Max Holloway Gets Deep On Depression, Rough Upbringing, What’s Next | The MMA Hour

Max Holloway discusses his relationship with Alexander Volkanovski’s coach Eugene Bareman, visiting New York and Japan, anime, life after fighting, why he doesn’t watch MMA, life in Waianae, how he met his wife, growing up without much of a father figure, his mom getting clean, wanting to be a baseball player as a kid, how he became an MMA fighter, getting into trouble as a kid, how Israel Adesanya’s documentary opened his eyes, his son getting into MMA, if Korean Zombie is next, lightweight, Charles Oliveira, and more in-studio to Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour.
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[@charlesezelle465]

“My nose looked like yours Ariel it was terrible” I love Max 😂

[@martinmulivai]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 Made me laugh when he said that. The uso max is a cool dude!

[@andresmovement3595]

Woooooh!!

[@craigschmidt4133]

It’s hard not to like max. Such a real dude. Genuine class act

[@goofygoof212]

volk beat him 3 times and islam 50-41ed volk.....max is a journeyman

[@kill4_K]

@@goofygoof212get a life lol

[@kill4_K]

Trolling or not

[@ChillHawaiian3]

All hawaiians are chill

[@RUTSG]

@@goofygoof212 kefe

[@alcottdevalte7440]

This kid has become a national treasure. We need more people like him. Just gotta enjoy his fights while he is still here.

[@theguvnor3880]

Agreed. I have him ahead of BJ, personally.

[@_keno5100]

He’s 31…..

[@kgb9440]

@@_keno5100 ahah I was just thinkin that but still can’t dispute the fact he has great fights and a model in character

[@casgal2431]

@@theguvnor3880Allow our legends to co-exist, two different resumes and eras

[@spectre8469]

dana tha you ?

[@BrushworkNL]

Toughest and most likeable UFC star hands down, Max is a class act and I have always enjoyed his dedication to putting on a great show.

[@peacebalancetruth]

🎯🔥

[@user-jy6kd7wq7x]

Yup and Just won The BMF Title so now the Baddest on top of being the Toughest 👍

[@mjfaigal0507]

We love Max Holloway as a fighter and more as a person, since he's so down to earth. The hype has never gotten to his head, and he's so humble even when he was a UFC champ for years in his weight class. He's a 1st class kind of guy! He's got a few more fights in him as he's done everything and nothing else to prove anymore in this tough MMA sport.

[@JahEerie]

100% - He's the 'Anti-McGregor', that's why Jameson used him to promote proper Irish whiskey 😉

[@josemarialaguinge]

I love Max man, hope nothing bad happens his way and he lives a long and successful life.

[@devondetroit2529]

I think his brain is cooked

[@jt-ky7ph]

@@devondetroit2529 I thought that too listening to it, his speech sounds off

[@devondetroit2529]

@@jt-ky7ph you can hear him struggling to pronounce words and remember certain things.. not good for someone under 30

[@gabehirzel1675]

@@devondetroit2529yeah kinda but he’s always sounded like this he’s always kind of slurred

[@joshL28]

⁠@@devondetroit2529I mean hey that’s what you’d expect from fighters especially Max who’s been fighting for a LONG time, still always surprises me that he’s just 31 ( he’s not under 30 as you claim). Despite that, if his message reaches at least one person to change their life that’s a success.

[@CJ-rs3kd]

I have always loved blessed. Probably the realest in the game. Then he fought in Toronto and fell in love with the city and knew he’d have fans here for life. Happy he loves Toronto so much and could be a part of the 2019 raptors run. The best is blessed.

