Gunnar Nelson returns to face Kevin Holland at UFC London

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Gunnar Nelson (19-5-1) is set to return to the Octagon, for the first time since his round one submission win over Bryan Barberena in March 2023.

He will be facing Kevin Holland (26-13-0 1 NC) on the UFC Fight Night 225 on March 22, who unlike Nelson has competed frequently, losing by first-round submission in a middleweight bout against Reinier De Ridder in January.

Nelson, 36, has fought just five times since 2018. Multiple injuries derailed his promising UFC career, with fans once touting him as a future contender.

Holland looks to return quickly to the cage after just a two-month layoff. It seems that the plan he told ESPN of “fighting six times this year” is coming to fruition.

Holland will look to rediscover his old form by moving weight class, dropping back down to welterweight after losing four of his last five bouts.

Nelson may have a two-fight winning streak but his recurring injuries and layoff time could prove to be an advantage for Holland who has seen plenty of the Octagon in recent years, fighting 26 times since 2018, being the most active fighter on the roster.

However, this does not mean Nelson is not a tough test for Holland as Nelson has only lost to the best Welterweights in recent years, losing to just Gilbert Burns and Leon Edwards in his last five.

Holland’s record at welterweight is 4-4, and he seemingly never found his footing in the weight class losing to Michale Venom Page (‘MVP’) last time he fought at 170lbs.

The fight will take place at the O2 Arena, with former welterweight champion Leon Edwards facing rising prospect Jack Della Maddalena in the main event.

If you would like to watch this event live in England, you can tune in to TNT Sports, which holds the broadcasting rights for UFC events in the UK. Additionally, the event will be available on UFC Fight Pass, UFC‘s official streaming service.