Max Holloway has long held a reputation as one of the MMA’s good guys, and is showing off that element of his character once again in a bid to raise funds for the Hawaiian recovery efforts from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The former UFC featherweight champion has announced details of the All 4 Hawaii Challenge which will help generate donations to food banks in the state. Each donation (to a minimum of $10) will be entered into a raffle, with the winner (plus four friends) being invited to Holloway’s hometown to participate in a private training sessions, as well as a dinner with the former champ.
“Unemployment in Hawaii is near 40 percent, and because our economy is based on tourism, it looks like it’s going to be a long road to recovery,” Holloway said of the initiative to UFC.com. “We also got a very high cost of living here, so a lot of people are hurting. The reason why I signed up for this is that the proceeds go directly to the food banks, and the food banks really, really need the help right now.
“If you enter for my experience, you get a chance to train with me in MMA or self-defence, you can bring some friends with you. I’ll give you autographed gloves, and then we’re going to go eat dinner at one of the best places in Hawaii.”
Per statistics available on Thursday, Hawaii has seen 17 deaths from the virus as well as around 641 confirmed cases and Holloway says he is keen to help his fellow islanders get back on their feet.
“There’s a lot of needs in Hawaii and all over the world, really, but right now the focus for my team is on the basic needs for Hawaii people, which is food,” Holloway said. “When the food banks tell us they’re good, then we will pivot into helping other areas. But right now, we need to make sure people can continue to eat during these tough times.”
The closing date for donations is May 31.