[@Nammicus]

Hell yeah, big up to all my fellow torontonians

[@darkclaw1462]

It's memorizing to see that Max has fought and beat the elite of the elite In this sport. Lamas, Swanson, destroyed Kattar, first FW to beat both Brian Ortega and Arnold Allen, beat two of the greatest FW's In Jose Aldo twice as well as arguably Alexander Volkanovski (In their rematch), beat current FW Interim champ In Yair, and went to war with all time great lightweights like Oliveira, Poirer (twice), Mcgregor, Edgar, Pettis, etc. Blessed Is a total beast, one of the greatest featherweights In UFC history, and just a legend.

[@aldomauricioable]

Bro he barely beat yair and you can make the argument that Yair won. Yair made the best boxer of the ufc to wrestle and then he had to sit out for a while for the damage.

[@conormcgregor8451]

@@aldomauricioable no way from reading that entire post that’s what you decide to get out of it, like bro enjoy the greatness while you have it.

[@loopvil369]

Or mesmerising

[@BillyBobThorton777]

@@aldomauricioablefam no😂pls rewatch that fight there zero argument that Yair won Max 7min control time & 230 sig strikes *VS* Yair 2min control time & 159 sig strikes .... cmon dawg

[@whydopeoplealwayssayuhm]

@@aldomauricioable so you’re one of those fans… to each their own.

[@bcoz6630]

"It's only a loss if you didn't learn anything from it." Love this guy

[@davidmmaenthusiast4132]

So glad Izzy and Max connected. I love positivity and bringing people together. True sportsmanship. Great teams!! Both

[@STiergoofball]

People think that Izzy is a bad human being just because he is cringe often on the mic But in interviews you see how much of a kind guy he is and I am so glad that he and Max are cool now Max is such a wholesome dude

[@archstanton3636]

Love Max, he is as Hawaiian as they come. Tough as hell, chill as @#$%, ready to go at all times. He's comes across as a guy who is really comfortable in his own skin. It's a lifelong effort and journey. Respect.

[@gsutherland3614]

interviews like this are what make Ariel the best in the game. both guys are such an asset to the sport

[@ndivesportsTV]

nope such stories are not suppose to go that deep especially if is not really related directly to fight like asking when you pick the pipe how did you feel smoking it .imagine talking about one's mom after something has passed long long time ago . Masvidal told ariel to stop when he kept pushing and pushing . Ariel will not coming out and say things like that about his parents .we all have some sort of sad stuff its not great being in public

[@tristansm51]

@@ndivesportsTV I feel you but it can also help “humanize”these fighters and provide things for people to relate to and draw inspiration from. The good ole if he can do it, I can too.

[@ninjavibez4696]

@@tristansm51 there you go… we constantly have to turn negatives into positives everyday, and hearing these testimonies (especially from Badass cage fighters) really do help!

[@stuartwilson6594]

Glad he got him on. But jeez, I don't think Ariel is a natural. He kept interrupting Max.

[@ndivesportsTV]

@@tristansm51 talking about ur mom giving you pipe over 10 years ago is not inspirational at all yes talk about drug addict and came out top. That’s really really embarrassing most people will agree that you don’t have to go in detail to be inspirational especially when is ur parents after 10 years . How did you feel when you took the pipe ? Common now I will guarantee you his mom will not appreciate that and no parent should .

[@Last_Chance.]

Max has a similar story to me. I grew up in a drug infested place without a mom a dad. I found fighting and it saved me from a life of drugs and poverty. I didn't do mma but I trained in kickboxing and I win multiple national tournaments in the amateurs and went pro at 20 and eventually became a 2 time world kickboxing champion. Obviously I didn't have the money and fame as max but fighting saved my life. Im retired from competing now but I train amateur and pro fighters now.

[@mdstudio8139]

Name or did not happen.

[@abcdef-hc6to]

Show us one of the fights

[@Last_Chance.]

@@mdstudio8139 I enjoy my anonymity. I don't like the spotlight anymore so I'll keep my name private.

[@Bairom06]

Respect brother

[@abcdef-hc6to]

@@Last_Chance. Mate if you're a 2 time world champion your name is already out there lol. Saying your name in a youtube comment section won't affect anything. Sounds like a made up story.

