When Max Holloway steps into UFC 326 on March 7 to defend his BMF title against Charles Oliveira, he won’t just be carrying momentum; he’ll be carrying stories written across his skin. The Hawaiian boasts a 27-8 professional MMA record, has held the UFC featherweight belt, and built a reputation for durability and volume striking. But outside the stats, there’s another layer fans often notice first: the ink.

He got his first tattoo at 17. Now, his body is a timeline of his journey. So what do those tattoos actually mean? Let’s dive in!

What is the meaning of Max Holloway’s chest tattoo?

The ‘Polynesian’ design tattoo is among the most noticeable ones on Holloway’s body. It contains a beautiful design from the Polynesian culture, which is also Holloway’s native culture.

“My chest tattoo is the most special piece,” he once revealed. “It stands for honor and protection over my family. My tattoo guy put a sword down the middle that stands for the fight, and being a warrior. It’s not together yet. Everyone asks why it’s broken up? It’s because if the tattoo is done, the story is done, and my story is not done. I’ll finish it off when it’s done.”

And then there are two birds within the design. He explained their significance simply: one represents him, the other his son. He once said it symbolizes being “blessed with travel mercies” when he’s away from home. For a fighter who spends weeks in camp and flies across continents, that symbolism carries emotional weight.

Are there any other tattoos on Max Holloway’s body

The ‘Angel and Demon Wings’ and the ‘Polynesian’ tattoos are undoubtedly the most noticeable ones on Holloway’s body. The ‘Angel and Demon Wings’ ink work covers almost the entire back of the Hawaiian native. The ‘Angel and Demon wings’ tattoo was quite a testing one for Holloway, as it took four long hours to complete. It consists of a beautifully feathered wing of an angel on the left side of his back. The right side of his back displays a rather rough wing with spikes that most would associate with the devil. It also represents a similar expression, like the famous symbol of ‘Ying and Yan,’ which says every one of us is a mix of angel and devil.

Holloway got this tattoo when he was just 18 years old. He has also revealed the significance of this ink-work, stating that there should be a balance between the angel and the devil within ourselves. He also views this balance as the key to a happy life.

Reports state that the Hawaiian currently has 11 tattoos on his entire body, although several of them overlap with each other. They also cover most of his arms. But it won’t be wrong to say that most fans have noticed only a few of them.

The ‘JESUS’ tattoo can be found on the upper part of Holloway’s chest. It contains a lettering of the ‘Holy One of God’ in an attractive font face and overlaps the previously mentioned Polynesian tattoo on his chest. Quite obviously, Holloway got this tattoo to display his faith in the religion of Christianity.

Holoway’s right arm comprises a collection of tattoos, some of which also overlap with each other. The largest tattoo on his right arm reads ‘Blessed’ and extends to the entire length of his arm. It is also one of the most noticeable tattoos on Holloway’s body, as it is located on the outside part. A large chunk of fans also might view the ‘Blessed’ ink work to be in the same font as his ‘JESUS’ tattoo.

Holloway also has a few trees inked on the inner side of his right bicep. He has stated that trees are actually a sign of a healthy life to him. There is a cross tattoo on the inside of his right bicep. This one also symbolizes his fervent faith in Christianity, like the ‘JESUS’ tattoo.

The 34-year-old also has tattoos of wings on his right forearm. The ‘Blessed’ tattoo overlaps a small part of them, but Holloway treats these as a symbol of love and faith.

Holloway also has a ‘RUSH’ tattoo on the inner side of his right bicep, which is being overlooked by a cloud and sun rays. Most fans know that it is the name of Holloway’s only son. He has also described this one, stating that he wants the heavens to always look down on his son.

Finally, his right arm also contains a verse from the part ‘Psalm 144′ of the Holy Bible. It reads, ‘Blessed be the Lord my strength, who teaches my hands to war, and my fingers to fight’. This quote is a tribute to the blessings that God has given us, which help us battle the adversities in our daily lives. It also depicts Holloway’s true belief in Christianity.

The Hawaiian has labeled his left side as his party side. But has got the address of his home street inked on the inner side of his left bicep. It is a colored tattoo that displays the number ‘96792’ and the name of the street, ‘Momona Place,’ where he lives.

Meanwhile, Max Holloway was only 17 years old when he decided to get inked for the first time. His first tattoo is also among the most noticeable ones on his body. Like the famed UFC icon and former opponent, Conor McGregor, Holloway also has his surname lettered on his body. A large chunk of fans might have already noticed the ‘HOLLOWAY’ lettering just above his belly button.

The former UFC Featherweight champ has also mentioned that this was the most painful piece of ink work out of all the ones that he currently has. Funnily, though, he has also revealed that he got it done just because he didn’t want to get the spelling of his surname wrong during his SAT test. Which one of Holloway’s tattoos do you like the most? Let us know in the comments down below.