Kurt Holobaugh earns UFC contract after gritty performance against Pat Healy at Strikeforce finale

Kurt Holobaugh did the ZUFFA brass a solid by stepping up on short notice to take on Pat Healy this past weekend (Jan. 12, 2012) at Strikeforce: "Marquardt vs. Saffiedine" in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Now, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is returning the favor by awarding the young mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter a contract and a chance to prove his skills inside the Octagon.

Lex McMahon, Holobaugh's manager at Alchemist MMA, confirmed the news with MMA Weekly:

"I am very happy for Kurt and appreciative of the support and faith that Sean Shelby and the UFC have shown Kurt. I'm excited for Kurt to have the opportunity to showcase his skill and tenacity at his true weight class of 145 pounds and with the benefit of a full camp."

Kurt put his previously undefeated record (9-0) on the line against Healy on short notice after "Bam Bam's' original opponent, Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez, was forced to withdraw from the event due to injury.

Despite the lack of notice, Kurt proved to be a game opponent, giving Healy all he could handle and more in "The Sooner State."

In the end, Healy earned a unanimous decision on the judges' scorecards, but, despite the loss for Holobaugh, his tenacity and willingness to step up made him a winner, too, as he now looks to make a name for himself in the UFC's featherweight division.

Well done and well deserved.