Mark Holata

Mark Holata (born August 25, 1982) is an American former mixed martial artist. A professional from 2007 until 2014, he is best known for his appearances in Bellator.

Background
Holata was born in Claremore, Oklahoma and raised in Morris, Oklahoma, attending Morris High School. At Morris, Holata competed in football, and was talented, earning four letters and winning multiple All-State selections including as a punter, as well as being named his district's Offensive Player of the Year as a senior. In addition to football, Holata also received four letters in powerlifting, All-State honors three times, won the state title, and also lettered one year in track and field. Holata continued his football career for the University of Tulsa.

Early career
Holata made his professional MMA debut in June 2007. During the first three years of his career, he amassed a record of 8-2.

Bellator
Holata made his Bellator debut at Bellator 31, where he defeated Shawn Jordan by way of first-round knockout.

In 2011, Holata returned at Bellator 42, where he defeated Tracy Willis by way of first-round submission. At Bellator 52 Holata lost by first-round knockout to Ron Sparks in a quarterfinal of the Bellator Season Five Heavyweight Tournament.

Holata rebounded from the loss by defeating Abe Wagner by first-round submission at Bellator 69.

At Bellator 75 Holata lost by first-round submission to Vinicius Queiroz in a quarterfinal of the Bellator Season Seven Heavyweight Tournament.

In March 2014, Holata returned to Bellator. He faced Alexander Volkov in the opening round of the Bellator Season 10 Heavyweight tournament at Bellator 111 on March 7, 2014. He lost the fight via TKO in the first round.