Updated: April 19, 2026
Max Holloway, the legendary UFC featherweight known as “Blessed,” has thrilled fans with his relentless fighting style and Hawaiian spirit. While his Octagon dominance grabs headlines, his personal life—especially his journey with his ex-wife—reveals a more human side of the champion. From early marriage to a lengthy custody battle, Holloway’s story shows resilience both inside and outside the cage.
Table of Contents
Who Is Max Holloway’s Ex-Wife?
Max Holloway’s ex-wife is Kaimana Pa’aluhi (also referred to as Kaimana Pa’aluhi). A model and aspiring actress from Hawaii, she was Holloway’s long-time girlfriend before they tied the knot in 2012. The couple welcomed their son, Rush Holloway, that same year. Kaimana stood by Max during his early UFC days when he was grinding to make a name for himself.
Their relationship, however, faced challenges as Holloway’s career took off. They separated in 2014 and officially divorced in 2017. Details of the split remained mostly private, with neither party sharing dramatic public accusations. Kaimana has occasionally appeared in media discussions, particularly around family matters.
The Marriage, Separation, and Divorce Timeline
Holloway and Pa’aluhi’s story began as high-school sweethearts or close connections in Hawaii. Marriage came young, along with the joy of parenthood. Yet fame brought new pressures. Reports suggest differing visions for the future played a role—Kaimana reportedly wanted to pursue opportunities in California, while Holloway focused on his fighting career in Hawaii.
- 2012: Married and welcomed son Rush.
- 2014: Separated amid rising UFC commitments.
- 2017: Divorce finalized.
The process was not overly publicized, reflecting Holloway’s preference for keeping family matters low-key. Post-divorce, co-parenting became the focus, though it later evolved into a more complex custody situation.
The Five-Year Custody Battle and Emotional Resolution
The real test came after the divorce. A prolonged custody battle over son Rush stretched for five years, testing Holloway’s endurance far beyond any title fight. In August 2025, Max shared a rare personal update: his current wife, Alessa Quizon, had legally adopted Rush after a hard-fought court process.
Holloway described it as “the hardest fight of my life.” He highlighted how Rush himself expressed wanting Alessa as his legal mom. The court’s decision granted the adoption and reportedly full custody alignment favoring the current family unit. This chapter closed a difficult era for the Holloway household.
Kaimana Pa’aluhi responded publicly with her own statement, addressing the situation in the wake of Max’s announcement. While specifics vary across social media discussions, the exchange underscored the emotional weight of such family transitions.
Here’s a quick overview table of key timeline facts:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Ex-Wife Name | Kaimana Pa’aluhi |
| Marriage Year | 2012 |
| Son’s Name & Birth | Rush Holloway (born 2012) |
| Separation Year | 2014 |
| Divorce Finalized | 2017 |
| Custody Battle Duration | Approximately 5 years (ended 2025) |
| Current Wife | Alessa Quizon (married April 2022) |
| Adoption Milestone | Alessa legally adopts Rush (August 2025) |
This table captures the core milestones without sensationalism—real life rarely fits neat rounds like a UFC bout.
Life After Divorce: Max Holloway’s Blended Family Today
Today, Holloway presents a picture of stability and love with professional surfer Alessa Quizon. The couple began dating in early 2020, got engaged quickly, and married on April 16, 2022, in a beautiful Hawaiian beachside ceremony. Alessa, a strong athlete in her own right, has embraced the role of stepmom with grace. Rush, now a teenager (celebrating his 14th birthday in recent updates), appears close to both his father and Alessa.
- Max often credits Alessa with bringing positive changes to his lifestyle and mindset.
- The family shares moments of joy, from beach vacations to supporting Max’s training camp.
- Holloway remains a dedicated father, balancing elite-level fighting with family priorities.
Fans admire how Holloway handles fame while protecting his loved ones. His ability to move forward without public bitterness speaks volumes about his character.
Conclusion: Resilience Beyond the Octagon
Max Holloway’s story with his ex-wife Kaimana Pa’aluhi is ultimately one of growth, challenges, and new beginnings. Divorce and custody battles test even the toughest warriors, yet Holloway emerged focused on what matters most—his son’s well-being and a supportive partnership with Alessa.
As UFC fans, we often celebrate knockouts and title wins. But moments like these remind us that true champions fight for their families too. Whether you follow Holloway for his BMF spirit or his highlight-reel performances, his personal journey adds depth to the legend. Here’s to more “Blessed” moments ahead, both in and out of the cage.