Kevin Holland has outlined a clear target for the end of his UFC career as he heads into his next assignment at UFC Fight Night 281 in Oklahoma City on July 18.
Holland, who owns a 19-15 MMA record and a 16-12 mark in the UFC, is scheduled to face undefeated Jacobe Smith, who enters the matchup at 12-0 MMA and 3-0 in the promotion. Holland says the bout will mark a personal milestone. "The next fight will be the 30th UFC fight," Holland said.
Looking beyond Oklahoma City, Holland has a specific number in mind before walking away. "After 30, I want to get to about 38. Thirty-eight is pretty good. Don't got to go to 40. So eight or nine more after the next one, then that's a wrap. I usually fight two or three times a year, not more than that. It shouldn't take long to get that done."
Holland also made it clear that chasing UFC gold has never been his driving force. "It never was the goal (to win the title)," he said. Instead, he emphasized his priorities outside the cage: "Have a blast. Have fun. Remain who I am as a man until the end and surf off into the sunset with the kids. ... I never got close, so it was never obtainable, I guess."
As he prepares for Smith, Holland summed up his approach to matchmaking: "I don't really care who they put in front of me. As long as they put a proper camp in, and I do what I'm supposed to do, I'll have a blast."
