Luque and Holland to Clash in UFC 316 Opener This Weekend

Newark, NJ — Vicente Luque and Kevin Holland will face off Saturday in the main card opener of UFC 316 at the Prudential Center. The welterweight showdown is set for June 7, 2025, at approximately 9:10 p.m. ET, airing on pay-per-view.

Luque (23-10-1 MMA, 16-6 UFC), a 33-year-old Brazilian fighter, aims to secure back-to-back wins for the first time since 2021. After a tough stretch of 2-3 over his last five bouts, Luque enters the octagon following a submission victory against Themba Gorimbo in December. Despite a serious brain bleed that threatened his career after a battle with Geoff Neal, Luque has shown resilience in his return.

In contrast, Holland (27-13 MMA, 14-10 UFC) is also looking to build on recent success. The 32-year-old American comes off a unanimous decision win over Gunnar Nelson in March, hoping to achieve consecutive victories for the first time since 2023. Known for his striking prowess, Holland’s inconsistency has raised questions about his ability to maintain a winning streak.

The betting odds reflect Holland as the favorite at -265 while Luque stands at +210, according to FanDuel. Leading up to the fight, analysts view Holland as a considerable opponent, but Luque’s grappling skills may offer an unexpected path to victory.

Analysts note that Luque’s ability to withstand Holland’s strikes will be crucial, particularly given Holland’s impressive reach and striking style. Both fighters carry heavy knockout potential, making this matchup an anticipated clash of powerful athletes.

UFC 316 is part of a packed card featuring a championship doubleheader, including Merab Dvalishvili defending his bantamweight title against Sean O'Malley and Julianna Pena facing Kayla Harrison. The event promises to deliver high-stakes fights and highlight the welterweight division.