It’s troublesome 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 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} 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 positively a traditional FPS (First-Individual 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 pastime however has now became 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 a number of nostalgia and core reminiscences 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 bounce 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 facet 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 strain 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 better. “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 sometimes spend a pair hours gaming on livestream.”
The steadiness 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 a number of historical past, and there’s been an enormous quantity of development 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 a press release win. It’s a chance 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 gained his final 4 fights and doesn’t intend to relinquish the BMF title. “It means so much,” he shares. “As a result of I come from a bit 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 Energy and Conditioning
“I’m totally locked-in and my crew 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. “Every single day we fine-tune and make changes the place obligatory,” 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. “Energy coaching is tremendous vital,” he explains. “It’s been a foundational aspect of my coaching for the previous 14 years, constructing my general endurance, energy, velocity, and adaptability.” In fact, it’s not simply struggle followers that can be glued to his battle with Poirier. Holloway’s rising gaming neighborhood may even be cheering him on. “KICK has robust viewership and engagement, and my following there’s 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 remaining degree? “If there’s a will there’s a approach,” he tells M&F, noting that this sentiment might be the perfect recommendation that he’s obtained as a fighter. “Champions at all times discover a approach,” he provides. “Additionally, match every part in with out slicing corners. Reducing corners may work at first, however ultimately you’ll run into the one who didn’t lower corners.”
UFC 318: Holloway vs. Poirer 3 can be broadcast reside from New Orleans on July 19, 2025.
To hitch Max Holloway’s gaming neighborhood on KICK, click on right here.
