Most UFC fans recognize the in-octagon brilliance of former featherweight champion and current BMF titleholder Max Holloway. He holds a 27-8 professional record and continues to command strong support from fans around the world. Now, he prepares to face Charles Oliveira once again at UFC 326, revisiting a matchup he first won a decade ago. Of course, the UFC veteran credits much of his success to his family.

His son and his wife, professional surfer Alessa Quizon, continue to motivate him every step of the way. However, earlier in his career, Max Holloway married Kaimana Paʻaluhi, and together they welcomed their son. Back then, she supported him throughout his early UFC run and watched him rise from tough beginnings to the sport’s brightest stage. Here’s everything to know about the woman who supported him long before the spotlight and championship belts followed.

Who is Max Holloway’s Ex-Wife Kaimana Pa’aluhi?

Max Holloway separated from Kaimana Pa’aluhi in 2014 and officially finalized his divorce in 2017. Pa’aluhi had been a long-time girlfriend of Holloway’s before the couple decided to tie the knot in 2012. Pa’aluhi made a name for herself in her career as a model and an actress, and started her journey in the world of modeling in her teenage years.

Top Stories

UFC

Miami Gives Dana White a Reality Check as UFC 327 Gate, Attendance Revealed

1 day ago

UFC

Islam Makhachev Robbed in Italy, Thieves Steal Prized Possession

13 hrs ago

UFC

Sports Doctor Breaks Down How Close Carlos Ulberg Was to Losing His Leg at UFC 327

5 hrs ago

UFC

UFC 327 Fighter to Protest Florida Commission’s Controversial Decision

5 hrs ago

UFC

UFC 327 Heavyweights Hospitalized Following Bloody ‘Fight of the Year’ Contender

1 day ago

While there is no information available online about how the UFC star and his ex-wife began their relationship, they both apparently grew up in Hawaii, which may provide a hint as to how they met each other. According to reports, Pa’alhui signed with the ‘Wilhelmina Hawaii Modeling Agency’ at the young age of 16 and has also worked in several films. 

Holloway and Pa’alhui also had a son together in 2012, whom they named ‘Rush.’ After a five-year-long legal battle, in 2025, Max Holloway was granted full custody of Rush, and thereafter, his now-wife, Alessa Quizon, even legally and officially adopted Rush.

What is Max Holloway’s Relationship Timeline: From Dating to Divorce?

 There is limited public information on when Max Holloway and Kaimana Paʻaluhi first started dating. They had a long-term relationship even before 2012, possibly knowing each other through the local Hawaiian community or from school.

After several years together, they got married in 2012, while ‘Blessed’ was steadily climbing the UFC rankings. However, over time, their relationship soured, and they separated in 2014. Three years later, they finalized their divorce in 2017.

Why did Max Holloway and his wife get divorced?

Max Holloway and Kaimana Paʻaluhi never publicly clarified the reasons behind their separation and divorce, as they chose to keep those matters private. At the same time, the period proved difficult for both of them. Even though years have passed since the divorce, the BMF champ has never spoken about it openly. He raised his son on his own, faced many challenges along the way, and yet handled them like a true champion.

“My grandfather played the father role,” Holloway shared in an interview, reflecting on the unique dynamic. “My mom had a hard time explaining, ‘He’s like a dad, but he’s not, he’s still your grandfather.’ I realized then that my grandfather gave me fatherly love, but it wasn’t my biological father. So, if I could give my son a real dad and mom, that would be great.”

Does Max Holloway and his ex-wife have children?

Rush Holloway, 14, is Max Holloway’s only child. He was born in 2012, after ‘Blessed’ married his first wife, Kaimana Pa’aluhi. Although Holloway hasn’t spoken about it in length, the five-year legal battle over Rush’s custody tested him deeply, but it ultimately ended in his favor.

“Usually I don’t share much about my personal life, but this I want to share,” Max Holloway wrote after winning the battle in court. “I just won the hardest fight of my life. It’s been 5 years of dealing with custody battles, and now we finally get to close that difficult chapter.”

Today, Rush often attends Holloway’s fights. During Max Holloway’s second bout against Dustin Poirier at UFC 236, his son appeared deeply disheartened as ‘Blessed’ suffered multiple cuts and bruises. The Hawaiian star has also shared how his son cried when he met him after that fight. Hence, a number of fans might say that the two share a pretty, loving, and strong bond. Their UFC 245 appearance also stands as proof of their friendly relationship.

What message did Max Holloway send to Ilia Topuria during his divorce?

Ilia Topuria quickly rose as one of the most promising stars in the UFC, making an immediate impact in the featherweight division. He first claimed the featherweight title and then moved up to the lightweight division, captured that belt as well, and eventually became the 10th fighter to win championships in two divisions under Dana White’s promotion.

However, his personal life soon faced challenges when he and his wife, Giorgina Uzcategui Badell, became embroiled in a legal battle over their divorce and their daughter’s custody. As a result, the situation forced Topuria to step away from the cage, and amid the turmoil, his young daughter also suffered. During this difficult period, despite being rivals, Max Holloway sent a supportive message.

‘Blessed’ wrote back a sympathetic message on X, temporarily burying the hatchet with his fellow lightweight.

“Sorry to hear champ,” Holloway wrote. “If it’s what I’m hearing it is I know the struggle first hand trying to fight while protecting your kids. Hope all goes well.”

In response, Topuria acknowledged Holloway’s support and also sent his best wishes to Holloway’s family.

Is Max Holloway currently in a relationship?

The former UFC featherweight champion and self-proclaimed “best boxer in the UFC” is married to renowned professional surfer Alessa Quizon. The couple began dating in February 2020, and then in April 2022, the BMF champion shared on social media that they had exchanged wedding vows.

Over time, Alessa Quizon has become more than just Max Holloway’s wife—she acts as a true mother figure to his son. She not only steps in as Rush’s stepmom but also embraces him as her own, a bond Max Holloway highlighted in a social media post last year:

“I thank my son for being brave and strong through it all. Thank you god. It’s a big win for the Max Holloways. But more importantly, Rush finally got to choose and keep the mom that he deserves.”

Meanwhile, Alessa Quizon has fully embraced Rush as her own, giving him love and support every step of the way. With his family and support system behind him, Max Holloway now heads into UFC 326, determined to defend his BMF title against Charles Oliveira. So, can he pull it off?