UFC 318: Kevin Holland vs. Daniel Rodriguez Predictions and Odds

No.14-ranked UFC welterweight contender Kevin Holland will have a quick turnaround on July 19 as he takes on Daniel Rodriguez in the main card of the UFC 318 PPV card, which will take place inside the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.

Because of his outstanding performance in his last fight and as the ranked fighter among the two, Holland heads into the match as the considerable betting favorite with -455 UFC odds, while on the other hand, Rodriguez will be the +340 betting underdog.

UFC 318: Holland vs. Rodriguez Odds

• Kevin Holland: -455
• Daniel Rodriguez: +340

UFC 318: Holland vs. Rodriguez: Prediction

I predict a unanimous decision victory for Holland over Rodriguez in this exciting welterweight clash, because of his advantages in physical attributes, especially the 2-inch and 7-inch reach edge that will be crucial in the match.

Both fighters are very well-rounded and can fight in both the striking and grappling departments. They would nullify their grappling skills, but I would give the upper hand in striking to Holland because he could land more strikes on Rodriguez, utilizing his reach advantage.

A TKO/KO is also possible, but given their durability and granite chins, as they have only combined for three TKO/KO losses (and not underestimating their power), I don’t think they could finish each other in just three rounds of action.

Kevin Holland’s Recent Fight Results

Holland was a standout in the Dana White Contender Series, which also became his ticket to earn a roster spot in the UFC in 2018. He has been competing up and down in the middleweight and welterweight divisions, but he recently found his footing in the 170-pound weight class.

This year, he swept his first two matches and defeated Gunnar Nelson last March via unanimous decision, then submitted Vicente Luque in the second round of their match at UFC 316 last month.

Daniel Rodriguez’s Recent Fight Results

Rodriguez was the former Smash Global champion when the UFC signed him to a contract in 2019. He made his octagon debut against Tim Means in February 2020 and submitted him in the second round.

Since that successful promotional debut, Rodriguez won eight of his next 12 bouts and is currently on a two-fight win streak with victories against Alex Morono last October via split decision and Santiago Ponzinibbio via third-round TKO finish last May.

UFC 318: Holland vs. Rodriguez: Tale of the Tape