We’ve seen plenty of different dynamics within the TUF house. On past seasons, there have been fierce team rivalries, big clashing personalities, pranksters and more. However, on season 31, Kurt Holobaugh points out that wasn’t really the case.
The vibe inside of the TUF 31 house was a supportive one. Everybody might have been there to compete with one another, but they also wanted what was best for everyone – even know that they’re out.
“All of us guys on TUF keep in touch pretty regularly and we all want the best for each other,” Holobaugh explained. “We have a group chat on Instagram. We’re always supporting each other. We’re always posting our fights if we have a little something. And anything that goes in that group stays in that group.”
Holobaugh mentioned that the group chat was popping for Carlos Vera’s UFC debut recently as they all cheered him on.
While Holobaugh has his own fight he’s focused on this weekend, he’s also happy to see his fellow castmates get additional UFC fights. Just a few weeks after, his finale adversary, Austin Hubbard, will have his first post-TUF opportunity. Although a second UFC fight is never a guarantee after the show, Holobaugh wasn’t worried for his friend.
“I didn’t have a doubt. I figured making it to the finals would secure a contract either way,” he said. “So it wasn’t a surprise to see Austin that call to get a second chance. He won fights on the show, he looked good and he fought tough guys on the show.”
Holobaugh credits those who put the casting together for the show for the dynamics. He feels like they looked for a more serious level of fighter than past seasons to assure that the sport looked more serious on the big network, and this brotherhood was the product of that.
“I feel like out season was unique because I feel like being on that actual ESPN network was going to be big,” Holobaugh said. “So they wanted to bring in real fighters – guys that weren’t just there to be a clown.”
The group chat will again be flooded as they root on Holobaugh in his fight against Trey Ogden. That fight takes place at UFC Vegas 89 on ESPN+ this weekend. The card begins at 7pm EST.
You can hear the entire audio of this interview at 24:43.
