It’s troublesome to consider 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 yr by yr? Apparently, as he explains to M&F, it’s all a few love of gaming and a dedication to energy and conditioning.
Max Holloway has come a great distance from Hawaii. A former UFC featherweight champion with seven “Combat 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 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-Individual Shooter) sport. 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 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 bounce 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 an important side 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 even 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 dwell content material, and extra about serving to him to get well. “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 mixture of sparring periods, tactical energy 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 loads of historical past, and there’s been an enormous quantity of development from the primary battle with him, in 2012, to now. Since that is his retirement battle, he’s taking it very severely. 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 record of 26-8-0 together with 12 wins by knockout and a pair 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 just a little 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 preventing, so I’ve immense gratitude that I’m capable of dwell out my dream and do what I really like to do.”
Max Holloway Stays in Management by Using Energy and Conditioning
“I’m totally locked-in and my staff is ramping up the depth in coaching camp with hardcore exercises,” shares Holloway of the technique round that large battle at UFC 318. “We’re actually honing in on the energy and conditioning,” he explains. This fighter will not be afraid of lifting heavy, and is understood 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 by 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 energy 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 total endurance, energy, velocity, and adaptability.” In fact, it’s not simply battle followers that can 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 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 yr to yr.”
So with no cheat codes obtainable within the Octagon, how does Holloway intend to beat Poirier on this third and last 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 at all times discover a method,” he provides. “Additionally, match every little thing in with out slicing corners. Chopping corners may work at first, however ultimately you’ll run into the one that didn’t reduce corners.”
UFC 318: Holloway vs. Poirer 3 can be broadcast dwell from New Orleans on July 19, 2025.
To join Max Holloway’s gaming community on KICK, click here.
