Kurt Holobaugh, set to fight Alexander Hernandez this weekend at UFC Vegas 104, holds unconventional views about the notorious UFC Apex venue. While many fighters and fans express disappointment over the lack of live audience engagement, Holobaugh finds joy and connection at the Apex, where he is able to have his family cheer him on from the front row.
"You know, I don’t hate it at all, to be honest with you,” Holobaugh explained. “The cool thing about the Apex for me is they give the tickets for the family now, and I can have all of my kids and family set in front row, so I mean, that's a good thing for me." This familial presence enhances Holobaugh's fighting experience, allowing close connections during what can be intense and isolative moments inside the cage.
Holobaugh's thoughtful appreciation of this arrangement highlights the emotional undercurrents of his career. Despite the general criticism surrounding the Apex's lack of crowd energy compared to larger venues, he possesses unique memories intertwined with this space due to its capacity to bring his family closer. For example, he fondly recalls his children providing vocal support, such as instructing him during his match against Kaynan Kruschewsky. "You watch my last fight with Kaynan Kruschewsky, and you hear my four-year-old at the time, hollering instructions. So to me, I think that's really cool," he reflected.
Looking ahead, Holobaugh aspires to compete on the card for Dustin Poirier's retirement match, reportedly scheduled to take place later this year in New Orleans. He has indicated to the UFC and his management about his intentions: "I’ve already kind of had some conversations with the UFC and my management, and nothing is locked down and official yet, but we did talk to the UFC," he said. The prospect of fighting so close to home—he’s literally just hours away from New Orleans—adds to his eagerness. “To me, that's just going to be a really fun time. I feel like that's a mission accomplished,” he added.
This weekend's fight against Hernandez, part of the main card for UFC Vegas 104, is pivotal for Holobaugh as he seeks to build momentum. The main card kicks off at 7 PM EST on ESPN+, with Holobaugh aiming for back-to-back wins after his unanimous decision victory over Kruschewsky last summer.
The upcoming matchup holds significance for both fighters. Hernandez (15-8 MMA, 7-7 UFC) is trying to rebound from prior setbacks and aiming for his second straight win. Calibrations leading up to this clash indicate he may focus on leveraging wrestling. Holobaugh (21-8 MMA, 2-5 UFC), who has amassed substantial fight experience, could exploit Hernandez’s previous struggles against high-pressure opponents.
With the spotlight now on their fighters, all eyes will be on Holobaugh and Hernandez as they enter the Octagon. Each fighter faces questions of strategy and effectiveness, which will elucidate their adaptive capacities within the fight. Despite the odds favoring Hernandez at -220, Holobaugh presents significant pressure and skill levels, marking this bout as one to keep the fans engaged.
While the UFC Apex venue may have its critics, for Holobaugh, it has become associated with cherished family moments and personal triumphs. The fighter’s approach reveals how the human connections matter deeply, shaping experiences even amid the bright lights of professional sports.