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 couple of love of gaming and a dedication to energy and conditioning.
Max Holloway has come a good 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 positively a basic FPS (First-Particular person 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 pastime however has now became a productive a part of his day. Now an avid content material creator, he livestreams repeatedly on the KICK platform. “I’ve been enjoying video video games since I used to be a child, and there’s numerous 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 group 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 arising, the flexibility to unwind is a vital facet of Holloway’s psychological preparation. On July 19, 2025, he’ll face Dustin Poirier for the third and closing 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 can 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 stay 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 mix of sparring classes, tactical energy 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 closing rematch. “It’s going to be a enjoyable rematch, for certain,” he tells M&F. “Dustin and I’ve numerous 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 significantly. And I’m too—I’m going for an announcement 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 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 so much,” 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. Combating 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 Energy and Conditioning
“I’m totally locked-in and my workforce 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 energy and conditioning,” he explains. This fighter isn’t afraid of lifting heavy, and is thought to execute quite a lot 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. “On daily basis we fine-tune and make changes the place essential,” says Holloway. “I’m additionally sticking to a clear meal routine.”
This fighter says that energy and conditioning has been a key facet of success. “Energy 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 suppleness.” In fact, it’s not simply struggle followers that will probably be glued to his battle with Poirier. Holloway’s rising gaming group can even 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 centered 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 closing stage? “If there’s a will there’s a method,” he tells M&F, noting that this sentiment might be the most effective recommendation that he’s obtained as a fighter. “Champions all the time discover a method,” he provides. “Additionally, match every thing in with out slicing corners. Reducing corners may work at first, however finally you’ll run into the one who 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 group on KICK, click on right here.