[@theguvnor3880]

One of the best FWs of all time and definitely one of my favourite fighters.

[@justinlyle7831]

How is anyone not a fan of Max?!?! He's one of the greatest to ever do it. And great doesn't only describe wins and losses in the octagon.

[@slax4884]

It makes me sad how much max has been through but wow he is a kind amazing beautiful person despite all that he suffered. And to go from bad guy to good guy is amazing

[@rithrean]

Man I feel for Max. You can tell it hurts him to talk about his family past about his mom because you can hear the slight crack in his voice when he talks about it. Glad to see things going well for him and having his own family and being such a role model and father figure to his son. Such a cool and humble guy. Love watching his fights. Much respect.

[@thejokerquade]

This was making me a little emotional. I never saw this side of him and its so beautiful how honest and positive he is being. Meant a lot to me

[@katana_3558]

Max is an inspiration to so many out here ..had a rough childhood and now a legend..always positive

[@itsyaboi5488]

Max will always be a top 5 fave fighter/ human of mine bro is just that guy

[@saulskate100]

This is great!!’ One of my favorite mma hour!! So nice to see max chillin in the studio and sharing childhood stories and being such an open book!! I love that dude as a fighter, but even more as a human!! Much love for Max!!!🙌🏼

[@bauerpower83]

Man I feel bad now I was rooting so hard against max when he fought volk. Now I'll root for this dude when he fights. Seems like a real dude

[@wroble2959]

Max has always been chill, it’s hard watching him and volk batter eachother. Feel like they could be mates in another world.

[@katana_3558]

Max is a real dude..he is not from the steroid club called ckb

[@darkcadence938]

I love max, he is so tough both mentally and physically, he is humble, his aura is so calm and relax, but when he is in the octagon he is a beast..

[@divinethug1]

Love Max, his growth as a fighter and person has bin amazing to see over all these years. def in my top 3 favorite fighters!

[@ElvisComedy]

Max has already achieved everything personally and professionally 🤙

[@oxic88]

I’m a Volk diehard (grew up in the same town as him and actually played a couple games of rugby against him), but Max is such a likeable and relatable dude. AND a bad ass fighter and deserved champ! I know he is 3-0 to Volk, but most true fight fans wouldn’t mind seeing a fourth. He’s one of the best to ever do it and deserves to be considered.

[@My_key8oh8]

Respect for saying what you said

[@sebastiaan00799]

I’m a true fan, but I don’t want to see it again. I think the only way he beats volk is if volk gets too old and max beats him like tito beat chuck the third time they met. Other than that, no way.

[@oxic88]

@@sebastiaan00799 fair enough dude. I don’t really see Max beating him at this point either, but if Yair can’t get it done and Max beats all challengers, then who is up next? Its difficult cause Max has looked super competitive against everyone except in his last fight with Volk. That was a brutal fight for Max and he looked entirely outclassed. Also Volk is turning 35 in a few months so that could be a problem for him sooner rather than later, so that prophecy of yours may come to pass! Personally I think Volk has a lot left in the tank, but Father Time waits for no one as they say. I hope you’re right dude, I want Volk to stay champ for a long time. Overall, I think if no other challenger can step up and Max is still looking good and staying competitive at the top of the list, the UFC has to reward legacy and give him the 4th fight. Whether he can beat Volk is another story i guess. I don’t entirely disagree with you though bro.

[@ninjavibez4696]

@@oxic88 I agree 100% with both your comments. Spot on and very, very well said. Especially about Father Time.

[@sebastiaan00799]

@@oxic88 I feel the same man, Max is just such a G, wish they could give him the interim strap and have him hold and defend that, same with Robert Whittaker. Have a good one man, cheers.

[@camerondodge98]

max truly is a gem, as a new father myself i can relate and me not having a relationship or father figure for most of my life. it really pushes me lights a fire in me to be the best dad I can be. and provide anything my son needs.

