UFC star and Bjj black belt Kevin Holland has built his name inside one of the toughest sports in the world, but when it comes to his own son, he hopes the next generation chooses a very different road.

Speaking recently, Holland opened up about his 13 year old son’s relationship with combat sports and explained that while he has taught him some basics, he has no desire to push him into jiu jitsu, boxing, MMA, or any martial art long term.

“No, I’ve made him do jiu-jitsu and my little brother’s actually thinking about (MMA) now,” he said.

Like many fighters, Holland believes self defense skills matter. He shared that when his children were younger, he made sure they knew enough to protect themselves if needed.

“When he was younger and my son’s younger, I’ve always made sure they knew how to do a one, two, three, a good roundhouse kick to the leg and a good flying knee. And as long as they could do those, I felt like we’d be okay.”

But beyond that, Holland says fighting was never something he wanted to force on them.

“But it’s not something I’m trying to preach and push upon them.”

The UFC veteran then gave a perspective many longtime fighters may understand. After years of competition, damage, pressure, and sacrifice, he would rather see his children find happiness somewhere else.

“I fight enough times in a lifetime that they should never have to. And if they can find other things that makes them happy, then I’m happy.”

That “other thing” appears to be horses.

According to Holland, his son has already made it clear he prefers a path far away from punches and cage fights.

“He goes, ‘Dad, I can actually make some money riding horses.’ I said, ‘Yeah, you can make plenty of money riding horses.’ And he said, ‘Okay, I’ll do that. I don’t want to get punched in the face. I mean, you see my face now. I don’t want to look like that.’ So, he has a game plan.”

Holland later returned to the subject and made his hopes crystal clear.

“My son, he’s all about these horses and hopefully they stay far away.”

“So, I don’t know. Hopefully no jiu-jitsu and no martial arts for my son, though. Hopefully none.”

It is a refreshing perspective from a professional fighter. Many assume fighters automatically want their children to follow the same path, but Holland’s comments show another reality. Sometimes the people who know combat sports best also know exactly why they may want something different for their kids.

For now, it looks like Holland’s son has already chosen his lane and it does not involve getting punched in the face.

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