Kurt Holobaugh

Holobaugh compiled an amateur record of 3-0 before making his professional MMA debut in March 2011.{{cite web | url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/27877-kurt-holobaugh | title=Kurt Holobaugh ("The Hurt") | MMA Fighter Page }} Over the next year-and-a-half, he amassed an undefeated record of 9 wins and no losses, with all but one of his wins coming by stoppage before the final bell.

In 2013, Holobaugh joined the Strikeforce organization. He made his debut against Pat Healy at Strikeforce: Marquardt vs. Saffiedine on January 12, 2013. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.{{Cite web |last=Kontek |first=Riley |title=Strikeforce Results: What We Learned from Pat Healy vs. Kurt Holobaugh |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1481932-strikeforce-results-what-we-learned-from-pat-healy-vs-kurt-holobaugh |access-date=2023-03-26 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}

Following the Strikeforce event, the organization was folded and merged with the Ultimate Fighting Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2012/12/strikeforce-confirms-jan-12-event-is-final-showtime-broadcast|title=Strikeforce confirms Jan. 12 event is final Showtime broadcast|publisher=MMAJunkie.com|date=2012-12-20}} Holobaugh's contract was honored and he made his UFC debut against Steven Siler at UFC 159 on April 27, 2013. He lost the fight by unanimous decision and was subsequently released by the promotion.{{Cite web |date=2013-04-27 |title=UFC 159 results/photos: Steven Siler edges Kurt Holobaugh in prelim thriller |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2013/04/ufc-159-resultsphotos-kurt-holobaugh-vs-steven-siler |access-date=2023-03-26 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}

After his UFC release, Holobaugh fought for various independent MMA promotions. He found the most success in Titan Fighting Championships, where he compiled a record of 5-1 within the promotion, and held both the Featherweight Championship and Interim Lightweight Championship.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2015/03/titan-fc-33-results-kurt-holobaugh-beats-desmond-green-wins-featherweight-title|title=Titan FC 33 results: Kurt Holobaugh beats Desmond Green, wins featherweight title|date=21 March 2017|publisher=MMAjunkie|accessdate=10 February 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2017/05/titan-fc-44-results-jose-torres-becomes-promotions-first-two-division-champ-asks-for-ufc-shot|title=Titan FC 44 results: Jose Torres becomes promotion's first 2-division champ, asks for UFC shot|date=20 May 2017|publisher=MMAjunkie|accessdate=10 February 2019}}

Holobaugh would then be invited to compete in the main event of the inaugural edition of Dana White's Contender Series, facing Bellator veteran Matt Bessette.{{Cite web |last=Alexander |first=Mookie |date=2017-06-14 |title=Report: Holobaugh-Bessette to headline 'Contender Series' debut |url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2017/6/14/15802910/report-kurt-holobaugh-vs-matt-bessette-dana-white-contender-series-debut-mma-ufc-news |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=Bloody Elbow |language=en}} Holobaugh won the fight via knockout in round one, securing a UFC contract.{{Cite web |date=2017-07-12 |title='Dana White's Contender Series' Week 1 results: Kurt Holobaugh KOs Matt Bessette in headliner |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2017/07/dana-whites-contender-series-week-1-results-kurt-holobaugh-kos-matt-bessette-in-headliner |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}

He faced Raoni Barcelos at UFC Fight Night: dos Santos vs. Ivanov and lost via knockout in the third round.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/11/3/18059986/ufc-230-results-shane-burgos-submits-kurt-holobaugh-in-opening-round|title=UFC 230 results: Shane Burgos submits Kurt Holobaugh in opening round|date=3 November 2018 |publisher=|accessdate=26 November 2018}} Despite the loss, the win earned Holobaugh his first Fight of the Night bonus award.{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/07/ufc-fight-night-133-boise-bonuses-niko-price-chad-mendes-raoni-barcelos-kurt-holobaugh-50000|title=UFC Fight Night 133 bonuses: You know Niko Price's hammerfists got him $50,000|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=2018-07-15|accessdate=2018-07-15}}

