Kevin Holland’s candor and humor have made him a standout personality in the UFC. Beyond his performances in the octagon, Holland often delves into controversial and lighthearted topics, blending his outspoken nature with wit.
During an appearance on the Overdogs Podcast, Holland weighed in on Mike Perry’s arrest, which many commenters speculated was a case of racial profiling. In the arrest video, Perry was detained after refusing field tests. Online, some suggested the incident stemmed more from Perry’s race than his alleged behavior.
Holland humorously backed these claims, saying, “Speaking of that racist stuff, you know them cops was racial profiling me… comments on the Internet is just saying that they was, you know, pulling me over driving while Black.” To Perry’s statement, Holland added, “I think so too.”
Holland encouraged Perry to challenge the charges, saying, “Tell them, ‘I don’t think I got a DUI; I think I got a DWB [Driving While Black].’” Despite Holland’s lighthearted tone, the discussion highlighted a serious issue: concerns about racial bias in policing.
Perry revealed he had accepted a plea deal to resolve the case but admitted the ordeal left him frustrated. “I think I’ve accepted a plea on that just so we can get it gone. I think I’m currently on probation as we speak,” Perry shared. Holland expressed his own irritation, saying, “That’s why I wanted to talk about it—because I’m still kind of mad about it.”
From Trolls to Societal Issues
Holland’s willingness to confront difficult topics mirrors his approach to internet hecklers who dare to challenge him in real life. On the same podcast episode, Holland recounted instances where online trolls showed up at his gym to back up their words. These encounters often led to sparring sessions, where Holland demonstrated the consequences of running one’s mouth.
“There’s been a couple times,” Holland shared. “I took one guy, and then there was another guy. We were at one of the UFC things, doing a meet and greet. Some dude just kept talking, so I was like, ‘Bro, you can meet me at the gym.’ And the guy showed up to the gym the next day, so [I] beat his a*s.”
While Holland may enjoy putting trolls in their place, he also respects those who have the courage to face him in person. “I like them when they show up, bro. You can run your mouth all you want, long as you show up,” he said. “You show up, you got rights to do whatever the hell you want to do with it, bro. You know what comes with this, so you’re good.”
Holland’s blend of candor and respect ensures he remains a compelling figure, both inside and outside the UFC.
