Hawaii Tourism Authority Meeting the UFC in Las Vegas to Plan UFC Hawaii

As soon as Max Holloway beat Jose Aldo once again, he jumped right back on the fight to bring the UFC to Hawaii. Just like the pressure fighter he is in the Octagon, he isn’t letting up at all. It looks like he’s finally chipping away at both sides because it looks like things are getting closer. As reported by Rob DeMello of KHON, the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) President George Szigeti will be meeting soon with the UFC in Las Vegas for a potential card at Aloha Stadium.

Hawaii Tourism Authority President and CEO George Szigeti told me today that the HTA is planning to meet face to face with #UFC in Las Vegas “within the next month or two” to discuss possible UFC event at Aloha Stadium. #UFCHawaii @blessedMMA

— Rob DeMello (@RobDeMelloKHON) January 9, 2018

Previously when the talks first started, the HTA Board Chairman Rick Fried and HTA Chief Operating Officer Randy Baldemor’s concern was that a UFC card would end up bringing fights outside of the Octagon and promoting more violent behavior. Max Holloway spoke up about it and encouraged his fellow fighters to speak out. The Aloha Stadium once held K-1: World Grand Prix Hawaii, which BJ Penn fought Renzo Gracie at in 2005. No question Max Holloway would main event a Hawaiian card, adding to an already rich history.

“The Hawaii Tourism Authority is concerned UFC Hawaii might attract problems outside the Octagon. Fair play to them. They’re trying to protect our home. But let’s let them know MMA is about respect and Hawaii fans will make sure of that. Fights stay in octagon. Fighters and fans from out of town, we’re gonna’ welcome you with open arms. We’re gonna cheer against each other, but when it’s over we’re gonna’ show you around and share our cultures. Just like Brazil did w us. Let’s tell the HTA mahalo and let them know what UFC Hawaii means to us.” — Max Holloway via his Twitter.

1/10/2017.