In a tense co-main event at UFC Vancouver, Canadian welterweight Mike Malott earned a unanimous decision win over the ever-active Kevin Holland after three hard-fought rounds that saw momentum shifts, controversy, and plenty of grit inside Rogers Arena.
Holland, one of the UFC’s busiest fighters, entered the cage for his 28th bout in seven years, chasing another record-setting campaign. Across from him, Malott — representing Canada on home soil — sought redemption after falling short in a previous top-15 bid against Neil Magny.
Round 1:
Holland began with his usual confidence, light on his feet and pumping the jab, while Malott pressed forward with measured power. A few early exchanges saw both men land clean shots — Holland connecting with a sharp right, Malott countering with a solid hook.
The fight’s first major turn came when Malott landed a knee that struck low, dropping Holland in visible pain. Referee Dan Miragliotta called for time, and the Vancouver crowd erupted in frustration. After several minutes, Holland managed to stand, clearly shaken but determined to continue.
Though he resumed fighting, Holland’s rhythm was gone, his movement cautious. Malott controlled the rest of the frame with pressure and composure as the round closed to a wave of boos and confusion.
Round 2:
Before the second round, the ringside physician checked on Holland, who hesitated but chose to fight on. The atmosphere remained tense as both men tried to reset.
Malott took control of the center, picking his shots carefully and landing clean left hooks and body kicks. Holland started to fire back, connecting with jabs and low kicks to slow Malott’s advances. Still, the Canadian’s volume and cage control stood out.
Late in the round, Malott’s nose began to bleed from a stiff jab, but his confidence didn’t waver. He pushed forward until the horn, staying slightly ahead on the scorecards through consistency and pressure.
Round 3:
With the fight up for grabs, both men entered the final frame with urgency. Holland appeared more mobile, firing longer combinations and trying to keep Malott at distance. Malott, however, stayed disciplined, timing his entries and slipping under counters.
Midway through the round, Malott scored a well-timed takedown, holding top position and working from guard. Holland scrambled, attempting to stand, but Malott transitioned beautifully to an arm-triangle choke attempt that had the crowd on its feet. Holland escaped, yet Malott maintained control along the fence.
When the horn sounded, the home crowd roared knowing their fighter had likely sealed it. All three judges agreed, rewarding Malott’s steadiness and composure with a unanimous decision.
Watch the highlights below:
An early big right hand! 👊
[ #UFCVancouver | @Trailblaze2Top ] pic.twitter.com/59EG5zekMM
— UFC (@ufc) October 19, 2025
Clean sweep in the co-main! ✍️@Michael_Malott earns the UD victory tonight!
[ #UFCVancouver | LIVE on the @ESPN app ] pic.twitter.com/6JGBKmV7Fq
— UFC (@ufc) October 19, 2025
Post-Fight Reactions:
A relieved Malott addressed the crowd afterward:
“I knew it was close, but I stayed calm and did what I had to do.”
Holland, still visibly bothered from the early fouls, added:
“It was a weird fight, man. That low blow took a lot out of me, but I wanted to finish.”
Result: Mike Malott def. Kevin Holland via unanimous decision (29–28, 29–28, 29–28)
With this victory, Malott moves closer to cracking the welterweight rankings, proving that composure and control can overcome chaos — even in front of an emotional home crowd. Holland, meanwhile, remains one of the UFC’s toughest and most resilient competitors, though this one will be remembered as one of his strangest nights inside the Octagon.
