UFC Fight Night: Brunson vs. Holland betting odds, preview, and pick
Derek Brunson (top) delivers a shot to the jaw of Jeremy Hamilton during the STRIKEFORCE Challengers at the ShoWare Center in Kent, Washington. (Photo by Joshua Weisberg/Icon Sportswire)
March 15th, 2021
If Kevin Holland becomes a future star, he’ll have to survive the toughest challenge of his career against Derek Brunson. This crossroads clash is the main event of the March 20 edition of UFC Fight Night, and we have the preview and pick you need before the first punch is thrown.
Holland hopes to continue his momentum
After a groundbreaking year in which he competed five times, Holland isn't pumping the brakes as he faces the middleweight division’s toughest journeyman.
Last year, Holland ended his run with a savage stoppage over Ronaldo Souza. He’s come a long after a decidedly mediocre start to his career, and looks to rack up another decisive victory against another durable and dangerous foe.
Holland’s bread and butter has been his striking. He lands 4.74 significant strikes per minute with 57% accuracy, which will serve him well since Brunson will be looking to engage right away.
Holland vs. Brunson tale of the tape
| Kevin Holland | ----- | Derek Brunson |
|---|
21-5 | Record | 21-7 |
28 | Age | 27 |
6'3" | Height | 6'1" |
81" | Reach | 77" |
5-0 | Last 5 Fights | 3-2 |
Aggressive striking | Key Intangibles | Veteran savvy |
The prospect killer returns
Brunson managed to stay alive last year when he decimated rising prospect Edmen Shahbazyan in a one-sided beatdown. Though Brunson hasn’t shined against elite opponents, he’s always ready to bang like loose change in the dryer.
Because he’s nearly impossible to get on the ground, he’ll certainly look to test Holland’s mettle in the pocket. That same tendency to fight straight up has gotten him in trouble before, and if Holland isn’t up to snuff, Brunson could spring the upset.
Holland should win in a war
Holland’s athleticism and vicious striking gives him a distinct advantage. Brunson may be willing to take some punishment to dish out his own, but Holland’s mobility and reach means he might do so longer than necessary. We saw Brunson outlast Shahbazyan to blow him out, but Holland’s recent track record suggests that won’t be the case here.
The gap between these two fighters isn’t that big where we’ll see a wipeout. Both men are tremendously tough, and Brunson is not a stepping stone by any means. Holland is hitting his stride, and after a volatile first few rounds, he will overwhelm the brave Brunson and stop him late.
MMA pick: Holland
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