UFC: Kevin Holland – the UFC’s most active fighter returns

UFC veteran Kevin Holland is once again preparing to return to the octagon as he faces Vicente Luque on 7 June.

Fighting out of Texas, Holland is known for his short turnarounds and his fight in New Jersey is no different.

Luque will be Holland’s 21st fight for the UFC since 2020, making him the company’s most active competitor during this period.

Having made his UFC debut in 2018 – a decision loss against Thiago Santos – Holland catapulted to fame in 2020 because of his activity.

Despite limited events because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Holland managed five fights throughout 2020 – winning all five and equalling the record for most UFC wins in a calendar year.

For some fighters, five bouts in a year simply isn’t possible – but for ‘The Trailblazer’, this is nothing new.

“My whole career I’ve always been pretty active. You’re an athlete, you can’t be an athlete for 40 years, you can only be it for so long. So take advantage and wish for the best,” he told BBC Sport.

Holland’s next fight will be his 41st professional bout in 10 years – on three occasions he has competed five or more times in a single year.

“Between super matches in jiu jitsu, Muay Thai, MMA, I’d fight seven to eight times a year. I’ve always fought a lot, never really sit on my butt too much,” he added.

“I’ve had so many fights I don’t remember none of them.”