The Ultimate Fighter 31 lightweight finale went down at UFC 292, with a pair of Team Chandler fighters, Austin Hubbard and Kurt Holobaugh, throwing down for the TUF crown.
Both men were UFC veterans, with Holobaugh looking for a third stint in the promotion, and Hubbard his second. One fight prior, Brad Katona had become the TUF 31 bantamweight champ, making history as the first two-time Ultimate Fighter winner in the process.
Holobaugh and Hubbard wouldn’t have that historic opportunity, but the stakes were high nonetheless.
Like Gibson and Katona before them, Hubbard and Holobaugh got right to work on Saturday. After an early exchange, Hubbard got the fight down, landing the takedown with Holobaugh forced to fight off his back. Holobaugh stayed active, looking to scramble, but gave up his neck momentarily before finally making it up. Back on the feet, Holobaugh led with his hands, working in some kicks and forcing Hubbard to retreat.
The second takedown of the round for Hubbard came off a trip with just under 90 seconds remaining. That halted Holobagh’s momentum and allowed Hubbard to get in a few ground strikes before looking for a choke. But Holobaugh regained his feet with about 30 seconds to go. By the time the horn sounded, Hubbard’s ear was leaking a bit of blood.
Round two saw Kurt Holobaugh find a home for his right hand early. That led to a back-and-forth exchange, with Holobaugh again getting the better of things. Hubbard wound up dropping to his knees with Holobaugh taking the back with one hook in. Tight up against the fence, Holobaugh didn’t have a ton of room to work, but hunted the rear-naked choke regardless. From there, he transitioned to mount, and when Hubbard used the fence to try and escape, Holobaugh snatched an arm then transitioned to a triangle. That was in tight, and Hubbard was forced to tap!
HOLOBAUGH GETS THE TAP!!@KurtHolobaugh is #TUF31 Lightweight winner! #UFC292 pic.twitter.com/KXHHPzZ1pE
— UFC (@ufc) August 20, 2023
With a smart showing on the feet and absolutely slick finish on the ground, Kurt Holobaugh earned himself The Ultimate Fighter 31 lightweight crown, and a new UFC deal.
Official Result: Kurt Holobaugh def. Austin Hubbard by submission (triangle), Round 2, 2:39
