BOSTON – It’s the third round for Kurt Holobaugh and the fight hasn’t even started.
When he was released from the promotion for the second time in 2019, Holobaugh (19-7 MMA, 0-4 UFC) thought a return was likely impossible. Fast forward approximately four years, and he’s days out from fighting Austin Hubbard (15-6 MMA, 3-4 UFC) at UFC 292.
“I thought my time in the UFC was done,” Holobaugh told reporters, including MMA Junkie, at a news conference Wednesday. “I was looking for other things. Things still weren’t going good. I wasn’t able to find me a good, solid home out there.”
Holobaugh, 36, has “The Ultimate Fighter 31” to thank for his career revival. In a season that pinned former UFC fighters against rising prospects, Holobaugh was part of Team Michael Chandler’s dominant team of promotional veterans. He defeated Lee Hammond and Jason Knight en route to a lightweight final appearance.
“Overall, (it was) an amazing experience,” Holobaugh said. “I can’t recommend that show enough for young and up-and-coming fighters. There have been so many previous seasons where guys just couldn’t do it and had to go home. Once I got there, I truly don’t understand. Yeah, I have a huge family back home. I’ve got a wife and five kids. I sacrificed a lot of be able to go on that show. Man, that show is probably going to turn out to be one of the best things that ever happened in my career.”
Holobaugh had one UFC fight in 2013 following the Strikeforce merger and was released thereafter. Eleven fights later, he earned another UFC bid. He lost three consecutive fights and was released again. A title run off the bat would’ve been ideal for Holobaugh, but there’s something to be proud of in terms of finding out ways to rebound.
“I’m just living it up, enjoying my time out here, enjoying being back where I feel like I truly belong,” Holobaugh said. “I’m here and ready to fight. … “I think it just says that I don’t stop. I keep trying to pursue my dreams and keep pursuing the goals I set out for myself.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 292.
