The UFC returns to London with an exciting welterweight matchup as submission specialist Gunnar Nelson takes on the unpredictable Kevin Holland in a featured main card bout at UFC Fight Night 255: Edwards vs. Brady.

Gunnar Nelson (19-5-1) – Submission Specialist & BJJ Black Belt

Hailing from Iceland, Gunnar Nelson is a dangerous grappler with a black belt under Renzo Gracie. Known for his relaxed stance, karate-based striking, and world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Nelson has submitted 13 of his 19 career wins. His ability to close distance quickly and secure dominant positions makes him a constant threat on the mat.

However, Nelson’s biggest challenges have come against high-level strikers and pressure fighters. His losses to Leon Edwards, Gilbert Burns, and Santiago Ponzinibbio exposed defensive striking holes, particularly when opponents keep the fight standing and maintain a high pace.

Gunnar Nelson – Last Five Fights

✅ Win – Bryan Barberena (Submission – Armbar) – UFC 286, March 18, 2023
✅ Win – Takashi Sato (Decision) – UFC Fight Night, March 19, 2022
❌ Loss – Gilbert Burns (Decision) – UFC Fight Night, September 28, 2019
❌ Loss – Leon Edwards (Decision) – UFC Fight Night, March 16, 2019
✅ Win – Alex Oliveira (Submission – Rear-Naked Choke) – UFC 231, December 8, 2018

Kevin Holland (26-13, 1 NC) – Versatile Striker with Submission Threat

A fan-favorite due to his outspoken personality and action-packed fighting style, Kevin Holland is as unpredictable as they come. With 14 knockouts and 8 submission wins, Holland possesses dangerous finishing ability on both the feet and the ground. He thrives in chaotic exchanges and excels when he’s allowed to flow freely in striking battles.

Holland’s biggest weaknesses lie in his defensive grappling. While he has improved his wrestling over time, his submission losses to Khamzat Chimaev and Brendan Allen, as well as his struggles against strong grapplers like Marvin Vettori, raise concerns about his ability to handle an elite grappler like Nelson.

Kevin Holland – Last Five Fights

❌ Loss – Reinier de Ridder (Submission – RNC) – UFC 311, January 18, 2025
❌ Loss – Roman Dolidze (TKO – Corner Stoppage) – UFC 307, October 5, 2024
✅ Win – Michał Oleksiejczuk (Technical Submission – Armbar) – UFC 302, June 1, 2024
❌ Loss – Michael Page (Decision) – UFC 299, March 9, 2024
❌ Loss – Jack Della Maddalena (Decision) – UFC Fight Night, September 16, 2023

Fight Breakdown

This matchup comes down to whether Nelson can impose his grappling or if Holland can keep the fight standing. Nelson’s path to victory is clear—he needs to close the distance, secure takedowns, and work his submission game. Holland has historically struggled against strong wrestlers and submission specialists, which plays into Nelson’s strengths. However, Nelson’s striking is not at the level of Holland’s, and if he is forced into extended striking exchanges, he could be in trouble. Holland will look to use his superior reach, speed, and counterstriking to keep Nelson at bay. If he can stuff the takedowns and land clean shots early, he has a great chance of stopping Nelson.

Prediction

Nelson’s grappling is world-class, but his wrestling entries can be predictable, and Holland’s athleticism could allow him to escape dangerous positions. However, Holland’s biggest weakness has always been his takedown defense, and unless he has drastically improved in that department, Nelson should be able to capitalize. Expect Nelson to weather the early striking storm, find an opportunity to take Holland down, and secure a submission victory.

Gunnar Nelson via Submission (Round 2).