[@Mr-E.]

Some of Max's fights will always be in my top 10 most memorable. The Kattar fight where he was dodging him Matrix style while screaming at the commentator's booth. Correcting and helping Brian Ortega with some tips on blocking/defense mid-fight. These are legendary stories where people might ask for video proof that they actually happened 50 years from now.

[@Astral_Kay]

10 months later Max has most incredible KO and BMF belt 🙌🏼👏🤯

[@Mr-E.]

@@Astral_Kay That is awesome you found this comment 10 months later (brought a smile to my face). Seriously, if Max keeps going like this, he is going to fill up all my top 10 most memorable spots!

[@Astral_Kay]

@@Mr-E. 😄Max is on a roll! I can’t wait to see what else he does this year🙌🏼💪🏼

[@djsico2000]

His No Look Punch is definitely one of the most bad ass moment in UFC history

[@rmh_itsme6517]

Srsly. I can rewatch that moment over and over. That one goes on all UFC highlight reels forever.

[@xart23x]

What a loveable guy Max is. He deserves every bit of success and accolades he gets. Beautiful wife n family. When you think of great representatives of MMA…he’s Mount Rushmore status.

[@TheJimParrack]

Blessed is the Best! what a generous interview. These two brought the best out of each other!

[@kirubelassegid1177]

Max Holloway is as real as it gets. Been always a fan , great fighter.. now we can see his character as well. Thx for opening up.

[@alexguy01]

Max is the man! One of my favorite interviews on the mma hour. Much love!

[@unrulyronin]

Loved this interview! Max is such a down to earth guy

[@Albert5522]

Always love listening to Max! So chilled and down to earth for someone that's the "BEST BOXER IN THE WORLD" 😂

[@trexgamer73]

Max is an awesome guy. I can really seeing him helping people after fighting. Awesome interview Ariel!

[@maxf6304]

Max is so damn smart and and all around great person. I pray for the best for this man’s family and future. 🙏🙏

[@SadistikUsurper]

What an absolute beautiful soul and person that Max Holloway is. It’s impossible to hate him always been a fan of his fighting but this interview truly illuminated how genuine and transparent and honest max is as a person. Best interview I’ve seen in a long time cheers boys

[@Cris-ik5yh]

Love you max 💯 thanks for being honest with your fans and being that “voice” that many ppl need to hear. God bless this man and keep grinding brother 🤘

[@kriscriskracker7945]

Solid dude, always thought he was OK. But to hear him share this puts him in a better light. 💖💖

[@silenceisgoldn]

I always liked Max. Now, I'm loving Max. What a great man!!! Stellar interview!!

[@My_key8oh8]

This is Hawaii. He has the platform to show who we are.

[@Talix.]

Max deserves all the success and happiness in the world. Love him man.

[@ramakanthbaldawa4391]

Always love the energy on Max! Infectious!

[@ahmadtan]

Ariel is so good as a host. I can sense the nervousness at the beginning and he just opened it up so naturally and then went deeper into the conversation with harder topics. I can literally hear the loosening up of max. Very very commendable.

[@nicky2times2times10]

One of the greatest people and fighters ever. Such a fan of you dude.

[@jimmyhale736]

Always have loved watching Max every since he was a young kid starting out in the UFC. He will always be the champ he had the belt for a while! I see you getting that belt back Max! Great man an great Warrior!

[@user-cr7sq6tf6q]

Great interview! Ariel back at it again, well-deserved to have this closure with goats and martial arts stars. great stuff, with the great Max Holloway

[@pjay450]

Max Holloway looks so much better. He seems to be focusing on recovery a lot.

[@healthwithmarcus]

This was a GREAT interview

[@nickcavini]

Max Holloway is so humble and real. Truly blessed.

