Kevin Holland vs Reinier De Ridder Prediction & Betting Tips - UFC 311 - Middleweight

Prediction published on 14/01/2025, 08:51  by Ian John | Modified on 15/01/2025 at 03:11 in UFC Predictions

The main card of UFC 311 starts with an intriguing bout at middleweight as the experienced Kevin "Trailblazer" Holland seeks to get back to winning ways against Reinier "The Dutch Knight" De Ridder. This match is a tough one to make any prediction on, with bookmakers rating this close to a 50/50 contest.

Holland’s record in the UFC sees him with 26 wins, 12 losses and one no contest. He has lost three of his last four fights, losing a split decision to Jack Della Maddalena, then a unanimous decision against Michael Page. A win via submission over Michal Oleksiejczuk followed, but in his last bout his corner pulled him out of his UFC 307 clash with Roman Dolidze.

An all-round fighter, Holland has landed just over half his wins by knockout. This is in stark contrast to his opponent De Ridder, who is something of a submission specialist.

De Ridder is a former ONE middleweight world champion and made the switch to the UFC back in late 2024. His first fight in the UFC saw him defeat Gerald Meerschaert via submission. An opponent that Holland achieved a decision victory against a few years ago.

Although this is only his second UFC fight, De Ridder has amassed an impressive record of 18 wins and just two losses, both coming in title fights against Anatoly Malykhin.