Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Who Is Max Holloway’s Son? Meet the Kid Who’s Already Stealing Hearts at UFC Events

Rush Holloway has become a fan favorite at UFC events, with his ringside presence to his champion father.

Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

From the rough streets of Waianae to UFC legend, “Blessed” Max Holloway continues to inspire. A master of volume striking and relentless pressure, he’s shattered UFC records for strikes and knockouts. A former Featherweight Champion and resilient BMF titleholder, Holloway’s fundamentals define his MMA legacy. With a powerful jab, sharp combinations, and unmatched tenacity, he remains beloved among fans worldwide. In his latest battle at UFC 318, he outslugged Dustin Poirier in a five-round war, winning by unanimous decision. And beyond the Octagon? Let’s get to know Rush, his biggest little fighter.

The Trilogy 🌸 💎 #UFC318

Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier checking in for fight week! pic.twitter.com/gfPEaPfBN4
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) July 17, 2025

Holloway, a Hawaii native who turned pro in 2010 and joined the UFC in 2012, holds a 27-8 record and is renowned for his relentless pace and striking. He claimed the BMF title with a spectacular knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 but later suffered a KO loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 308.

Who is Max Holloway’s son?

Max Holloway’s son, Rush Holloway, was born in 2012 to Holloway and his then-wife, Kaimana Pa’aluhi. Rush has grown up in the spotlight of the fight world, often stealing it entirely. One of his most iconic moments came at UFC 240 in July 2019, when he busted out some wild dance moves during Holloway’s open workout before the title defense against Frankie Edgar. From breaking a leg (in dance) to soaking in the cheers of the crowd, Rush’s confidence and charisma mirrored that of his champion father.

Despite Max and Kaimana separating in 2014 and finalizing their divorce in 2017, Rush has enjoyed a strong and loving home, especially with Max’s second wife, professional surfer Alessa Quizon. On Rush’s 10th birthday, Quizon posted a touching tribute on Instagram: “There are so many ways to describe Rush. He’s adventurous, courageous, and excitingly curious. He is funny, clumsy and extremely loving … It has been a blessing to be by your side and watching you grow.”

That love runs deep. On Mother’s Day, Rush surprised Alessa with a letter that melted fans’ hearts, calling her his “forever favorite.” In the note, he wrote, “You are never tired of making me feel what it’s like to have a family not by blood or name, but by heart and soul… I can’t imagine my life without you in it. Thank you for embracing me like your own son. I can’t imagine my life without you in it, I love you. Rush, your forever favorite Son.”

🪽 Max Holloway’in hayatı sadece dövüşlerden ibaret değil. Babası uyuşturucu bağımlısıydı. Şiddet gördü. Daha çocukken terk edildi:

“Babamın kim olduğunu bilmiyorum… Ama kim olmak istemediğimi biliyorum.”

🥊 Hawaii’nin Waianae mahallesinden çıkan bu çocuk, acısını yumruklara… pic.twitter.com/SZjZ53b1uK
— CagePulseUFC (@Cage_PulseUFC) July 18, 2025

Who Is Rush Holloway’s Mother?

Rush Holloway’s biological mother is Kaimana Pa’aluhi, a former model and Max Holloway’s first wife. They welcomed Rush in 2012 and later parted ways in 2014, finalizing their divorce three years later. Kaimana keeps a low profile.

However, much of Rush’s public warmth and affectionate gestures in recent years have been directed toward his stepmother, Alessa Quizon, whom Max married in 2022. From heartfelt letters to shared hobbies like surfing and anime cosplay, where Rush dressed up as Naruto, Max as Jiraiya, and Alessa as Tsunade. The whole family seems like a Naruto fan, especially Max.

Max Holloway and his family dressed up as Naruto characters for Halloween ! 🎃 pic.twitter.com/bvPZxA9TC7
— daily naruto (@dailyhokage) October 31, 2023

Mandatory Image Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Max Holloway

Rush Holloway

UFC 318

Rudra Dubey

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mma

I’m an academic turned sports writer from Raipur, India, specializing in the NFL, MMA, and tennis at The Playoffs. I previously wrote for Sportskeeda and hold a B.A. and M.A. in History. My journey into sports media began far from the field, rooted in the arts and sciences. Funny enough, I didn’t grow up a sports fan; I used to see it all as just noise. But a fateful writing job introduced me to the world of sports, and what began as a gig quickly became a passion. I understood those voices aren’t noise; they’re emotions of true sports fans, and now I am one of them, writing with the same energy I once questioned.