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Kurt Holobaugh is a Mixed Martial Arts fighter and instructor.

Holobaugh, who is a Franklinton resident, has a fight coming up that will air on Fox Sports 2 and Fox Deportes.

The fight will take place on May 28 in Des Moines, Iowa.

“I’m super excited,” Holobaugh said. “It’s not often that you know who you’re fighting next and where. You’re not waiting on a phone call. Also, it’s a huge lightweight fight that will be on Fox Sports 2 live.”

Holobaugh fights in the Xtreme Fighting Championships where he is in the Lightweight Division and he is in a tournament. There is also a Welterweight Division.

There are eight fighters in each division and the participants need to win three fights to win the title. Holobaugh won his first fight by technical knockout on Nov. 11.

Holobaugh has been fighting since 2007 and made his professional debut in 2011.

Holobaugh is 18-7 with a no contest. He is ranked about 140th in the world out of thousands of people. He was in the top 20 at one time.

“Just being a big fan of the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) and watching Mike Tyson fights with my parents,” Holobaugh said about how he got started in MMA.

Holobaugh fought for the UFC and has been on some of the biggest cards. Holobaugh, who has fought in plenty of places, last competed in the UFC in Brazil in May of 2019.

He talked about his key to having success.

“Just training hard and having good training partners,” Holobaugh said. “Also, having a good family that fully supports what I do.”

Holobaugh, 34, graduated from Albany High School and moved to Franklinton in April of last year after he took over a gym where he trains.

Holobaugh trains at Gracie United in Franklinton.

MMA is a full-time job for Holobaugh. He and his wife Breann Hart have gyms in Franklinton and Amite. Hart is a brazilian jiu-jitsu competitor. She recently took first place in her division.

They teach participants from 3-4 years old all the way to adults.

“We enjoy mentoring these young kids in our program and seeing them grow up to be successful in whatever they dream of,” Holobaugh said.

Holobaugh said the teaching part has been a big part of going to Franklinton.

“Everybody sees the enjoyment and the all around improvement the kids have in the classes,” Holobaugh said.

“I’ve been in the game for a long time, but I’ve got guys that are fighting in the pros and others that are on the rise,” Holobaugh added.