UFC on ESPN 42 is headlined by a Welterweight bout between No.6-ranked Stephen Thompson and Kevin Holland, who recently returned to Welterweight. Both fighters get into the cage off losses. Thompson last fought in December 2021 when he was submitted by Belal Muhammad while Holland lost to Khamzat Chimaev after the cards were changed at UFC 279 in September. The winner of this fight will expect some movement up the rankings. UFC on ESPN 42 will hold at the Amway Centre, Orlando, Florida.
MMA: UFC Welterweight
Location: Amway Center, Orlando, Florida
Date: 04.12.2022, 06:00
Where to watch: ESPN/ESPN+
Stephen Thompson
A former Welterweight contender, American Stephen Thompson is regarded as one of the most accomplished strikers in the UFC and among the most respectful fighters in the sport. He enjoyed a decorated career in kickboxing before making the transition to UFC in 2012. “Wonderboy” also trained in Karate, and this background had given him an unorthodox MMA stance. His wide karate stance allows him to cover distance and launch kicks rapidly, which he is known for doing. This gives him an oft-praised ability to keep other fighters in range while staying out of their strikes. After signing a new six-fight contract with the UFC last year, the 39-year-old lost his first bout against Belal Muhammad. That was his second loss in 2021 after he had earlier lost to Gilbert Burns via unanimous decision despite outstriking him. In his last six fights, Thompson has lost four and won two. His 2019 loss to Anthony Pettis was the first time he had been stopped in MMA or Kickboxing.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 39
- Height: 6’ 0”
- Weight: 170 Ib
- Reach: 75”
- Record: 16-6-1
Kevin Holland
The American Welterweight had his best year in the UFC in 2020 when he won five fights and tied the UFC record for most wins in a calendar year. Unfortunately, 2021 proved difficult for the 30-year-old as he bagged a couple of losses and an NC for head trauma. A return to Welterweight this year has seen a return to the win column for the former kickboxer with wins over Tim Means and Alex Oliveira. The first-round loss to Chimaev can be explained due to the impromptu nature of the UFC 279 card. “Trailblazer” needs to step up in the spotlight and get a massive win, as he has been known to freeze in the spotlight against the big boys in the UFC.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 30
- Height: 6’ 3”
- Weight: 180 Ib
- Reach: 81”
- Record: 23-8-1 (no contest)
Betting Odds
Stephen Thompson is the bookies' underdog for the contest. On Bet 365 the odds are 2.30 for Thompson and 1.63 for a Holland win. Looking for rounds betting, 1xbet has great odds: over 2.5 rounds is 1.725, and under 2.5 rounds is 2. On Betway, Kevin Holland to win by decision is at 4.70 odds, while a bet for Thompson by KO is priced at 4.00 odds.
