Kevin “Trailblazer” Holland returns this weekend at UFC 256. He will be looking to end 2020 in an impressive fashion. Holland though will have his hands full as he faces veteran and former Strikeforce champion Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza. Holland was initially scheduled to fight Jack Hermansson in the main-event last week as a late replacement for Darren Till.

But, a positive COVID test robbed him of that opportunity. But a pay-per-view appearance will give him a chance to shine in front of the world.

Here we take a look at the 5 things you need to know about the “Trailblazer” before he fights at the last pay-per-view of the year.

1. Kevin Holland can go 5-0 in 2020

Kevin Holland became the only fighter to go 4-o in 2020 when he defeated Charlie Ontiveros in October. Now he has the chance to make it 5-0 in 2020, a pandemic struck year. Only very few fighters have managed that feat before. A win against Souza will give Holland a great ending to 2020, as he will be finishing the year with a perfect record. Furthermore, he has the opportunity to rise in the rankings and put himself among the division’s elites.

2. Holland wasn’t supposed to be a UFC fighter

Kevin Holland appeared in the Dana White’s Contender Series platform at first. Although his talent was undeniable in the show, he couldn’t secure a contract. Holland had a habit of talking and taunting his opponents during his fights. Dana White was annoyed at Holland for his loud mouth and refused to sign him.

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But at UFC 227, UFC was looking for a late replacement opponent for Thiago Santos as ‘Maretta’s’ fight fell off. UFC, while searching for an opponent, called Holland eventually as no one else was willing to fight a savage like Santos on short notice. Holland took the fight on two weeks’ notice. Although he lost via decision, fans and Dana White himself was very impressed with Holland’s performance on such short notice.

“Much respect to Holland. He was very impressive. Took that fight on two weeks’ notice against an absolute savage and fought a great fight. He gassed in the third, but he took it on two weeks’ notice.” said the UFC president after the event.

3. According to Holland he tested falsely positive for COVID

Kevin Holland tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of his scheduled fight last weekend against Jack Hermansson. But Holland claimed that he didn’t test positive on any tests after that.

“It was probably a false positive. I took a lot of tests after, and they were all negative. But sh*t happens, and I can’t control the sh*t that happens. So here I am a week later,” said Holland about his positive COVID test.

The test robbed Holland of his opportunity to be in the main event of a UFC event for the first time in his career. Instead, he gets to perform at the last pay-per-view of the year. So, Holland will be looking to make the most of what he has got.

4. Holland has knockout power with submission skills

Holland’s primary strength is his rangy, flashy striking. He has a huge 81-inch reach, which is massive for the middleweight division. He uses his reach to his full advantage with elbows and razor-sharp right hands as his main weapons. Out of his 20 career wins, 10 have come via T/KO.

When the fight hits the ground, Holland is not a complete novice. He has got impressive submission skills with 6 career wins via submission. In fact, his first win in the UFC came via submission. So, it’s fair to say Holland is a pretty well-rounded fighter.

5. Holland wants to fight Jorge Masvidal for the BMF belt

Holland recently called out Israel Adesanya after his win at UFC on Vegas 12. But the “Trailblazer” wants to fight someone else before “The Last Stylebender“. The opponent Holland has in mind is none other than the BMF champion Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal.

‘Trailblazer’ believes Masvidal doesn’t deserve to hold the BMF belt and proposed a fight against him.

As of now, Kevin Holland will be looking to end his 2020 in spectacular fashion with a perfect record. A win against “Jacare” will be huge for him in terms of where he stands in the division.

Who do you think gets it done this weekend? Let us know your thoughts.