Former UFC champion Max “Blessed” Holloway opens new fitness center in Hawaii

Max Holloway has one of the biggest fights in his illustrious career coming up in April as he takes on BMF champion Justin Gaetje at UFC 300. Holloway took a day off from training to make some major news in his home island of Hawaii. Holloway made a generous donation of $60,000 helping the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii (BGCH) Waianae Clubhouse open the first UFC branded gym for any Boy & Girls Club worldwide.

“I’m blessed to have the opportunity to give back to my community in a big way in opening the first-ever UFC fitness gym in any Boys & Girls Club anywhere,” said Max Holloway, former UFC featherweight champion and Health and Fitness Ambassador for the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii. “I’m pretty excited and being the Health and Fitness Ambassador is a huge deal. Every time I have the opportunity to coach, I love it, and to watch someone grow is pretty amazing.”

Along with Holloway’s generous donation BGCH officially honored Holloway as the organization’s first Health and Fitness Ambassador. In this capacity, Holloway will inspire and motivate 16,000 youth across nine Clubhouses through his passion for physical fitness and mental resilience, as well as raise awareness and funds for BGCH. The collaboration aims to instill discipline, self-confidence, and healthy living by utilizing his own journey as an example of perseverance.

The state-of-the-art space is equipped with nine punching bags and open space for exercises, promoting well-being and healthy lifestyle choices among the youth. Currently, the Waianae Clubhouse serves hundreds of keiki from the area, providing them with a safe and nurturing environment to learn, grow and thrive. 

“Seeing a champion who grew up here shows our kids their potential is limitless, regardless of their background,” said Paddy Kauhane, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii. “Max’s vision is an investment in the future for our keiki and allows us to continue equipping them with the resources they need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.”