Holobaugh next faced Shane Burgos at UFC 230 on November 3, 2018. He lost the fight via submission in the third round.{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/event/UFC-230|title=UFC 230: Cormier vs. Lewis|publisher=Ultimate Fighting Championship|accessdate=2018-07-18}}

Holobaugh faced Thiago Moisés on May 11, 2019 UFC 237.{{Cite web|url=http://mmadna.nl/thiago-moises-treft-kurt-holobaugh-tijdens-ufc-237-in-rio-de-janeiro/|title=Thiago Moises treft Kurt Holobaugh tijdens UFC 237 in Rio de Janeiro|last=DNA|first=MMA|date=28 March 2019 |language=en-US|access-date=2019-03-28}} He lost the fight by unanimous decision.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2019/05/11/ufc-237-results-moises-vs-holobaugh/|title=UFC 237 Results: Thiago Moises Earns First UFC Win Over Kurt Holobaugh|last=McClory|first=Mike|date=2019-05-11|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-12}}

Holobaugh was released by the UFC in December 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2019/12/ufc-roster-update-releases-cuts-zak-ottow-kurt-holobaugh-more|title=UFC roster update: Zak Ottow, Kurt Holobaugh among 10 released; one fighter announces retirement|date=2019-12-19|website=MMA Junkie|language=en|access-date=2019-12-20}}

Holobaugh faced Joziro Boye at XFC 43 on November 11, 2020.{{cite web|url=https://mmasucka.com/2020/11/02/andre-soukhamthath-on-xfc-debut-its-gonna-be-bloody/|title=Andre Soukhamthath On XFC Debut: 'It's Gonna be Bloody'|author=Michael DeSantis|date=November 2, 2020|publisher=mmasucka.com}} He won the bout via first round TKO.{{Cite web|last=Freeman|first=Nate|title=XFC 43 Results - MMA Sucka|date=11 November 2020 |url=https://mmasucka.com/2020/11/11/xfc-43-results/|access-date=2021-04-26|language=en-US}}

As the semifinal of XFC Lightweight tournament Holobaugh was initially scheduled to face Scott Hudson at XFC 44 on May 28, 2021.{{Cite web|title=Xtreme Fighting Championships Unveils Main Card For XFC 44 On May 28 In Des Moines, LIVE On FOX Deportes And FOX Sports 2|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/xtreme-fighting-championships-unveils-main-100000329.html|access-date=2021-04-26|website=finance.yahoo.com|language=en-US}} However, Hudson withdrew and was replaced by Jose Luis Verdugo. He won the bout via KO at the beginning of the second round and advanced to the final.{{Cite web|title=XFC 44 Results {{!}} Fightful News|url=https://www.fightful.com/mma/results/xfc-44-results-live-coverage-and-discussion-tonight-8pm-est|access-date=2021-05-29|website=www.fightful.com|language=en}}

In March 2023, it was announced that Holobaugh would be competing in the thirty-first season of The Ultimate Fighter.{{Cite web |last=Heck |first=Mike |date=2023-03-05 |title=Full TUF 31 cast revealed, featuring Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler as coaches |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/3/5/23625885/full-tuf-31-cast-revealed-featuring-conor-mcgregor-and-michael-chandler-as-coaches |access-date=2023-03-26 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}}

In the quarterfinal Holobaugh faced team McGregor's number 1 ranked lightweight prospect Lee Hammond, who is also a training partner to McGregor at his gym in Ireland. After being behind for the majority of the fight, Holobaugh managed to win the fight via guillotine choke submission late in the second round.{{Cite web |title='The Ultimate Fighter 31: McGregor vs. Chandler' Episode 6 recap: Crushed Conor McGregor gets violent |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/the-ultimate-fighter-31-conor-mcgregor-vs-michael-chandler-shove-episode-6-recap-holobaugh-hammond |website=mmajunkie.usatoday.com |date=5 July 2023 |language=en}}

