Getty Image / Jeff Bottari
UFC 290 is set for a July 8 date and should be one of the more exciting cards of the year.
It’s stacked with amazing talent from the main event through the prelims. However, Kevin Holland seems interested in joining the pay-per-view event.
The thing is though, Holland is scheduled to fight Michael Chiesa at UFC 291 on July 29. So, how in the world could Holland partake in both events?
Well, according to Damon Martin and Mike Heck Jr., “The UFC 290 card has taken a hit just over one week out from the event as Sean Brady has been forced out of his welterweight matchup against rising star Jack Della Maddalena.”
Shortly after the news broke, Kevin Holland reportedly offered to fill in for Brady and take on Maddalena at 175 pound catchweight bout, per ESPN MMA.
Additionally, it appears Holland would still want to fight Chiesa just three weeks later.
Kevin Holland offers a 175 lb catchweight fight with Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 290 WHILE keeping his fight with Michael Chiesa at UFC 291 🤯
BMF energy 😤 pic.twitter.com/m6V11Wtsup
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) June 30, 2023
It’s hard to believe the UFC allows Kevin Holland to fight in back-to-back PPV events. Even so, the idea is exciting.
This is the type of thing fight fans love to see, as it’s something Donald Cerrone would try to do in his prime.
Dana White and the UFC have not acknowledged Holland’s request yet but that isn’t stopping the fans from wanting it to happen.
Actually that's a banger
— Ovin Vithanage (@OvinVithanage) June 30, 2023
Fans attending UFC 290 are the real winners if this happens.
As someone with tickets next week PLEASE make this happen ufc
— Tyler (@RuthDawg17) June 30, 2023
Let’s not forget, Jack Della Maddalena is a tough fight for anyone. Especially on short notice.
After what JDM does to him, he won’t be ready for 291
— Combat Sports Insider (@combat_insider) June 30, 2023
How could anyone hate this man?
Gotta love Kevin Holland
— Luke (@HeatonBFC) June 30, 2023
The UFC is likely to name a replacement rather quickly, as Maddalena is set to fight in about week.
With Kevin Holland’s name potentially attached, this is something fight fans are going to monitor closely.
Look for an official announcement from the UFC in the coming days.