MMA Preview – Kevin Holland vs Daniel Rodriguez at UFC 279
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KEVIN HOLLAND VS DANIEL RODRIGUEZ FACTS
When is UFC 279? Sunday 11th September, 2022 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC 279? T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 279? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 279
What channel is UFC 279 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC 279? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
KEVIN HOLLAND VS DANIEL RODRIGUEZ LOWDOWN
Kevin Holland (23-7(1)) looks rejuvenated after cutting down to the welterweight division. The only surprise there is how easy he has made the 170 lb mark considering his 6’3” and 83-inch frame. The move was sparked by getting mauled my Derek Brunson (2021) and Marvin Vettori (2021) – losses he suffered before the controversial submission loss to Kyle Daukaus that was correctly overturned to a ‘no contest’ due to a clash of heads. Holland quickly got back to his finishing ways down a division knocking out Alex Oliveira (2022) and submitting Tim Means back in June.
Cut from the same cloth, Daniel Rodriguez (16-2) will relish the fact that this is at a catchweight of 180 lbs. He is a chunky welterweight and has only lost once in UFC so far. That was a unanimous decision to Nicolas Dalby (2020) but went on to earn one of his own against Mike Perry (2021), knock out Preston Parsons (2021) and then earn another unanimous decision over Kevin Lee in his last outing taking his UFC record to 6-1.
KEVIN HOLLAND VS DANIEL RODRIGUEZ PREDICTION
Rodriguez is a force in the welterweight division and will be even more explosive at 180 lbs. However, this is a bad match-up for him. He has not fought in over a year and this catchweight is perfect for Holland. He has only struggled against wrestlers and Rodriguez usually just wants to stand and bang.
The striking battle will be a spectacle. Rodriguez has the explosiveness, boxing and toughness to hurt Holland, but he is giving up a significant seven inches in reach. We expect Holland to win the striking exchanges by tagging Rodriguez from a distance, stabbing him with his jab and following up with long punches and kicks.
Rodriguez is always worth a punt as the underdog and he has the durability to last three rounds, but Holland has the edge on the feet and on the ground with his jiu-jitsu. Unless D-Rod turns into a wrestler, Holland should take this.
Prediction: Holland via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value Bet: Rodriguez to win
