Kevin Holland pulls out of UFC Oklahoma City with injury

Kevin Holland has withdrawn from his scheduled welterweight bout against Jacobe Smith at UFC Oklahoma City next weekend due to injury, per an initial report from social media user Kevin K that was confirmed by MMA Mania.

Holland was slated to face the undefeated prospect on July 18 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The UFC has not yet announced whether Smith will remain on the card or if matchmakers will attempt to secure a replacement opponent on short notice.

Holland's recent form and what's next for Smith

The cancellation scraps what would have been Holland's return following a unanimous decision win over Randy Brown at UFC 327 in April, which ended a two-fight losing streak. Holland has gone 4-4 across his last eight outings, alternating wins and losses in a string of action-heavy performances that have kept the longtime veteran a fan favorite at 170 pounds.

Smith, meanwhile, has emerged as one of the welterweight division's most violent prospects. The 12-0 finisher knocked out Josiah Harrell at UFC Houston in his most recent appearance, earning a Performance of the Night bonus. Before that, Smith submitted Niko Price on short notice and demolished Preston Parsons in 73 seconds.

The Oklahoma City card is headlined by Dricus Du Plessis versus Kamaru Usman, with Jared Cannonier taking on Christian Leroy Duncan in the co-main event.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Bummer! UFC Oklahoma City loses big fight one week before fight night