| Human Profile | |
| Name: | Jerome Max Keli'i Holloway |
| Birthday: | December 4, 1991 (age 34 years), Born in Waianae, Hawaii |
| Height: | 5'11" (180 cm) |
| Education: | Waianae High School (Diploma) |
| Subscribers: | 405K |
| Views: | 30,382,305 |
| YouTube Revenue: | $30.4K - $151.9K |
| Videos: | 437 |
| Channel Created: | April 2012 |
Overview
Max Holloway is an American mixed martial artist of Native Hawaiian and Samoan descent, recognized as a former undisputed UFC Featherweight Champion who famously achieved a 13-fight winning streak and successfully defended his title multiple times.
Latest News (Jan 8, 2026): Max Holloway is set to defend his symbolic "BMF" title against Charles Oliveira in a highly anticipated rematch at UFC 326 on March 7, 2026, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This significant lightweight bout was confirmed at the UFC 2026 seasonal press conference in early December 2025, with Oliveira clarifying in December 2025 that the fight would not take place in January as initially rumored.
Early Life and Background
Jerome Max Keli’i Holloway was born on December 4, 1991, in Honolulu, Hawaii, and was raised in Waianae, an area known for its fist-fighting culture. Of Native Hawaiian and Samoan ancestry, Holloway experienced a difficult childhood. His parents, Mark Holloway and Missy Kapoi, both struggled with drug use. His father was abusive towards his mother and left the family when Holloway was around 11 years old. His mother, who used crystal meth, eventually recovered and raised Holloway with the help of her family.
Holloway began training in kickboxing in 2007, during his sophomore year of high school at the age of 15. He won his first amateur bout after only three days of training. He graduated from Waianae High School in 2010.
Mixed Martial Arts Beginnings
By the time he graduated from high school, Holloway had already compiled a 4-0 amateur record. He turned professional in September 2010, winning his debut by unanimous decision. At the age of 19, he had amassed a professional record of 4–0 and was recognized as a rising featherweight prospect. A notable early victory was a split decision win over Harris Sarimento in March 2011, which earned him the lightweight title for the Hawaii-based X-1 promotion.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Career
Holloway made his Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) debut on February 4, 2012, as an injury replacement against Dustin Poirier at UFC 143. At the time, he was the youngest fighter on the UFC roster. He lost his debut fight via submission in the first round. Holloway secured his first UFC victory in his next bout on June 1, 2012, with a unanimous decision win. After a controversial split decision loss to Dennis Bermudez and a unanimous decision loss to Conor McGregor in 2013, Holloway began a significant winning streak.
Featherweight Championship Reign
From 2014, Holloway embarked on a 13-fight winning streak in the featherweight division. This run culminated in a fight against Anthony Pettis for the interim UFC Featherweight Championship. Holloway won the bout, setting up a title unification fight with the reigning champion, José Aldo. On June 3, 2017, at UFC 212, Holloway defeated Aldo via TKO in the third round to become the undisputed UFC Featherweight Champion. He went on to defend his title three times, including a rematch victory over Aldo and wins against Brian Ortega and Frankie Edgar.
Personal Life
Holloway has a son, Rush Holloway, with his former wife, Kaimana Pa’aluhi, whom he married in 2012. The couple separated in 2014 and divorced in 2017. In 2020, he began a relationship with Hawaiian surfer Alessa Quizon. They became engaged in November of that year and married in April 2022. Holloway often brings his son to his public appearances and events.