Kurt Holobaugh and Jason Knight engaged in a thrilling battle that could have easily been a UFC main event.
The UFC APEX facility was the venue for an electrifying fight on the second-to-last episode of The Ultimate Fighter 31. In this episode, Holobaugh (19-7, 1 NC) triumphed over Knight (23-7) by a second-round technical knockout, moving forward to the season’s lightweight tournament final. Prior to this, Holobaugh had beaten Knight and Team Conor McGregor’s top selection, Lee Hammond, on the show, earning him another opportunity with the UFC since his last appearance in 2019.
Contrary to the earlier lightweight semifinal, where Austin Hubbard barely won an uninteresting decision over Roosevelt Roberts, the APEX was notably quiet as coach Michael Chandler and his team deliberately refrained from actively cornering either fighter. However, this silence created an ideal setting for Holobaugh and Knight’s fierce competition.
Holobaugh gained the upper hand early on, landing powerful rights on Knight’s chin while maintaining a relentless pace. Knight responded with intense attacks, but Holobaugh remained dominant. Holobaugh’s offense ultimately proved overwhelming, and an elegant uppercut led to Knight’s downfall. Referee Mark Smith had to intervene, confirming Holobaugh’s victory.
Three Team Chandler fighters, including Holobaugh and Hubbard, have now reached the finals, and they join TUF 27 champion Brad Katona in the lightweight bracket. The winner of the bantamweight semifinal between Cody Gibson and Rico DiSciullo, the only remaining Team McGregor fighter, will complete the finals lineup.
The episode also featured a coaches’ challenge between McGregor and Chandler, answering UFC trivia questions while in an ice bath. McGregor narrowly won, scoring 16-14.
The Ultimate Fighter 31 broadcasts live on ESPN and ESPN+ every Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET.
Following the conclusion of the season, Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler are expected to compete in a welterweight bout, but the date and official confirmation are pending. Recent accusations against McGregor and ongoing issues with the USADA have cast doubt over his future.
The winners of the TUF 31 lightweight and bantamweight tournaments will be competing for a six-figure UFC contract, with the finals’ date yet to be determined.
The TUF 31 roster is divided as follows:
Team McGregor (prospects) comprises fighters such as Lee Hammond, Nate Jennerman, Aaron McKenzie, and Landon Quinones in the lightweight category, and Mando Gutierrez, Trevor Wells, Carlos Vera, and Rico DiSciullo in the bantamweight category.
Team Chandler (veterans) includes lightweights like Jason Knight, Austin Hubbard, Roosevelt Roberts, and Kurt Holobaugh, as well as bantamweights Hunter Azure, Brad Katona, Timur Valiev, and Cody Gibson.
The quarterfinal results include wins by Roosevelt Roberts, Cody Gibson, Austin Hubbard, Timur Valiev, Brad Katona, Kurt Holobaugh, Jason Knight, and Rico DiSciullo. The semifinal results and matchups feature victories by Austin Hubbard, Brad Katona, and Kurt Holobaugh, with the last semifinal match being Rico DiSciullo vs. Cody Gibson.
Finalists include Hubbard, Katona, and Holobaugh, with semifinalists being Roberts, Gibson, Hubbard, Valiev, Katona, Holobaugh, Knight, and DiSciullo. The eliminated fighters are Jennerman, Gutierrez, McKenzie, Wells, Vera, Hammond, Quinones, Azure, Roberts, Valiev, and Knight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fokus keyword: The Ultimate Fighter 31
Who won the fight between Kurt Holobaugh and Jason Knight in The Ultimate Fighter 31 episode 11?
Kurt Holobaugh defeated Jason Knight via a second-round technical knockout in episode 11 of The Ultimate Fighter 31.
What is the expected matchup between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler?
Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler are expected to face off in a welterweight bout at a date still to be determined. The official confirmation and date are pending.
Who are the finalists of the TUF 31 lightweight and bantamweight tournaments?
The finalists of the TUF 31 lightweight tournament include Hubbard, Katona, and Holobaugh. The bantamweight finalists will be determined after the semifinal between Cody Gibson and Rico DiSciullo.
What was the coaches’ challenge between McGregor and Chandler?
The coaches’ challenge involved McGregor and Chandler answering UFC trivia questions while enduring a freezing ice bath. McGregor won the challenge with a score of 16-14.
When does The Ultimate Fighter 31 air?
The Ultimate Fighter 31 airs live every Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN+.
What are the stakes for the finalists of the TUF 31 tournaments?
The finalists of the TUF 31 lightweight and bantamweight tournaments will be competing for a six-figure UFC contract. The date for the finals has not yet been announced.