By: King Eddie

In the days now leading up to his UFC debut, we take a look back at Max "Blessed" Holloway and his impressive career here on the islands that most mainland MMA fans don't know about.

Max has always seemed to play the underdog. When he originally came onto the scene, God's Army Trainer/Teammate, Colin Mackenzie, was singing his praises to everyone who would listen. Mackenzie would remark that the striking talents of Holloway could not be matched locally. Not many believed in those words, but the local MMA scene would soon find out exactly what Colin was referring to.

Max began to slowly move up on the fight cards. His ability to confuse and out-strike his opponents became more and more obvious with each bout. And after finishing both of his fights in a local Grand Prix style tournament, capturing the featherweight title, Max had definitively stamped his name to MMA in Hawaii. Taking on tough challenges and event tasting defeat, Max evolved his abilities through hard work and dedication to the sport. He finished fights,avenged losses, moved up in weight, and captured new titles. Each time as the underdog in the fight, but still pulling through with impressive win after impressive win.

Shortly after defeating Eddie Rincon, Max was contacted and asked to take part in UFC fighter, Jeremy Stephens', training camp. Holloway was to mimic Stephens' opponent, Anthony Pettis. Max didn't take the experience lightly, and as a result, had one of the most significant experiences of his life. . to that point. He realized what it took to compete on the major scene. He realized just how unique he really was in style and ability and turned some heads along the way.

Now known as "Blessed", Holloway began to live out his nickname. On January 4th, 2012, the new year brought immediate changes for Max and his girlfriend, Kaimana Pa'aluhi. The birth of their son, Rush, came alongside a UFC contract for Max, making him the youngest fighter on the current UFC roster. But facing top ten ranked, Dustin Poirier, doesn't seem like a task for Holloway at all. It is a blessing.

"This feels crazy to be in the UFC now. But I'm not worried at all. I think the pressure is really on him."

As the young fighter from the west side of Oahu makes his way closer and closer to his Octagon Debut, he is keeping in mind all of the times before when he felt like he "got no breaks", and plans to take full advantage of this huge opportunity. With this great challenge may come even greater success.

Watch Max take the next step in his career as he faces Dustin Poirier LIVE on FX for the UFC 143 Prelims. His fight will headline the Preliminary Card. Saturday, February 4th.

The now Gracie Technics fighter has shifted to trainers Jesus Salud and Rylan Lizares. Below is a video blog posted on Lizares' facebook page following their first day in Vegas awaiting fight night.

Mentioned in this article, Colin Mackenzie. Read more about Colin in an upcoming article on MMAhawaii.com.