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Wednesday, Jul 06, 2016

Lion Fight 30: Mark Holst Shoots Down Ring Rust Argument, Believes He’ll Pick Apart Ky Hollenbeck

Mark Holst (photo via UFC)

By Kelsey Mowatt

When Mark Holst steps into the ring this Friday at Lion Fight 30, over two years will have gone by since his last bout, but the UFC vet insists he’s more than ready to battle Ky Hollenbeck.

The 30 year-old Holst will be fighting for the first time since May, 2014, when he was decisioned by accomplished kickboxer, Cosmo Alexandre at Lion Fight 15. Although some may be questioning if ring rust will play a factor in Friday’s bout, Holst cites a busy sparring schedule as to why it will not.

Recently the Canadian fighter appeared on Full Contact Fighter Radio, and while doing so, Holst said the following:

“…I’ve been off for two years. I’ve been teaching a lot, but still training and I love sparring. That’s one of my favorite things to do”, said Holst, who is an instructor at the Ottawa Academy of Martial Arts. “So, people think that I’m rusty, but that’s not the case. I train hard every day with my students and with my training partners, and my instructors staying sharp. So, it’s been two years that I’ve been training for this fight.”

“I’m happy to be back with Lion Fight,” Holst added. “They’re a great promotion and I can’t wait to fight Ky Hollenbeck.”

In Hollenbeck, Holst will take on one of more notable Muay Thai competitors out of the United States. The 29 year-old holds a 19-3-1 record in kickboxing bouts, and has also fought for GLORY.

“So coming into the fight, right away, I’m definitely going to have the reach advantage. I’m six foot on the button and I’m going to have the weight advantage,” Holst said, while discussing the five foot, nine-and-a-half tall Hollenbeck. “I know he’s a very aggressive fighter, coming forward, but so am I. I’m a busy fighter. I like to have a good work rate, I look to work my techniques, but I can also switch it up and be an elusive fighter too…”

“I think it’s going to come down to who’s smarter, not who’s more aggressive,” Holst furthered. “I think I’m going to be able to have the edge on Ky, and that I’m going to be able to pick him apart.”

Lion Fight 30 will take place at the Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut, July 8th. The main card will be broadcast on AXS TV.

 

posted by FCF Staff @ 11:35 am
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