Kurt Holobaugh Record: 21-10-0

Early big-stage tests

Holobaugh's early forays against top competition were a proving ground. He dropped decisions to Pat Healy in Strikeforce and Steven Siler at UFC 159 back in 2013, and a 2017 Contender Series bout against Matt Bessette was ruled a no contest. A return to the UFC brought tough nights against rising talent: a knockout loss to Raoni Barcelos, a submission loss to Shane Burgos, and a decision loss to Thiago Moisés in 2019.

The Ultimate Fighter run

The defining chapter of Holobaugh's career came on the rebuilt 31st season of The Ultimate Fighter. Competing in the lightweight tournament, he advanced with a second-round TKO of Jason Knight before the season culminated at UFC 292 in August 2023, where he submitted Austin Hubbard with a slick second-round triangle choke to win the tournament and earn a new UFC contract. It was the signature win of his career, capping years of perseverance.

Recent run

Holobaugh's run after the breakthrough was a mixed bag: a 2024 decision loss to Trey Ogden was followed by a unanimous-decision win over Kaynan Kruschewsky later that year. His 2025 campaign brought back-to-back setbacks: a decision loss to Alexander Hernandez followed by a first-round anaconda-choke submission to Jordan Leavitt.

Fighting style

Holobaugh is, above all, a finisher — his career finish rate of 81 percent is among the highest you will find, built on a deep submission game. Ten of his 21 wins have come by submission and another seven by knockout, leaving only four decisions. His jiu-jitsu, particularly his chokes and the triangle that won him a tournament, is the spine of his game, and his pressure striking gives him knockout power to complement it. The honest limitation has been the step up against the division's best, where seven of his losses have reached the judges, but the threat he carries on the mat keeps every opponent honest.

Career highlights

• The Ultimate Fighter 31 winner — submitted Austin Hubbard by triangle choke at UFC 292 to win the lightweight tournament and a UFC contract.
• Elite finish rate — an 81 percent finish rate, with 10 submissions and seven knockouts among his wins, marks him as one of the division's most dangerous closers.
• Regional champion pedigree — multiple regional titles, including at Titan FC, built the foundation for his UFC run.