Kurt Holobaugh celebrates after defeating Austin Hubbard (Photo by Paul Rutherford/Getty Images)
Kurt Holobaugh, a seasoned UFC veteran with a career spanning over a decade, recently sat down for an exclusive interview with RG to discuss his upcoming fight, his unique lifestyle, and his aspirations in the world of mixed martial arts. The 37-year-old lightweight fighter, set to face Alexander Hernandez on March 15, 2025, opened up about his journey, balancing family life with fighting, and his goals for the future.
Holobaugh's path to this fight has been anything but conventional. After a long wait following his last bout in July 2024, he finally secured a match against Hernandez.
"UFC's kind of weird sometimes in the matchmaking," Holobaugh explained.
"Sometimes I'll get a fight, you know, two or three months after a fight, and then other times I might have to wait six to eight months."
This time, the wait stretched even longer, prompting Holobaugh to reach out to his management team.
The veteran fighter expressed excitement about facing Hernandez, recognizing the opportunity to compete against a well-known name in the UFC.
"I'm fighting somebody with a pretty big name in the UFC. The dude's been around for a while. I mean, he's a savage. He's beaten a lot of the top guys that are in the top 10 right now," Holobaugh said, acknowledging the challenge ahead.
With his UFC debut dating back to 2013, Holobaugh has seen the evolution of the sport firsthand. He's experienced various phases of the UFC, from wearing his own sponsors to winning The Ultimate Fighter and securing a contract through Dana White's Contender Series. This wealth of experience has shaped his approach to fighting and his career goals.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Holobaugh's life is how he balances his fighting career with his roles as a gym owner, instructor, and family man. Unlike many fighters who focus solely on their training, Holobaugh embraces a multifaceted lifestyle.
"To me, it's simple, man, because what I love to do... And it's my job. You know, I'm a full-time gym instructor, gym owner, and fighter," he explained.
This unique approach extends to his family life as well. Holobaugh revealed that he was in the process of matching his 4-year-old and 14-year-old children for MMA fights, showcasing his dedication to the sport at all levels.
"I just got off the phone about five minutes ago because we're trying to match my four-year-old and my 14-year-old for an MMA fight," he shared, highlighting the integral role fighting plays in his family's life.
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of Holobaugh's life is his transition from a 15-year career as an alarm technician to full-time gym ownership and fighting. After a significant fight and some personal changes, Holobaugh and his wife decided to invest in a gym and commit to the martial arts lifestyle fully. This decision led to unexpected developments, including a move to a 20-acre farm.
"So now we got a freaking farm. My wife's got seven horses and donkeys and pigs, goats, chickens. I mean, yeah, we just kind of, we kind of live the farm life, man. And, and, go to the gym, train, and then we fight," Holobaugh described, painting a picture of his unconventional fighter's lifestyle.
Despite his success and contentment with his current situation, Holobaugh harbors ambitious goals for his UFC career.
"I want everything these big fighters have," he stated, listing desires such as being included in the UFC video game, appearing on trading cards, and achieving a ranking in the lightweight division. "I want to have a number beside my name. That's probably going to be one of my number one goals is to be ranked in the UFC," Holobaugh emphasized, seeing his upcoming fight against Hernandez as a potential stepping stone towards these objectives.
As for his fight strategy against Hernandez, Holobaugh promises an exciting match for the fans.
What sets Holobaugh apart is his perspective on fighting. For him, it's not just a career but a passion and a source of enjoyment.
"We're a little, we're a little messed up in the head, man. Fighting's fun to us, you know? And, uh, so it's all fun to me. I'm there to have fun. I don't have a lot of pressure on my shoulders and we'll see what happens," he concluded, embodying the spirit of a true martial artist.
As Kurt Holobaugh prepares for his March 15 showdown with Alexander Hernandez, fans can expect a thrilling contest between two seasoned fighters. With his unique blend of farm life, family dedication, and fighting spirit, Holobaugh represents a different breed of UFC fighter – one who has found balance and joy both inside and outside the octagon. Whether he achieves his goal of UFC rankings or not, Kurt Holobaugh's journey is a testament to the diverse paths that can lead to success in the world of mixed martial arts.
Garrett Kerman
