Embarrassing Reason Why Dana White Cannot Grant Max Holloway’s Wish for UFC Hawaii Revealed by Insider

Max Holloway might’ve won the BMF title at UFC 300, but that’s just one of his many dreams. He’s been advocating for a UFC fight in Hawaii for years, but that one seems stuck in the mud.

However, despite Holloway’s demand for a UFC event in Hawaii for years, the promotion hasn’t found it suitable to host a tournament during its three-decade existence. After Holloway’s win on Saturday night, UFC president Dana White was asked if Hawaii could be a future destination. He denied it happening anytime soon. Former UFC fighter Josh Thomson and former UFC referee John McCarthy discussed the reasons behind this on their recent podcast.

UFC insider exposes Dana White

After UFC 300, Dana White was repeatedly asked about organizing a tournament in Hawaii. Frustrated by the constant inquiries, he revealed that ever since the time Fertitta brothers’ ownership of UFC has wanted to do an event in Hawaii. He made it clear everyone wants a UFC event there. White added he couldn’t secure a suitable deal. He stated he’d rather choose Africa or another unexpected location before Hawaii.

In his latest podcast  ‘Weighing In’ Josh “The Punk” Thomson revealed the real reason behind Dana white’s hesitation. He said, “I know you know why, but let me explain to people at home why they don’t do it because there is a truck there for the TV networks, okay? That’s been left there since World War II, okay? That truck is a f**king dinosaur, and that’s why they don’t do the Pro Bowl over there anymore because they can’t operate their TV networks anymore because the software and all the other f**king that’s in there is dead.”

He later reminisced about his days in the Bellator tournament, adding that they faced difficulties getting proper ear communication to the truck back and forth. They were forced to send messengers from the truck whenever they went, highlighting the lack of better infrastructure. Additionally, suitable indoor stadiums seem to be scarce in Hawaii.

In the meantime, Max Holloway’s wish to fight in a UFC event in Hawaii won’t be fulfilled anytime soon, they aren’t completely heartless. They did accept his request for the floral pattern on his shorts.

Holloway’s shorts Design Aspirations

Max Holloway, a proud Hawaiian with deep island roots, had long desired to wear fight shorts with a floral motif. He first expressed this wish before his 2022 fight against Alexander Volkanovski. However, it wasn’t until nearly two years later that his vision finally came to life.

At UFC 300 in 2024, Holloway finally donned the custom-designed floral shorts he’d envisioned. The red, white, and blue color scheme paid homage to the Miami state flag. This detail further emphasizes Holloway’s connection to his heritage.

In a YouTube video shared by the UFC, Holloway couldn’t hide his excitement. He thanked Dana White in a playful jab, and said, “I mean, that’s the least you can do for not taking us to UFC Hawaii, right? The least you can give the boy is floral shorts since we’re not going to Hawaii”.

While Holloway’s playful taunt might not sway Dana White and company in the immediate future, only time will tell how long they can resist the allure of a UFC event on the beautiful Hawaiian islands.