In the semi-final, Holobaugh defeated teammate Jason Knight via TKO in the second round.{{Cite web |title='Fight of the Season' — TUF 31 results video, full Ep. 11 recap McGregor vs. Chandler |url=https://www.mmamania.com/2023/8/8/23824005/fight-of-the-season-tuf-31-results-video-full-ep-11-recap-mcgregor-vs-chandler-mma |website=mmamania.com |date=8 August 2023 |language=en}}

Holobaugh faced former LFA Lightweight Champion and fellow teammate Austin Hubbard in the tournament final on August 19, 2023 at UFC 292.{{Cite web |title=TUF 31 Episode 11 takeaways: McGregor wins coaches challenge, Holobaugh punches a ticket to the lightweight finale |url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/38151107/mcgregor-wins-coaches-challenge-holobaugh-punches-ticket-lightweight-finale |website=espn.com |date=9 August 2023 |language=en}} He won the fight via a triangle choke submission in the second round to become TUF 31 lightweight winner.{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jay |date=2023-08-19 |title=UFC 292: Kurt Holobaugh Wins TUF 31 Crown Against Austin Hubbard |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2023/08/19/ufc-292-austin-hubbard-vs-kurt-holobaugh/ |access-date=2023-08-20 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}

Holobaugh faced Trey Ogden on March 23, 2024, at UFC on ESPN 53.{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Damon |date=2024-01-11 |title=TUF 31 winner Kurt Holobaugh vs. Trey Ogden set for March 23 UFC event |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2024/1/11/24035171/tuf-31-winner-kurt-holobaugh-vs-trey-ogden-set-for-march-23-ufc-event |access-date=2024-01-11 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}} He lost the bout by unanimous decision.{{Cite web |last=Dewar |first=Val |date=2024-03-24 |title=UFC Vegas 89: Trey Ogden's Wrestling Dominant, Sees Him Defeat Kurt Holobaugh |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2024/03/23/ufc-vegas-89-trey-ogdens-wrestling-dominant-sees-him-defeat-kurt-holobaugh/ |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}

Holobaugh faced Kaynan Kruschewsky on July 20, 2024, at UFC on ESPN 60.{{Cite web |date=2024-05-01 |title=UFC books Kurt Holobaugh vs. Kaynan Kruschewsky for July 20 in Las Vegas |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2024/05/ufc-news-kurt-holobaugh-vs-kaynan-kruschewsky-july-20-las-vegas-mma-fight-booking-matchup-announcement |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}} He won the fight by unanimous decision.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2024/07/20/kurt-holobaugh-goes-to-war-with-kruschewsky-wins-decision/|title=Kurt Holobaugh Goes To War With Kruschewsky, Wins Decision|publisher=cagesidepress.com|author=Bryson Hester|date=2024-07-20|access-date=2024-07-20}}

Holobaugh faced Alexander Hernandez on March 15, 2025, at UFC Fight Night 254.{{Cite web |date=2025-01-09 |title=UFC books Alexander Hernandez vs. Kurt Holobaugh|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2025/01/ufc-news-alexander-hernandez-vs-kurt-holobaugh |access-date=2025-01-10 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}} He lost the fight by unanimous decision.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2025/03/15/alexander-hernandez-scraps-with-holobaugh-uses-wrestling-to-get-dec-win/|title=Alexander Hernandez Scraps With Holobaugh, Uses Wrestling To Get Dec Win|publisher=cagesidepress.com|author=Eddie Law|date=2025-03-15|access-date=2025-03-15}}

• Ultimate Fighting Championship
• The Ultimate Fighter 31 Lightweight Tournament Winner
• Fight of the Night (one time) {{small|vs. Raoni Barcelos}}
• Titan Fighting Championship
• Titan FC Featherweight Championship (One time)
• Interim Titan FC Lightweight Championship (One time)
• Xtreme Fighting Championships
• XFC Louisiana Featherweight Championship (One time)

