Imagine a fighter making his UFC debut against one of the top contenders in his division, and doing so on less than a month's notice.
That's what Hawaii's own Max Holloway is attempting to do Saturday in Las Vegas.
He'll face off with the fifth-ranked featherweight in the world, Dustin Poirier on the under-card of UFC 143.
Holloway, a 35-to-1 underdog, is looking to "shock the MMA world".
Less than 2 years into his pro-career, 2009 Waianae Graduate Max Holloway has reached the mecca of MMA.
Now, through his four professional fights, Holloway fought under the name "little evil" in respect to his idol, the legendary Jens Pulver.
However, a proclaimed man of faith, the former Searider did not want to send children the wrong message. Instead, he decided to instead use a name that he's been linked to for years.
He's now known as Blessed when he fights. However, Holloway's blessings go much beyond his in-cage identity - in early 2012 Max witnessed the birth of his son Rush, marking what he calls the greatest day of his life.
Holloway will be the first to tell you, this week marks the first steps on his stairway to career success.
But with a ninth-island showdown against one of the division's best fighters in his octagon debut, the pride of the Leeward side is prepared to make a statement.
The wait will soon be over: Holloway and Poirier will face off tomorrow Saturday at 3 p.m. Hawaii time, live on FX, Oceanic channel 554.
oceanic channel 554.
