A master of karate and kickboxing, Thompson was considered a surefire future-welterweight champion for some time. However, in recent years, the No.6-ranked welterweight has noticeably slowed down in the cage and hasn't finished an opponent in over six years.

Holland, meanwhile, has had a hit-and-miss couple of years and even contemplated retirement following his thrashing at the hands of Chimaev earlier this year. Despite his setbacks, the unconventional Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt is in his prime and showed notable ground game improvement in his submission win over Tim Means in June.

Both men's main weakness is wrestling, meaning this is likely going to be a battle of wits on the feet. Considering 'Trailblazer's explosive style and innovative striking, coupled with Holland's regressed defense of late, Kevin Holland could pick up the biggest win of his career tonight.

Prediction: Holland by knockout

$1,000 No Sweat First Bet