It’s troublesome to imagine that Max Holloway has been competing in MMA because the age of 15. Now 33, the person they name “Blessed” stays one of many high fighters within the UFC. So, how does Holloway keep youthful whereas evolving 12 months by 12 months? 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 “Struggle of the Evening” 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} massive a part of his way of life 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 positively a traditional FPS (First-Individual Shooter) recreation. I adore 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 interest however has now was a productive a part of his day. Now an avid content material creator, he livestreams often on the KICK platform. “I’ve been taking part in video video games since I used to be a child, and there’s lots of nostalgia and core recollections tied to them,” he shares. “Gaming on livestream was only a pure transition for me. I like having the ability to join with the gaming neighborhood on-line and chat with my KICK following whereas I play. I soar into random multiplayer video games on a regular basis. Gaming is greater than a interest; 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 battle arising, the power to unwind is a vital facet of Holloway’s psychological preparation. On July 19, 2025, he’ll face Dustin Poirier for the third and last 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 also be placing the symbolic BMF Championship on the road, including additional stress to the extremely anticipated bout.
Whereas in battle camp, gaming turns into much less about creating stay content material, and extra about serving to him to get better. “Main as much as a battle, my days are devoted to coaching camp,” explains Holloway. “My exercises begin round 10 a.m. and embody a mix of sparring classes, tactical power and conditioning, cardio train, and jiujitsu drills. On my restoration days, I’ll usually spend a pair hours gaming on livestream.”
The steadiness appears to be working, as a result of Holloway seems relaxed forward of that last rematch. “It’s going to be a enjoyable rematch, for positive,” he tells M&F. “Dustin and I’ve lots of historical past, and there’s been an enormous quantity of progress from the primary battle with him, in 2012, to now. Since that is his retirement battle, he’s taking it very significantly. 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 document of 26-8-0 together with 12 wins by knockout and a couple of wins by submission in UFC, Holloway has gained his final 4 fights and doesn’t intend to relinquish the BMF title. “It means quite a bit,” he shares. “As a result of I come from slightly city on Oahu. Rising up, I used to be underestimated by many, so it feels validating to perform success within the sport. Preventing within the UFC was a dream since I first started combating, so I’ve immense gratitude that I’m capable of stay out my dream and do what I really like to do.”
Max Holloway Stays in Management by Using Power and Conditioning
“I’m absolutely locked-in and my crew is ramping up the depth in coaching camp with hardcore exercises,” shares Holloway of the technique round that massive battle at UFC 318. “We’re actually honing in on the power and conditioning,” he explains. This fighter is just not 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 workouts. 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 essential,” says Holloway. “I’m additionally sticking to a clear meal routine.”
This fighter says that power and conditioning has been a key facet of success. “Power coaching is tremendous necessary,” he explains. “It’s been a foundational aspect of my coaching for the previous 14 years, constructing my total endurance, energy, pace, and suppleness.” After all, it’s not simply battle followers that will probably be glued to his battle with Poirier. Holloway’s rising gaming neighborhood may also be cheering him on. “KICK has sturdy viewership and engagement, and my following there’s genuine and natural,” he says proudly.
Nonetheless, the coed of Muay Thai is extra targeted on actuality than fantasy at this level. “Yearly I’m a distinct fighter as a result of I’m a greater fighter,” he tells M&F. “I attempt to evolve from 12 months to 12 months.”
So with no cheat codes out there within the Octagon, how does Holloway intend to beat Poirier on this third and last degree? “If there’s a will there’s a means,” he tells M&F, noting that this sentiment might be one of the best recommendation that he’s acquired as a fighter. “Champions at all times discover a means,” he provides. “Additionally, match all the pieces in with out chopping corners. Reducing corners would possibly work at first, however ultimately you’ll run into the one that didn’t reduce corners.”
UFC 318: Holloway vs. Poirer 3 will probably be broadcast stay from New Orleans on July 19, 2025.
To hitch Max Holloway’s gaming neighborhood on KICK, click on right here.
