It’s tough to consider that Max Holloway has been competing in MMA for the reason that age of 15. Now 33, the person they name “Blessed” stays one of many prime fighters within the UFC. So, how does Holloway keep youthful whereas evolving yr by yr? Apparently, as he explains to M&F, it’s all a couple of love of gaming and a dedication to power and conditioning.
Max Holloway has come a good distance from Hawaii. A former UFC featherweight champion with seven “Battle of the Night time” honors, he’s as entertaining as he’s athletic within the Octagon, however regardless of the blood, sweat, and tears of coaching, Holloway says {that a} large a part of his life-style revolves round gaming. “One of many first video video games I ever performed was GoldenEye 007 for the Nintendo 64,” displays the exceptional fighter. “GoldenEye 007 additionally occurs to be my favourite of all time. It’s undoubtedly a basic FPS (First-Particular person Shooter) sport. I like it as a result of it requires in-depth technique, has enjoyable missions, and nice particular results.”
Holloway’s love of gaming began out as a passion however has now became a productive a part of his day. Now an avid content material creator, he livestreams usually on the KICK platform. “I’ve been enjoying video video games since I used to be a child, and there’s quite a lot of nostalgia and core reminiscences tied to them,” he shares. “Gaming on livestream was only a pure transition for me. I really like having the ability to join with the gaming neighborhood on-line and chat with my KICK following whereas I play. I leap into random multiplayer video games on a regular basis. Gaming is greater than a passion; it’s one of many methods I decompress on my off days from coaching.”
Max Holloway Makes use of Gaming to Decompress on His Restoration Days
With an enormous struggle developing, the flexibility to unwind is a necessary side of Holloway’s psychological preparation. On July 19, 2025, he’ll face Dustin Poirier for the third and remaining time earlier than Poirier is scheduled to retire and it’s a match Holloway would like to win as a result of he’s misplaced the primary two. Holloway may even be placing the symbolic BMF Championship on the road, including additional stress to the extremely anticipated bout.
Whereas in struggle camp, gaming turns into much less about creating reside content material, and extra about serving to him to get well. “Main as much as a struggle, my days are devoted to coaching camp,” explains Holloway. “My exercises begin round 10 a.m. and embody a mixture of sparring classes, tactical power and conditioning, cardio train, and jiujitsu drills. On my restoration days, I’ll sometimes spend a pair hours gaming on livestream.”
The stability appears to be working, as a result of Holloway seems relaxed forward of that remaining rematch. “It’s going to be a enjoyable rematch, for certain,” he tells M&F. “Dustin and I’ve quite a lot of historical past, and there’s been an enormous quantity of progress from the primary struggle with him, in 2012, to now. Since that is his retirement struggle, he’s taking it very critically. And I’m too—I’m going for an announcement win. It’s a possibility for me to remind everybody of who I’m.”
Certainly, with a professional MMA file of 26-8-0 together with 12 wins by knockout and a couple of wins by submission in UFC, Holloway has received his final 4 fights and doesn’t intend to relinquish the BMF title. “It means rather a lot,” he shares. “As a result of I come from a bit of city on Oahu. Rising up, I used to be underestimated by many, so it feels validating to perform success within the sport. Combating within the UFC was a dream since I first started preventing, so I’ve immense gratitude that I’m capable of reside out my dream and do what I actually like to do.”
Max Holloway Stays in Management by Using Power and Conditioning
“I’m absolutely locked-in and my group is ramping up the depth in coaching camp with hardcore exercises,” shares Holloway of the technique round that large struggle at UFC 318. “We’re actually honing in on the power and conditioning,” he explains. This fighter just isn’t afraid of lifting heavy, and is thought to execute a wide range of squats, together with conventional strikes such because the bench press and barbell deadlift, together with kettlebell workout routines. Along with the heavy lifting, Holloway additionally works on his mobility with resistance bands and balancing work. “Day-after-day we fine-tune and make changes the place vital,” says Holloway. “I’m additionally sticking to a clear meal routine.”
This fighter says that power and conditioning has been a key side of success. “Power coaching is tremendous vital,” he explains. “It’s been a foundational component of my coaching for the previous 14 years, constructing my total endurance, energy, pace, and adaptability.” After all, it’s not simply struggle followers that might be glued to his battle with Poirier. Holloway’s rising gaming neighborhood may even be cheering him on. “KICK has sturdy viewership and engagement, and my following there may be genuine and natural,” he says proudly.
Nonetheless, the scholar of Muay Thai is extra centered on actuality than fantasy at this level. “Yearly I’m a unique fighter as a result of I’m a greater fighter,” he tells M&F. “I attempt to evolve from yr to yr.”
So with no cheat codes out there within the Octagon, how does Holloway intend to beat Poirier on this third and remaining stage? “If there’s a will there’s a manner,” he tells M&F, noting that this sentiment might be the most effective recommendation that he’s obtained as a fighter. “Champions at all times discover a manner,” he provides. “Additionally, match every little thing in with out reducing corners. Chopping corners may work at first, however ultimately you’ll run into the one who didn’t lower corners.”
UFC 318: Holloway vs. Poirer 3 might be broadcast reside from New Orleans on July 19, 2025.
To affix Max Holloway’s gaming neighborhood on KICK, click on right here.