{{MMArecordbox

|ko-wins=7

|ko-losses=1

|sub-wins=10

|sub-losses=1

|dec-wins=4

|dec-losses=7

|nc=1

}}

{{MMA record start}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|{{nowrap|21–9 (1)}}

|Alexander Hernandez

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC Fight Night: Vettori vs. Dolidze 2

|{{dts|2025|March|15}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|{{nowrap|21–8 (1)}}

|Kaynan Kruschewsky

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC on ESPN: Lemos vs. Jandiroba

|{{dts|2024|July|20}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|{{nowrap|20–8 (1)}}

|Trey Ogden

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC on ESPN: Ribas vs. Namajunas

|{{dts|2024|March|23}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|{{nowrap|20–7 (1)}}

|Austin Hubbard

|Submission (triangle choke)

|UFC 292

|{{dts|2023|August|19}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|2:39

|Boston, Massachusetts, United States

|{{small|Won The Ultimate Fighter 31 Lightweight Tournament.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|19–7 (1)

|Jose Luis Verdugo

|KO (punch)

|XFC 44

|{{dts|2021|May|28}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|0:11

|Des Moines, Iowa, United States

|{{small|XFC Lightweight Tournament Semifinal.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|18–7 (1)

|Joziro Boye

|TKO (knees and punches)

|XFC 43

|{{dts|2020|November|11}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|0:26

|Atlanta, Georgia, United States

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|17–7 (1)

|Thiago Moisés

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC 237

|{{dts|2019|May|11}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

|{{small|Return to Lightweight.}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|17–6 (1)

|Shane Burgos

|Submission (armbar)

|UFC 230

|{{dts|2018|November|03}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|2:11

|New York City, New York, United States

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|17–5 (1)

|Raoni Barcelos

|KO (punches)

|UFC Fight Night: dos Santos vs. Ivanov

|{{dts|2018|July|14}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|1:29

|Boise, Idaho, United States

|{{small|Fight of the Night.}}

|-

|{{nocontest}}NC

|align=center|17–4 (1)

|Matt Bessette

|NC (overturned)

|Dana White's Contender Series 1

|{{dts|2017|July|11}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|2:59

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{small|Return to Featherweight. Originally a KO (punch) win for Holobaugh; overturned due to his prohibited prefight use of an IV.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|17–4

|Gesias Cavalcante

|TKO (punches)

|Titan FC 44

|{{dts|2017|May|19}}

|align=center|4

|align=center|2:45

|Pembroke Pines, Florida, United States

|{{small|Won the interim Titan FC Lightweight Championship.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|16–4

|Yosdenis Cedeno

|Submission (rear-naked choke)

|Titan FC 42

|{{dts|2016|December|02}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|1:22

|Coral Gables, Florida, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|15–4

|Luciano dos Santos

|TKO (punches)

|Titan FC 39

|{{dts|2016|June|10}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|4:21

|Coral Gables, Florida, United States

|{{small|Return to Lightweight.}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|14–4

|Magomedrasul Khasbulaev

|Decision (unanimous)

|WFCA 16

|{{dts|2016|March|12}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Grozny, Russia

|{{small|2016 WFCA Featherweight Grand Prix Quarterfinal.}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|14–3

|Andre Harrison

|Decision (unanimous)

|Titan FC 34

|{{dts|2015|July|18}}

|align=center|5

|align=center|5:00

|Kansas City, Missouri, United States

|{{small|Lost the Titan FC Featherweight Championship.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|14–2

|Desmond Green

|Decision (split)

|Titan FC 33

|{{dts|2015|March|20}}

|align=center|5

|align=center|5:00

|Mobile, Alabama, United States

|{{small|Won the Titan FC Featherweight Championship.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|13–2

|Lloyd Woodard

|TKO (punches)

|Titan FC 29

|{{dts|2014|August|22}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|0:15

|Fayetteville, North Carolina, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|12–2

|Eric Marriott

|Decision (unanimous)

|Titan FC 27

|{{dts|2014|February|28}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Kansas City, Kansas, United States

|{{small|Lightweight bout.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|11–2

|Calvin Miller

|Submission (rear naked choke)

|XFC: Louisiana

|{{dts|2013|August|24}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|2:10

|Ponchatoula, Louisiana, United States

|{{small|Won the vacant XFC Featherweight Championship.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|10–2

|John LeBlanc

|Submission

|In Ya Face: Caged Warrior 1

|{{dts|2013|July|12}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|1:13

|Houma, Louisiana, United States

|{{small|Lightweight bout.}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|9–2

|Steven Siler

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC 159

|{{dts|2013|April|27}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Newark, New Jersey, United States

