It’s tough 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 prime 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 few 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 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 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 undoubtedly a basic FPS (First-Particular person Shooter) sport. I find it irresistible 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 pastime however has now changed into a productive a part of his day. Now an avid content material creator, he livestreams frequently on the KICK platform. “I’ve been enjoying video video games since I used to be a child, and there’s loads 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 soar into random multiplayer video games on a regular basis. Gaming is greater than a pastime; 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 power to unwind is a vital side of Holloway’s psychological preparation. On July 19, 2025, he’ll face Dustin Poirier for the third and ultimate 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 will even be placing the symbolic BMF Championship on the road, including additional strain to the extremely anticipated bout.
Whereas in struggle camp, gaming turns into much less about creating dwell 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 embrace a mixture 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 stability appears to be working, as a result of Holloway seems relaxed forward of that ultimate rematch. “It’s going to be a enjoyable rematch, for certain,” he tells M&F. “Dustin and I’ve loads 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 pair of wins by submission in UFC, Holloway has received 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 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 in a position to dwell out my dream and do what I actually like to do.”
Max Holloway Stays in Management by Using Energy and Conditioning
“I’m totally 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 isn’t afraid of lifting heavy, and is understood to execute quite a lot 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. “Each day we fine-tune and make changes the place mandatory,” 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. “Energy coaching is tremendous essential,” he explains. “It’s been a foundational ingredient of my coaching for the previous 14 years, constructing my general endurance, energy, pace, and suppleness.” After all, it’s not simply struggle followers that might be glued to his battle with Poirier. Holloway’s rising gaming neighborhood will 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 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 obtainable within the Octagon, how does Holloway intend to beat Poirier on this third and ultimate stage? “If there’s a will there’s a method,” he tells M&F, noting that this sentiment might be the very best recommendation that he’s acquired as a fighter. “Champions all the time discover a method,” he provides. “Additionally, match the whole lot in with out chopping corners. Slicing corners would possibly work at first, however ultimately you’ll run into the one that didn’t lower corners.”
UFC 318: Holloway vs. Poirer 3 might be broadcast dwell from New Orleans on July 19, 2025.
To affix Max Holloway’s gaming neighborhood on KICK, click on right here.
