Get ready for fireworks! Kevin Holland is set to rematch Geoff Neal, and if their first clash is anything to go by, we're in for a treat. This is a fight that promises to be a must-watch for any UFC fan.
Back in 2017, before Holland joined the UFC, he was already making waves. He put his Xtreme Knockout (XKO) belt on the line against Neal at 185 pounds. The fight, held at the now-defunct Gas Monkey Live in Dallas on January 28th, was a thrilling back-and-forth battle that lasted nearly three rounds. Holland ultimately secured the victory with a flurry of punches with just 70 seconds left in the third round. It's worth noting that this was one of Neal's last times competing at middleweight.
Fast forward to Thursday night, Holland announced that he'll be fighting in his home state of Texas again on February 21st. This time, they'll be competing at 170 pounds, likely on the main card of the Sean Strickland vs. Anthony Hernandez Fight Night. Both fighters are coming off a tough stretch, having lost two of their last three fights.
Activity is Key
Holland, known for his active fighting style, has been a regular presence in the UFC cage. In 2025, he stepped into the octagon five times. While his record hasn't always reflected his efforts, he's secured some impressive wins, including “Performance of the Night” victories against Gunnar Nelson and Vicente Luque. However, recent defeats against Reinier de Ridder, Daniel Rodriguez, and Mike Malott have kept him out of the top 15. The loss to Malott was particularly tough, with Holland absorbing multiple groin strikes.
Neal, on the other hand, has been less active. He fought only once in 2025, losing to Carlos Prates via a spinning back elbow in the first round. This was only the second time Neal has lost by strikes, with the first time being against Holland. Despite the recent loss, Neal has notable wins against fighters like Luque, Santiago Ponzinibbio, and Rafael dos Anjos.
So, what do you think? Will Holland's activity pay off, or will Neal's power and precision prevail? Let me know your predictions in the comments below! Who are you rooting for?
