Kevin Holland has already mapped out his exit strategy: eight or nine more UFC fights to reach roughly 38 total bouts, a retirement target he settled on after studying Donald Cerrone’s career arc.
The welterweight laid out the plan in a recent interview with MMA Junkie Radio.
Holland’s next appearance will be his 30th walk to the Octagon. From there, he wants to add another eight or nine before hanging up the gloves, and he sees no reason to chase a round 40.
The next fight will be the 30th UFC fight,” Holland said. “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.
The number is a nod to Cerrone, who logged 38 UFC fights across a long and busy career. Holland framed his own pace as a point of pride, noting he racked up his appearances quickly enough to leave the door open for a clean exit.
For a second, it was 40. I think Donald Cerrone did 38. So why wouldn’t I do 39? I didn’t do it as good as him. But I did my number. I did it pretty fast, and it leaves me room to get out before I’m too old. That’s a smooth-sailing victory for me,” Holland said. “I’m just looking at wins and losses, overall. Wins and losses. I’m going to win the next and we’ll be close to even. I think his was a little smoother and a little better. So props to Donald Cerrone. There’s only one.
Holland Returns At UFC Fight Night 281
That 30th outing is already booked. Holland meets Jacobe Smith at UFC Fight Night 281 in Oklahoma City on July 18, 2026, in a welterweight bout. He carries a professional record of 29-15-0 into the fight, per Sherdog.
Holland has stayed active at 170 pounds through a mixed run of recent results. He beat Randy Brown on April 11, 2026, and topped Vicente Luque on June 7, 2025, while dropping bouts to Mike Malott on October 18, 2025, and Daniel Rodriguez on July 19, 2025.
With his roadmap now public, Holland’s plan hinges on staying healthy and productive at his usual two-to-three fights per year. If he holds that pace, the 38-fight milestone he described could arrive within a few short years.
