By Monta Wiley
After years of battling and experiencing so many things retirement is an event that every fighter must face in their careers. However in some cases it is merely a short period of withdrawal for one to rejuvenate their fighting spirit.
Coming to a close of his career after his two straight losses in the UFC it seems as though Mark “Boots” Holst had reached the end of his fifteen year martial arts competition journey. Post retirement, shifting his focus toward his instructor duties a spark would soon ignited in “Boots” guiding him back into MMA competition.
Fight Hub TV speaks with Holst about his return to MMA and his next challenge at Cage Warriors against BJJ Legend Leo Santos.
FHTV: Let take it back to your entry into the UFC. Suffering two straight losses in the company was the experience a contributing factor to your departure from MMA?
Mark Holst: Yes it was a big part of the reason why I stopped. I have been competing in all kinds of martial arts since 15 years old and on top of that the 2 losses in the UFC were very disappointing. In my mind I felt like I let a lot of people and myself down. I felt like it was time to call it in, I didn’t have it in me anymore. My dream was always to “make it to the UFC” but I wasn’t able to stay there due to my poor performances. UFC is really the top level of MMA competition. I am happy to have had to the opportunity and this experience.
FHTV: From a mental standpoint as you left the sport with a victory over Markhalie Wedderburn at Wreak MMA promotion what was some of the things that were going through your mind at that time in your life?
Mark Holst: At the time I was focused on finishing up my career with a bang and on a good note. Putting everything I had left in this fight and give an exciting fight to the fans. I was happy about my last performance and was excited to start my new career as a coach and pass down my knowledge and experience to all the other OAMA fighters.
FHTV: Now retired in 2011 how has Mark been spending during that time frame re-inviting himself as a fighter?
Mark Holst: I retired from fighting but kept up the training, just for fun I told myself. I think that’s a big thing that I needed to get back to the drawing board and train for fun. I kept up the training and took part in many of the PRO MMA OAMA fighters training camps; Randy Turner, Kru Jeff Harisson, Remi Morvan, Stephane Bernadel, Chris St-Jean, Derek Boase, Jeff Chan and Andrew Walters. I was very involved in their training and coaching them outside of the cage, sitting back on the corners stool and watching them go at it!
FHTV: What about when it comes to your duties as an instructor?
Mark Holst: I really dedicated myself to the OAMA fighters and sharing my knowledge and experience. I also got to corner many fights and I learned a lot from the outside of the cage.
FHTV: Assisting and coaching so many students with their MMA fights was there this secret burning desire that made you want to step back in the cage?
Mark Holst: Definitely. I was very focused on doing my job; training and coaching the fighters and getting them to the top but the fire would grow more and more every time I would corner the guys for their MMA fights or Muay Thai fights.
FHTV: Still being relatively young in age do you feel as though you still have a lot more to give in terms of your progression as an athlete?
Mark Holst: Yes I do. I find that I am getting better and rounding out my skills. I wanted to return to fighting to get more experience; I only have 13 pro MMA fights and have a lot to improve on. It’s a lot of fun to train and work on my weaknesses and train to be a better all-around fighter.
FHTV: So going in this time around, what would you say is different about Mark Holst than when you previously retired?
Mark Holst: I am going to have fun with my fighting career. I’m not going to put any pressure on myself and enjoy every minute of it. Win or lose, I want to be able to put on a good show and have the crowd up on their feet for the fight!
FHTV: Returning back this year in April with an impressive victory I may add, Describe the overall feeling of what it felt like to be back?
Mark Holst: I fought Stephan Lamarche at welterweight and it was a very tough fight. I felt very rusty from the 1 year break but was happy how the fight went down; I wasn’t nervous and was able to practice my BJJ. I did a few mistakes that will help me grow as a mixed martial artist. I felt great to fight in my hometown and have everyone be there and support me. I think they were all happy to see me back at it again.
FHTV: What is next in line in your climb back to the top?
Mark Holst: Next up for me is my MMA fight in Amman, Jordan with the Cage Warriors promotion against Leo Santos. Leo Santos is a true legend in the BJJ circuit and I am honored to fight him. I shook off some rust and Sept 1st I will be able to get back in the cage again this time for a much bigger challenge. I am very excited for this fight; I am currently in full time training camp for this fight, few weeks left and its go time!
FHTV: Do you have any new goals you have for yourself with your rejuvenated career?
Mark Holst: I would like to continue to round out my skills as a mixed martial artist; I know I have a lot of work to do. I would like to stay very active as a fighter and try to compete in MMA competition once a month.
FHTV: Finally when it comes to cementing your Legacy in this sport how would you like to be remembered when it is all set and done?
Mark Holst: I would like to be remembered as a fighter that puts on exciting fights.
FHTV: Is there anyone you would like to thank before we end this interview?
Mark Holst: I would like to thank all my training partners @ OAMA\Team Renzo Gracie Ottawa, MTL wrestling club and MAS in Cambridge. Big thanks to all the people that have been supporting me and training me; Pat Cooligan, Nick Castiglia, Randy Turner, Adam Phomin, Kru Jeff Harrison, Kru Chris Kew, Robert Thomas, Angela Meier, L-flow & Mike, Sebastien Pilon, Jacare, Bowzer and Con Bon! Love you Mom!
