2012 World MMA Bantamweight Scouting Report: #3 - Chris Holdsworth

Photo by Chris Garcia
Name:	Chris Holdsworth
Nickname:	--
Age:	24
Height:	5'11"
Location:	Las Vegas, Nevada

One would be hard pressed to find a résumé as extensive and impressive as Cobra Kai's Chris Holdsworth (3-0). The 24-year-old Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, who is also an instructor at Marc Laimon's school in Las Vegas, Nevada, has decimated any and all challengers to his undefeated record. After capping off a 6-0 amateur record by defeating touted featherweight prospect Anthony Gutierrez (4-0) in only two minutes and thirty-two seconds last August, Holdsworth turned pro, winning all three of his bouts with a total cage time of only four minutes and forty-eight seconds.

Holdsworth's nine-fight run can be attributed to his excellent grappling chops and aggressive, in-your-face style of fighting. He's also physically superior to most of his competition as he sports a 5'11" frame, the largest on our countdown.

Fearlessness is also a key reason to his quick success. Holdsworth doesn't patiently wait for openings. He's an aggressive fighter who uses his reach and striking ability to distract his opponents before barreling into their midsections for takedowns. Once on the ground, Holdsworth is efficient, transitioning effortlessly to side control and mount, normally looking for the armbar or catching the back as his opponent rolls to avoid his grasp.

As a pro, his strength of record isn't high, but holding an amateur win over Guitierrez provides a glimpse into what Holdsworth could accomplish moving forward. He's clearly a gifted talent, but he'll need to fight stiffer competition to prove it to more prominent promotions like the UFC or Bellator.

With tougher competition comes the possibility of defeat, and in Holdsworth's case -- the chance that his fearless attack is humbled. Former WEC bantamweight champion Miguel Torres knows what that feels like, and his case proves that defeat can have a profound effect on how a fighter performs. It remains to be seen how Holdsworth will react to such a trial.

In the meantime, Holdsworth is doing everything he can to maintain his unblemished record. He's moved to Team Alpha Male in Sacramento, California to continue his progression as a fighter. A great move, not only for his development, but for his career. If he can supplement his grappling skills with a technically sound Muay Thai or kickboxing base, Holdsworth could have all the tools to become an upper-echelon fighter within the span of a couple of years.

Video footage of Chris Holdsworth after the jump...

Chris Holdsworth vs. Gabe Gonzales

Chris Holdsworth Highlight

Chris Holdsworth vs. Gor Mnatsakanyan
Amateur - TUF-n-NUFF - February 26, 2010

Chris Holdsworth vs Gustavo Limon
Gladiator Challenge: Legends Collide 2 - February 20, 2011