Max Holloway is one of the most electrifying and respected fighters in MMA, known for his relentless pace, iron chin, and humble Hawaiian roots. From his early days in Waianae to becoming a UFC champion, Holloway’s story is full of grit, heart, and highlight-reel moments. Let’s break down everything you need to know about “Blessed”—from his personal life and career beginnings to his fight purses, endorsements, and legacy.
Max Holloway’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
| Name | Jerome Max Keli’i Holloway |
| Nickname(s) | Blessed (formerly “Lil Evil”) |
| Born | December 4, 1991, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA |
| Age (as of June 2025) | 33 years |
| High School | Waianae High School |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5’11” (180 cm) |
| Turned Pro | September 2010 |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $5–6 million |
| Salary (Base UFC) | Around $500,000 per fight |
| Spouse | Alessa Quizon |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Children | 1 son, Rush Holloway |
| Instagram Profile | @blessedmma |
Early Career
Max Holloway grew up in Waianae, Hawaii, where he began kickboxing at 15. By the time he graduated high school, he already had a 4-0 amateur record. He turned professional in September 2010, fighting in Hawaii’s X-1 promotion and quickly making a name for himself with a dynamic striking style.
Holloway’s early success, including a split-decision win for the X-1 Lightweight Championship, earned him recognition as a top featherweight prospect and a UFC debut at just 20 years old.
Professional Career
Holloway entered the UFC in 2012 as the youngest fighter on the roster. Though he lost his debut to Dustin Poirier, he rebounded with a string of wins, showcasing his volume striking and resilience. Setbacks against Dennis Bermudez and Conor McGregor only fueled his growth. Holloway then went on a legendary 13-fight win streak, defeating top contenders like Cub Swanson, Charles Oliveira, and Anthony Pettis.
He captured the interim featherweight title by defeating Pettis, then unified it by stopping José Aldo twice. Holloway defended his title against Brian Ortega and Frankie Edgar, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest featherweights ever. He’s also fought elite names at lightweight and continues to compete at the top of both divisions.
Wife
Max Holloway is currently married to professional surfer Alessa Quizon. The couple began dating in early 2020, got engaged in November 2020, and married on April 16, 2022, in Hawaii. Holloway has one son, Rush Holloway, from his previous marriage to model Kaimana Pa’aluhi.
Despite their divorce, Max maintains a close relationship with his son, and Rush is often seen supporting his father at fights and public events.
Max Holloway’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Max Holloway’s net worth is estimated to be between $5 million and $6 million. His wealth comes primarily from UFC fight purses, performance bonuses, pay-per-view shares, and numerous endorsement deals. Holloway’s consistent presence in high-profile fights and his popularity both in and out of the octagon have made him one of the better-compensated athletes in MMA.
Fight Purses
| Opponent | Event & Date | Result | Base Salary | Bonuses/PPV/Sponsorship | Total Earnings |
| Dustin Poirier | UFC 143 (Feb 2012) | Loss | $6,000 | $10,000 | $16,000 |
| Pat Schilling | TUF 15 Finale (Jun 2012) | Win | $6,000 | $16,000 | $22,000 |
| Anthony Pettis | UFC 206 (Dec 2016) | Win | $180,000 | $80,000 | $260,000 |
| José Aldo | UFC 212 (Jun 2017) | Win | $160,000 | $90,000 | $410,000 |
| Brian Ortega | UFC 231 (Dec 2018) | Win | $350,000 | $700,000 | $1,050,000 |
| Alexander Volkanovski | UFC 245 (Dec 2019) | Loss | $350,000 | $640,000 | $990,000 |
| Calvin Kattar | UFC Fight Island 7 (Jan 2021) | Win | $200,000 | $270,000 | $470,000 |
| Justin Gaethje | UFC 300 (Apr 2024) | Win | $500,000 | $1,921,000 | $2,421,000 |
| Ilia Topuria | UFC 308 (Oct 2024) | Loss | $1,500,000 | $932,000 | $2,432,000 |
Endorsements
- Reebok
- Budweiser
- Manscaped (men’s grooming)
- Facebook Gaming
- Hawaii Foodbank (charity partnership)
- Stake (casino and gambling)
- Owns a merchandise brand: shopmaxholloway.com
Career Records
| Opponent | Result (W/L) | Event & Date | Notes |
| Dustin Poirier | L (x2) | UFC 143 (2012), UFC 236 (2019) | Fought at featherweight and lightweight |
| Conor McGregor | L | UFC Fight Night (2013) | Early career loss |
| José Aldo | W (x2) | UFC 212 (2017), UFC 218 (2017) | Won and defended featherweight title |
| Brian Ortega | W | UFC 231 (2018) | Title defense, dominant win |
| Frankie Edgar | W | UFC 240 (2019) | Title defense |
| Charles Oliveira | W | UFC Fight Night (2015) | Oliveira injured, Holloway TKO |
| Anthony Pettis | W | UFC 206 (2016) | Won interim featherweight title |
| Alexander Volkanovski | L (x3) | UFC 245 (2019), UFC 251 (2020), UFC 276 (2022) | Lost title and rematches |
| Calvin Kattar | W | UFC Fight Island 7 (2021) | Record-breaking striking performance |
| Justin Gaethje | W | UFC 300 (2024) | Won BMF title, KO of the Year |
| Ilia Topuria | L | UFC 308 (2024) | Recent title fight |
FAQs
1. Who is Max Holloway?
Max Holloway is an American professional mixed martial artist who competes in the Featherweight and Lightweight divisions of the UFC. He is a former UFC Featherweight Champion and the current UFC BMF Champion, widely regarded as one of the greatest featherweights in MMA history.
2. What is Max Holloway’s background and early life?
Holloway was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and raised in Waianae. He is of Native Hawaiian and Samoan descent. His upbringing was challenging due to his parents’ struggles with addiction and his father’s abusive behavior, but he found discipline and purpose in martial arts from age 15.
3. What are Max Holloway’s most notable achievements in the UFC?
Holloway became the youngest fighter on the UFC roster in 2012, won the UFC Featherweight Title by defeating José Aldo, and defended it multiple times. He holds records for significant strikes landed and has earned several Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night awards.
4. What is Max Holloway’s fighting style?
Holloway is known for his dynamic and high-volume striking, relentless forward pressure, technical prowess, and adaptability. His stamina and ability to outpace opponents make him a formidable presence in the octagon.
5. What are some of Max Holloway’s most memorable fights?
Key fights include victories over José Aldo (twice), Brian Ortega, Calvin Kattar, and Justin Gaethje for the BMF title, as well as notable bouts against Alexander Volkanovski and Dustin Poirier.
6. What challenges did Max Holloway face growing up, and how did they influence his career?
He grew up in a tough neighborhood with family struggles related to addiction and abuse. These hardships instilled resilience, determination, and a strong work ethic that shaped his success in MMA.
7. What is Max Holloway’s current status in the UFC rankings?
As of April 2025, Holloway is ranked #1 in the UFC featherweight division, #4 in the lightweight division, and #12 in the UFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings.
8. What is Max Holloway’s nickname and why is he called that?
His nickname is “Blessed,” reflecting both his positive outlook and his pride in overcoming adversity to achieve success.
9. How does Max Holloway represent his Hawaiian heritage?
Holloway is proud of his Hawaiian roots, often entering the octagon with the Hawaiian flag and embodying the “Aloha spirit” through respect, courage, and passion.
10. What makes Max Holloway a fan favorite and respected figure in MMA?
His exciting fighting style, resilience, humility, and willingness to face top competition have earned him a loyal fanbase and respect from peers, making him a cult figure in the MMA community.