UFC 318: Kevin Holland vs. Daniel Rodriguez: Live round-by-round updates

Kevin Holland and Daniel Rodriguez have circled each other for nearly three years. They were originally set to fight at UFC 279 in 2022 before a reshuffle forced Holland to face Khamzat Chimaev instead.

Now, at UFC 318, they finally meet in a welterweight bout with real implications for both. Holland is ranked No. 13 and is chasing his third straight win. Rodriguez is unranked but dangerous and eager to climb back into contention.

Holland has had one of the busiest UFC calendars in recent years. He’s coming off a slick submission win over Vicente Luque and has made clear his goal is to stay active and fight as many as seven times in 2025. He’s tall for the division, fights long, and brings power from awkward angles. His jiu-jitsu continues to improve, and his defensive wrestling has tightened up.

Rodriguez brings a very different style. A southpaw boxer, he thrives in tight range and doesn’t mind eating shots to give some back. His pressure and volume are what make him dangerous.

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For Rodriguez, this is a big opportunity. He’s won two in a row, including a recent TKO over Santiago Ponzinibbio. If he can close the distance and turn this into a gritty striking battle, he could make things difficult for Holland.

UFC 318 takes place at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on Saturday, July 19, with early prelims starting at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT on ESPN2, ESPN+, and Disney+, prelims at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on ESPN, ESPN+, and Disney+. Meanwhile, the main card will air on ESPN+ Pay-Per-View beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for the live coverage and play-by-play updates of the fight:

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Round 1

Holland starts with a stomp kick to the lead leg. Rodriguez fires back with straight left hands. Long, rangy kicks from Holland as he tries to attack the base of Rodriguez. Holland shoots for a takedown, but it's well defended by his opponent. A left hook and right-hand combination lands for Holland. He's working the body well. Rodriguez attacks the body with short jabs. Rodriguez seems to be getting the better of the boxing exchanges. He hurts Holland with a check right hook that snaps his head back. Holland recovers quickly and gets back on the attack with his kicks. Rodriguez is hurting Holland every time they get in boxing range. Holland needs to keep him at range with the kicks.

Our Score: 10-9 Holland

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Round 2

Rodriguez starts the round by firing off a few jabs. He wobbles Holland with a stinging left hook, and Holland is dropped! He swarms in for the finish and invites the fight back on the feet. He drops Holland again and hurts his rival with strong left hands. Rodriguez needs to invite the fight back on the feet. He's just allowing Holland time to recover. Labored punches from Holland and Rodriguez, and Holland shoots for a takedown. He gets it and tries to squeeze in a D'Arce choke as they try to get back on their feet. High output in this round by both fighters, even through labored exchanges.

Our Score: 10-9 Rodriguez (19-19 overall)

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Round 3

Big connection with the left hand early in the third round by Rodriguez. Holland is pressing the action as he senses Rodriguez slowing down. Holland drops Rodriguez with a right hand, and he swarms for the finish. He hurts him again with a left hand to the right combination. He's hunting him down with uppercuts and knees. What a round! Holland catches Rodriguez clean with a right hand, and Rodriguez tries to take him down. Holland tries to sink in a rear-naked choke, but Rodriguez survives the onslaught. He's in the top now, full mount, as he rains down heavy punches on Holland. Back-and-forth we go as Rodriguez hunts for the guillotine.

Our Score: 10-9 Rodriguez (29-28 overall)

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Official Result

Daniel Rodriguez defeats Kevin Holland by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, and 29-28).

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Edited by Abhishek Nambiar