If Nate Diaz wants a fight to finally finish his UFC contract, Kevin Holland is volunteering his services.
After a win against Tim Means in UFC Austin by Holland, Diaz declared that he would face “anyone “ to complete his UFC contract.
Diaz still has one fight on his contract. He’s insistent that he wants his deal to end so he can go free to pursue other suitors. Now Holland is answering the call while promising that he’d send Diaz packing on a loss.
“I’d smoke Diaz for the Diaz fight,” Holland said to MMA Fighting. It doesn’t really matter if you are a big brother or a little brother. If I was Diaz brother, it would be me. Nick is a stronger fighter than Nate. They’re both great fighters, and I would smoke them.
” They’re not the only ones who are winning, so let’s get real. They’re both fun fights. They’re both over the hill. I mean Nate did good against Leon [Edwards] but Leon has a butter chin. It is what it is. For sure, I think me and Nate would have a fun time.”
Diaz has been embroiled in a contentious relationship with the UFC for months as he has continuously complained about not being offered a fight so he could finish his contract. As for Nick Diaz, he’s coming off a loss to Robbie Lawler from this past September in what was his first fight back in over six years but he’s stated that he plans to compete again, although nothing has been booked for him just yet.
Holland has been riding high since he won back-to-back victories at welterweight, including the stoppage win over Alex Oliveira as well as his submission against Means.
Immediately after his win, Holland actually asked for a fight against undefeated prospect Sean Brady but he admits the Diaz matchup really intrigues him now that it might be a possibility.
” In all truth, I’d love to see Sean Brady face someone else to get closer to the title,” Holland stated. “Think about it — if [Kamaru] Usman’s at 170 pounds, he needs some new faces.
“He has [Khamzat] Chimaev, somebody like Sean Brady, there’s another new guy that’s up and coming [Shavkat Rakhmonov], he’s pretty bad ass. Although I cannot pronounce his name, I’m not going to ruin it. There are some men out there who would make good Usman and I’d be happy to put you on the tail of that .”
.
Holland has never backed down from a challenge so he’ll gladly face whoever the UFC throws at him but he believes a showdown with Diaz would attract a lot of attention.
Famous for talking to his opponents in the cage, Holland expects a fight with Diaz would produce more than a few memorable soundbites not to mention a spectacular clash for the fans.
“For sure, I think me and Nate would have a fun time,” Holland said. “I think the s*** talking back and forth would be awesome.
“I would let him Stockton slap me one time just for the fans and then I’d slap him back. Although he refused to let me have it, I would get it back for my fans. Yes, it would make a great scrap .”
I’ll take anyone. He will take any person. @NateDiaz209 let’s do this for everyone! @danawhite I think this moves the needle!
I want all the both inside and outside the cage pic.twitter.com/18sTduxU3B— Kevin Holland (@Trailblaze2top) June 22, 2022
While Holland expects that his power would be more than enough to overwhelm Diaz, he would actually prefer to test himself against the one-time UFC title challenger across 25 minutes in a main event fight.
Holland admits to wanting to improve his conditioning to fight Diaz. This is especially true after having to run after an Austin perfume thief just days before Means’ win.
” I wouldn’t attempt to knock Nate out,” Holland stated. “I’d try to go five rounds with Nate. I’d try to test my cardio with Nate. Although I’m sure my coaches won’t like to hear it, I believe I can beat Nate anyplace. I think it would be awesome.”
” That crackhead [in Austin] really pushed my heart rate. Nate’s built like a crackhead. For sure, he’d push my cardio .”
Another name mentioned to Holland as a possible opponent is Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson, who is most notably known for his highlight reel knockouts and unique striking style.
Thompson currently has consecutive losses to Gilbert Burns, Belal Muhammad — each by unanimous decision — but Holland is open to the challenge if offered.
” I enjoy both matchups, Holland stated. “Neither matchup proves I can beat the champ but both matchups are very fun. I am in a good place in my life because of both matchups. For me both guys, truthfully, I think I could beat them in many different ways.
” I could outwit Wonderboy striking. He is a karate man. He’s fighting kung-fu against karate. I shouldn’t grapple with him but if I were to grapple with him, I’m pretty sure I would wreck on him.”
Holland admits that Diaz would be his first choice but he’s more than happy to take one fight after the other if the UFC wants to keep him busy for the rest of 2022.
“Let’s spread it out,” Holland said. “I’ll take Nate and then I’ll take ‘Wonderboy.'”
