UFC Vancouver: Kevin Holland vs. Mike Malott Predictions & Odds

The welterweight match between No. 15-ranked Kevin Holland and Mike Malott will be the co-main event of the UFC Vancouver card, which will happen inside Rogers Arena in Canada on Oct. 18.

Coming off a loss from his previous match, Hollands will be the betting underdog with +105 UFC odds, while Malott, who’s currently riding a two-fight win streak, is going to be the -125 betting favorite in front of his home fans.

UFC Vancouver: Holland vs. Malott Odds

• Kevin Holland: +105
• Mike Malott: -125

UFC Vancouver: Holland vs. Malott: Predictions

I predict a TKO/KO finish for Malott against Holland because he’s the more technical and finesse striker. Additionally, he packs more power in his punches, and once he lands a clean punch, it’s almost over for his opponents.

This fundamental approach by Malott will give problems to Holland since he often overextends when he throws his combinations. Holland is vulnerable to the slick counter punches of Malott, especially his signature left hook.

The best route for Holland to neutralize Malott’s power is by taking the fight down the mat and fully utilizing his Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt background to force the Canadian MMA star to defend takedowns and drain a significant amount of energy from him.

However, Malott’s footwork and takedown defence have improved significantly, despite his low 17% takedown defense on paper. If the fight remains on the feet, I think that Malott will find the chin of Holland and finish him via TKO/KO. 

Kevin Holland’s Recent Fight Results

Holland is a seven-year UFC veteran with experience fighting in both the middleweight and welterweight divisions. His most notable wins in his career under the Las Vegas-based promotion were against Anthony Hernandez, Joaquin Buckley, Jacare Souza, and Santiago Ponzinibbio.

He has only won two of his last five fights, with victories against Gunnar Nelson and Vicente Luque, while his losses during this stretch were courtesy of Roman Dolidze, Reinier de Ridder, and, most recently, Daniel Rodriguez.

Mike Malott’s Recent Fight Results

Malott was also a product of Dana White’s Contender Series in October 2021, when he submitted Shimon Smotritsky in just 39 seconds to win a UFC contract. Then, he won his first three bouts in the octagon via finishes.

His first UFC loss was courtesy of Neil Magny in January 2024 with a third-round finish. But Malott immediately bounced back with back-to-back wins over Trevin Giles and Charles Radtke last November and May, respectively.

UFC Vancouver: Holland vs. Malott: Tale of the Tape