Kevin "Trailblazer" Holland is an American professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Middleweight division for the UFC. A professional since 2015, Holland has also competed for Bellator MMA, King of the Cage and Legacy Fighting Alliance. We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Kevin for a little Q&A!
How long have you been doing mixed martial arts (MMA)?
My first MMA fight was around 19 years old, so I have been in the MMA game about 10 years now.
What made you want to do what you are doing? What’s your story?
I wanted to be the best street fighter around and be able to protect myself if anybody messed with me since I grew up in a kinda rough neighborhood.
I head-butted the security guard in HS and got kicked out...at my new school the teacher was also a Kung Fu instructor and I started going to his gym. After 3 years I became a black belt in Kung Fu and then met Travis Lutter who brought me in to try out some Jiu Jitsu. In my first week doing Jiu Jitsu training, I got tapped out so much that I realized my black belt in Kung Fu didn't mean much. I then started coming back to the Jiu Jitsu practices to learn the craft better and start blending all the forms of martial arts together to become the fighter I am today.
What has been your favorite fight in UFC so far?
My Thiago Santos fight which was my UFC debut. It was a fun fight and I feel like that was my breakout moment where the fans got to know me and get a feel for what to expect out of me. A game fighter, who likes to fight-fight and have some fun talking at the same time.
Why ICON Meals? What makes us different?
I've been eating ICON Meals since I was fighting locally on the regional scene. They have always been a legit company and provided great food but, in a sense, I feel like we grew together. I worked my way up to the UFC and up the ladder to get in the rankings and to be featured as a main event. ICON Meals has worked their way up to be recognized as one of if not the best meal prep companies out there. They did that by always delivering high quality food that is healthy and tasty....that is a powerful 1-2 punch if you ask me.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Don't get mad, get even.
Who is your biggest inspiration? Why?
My son and my little brother...when I look at them, it always reminds me to keep going and to always get better both inside and outside of the cage.
How do you balance your UFC career and life demands?
UFC is my life demand right now, so everything that goes into training, eating, sleeping etc... it is all a part of my job to become the best athlete / martial artist that I can be. That also includes marketing and promoting myself and the UFC platform.
What do you want your legacy to be? How do you want to be remembered?
Always down for the cause! If somebody needs help in life, they can call on me. If UFC needs somebody to step up for a fight on short notice, they can call on me. Anywhere, anytime, anybody...I'm always down for the cause!
What is your current focus? Any plans for the future?
With the help of ICON Meals, I am taking my talents to the 170 pound division next. I will be working with their team and the UFC PI on a custom meal plan to help me cut an extra 10 pounds when I get closer to fight night.
What are your favorite ICON Meals? Or favorite thing about ICON Meals?
Cheeseburger mix-up and the bbq brisket sandwich are my favorite. For breakfast, the protein pancakes are pretty darn legit as well! The quality is spot on in every meal. I love it that they don't compromise on the taste, and I am still eating healthy. Most people think that if you are going to eat clean/healthy, that your meals aren't going to be delicious. With ICON Meals you get both.
Stay connected with Kevin on:
- Instagram at @trailblaze2top
- Facebook at @kevin.holland.906
- Twitter at @Trailblaze2top
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