By FCF Staff

Having won four of his last five fights, veteran fighter Kurt Holobaugh has his sights set on securing a spot in the UFC’s lightweight rankings.

The 38-year-old is booked to fight Alexander Hernandez at UFC Vegas 104, which is taking place Saturday, March 15th at the Apex facility. Holobaugh (21-8) has been booked for the pivotal fight, after recording a decision win over Kaynan Kruschewsky last July.

While speaking to the media ahead of the event, Holobaugh acknowledged that the Hernandez bout presents a key opportunity for him (quotes via MMA Junkie.com).

“Big fight,” Holobaugh said. “I feel like a guy like me that’s been in the UFC for quite a while, I want those type of fights. Whenever the UFC gave me that name, I was more than happy to take it, knowing it was going to be a tough test, but if I can go out there and get a win over a guy like Alex, I think that says a lot. I think that says I truly belong in the UFC.”

As 2019 came to a close, Holobaugh had dropped three straight bouts. But, the Louisiana fighter has reversed his fortunes since then by going 4 and 1.

“I feel like I’ve accomplished a lot, winning the Contender Series, getting a contract; winning The Ultimate Fighter, getting a contract – but I still want more,” Holobaugh said. “I think that, for me right now, is that I want to have a ranking next to my name. I think that it’s possible.

The 32-year-old Hernandez (15-8), meanwhile, is coming off a split decision win over Austin Hubbard in October and has gone 2 and 3 in his last 5 contests.