Holland vs. De Ridder: A Middleweight Clash of Styles Ignites UFC 311
The first pay-per-view event of the 2025 UFC calendar year, UFC 311, is set to explode at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California on Saturday, January 18th. Kicking off the main card is a highly anticipated middleweight showdown between the dynamic Kevin Holland and the submission specialist Reinier de Ridder. This clash of styles promises fireworks, with Holland looking to rebound from a recent TKO loss to Roman Dolidze and De Ridder aiming to cement his presence in the UFC with a second consecutive victory. The fight represents a critical juncture for both fighters, adding an extra layer of intensity to the already electrifying atmosphere.
Kevin Holland, known for his unorthodox striking and high-volume output, boasts a 26-12-0-1 record. His UFC journey has been a rollercoaster, marked by periods of dominance interspersed with setbacks. After an initial loss in his UFC debut, Holland went on an impressive 8-1 run, punctuated by a spectacular knockout of former Strikeforce champion Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza. However, his record since then stands at a more modest 5-7-0-1, highlighting the unpredictable nature of his fighting style. Holland’s recent loss to Dolidze underscores the importance of this upcoming bout against De Ridder.
Reinier de Ridder, a former two-division champion in ONE Championship, enters the UFC octagon with a formidable 18-2 record. His grappling prowess is undeniable, with 12 of his victories coming by way of submission. De Ridder’s transition to the UFC, however, hasn’t been entirely smooth. After losing both his middleweight and light heavyweight titles in ONE to Anatoly Malykhin by knockout, he debuted in the UFC with a submission win over Gerald Meerschaert. This victory, while promising, came against a fighter known for his susceptibility to submissions, leaving questions about De Ridder’s ability to replicate this success against higher-level competition like Holland.
The betting odds for this matchup have fluctuated since opening, initially favoring Holland. However, the lines have since tightened, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding the outcome. Currently, the odds are nearly even, making this a true pick ’em fight. The contrasting styles of both fighters contribute to this unpredictability. Holland’s striking power and volume pose a significant threat to De Ridder, who has shown vulnerability to striking in the past. Conversely, Holland’s takedown defense is a potential weakness that De Ridder could exploit with his grappling expertise.
A closer examination of the fighters’ statistics reveals further insights into the potential dynamics of the fight. Holland lands a significant volume of strikes, averaging 4.24 per minute, but his accuracy sits at 49%. De Ridder’s striking stats from his UFC debut are limited but suggest a slightly higher accuracy at 57%, albeit against a different opponent. Holland’s takedown defense, at 54%, is a key area of concern, given De Ridder’s strong grappling background. While Holland does possess some offensive wrestling, averaging 0.83 takedowns per 15 minutes, he’ll likely want to avoid grappling exchanges with the submission specialist. De Ridder’s ability to dictate where the fight takes place will likely be a deciding factor.
Predicting the outcome of this fight is challenging, given the contrasting strengths and weaknesses of each fighter. Holland’s speed and power on the feet could overwhelm De Ridder, especially if he can maintain distance and avoid the takedown. However, if De Ridder successfully implements his grappling game, he could control the fight and potentially secure a submission victory. The key for Holland will be to keep the fight standing and utilize his striking advantage. De Ridder, on the other hand, must close the distance, avoid Holland’s power shots, and secure the takedown to bring his grappling into play. While a knockout victory for Holland is a plausible outcome, the possibility of a De Ridder submission victory cannot be discounted.
The intriguing matchup has generated considerable pre-fight buzz. De Ridder expressed his enthusiasm about the matchup, acknowledging Holland’s striking prowess while also expressing confidence in his ability to pressure, take down, and ultimately submit him. This fight represents a significant opportunity for both fighters to climb the middleweight ranks. For Holland, a victory would be a crucial step towards regaining momentum after a recent slump. For De Ridder, a win over a recognized name like Holland would solidify his status as a contender in the UFC’s middleweight division. The clash of styles, the high stakes, and the unpredictable nature of both fighters guarantee an exciting and potentially pivotal bout to kick off UFC 311’s pay-per-view offering.
