Max Holloway Launches First-Ever UFC Fitness Center at Hawaii

28 February 2024

Former UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway returned to his roots earlier this month, making a monumental impact on the Waianae community by inaugurating the Max Holloway Fitness Center at the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii (BGCH). This pioneering venture marks the first-ever UFC-branded gym in any Boys & Girls Club worldwide, a testament to Holloway's deep ties to the area and his commitment to fostering positive change.

With a generous initial donation of $60,000 in collaboration with UFC, Holloway played a pivotal role in bringing the fitness center to life, emphasizing his dedication to giving back to his community on a grand scale.

“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,” expressed Max Holloway, also the Health and Fitness Ambassador for the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii. “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.”

At the official blessing ceremony, Holloway was honored as BGCH's inaugural Health and Fitness Ambassador, a role through which he aims to inspire and motivate over 16,000 youth across nine Clubhouses. Through his passion for physical fitness and mental resilience, Holloway seeks to instill discipline, self-confidence, and healthy living among the youth, using his own journey as a beacon of perseverance.

Paddy Kauhane, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii, emphasized the significance of Holloway's involvement, stating, “Seeing a champion who grew up here shows our kids their potential is limitless, regardless of their background. 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.”

The grand opening ceremony featured a traditional Hawaiian blessing led by Kahu Kordell Kekoa, underscoring the cultural importance of the occasion. Following the blessing, Holloway personally led BGCH members through a fitness session in the state-of-the-art facility, imparting valuable lessons on self-defense drills, hand-eye coordination, and the significance of teamwork.

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Kristle Jury-Hale, Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii Waianae Clubhouse, highlighted the transformative impact of Holloway's support, stating, “Max’s support empowers our keiki to take charge of their well-being. Inspiring role models like Max show our kids that great futures are possible.”

The Max Holloway Fitness Center boasts state-of-the-art amenities, including nine punching bags and ample 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, offering them a safe and nurturing environment to learn, grow, and thrive.