[@gdahood4619]

My absolute favorite fighter in and out the cage and even more with this interview !!! What a romantic too 👍🏼 Stay Blessed Champ 👊🏼

[@innocentmurauro653]

I'm a fan of Max trust me but starting today I'm a super fan. His upbringing kind of tells a story about how l was brought up as well, though my mom never do drugs but l grew up without my dad (passed away when l was 5). It's true when they say you can never get to know somebody until you get to know them. It's crazy how l was holding back my tears when Max opened up about his personal life, so relatable.

[@brandonsantoso]

Love Max Holloway. Featherweight Goat and incredibly unique, lovely human being.

[@caydendinkins846]

This just made me like Max Holloway even more. W for anime too.

[@dude7068]

max is the best ... he is the most genuine and undoubtedly the nicest fighter on the roster.... an inspiration and a role model for many. there needs to be a documentary on Max's life like style bender

[@josephflannery9015]

Max is the fighter that got me into the UFC. My older brothers told me “ this kid is literally right out of highschool” when I was like 16 and he was 20-21. Seeing someone so close to my age fighting was wild to see. Blessed Express since then baby

[@milkyway6508]

Which UFC fighter are you then?

[@erkziltonz]

@@milkyway6508 he is Robbie Lawler, he is fighting on the 290 card.

[@managut]

One of my favorite fighters of all time!!

[@PPlex66]

Big Respect to Max !! Like how humble guy he is !! Keep on being you, Max !! 🙂

[@DGillian6406]

Just a great guy!! The ones like Max, who give back, are next level!

[@CaptainKuki]

Sending aroha to Max from New Zealand.

[@LegendaryHawkk]

same here my bro

[@beamng06]

ariel so bold with his questions lol

[@Cryohh]

Great to have max on, always a stand up dude

[@indivisible885]

It's nice to hear that you're not alone. Max can help a lot of young men, to know they're not alone. That they can make it, even with a messed up life.

[@JuniorModz]

Damn never thought max would have such a relatable story man, these stories create amazing people like him, like us

[@My_key8oh8]

Hawaii that’s why

[@dylanmcginnity5028]

I never realised how messed up my childhood was until watching stuff like this 😄 I had the same experiences and some 😅

[@technodromen]

If thats true i feel sorry for you but never forget that is what made you, you. Find the negative aspects your your personality stemming from your upbringing and eradicate them. But AMPLiFY those aspects that are positive. That is a super power us ”normal” people can never get.

[@dsneblina]

I love this guy. He's such an inspiration & so down-to-earth. Good luck against the Korean Zombie, Max! Much love from CA

[@simonwilson1211]

Watching this after the "BMF" Belt fight.. What a lovely fella! Congratulations Max and wishing you nothing, but more success.

[@lucastracymma8764]

I hope max can eventually reclaim his title. If volk retires or moves up soon that will be his opportunity. Great interview

[@onepunchflan3071]

It's not the same I just want to see him conquer volk

[@joshuarovai8101]

My favorite fighter the guy responded to me and multiple fans helped me through a dark time in life

[@vernonromeo18]

Dude hearing Max talk about Anime is awesome. I’m glad the world is becoming more accepting of the Otaku

[@kadato6129]

One of my favorite mma hour in a bit, great guest and one of my favorite fighters

[@David-xh9cw]

The best is Blessed baby

[@asmrwatching8469]

SLURP TRAIN DETECTED

[@thomashayes8340]

Max was and still is an absolute beast. Probably the best chin in MMA! Just a shame volk schooled his ass so bad.

[@darkclaw1462]

Some of the best cardio and pressure striking In the MMA too, up there with Prime Tony Ferguson, the Diaz Bros, Sea Level Cain, etc.

[@thomashayes8340]

@@darkclaw1462 yeah for sure! I was impressed with his win over yair to that guys a killer. Him v volk gonna be fireworks

[@slickdon1]

I know it’s a shame that volk beat him so bad in the 3rd fight because max definitely beat him in the 2nd fight n no one will remember it

[@robbiejohnston2023]

@@slickdon1no. Max had an excelled first two rounds but Volk won the last 3

[@user-uh3wx2bg6u]

Everyone thought he won the first fight, and many thought he won the second. Put some respect on his name.

