Training at the Ottawa Academy of Martial Arts and Renzo Gracie Jiu Jitsu, Mark Holst is a promising lightweight prospect currently making the rounds on the Canadian MMA circuit. A BJJ and muay thai fighter, Holst shows potential in both his submission and striking games and currently holds wins over UFC vet Corey Hill and Canadian fight veteran Nabil Khatib.

Holst's primary base and most effective weapon in his MMA arsenal is his standup game. Prior to embarking on his MMA career Holst was dominating the Canadian muay thai circuit and has spent time training under the likes of Phil Nurse and Jamie Crowder in his career. He's also spent considerable time in Thailand, and overall has had extensive training in his pure muay thai abilities. Taking his background into account it isn't too surprising to learn that Holst's best attributes on his feet are his clinch skills and kicks. Holst possesses a strong clinch game and shows the ability to tee off with powerful knees from the thai plum, while also proving capable of delivering strong leg kicks and good high kicks from the outside. Although he has a tendency to keep his guard low and can be hit, Holst also makes good use of his hands and overall he does possess a composed, patient and technically strong striking game.

When it comes to his ground game, Holst shows potential in his jiu jitsu and submission skills although wrestling isn't his strong suit. Holst is susceptible to the takedown and physically he'll need to continue getting stronger and adding muscle to his 6'0" frame. In his bout with Corey Hill he was taken down, overpowered, slammed, badly outmuscled, and was taking some good damage on the bottom from Hill's ground and pound. To that end Holst will need to continue working on his takedown defense which would help his overall MMA game. In past fights, simply the threat of being taken down has made Holst tentative about letting his hands go - and his striking is the strongest aspect of his fight arsenal. An improved sprawl would give Holst the confidence to what he wants on his feet and really open up his all-around game. Holst has displayed improving technical ground skills and continues working on his BJJ with Renzo Gracie on a regular basis. Although he'll need to get better at defending strikes on the ground, Holst has shown composed, active guard skills fighting off his back. He works hard from the bottom with submissions; triangles, arm locks, and sweep attempts, and has displayed promising submission potential (including a very slick sub sequence leading to a kimura win over UFC vet Corey Hill).