Alexander Hernandez defeats Kurt Holobaugh in gritty lightweight battle at UFC Vegas 104
On March 15, 2025, the UFC Apex in Las Vegas hosted an interesting lightweight clash between Alexander Hernandez and Kurt Holobaugh as part of UFC Fight Night 254, also known as UFC Vegas 104. The event, headlined by a middleweight rematch between Marvin Vettori and Roman Dolidze, featured Hernandez and Holobaugh in a tough three-round bout that displayed their perseverance, ability, and opposing approaches. In the end, Hernandez won by unanimous decision, with the judges scoring the fight 30-27, 29-28, and 29-28, extending his winning run to two and establishing his position in the lightweight class.
Alexander Hernandez (16-8 MMA, 8-7 UFC) enters the octagon aiming to improve on his recent hard-fought split decision victory over Austin Hubbard at UFC 307 in October 2024. The 32-year-old Texan, noted for his explosive hitting and grappling abilities, has had an up and down UFC career since his stunning debut knockout of Beneil Dariush in 2018. With a promotion record of around.500, Hernandez saw this bout as a key opportunity to demonstrate his ability to pull together regular performances and move closer to the lightweight ranks.
Kurt Holobaugh (21-9 MMA, 2-6 UFC), a 38-year-old veteran and The Ultimate Fighter 31 lightweight champion, faced him. In his third UFC fight, Holobaugh defeated Kaynan Kruschewsky by majority decision in July 2024. Despite his journeyman position, Holobaugh’s tenacity and diverse skill set made him a formidable opponent. He publicly acknowledged his ambition to utilise this battle as a catapult to the UFC rankings, which has evaded him throughout his long career.
Round One: A Competitive Start
The battle began with Holobaugh taking the centre of the octagon, applying pressure and attempting to dominate the tempo. Both men exchanged strong hits early on, but it was Holobaugh who delivered the more critical blow—a right hook that briefly felled Hernandez. The stumble looked to be a product of balance more than a clean knockout, but it highlighted Holobaugh’s hitting ability. Hernandez rebounded late in the round with a takedown, only to be caught in a guillotine choke attempt by Holobaugh. Time ran out before the submission could be finalised, leaving the round up for interpretation. Many observers believed Holobaugh’s devastating blows and submission attempt gave him the advantage.
Round 2: Holobaugh Presses; Hernandez Adapts
Holobaugh came out fire in the second round, picking up the pace and hitting crisper blows as Hernandez tried to find his rhythm. The veteran’s pressure appeared to wear on Hernandez, who took several hard blows. However, Hernandez changed the tide with a takedown just under two minutes in, grounding Holobaugh and throwing ground-and-pound blows. While the damage was minimal, the control time flipped the momentum back in Hernandez’s favour. The round emphasised the fight’s tough, back-and-forth character, with neither combatant giving up.
Round 3: Hernandez Closes the Deal
Knowing the bout may be deadlocked, Hernandez wasted little time in the last stanza, securing a quick takedown to put Holobaugh on his back. He pushed hard to get a submission, but Holobaugh’s defence proved strong. With two minutes left, Holobaugh got back to his feet and launched a barrage of blows, temporarily putting Hernandez on the defensive. Undeterred, Hernandez responded with a spectacular double-leg takedown, regaining control. Holobaugh attempted a late push with a kimura attempt, but Hernandez withstood the storm and finished the bout with blows from the top position. Hernandez won the third round handily, which likely swayed the judges in his favour.
Alexander Hernandez was declared the victor by unanimous decision, with final scores of 30-27 and 29-28 (twice). While Hernandez’s wrestling and control time in the last rounds looked to seal the victory, the verdict caused disagreement among fans and commentators. Some claimed that Holobaugh’s striking output and near-submission in the first two rounds justified a 29-28 scoring in his favour, while one observer called Hernandez’s 30-27 score “awful.” The numbers were close—Hernandez landed 79 of 204 important strikes (38%) versus Holobaugh’s 92 of 171 (53%)—but Hernandez’s takedowns (three successful attempts) and top control eventually tilted the scales.
For Alexander Hernandez, this victory is a huge step forward. At 32, he is still in his athletic prime and might be one or two victories away from joining the lightweight top 15. His ability to combine striking and wrestling against a difficult opponent like Holobaugh implies he is honing his skills. As he attempts to climb the 155-pound ladder, he may face a rated veteran or a rising prospect next.
Kurt Holobaugh, despite his loss, shown one more that he belongs in the UFC. His hitting precision and resilience kept the battle close, and at 38, he still has gas in the tank. While the rankings may remain elusive for the time being, a rebound bout against another unranked lightweight might pave the way for another push towards his long-term aspirations.
The Hernandez-Holobaugh bout was a good illustration of the UFC’s lightweight division at its peak—two motivated competitors giving it their all in the ring. While Hernandez emerged victorious, both men demonstrated the heart and technique that make this weight class one of the most entertaining in MMA.
