On Saturday night, Max Holloway became the UFC’s interim Featherweight Champion, defeating Anthony Pettis in the UFC 206 main event. Holloway has helped lead the way for the young up and coming talent coming out of Hawaii. Talent like Victory FC 54 headliner and title contender Maki “Coconut Bombz” Pitolo. Winner of 7 straight fights. A streak that goes back over 2 years, with 5 of 7 fights ending with a stoppage. Pitolo got his opportunity to make it 8 in a row, when he fought Kassius “Killa” Kayne for the Victory FC Welterweight title this past weekend — a rematch of the thrilling fight the two men had at VFC 52 this past July. Kayne stepped in just days prior to the event when former Champion and new Titan FC Welterweight Champion Jason Jackson withdrew due to injury. Pitolo won a Unanimous Decision, dominated the grappling, but there were some great exchanges on the feet.
The excitement around fighters from Hawaii is palpable right now. With all the excitement, Pitolo explains what it’s like to be training with Hawaii’s elite. “Man, it’s the shit man! Can’t ask for anything more. These boys, we all got the same dreams. We all got the same goal in life man. Ya know, the young boys coming up, man it’s beautiful. The next generation is rising and it’s rising quickly…”
Listen to the full interview and hear Maki’s thoughts on his teammates title fight tomorrow, VFC 54 former Champion Jason Jackson, and much more.