Max Holloway, the former UFC featherweight champion, made a significant contribution earlier this month to his hometown by inaugurating the Max Holloway Fitness Center at the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii (BGCH) Waianae Clubhouse.
This facility marks the first UFC-branded gym at any Boys & Girls Club globally. Holloway, who hails from Waianae and has strong connections to the community and the Clubhouse, was instrumental in the creation of this fitness center through his initial donation of $60,000 in collaboration with UFC.

"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," Holloway expressed.
He also highlighted the significance of his role as the Health and Fitness Ambassador for the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii, showing his enthusiasm for coaching and helping others grow.
In recognition of his efforts, BGCH has named Holloway as the organization's first Health and Fitness Ambassador. In this role, Holloway will use his experience and passion for fitness to inspire and motivate approximately 16,000 youths across nine Clubhouses.
He aims to promote physical fitness, mental resilience, and raise awareness and funds for BGCH, thereby encouraging discipline, self-confidence, and healthy living among the youth.
"Seeing a champion who grew up here shows our kids their potential is limitless, regardless of their background," stated Paddy Kauhane, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii.
Kauhane emphasized the importance of Holloway's vision as an investment in the future of the children (keiki) and its role in providing necessary resources for their development.
The grand opening of the fitness center was marked by a native Hawaiian blessing conducted by Kahu Kordell Kekoa. Holloway took this opportunity to lead members of the BGCH through a fitness lesson in the newly opened facility.
The session included self-defense drills, exercises to improve hand-eye coordination, and emphasized the importance of team building.
Kristle Jury-Hale, Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii Waianae Clubhouse, shared her thoughts on Holloway's involvement: "Max's support empowers our keiki to take charge of their well-being." She highlighted how role models like Holloway can inspire the youth to believe in a brighter future.
The state-of-the-art Max Holloway Fitness Center is equipped with nine punching bags and ample space for various exercises. It aims to foster well-being and healthy lifestyle choices among the youth.
The Waianae Clubhouse, where the fitness center is located, serves hundreds of keiki, providing a safe and nurturing environment that supports their learning, growth, and overall development.