Michael Chiesa vs. Kevin Holland 7/29/23 – As anticipation builds for UFC 291, bettors are eagerly exploring MMA betting trends ahead of Michael Chiesa versus Kevin Holland’s highly-anticipated Welterweight bout, set for July 29th, 2023, at Delta Center, Salt Lake City, UT. In this analysis, we focus on both fighters’ offensive and defensive capabilities from past performances to give an insight into potential strategies they might employ for such an epic clash.
Michael Chiesa vs. Kevin Holland
Date & Time: Saturday, July 29, 2023 at 10:00 PM ET
Location: Delta Center, Salt Lake City, UT
TV: ESPN+
Michael Chiesa vs. Kevin Holland 7/29/23 Betting Odds
Chiesa
Moneyline: +130
Holland
Moneyline: -150
Michael Chiesa vs. Kevin Holland Analysis
Michael “Maverick” Chiesa comes into UFC 291 boasting an impressive 18-6-0 record, establishing himself as an unstoppable force in the welterweight division. Standing 6′ 1″ and weighing 170 lbs, Chiesa boasts both physical and technical prowess, making him an all-around fighter; one of his key strengths is his exceptional grappling ability throughout his MMA career.
Chiesa’s offense centers around his superior takedown game. Averaging 3.39 takedowns per 15 minutes with an accuracy rate of 54%, Chiesa has consistently demonstrated his ability to close distance and take opponents down to the mat. Once on the mat, Chiesa becomes a relentless grappler who looks for opportunities to advance his position or secure submission victories; with a submission average of 1.0 submission victory per 15 minutes, he poses an immediate threat to opponents’ ground game.
Chiesa may need to possess striking skills on par with his grappling abilities; he averages 1.88 significant strikes per minute at 41% accuracy, suggesting he prefers close-quarters combat rather than long-range strikes. Chiesa encountered difficulties closing distance against Brady in their most recent fight; maintaining a solid defensive strategy is imperative to avoid being struck repeatedly and incurring significant strikes.
Chiesa boasts an impressive 60% takedown defense rate, showing his ability to resist attempts by opponents to take him down. If Chiesa can successfully execute his grappling game plan and counter Kevin Holland’s striking, his takedown defense should help determine how this fight unfolds and lead him toward victory.
Kevin “Trailblazer” Holland boasts an outstanding record of 24-9-0 (1 NC). At 6′ 3″ and 170lbs, Holland stands tall and wields an 81-inch reach advantage, giving him an edge when engaging in striking exchanges.
Holland has built his fighting style around his striking prowess, which has become one of the hallmarks of his fighting style. He consistently lands 4.12 significant strikes per minute at an accuracy rate of 52%, demonstrating technical skill and ability to find openings against his opponent. Furthermore, due to his long reach, he can keep opponents at a distance, making takedown attempts more challenging for them to execute.
Holland may possess superior striking skills, but his takedown game does not match Chiesa’s. Averaging 0.84 takedowns every 15 minutes at 41% accuracy might cause him to forgo grappling exchanges as often; however, his 50% takedown defense could prevent Chiesa from taking the fight down to the ground.
Holland demonstrated his ability to control the distance and land significant strikes effectively against Ponzinibbio in their most recent fight. However, his striking defense remains an area for concern as he took an average of 2.98 significant strikes per minute against Chiesa, who excels at taking down opponents. Holland must therefore be wary not to leave himself open to takedowns or ground control tactics from Chiesa and be wary not leaving himself open against ground control attempts from Chiesa.
Michael Chiesa vs. Kevin Holland Stats
| Chiesa | Holland | |
| Wins/Losses/Draws | 18-6-0 | 24-9-0 (1 NC) |
| Average Fight Time | 9:54 | 11:18 |
| Height | 6′ 1″ | 6′ 3″ |
| Weight | 170 lbs. | 170 lbs. |
| Reach | 75″ | 81″ |
| Stance | Southpaw | Orthodox |
| Strikes Landed per Min. | 1.88 | 4.12 |
| Striking Accuracy | 41% | 52% |
| Strikes Absorbed per Min. | 1.67 | 2.98 |
| Defense | 54% | 52% |
| Takedowns Average/15 min. | 3.39 | 0.84 |
| Takedown Accuracy | 54% | 41% |
| Takedown Defense | 60% | 50% |
| Submission Average/15 min. | 1.0 | 0.5 |
Michael Chiesa vs. Kevin Holland Free Pick
Based on analyzing both fighters’ performances and styles, my pick for the UFC 291 Welterweight bout is Michael Chiesa. His exceptional grappling skills, high takedown average, and solid takedown defense give him a significant advantage in this matchup. Suppose Chiesa can execute his grappling-heavy strategy effectively and secure takedowns. In that case, he is more likely to control the fight on the ground and potentially finish the bout via submission. Therefore, my pick is Michael Chiesa to win this welterweight clash.
Free Pick: Michael Chiesa +130
For Canadian MMA betting sites, check reputable platforms that offer competitive odds and reliable services to enhance your betting experience. As the countdown to UFC 291 continues, let’s gear up for an action-packed night of exhilarating mixed martial arts action.