[@kawikaakana4168]

Top mma hour guest of all time. Max is a legend in all Hawaii not just The W! The Best is Still Blessed 🙌 🤙💯

[@nicolasvidalon8470]

One of the best Interview we had really inspiring and mind opening Respect to max and Ariel

[@foggy561]

Max had me laughing when he said "If you beep your horn at someone in Hawaii they probably get out their car and fight you" lol. It's the same in upstate NY. NYC has some rude, impatient Mfers

[@tenkkhan4676]

At the end of the day…🤣 Inspiring to listen to everything he has overcame. Hope he gets the fourth shot against Volk.

[@ThePc-DjHub]

One of, if not the best max Holloway interview I've heard

[@Burgo30]

Enjoyed this so much. Can relate to you in a lot of ways Max. Respect bro, your a mad fighter but most importantly your a beast family man. Also seem naturally empathetic for others. I’m an Aussie and I love Alex. But I would love to see you get the belt bro. Alex would love that too I reckon haha. Peace everyone.

[@yevhenireizmyvesh871]

I am at the best boxer UFC baby

[@jaksix2358]

Special request. Please stop saying “look at choo” Ariel. It’s sounds like you are belittling what they have just told you. Look at choo with your little fight hobby and nice watch. Go on Izzy

[@JustSimple479]

I thought I am the only one find this kinda cringe, it's like he isn't take it serious with the other person when he says that

[@deef6576]

Amazing to hear Max’s story great interview!

[@keanusiete9060]

I met Holloway in Vegas he was there for warzone event lol he is my favorite fighter and I was able to recognize him with a mask on. Max was super chill and nice. Moment I will never forget

[@MNWILD43]

Max is young still. My oldest boy is 32, my youngest boy will be 30 in July.

[@drunkenmmamaster419]

Don't forget Ariel thought you lost just because Arnold Allen is a friend of the show

[@thenedsmmachannel8970]

Hes a snake

[@Frankland.]

If ya come to spout weird hate, why watch Ariel’s show?

[@fidazzlegyroman]

Awesome interview. Always love me some Max.

[@nickystax8626]

Wow I've ALWAYS loves MAX. i HAD NO IDEA HE WAS THIS DEEP AND THAT HE HAD SUCH INSIGHT ON LIFE...WHAT A MENCH!!!

[@Dontreadme]

Ariel is an adult dork lmao

[@derekheiblim5406]

This interview is the real deal...Max is just so cool. Ariel, you did a good job.

[@indyawichofficial1346]

Great to see Max getting all the love and respect. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Icon.

[@feedmetakeaway]

Max....you are such a nice guy....thank you for your blessing

[@tothetopCarlos]

I’ve seen a lot of your interviews 👃- this is one of the best! Mix of stern and Rohan- Max is a gem!!

[@jguzman824]

max the definition of a legend. simple. salute 🫡

[@tsunaminemeziz1505]

Love this interview and my fam Blessed

[@ohhreally92]

Max is such a legend and great guy.

[@kirkhamster0024]

Max is one of the coolest dudes on this planet. Very humble and classy guy. Nothing but love & respect.

[@kardave2848]

Tremendous interview! I respect him more now!

[@IamGavalaaar]

Max is a Champion in every aspect of his life. Has been my favourite and most respected fighter for years and I’m sure will be for many more!

[@stephenmandel8879]

Idc wins and losses the guys a legend you can never doubt that , such a warrior mentality and a great soul , love his flow and vibe

[@technodromen]

I hope everyone understands that it is not a coincident that this it the best Max interview every. Ariel is such an excellent interviewer. Kudos to two of the realest and best at their respective craft.