Kevin Holland vs. Mike Malott: Live round-by-round updates: UFC Vancouver: Kevin Holland vs. Mike Malott: Live round-by-round updates

Fan-favorite Kevin Holland heads north for the first time in his career as he squares off against rising Canadian star Mike Malott in a high-stakes welterweight showdown.

Holland has kept an active pace in 2025, moving between middleweight and welterweight while facing top-tier competition. After a loss to Reinier de Ridder early in the year, he returned to 170 pounds and picked up wins over Gunnar Nelson and Vicente Luque before dropping a close decision to Daniel Rodriguez. The Texan’s length, striking creativity, and trademark cage banter make him an unpredictable challenge for anyone.

Malott, meanwhile, rides the momentum from a statement knockout win against Charles Radtke in Montreal. That win improved his record to 5-1 in the UFC. With finishes in nearly all his victories, Malott’s crisp boxing, ground awareness, and composure under pressure make him one of the division’s most intriguing prospects.

UFC Vancouver prelims start at 4 PM ET/1 PM PT, followed by the main card at 7 PM ET/4 PM PT.

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Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for live coverage and play-by-play updates of the event:

Round 1

Holland attempts to touch gloves, but Malott declines. Both men start in orthodox stances, with Holland finding his rhythm early behind a sharp jab. Malott answers with a strong right and a few calf kicks. Holland counters well. Holland hurts Malott and follows up with long punches before Malott sweeps to recover. Action resets after a brief groin kick break, then another heavy knee lands low from Malott, leaving Holland visibly hurt as the crowd voices its frustration.

Our Score: 10-9 Malott

Round 2

After a confused stretch where it seemed like Holland didn't want to continue, we start with the action for the second round. Malott gets inside range and lands swift jabs. Holland stands tall and lands an uppercut and left hook. Malott fires with a strong right hand. He ties Holland up and lands an elbow on the break. Malott lands a big knee and hurts Holland. The American fires back and lands a good overhand right.

Our Score: 10-9 Malott (20-18 overall)

Round 3

Holland starts the action with side kicks to the body. A good counter left hook from Malott. He swarms in to land a good four-punch combination on Holland. Malott is bleeding profusely from his nose now. Malott swarms in for a takedown and secures it. He's landing short punches from top position, and Holland is trying to create space to get back up. He transitions to an arm triangle, but Holland survives it.

Our Score: 10-9 Malott (30-27 overall)

Official Result

Mike Malott defeats Kevin Holland by unanimous decision (29–28, 29–28, 29–28).

About the author

Abhishek Ramadasan Nambiar is a journalist who covers MMA at Sportskeeda. As a long-time practitioner of various martial arts, seeing the fusion of different forms into a quest for the ultimate fighter felt both primal and profoundly technical. At Sportskeeda, Abhishek's primary goal is to offer a fresh and distinctive angle through his writing, aiming to provide readers with more than just the basics of MMA. Along with keeping them informed about the latest developments in the sport, he strives to offer valuable insights that enhance their understanding of MMA.

When not writing about MMA, Abhishek often spends time reviewing music or devouring Brian Evanson's and Blake Crouch's work. Sign up to receive news, regular updates, and exclusive coverage.

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