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|9–1

|Pat Healy

|Decision (unanimous)

|Strikeforce: Marquardt vs. Saffiedine

|{{dts|2013|January|12}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States

|{{small|Lightweight bout.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|9–0

|Wesley Dunlap

|KO (punch)

|Fight Force International: Blood and Sand 13

|{{dts|2012|October|27}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|1:21

|Biloxi, Mississippi, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|8–0

|Wellington Brito

|TKO (punches)

|XFC: Natural Disaster 3

|{{dts|2012|August|25}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|3:31

|Denham Springs, Louisiana, United States

|{{small|Featherweight debut. Won the vacant XFC Featherweight Championship.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|7–0

|Ronnie Rogers

|Submission (rear naked choke)

|Fight Force International: Blood and Sand 12

|{{dts|2012|June|30}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|1:15

|Biloxi, Mississippi, United States

|{{small|Catchweight (160 lb) bout.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|6–0

|Will Cruthirds

|Submission (rear naked choke)

|Fight Force International: Blood and Sand 11

|{{dts|2012|April|28}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|1:55

|Biloxi, Mississippi, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|5–0

|J.C. Pennington

|Submission (triangle choke)

|XFC: Chaos at the Castine Center 2

|{{dts|2012|April|07}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|3:12

|Mandeville, Louisiana, United States

|{{small|Won the vacant XFC Lightweight Championship.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|4–0

|Booker Arthur

|Decision (unanimous)

|XFC: Nightmare on the Northshore

|{{dts|2011|October|29}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Mandeville, Louisiana, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|3–0

|Paul Soileau

|Submission (guillotine choke)

|Felix's FC: Night of Champions 2

|{{dts|2011|July|23}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|0:32

|Gonzales, Louisiana, United States

|{{small|Won the Felix's FC Lightweight Championship.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|2–0

|Phil Daru

|Submission (armbar)

|XFC: Chaos at the Castine Center

|{{dts|2011|July|09}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|1:55

|Mandeville, Louisiana, United States

|{{small|Lightweight debut.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|1–0

|Derrick Breaux

|Submission

|In Ya Face: Karnival Karnage

|{{dts|2011|March|12}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|0:39

|Houma, Louisiana, United States

|{{small|Welterweight debut.}}

|}

{{cite web|url=https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Kurt-Holobaugh-68751|title=KURT HOLOBAUGH|accessdate=10 February 2019}}

{{MMA exhibition record box

| draws=

| nc=

| ko-wins= 1

| ko-losses=

| sub-wins= 1

| sub-losses=

| dec-wins=

| dec-losses=

| dq-wins=

| dq-losses=

| other-wins=

| other-losses=

}}

{{MMA record start}}

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|2–0

|Jason Knight

|TKO (punches)

|rowspan=2|The Ultimate Fighter: Team McGregor vs. Team Chandler

|{{dts|2023|Aug|8|format=mdy}} (airdate)

|align=center|2

|align=center|2:56

|rowspan=2|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{small|The Ultimate Fighter 31 Semi-final round.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|1–0

|Lee Hammond

|Submission (guillotine choke)

|{{dts|2023|Jul|4|format=mdy}} (airdate)

|align=center|2

|align=center|3:21

|{{small|The Ultimate Fighter 31 Quarterfinal round.}}

{{end}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

• {{Sherdog|68751}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Holobaugh, Kurt}}

Category:1986 births

Category:Living people

Category:American male mixed martial artists

Category:Featherweight mixed martial artists

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:Mixed martial artists from Louisiana

Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters

Category:American practitioners of Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:People awarded a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:21st-century American sportsmen

Category:People from Livingston Parish, Louisiana