By KEVIN JAKAHI Tribune-Herald sports writer ADVERTISING Is the next Max Holloway at tonight’s Just Scrap or Russell Strong’s Unorthodox Industries Championships on Feb. 18 or Wally Carvalho Jr.’s next Toughman Hawaii Tournament of Champions on March 10? Who’s Max
By KEVIN JAKAHI
Tribune-Herald sports writer
Is the next Max Holloway at tonight’s Just Scrap or Russell Strong’s Unorthodox Industries Championships on Feb. 18 or Wally Carvalho Jr.’s next Toughman Hawaii Tournament of Champions on March 10?
Who’s Max Holloway?
He’s a local mixed martial arts fighter who made his bones through the small shows here, fought at Just Scrap last year and reached the major leagues.
In a “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon” way, the Big Island has a small hand — albeit the size of a macadamia nut — in connecting Oahu’s Holloway to the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Holloway (4-0) signed last Thursday to fight Dustin Poirier (11-1) at UFC 143 on Feb. 4 in Las Vegas, after Poirier’s two previous foes pulled out because of injuries.
It will be Holloway’s first fight in the UFC, providing inspiration to other Hawaii amateur or pro MMA fighters that someone who beat around the minor league bushes can attract Dana White’s attention.
In June 2010, Holloway fought on the co-main event Just Scrap card for the 145-pound amateur title, and made a lasting impression, wearing what looked like red underwear and defeating Hilo’s Toby Misech, who left the octagon limping.
Holloway shortly turned pro and competed for X-1 Events, winning twice by decision and the other time by knockout. His last fight was a decision over Eddie Rincon for Strong’s UIC in July on Maui.
“We’re excited. Any time a local fighter who started at the bottom of the ranks and makes it to the next level,” Just Scrap promoter Chad Hao said. “It’s every fighter’s dream to get to the UFC. Everybody is dying to get to the big show and the UFC is the biggest show.”
In August, UFC and Fox shook hands on a seven-year, $700 million contract to deliver four live fights a year on the national network.
Holloway is a one-fight substitute. He didn’t sign a multi-fight deal with the UFC, which will feature featherweight champion Jose Aldo against Chad Mendes at UFC 142 tonight in Brazil.
It could be a one-shot deal or maybe something longer if Holloway throws the kitchen sink at Poirier.
“There’s so much competition at the high level. Sometimes, one shot is all you get. Even if you win and it’s not impressive, you may not get a call back,” Hao said. “The goal of promoters is to put on a show. Even if you lose and you give the guy a war, it’s exciting fights that sell tickets. The percentage of getting a call back would be that much higher.”
Strong also had words of advice for those wishing to follow in Holloway’s footsteps.
“A big part with Max is he signed with a management company, Sucker Punch Entertainment, out of California,” Strong said. “The local guys have to broaden their stuff. If they stay with one promotion, they won’t get far. Once Toby turned pro, he fought for every promotion in Hawaii. He didn’t stay with one promotion, Max, too. That helps them out plenty.”
There’s no doubt Strong will be a UFC 143 pay-per-view customer, hoping Holloway makes a dent against Poirier, known for his aggressive fighting style.
“Max is fighting the No. 5 guy in the world at 145 pounds. It’s not like he’s fighting just anybody,” Strong said. “This fight is super important because if Max beats him he could jump into the world rankings and be ranked in the top 10.
“He’s a huge inspiration to the local fighters. He’s a local fighter, fought on the small shows, and he made it.”
