Hawaii Sports 2Night: Ivan Flores

The latest episode of Hawai‘i Sports 2night features one of the most respected striking minds in mixed martial arts — Ivan Flores. Flores is the founder of Legacy Muay Thai, the kickboxing coach at Gracie Technics Honolulu and the longtime striking coach of UFC legend and Waianae native Max Holloway. With Holloway set to headline UFC 326 in Las Vegas on March 7, defending his BMF title against former champion Charles Oliveira, the timing of the conversation could not be more fitting. As Holloway prepares for another high-stakes showdown, Flores offers insight into the mindset and preparation of one of the sport’s all-time greats. Without diving into specific game plans, Flores discusses the completion of fight camp and how prepared Holloway is for what shapes up to be another battle between legends. Holloway’s résumé speaks for itself. He holds multiple UFC striking records and delivered one of the most unforgettable knockouts in MMA history at UFC 300 — finishing Justin Gaethje in the final second after famously pointing to the center of the octagon in the closing moments. But according to Flores, what sets Holloway apart goes far beyond highlight-reel moments. While fans see the volume, toughness and fearlessness inside the cage, Flores explains that Holloway’s fight IQ, range control, adaptability and ability to make real-time adjustments are often underappreciated. The conversation also touches on the biggest misconceptions about Holloway — and what people may not fully understand about the beloved Hawai‘i fighter. Flores reflects on when Holloway first stepped onto the mats as an athletic 20-year-old prospect and whether he ever envisioned a future Hall of Famer in the making — and perhaps the greatest volume striker in MMA history. The episode also dives deep into Flores’ own martial arts journey. Growing up and discovering martial arts at a young age, Flores shares when training shifted from hobby to lifestyle — and ultimately to career. A successful kickboxer himself, Flores discusses when coaching began to call to him and how the technical side of the sport became a passion. Over the years, Flores has trained alongside and learned from some of the sport’s biggest names, gaining experience in elite gyms and sharing the mat with world champions and innovators across disciplines. In the interview, he reflects on the common denominator that separates good fighters from great ones — whether in kickboxing, jiu-jitsu, judo or MMA. From discipline to mindset to consistency, Flores outlines the traits that define championship-level athletes. At the heart of the conversation is Legacy Muay Thai — more than just a gym, but a vision. For Flores, “legacy” represents family, culture and community. It’s a true family affair, with his wife, children and brother all sharing the mats and contributing to the growth of the program. Flores also addresses a common narrative in combat sports: that fighters must leave Hawai‘i to reach the highest level. Limited resources and competition are often cited as obstacles. Yet through athletes like Holloway and the growth of local gyms, Flores believes Hawai‘i can produce — and sustain — world-class talent. The discussion highlights pride in representing the islands while proving that greatness can be built at home. New episodes of Hawai‘i Sports 2night stream every Sunday at 7 p.m. on the KHON+ app, available on Apple TV, Roku and Firestick. All episodes are available on demand after airing, with a rebroadcast at 9:30 p.m. Mondays on KHON2. Stay informed about Hawaii news, weather, sports and entertainment, subscribe to the KHON2 YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/3cdTDG2 See more of the team that is Working for Hawaii on our website: https://khon2.com Check out our morning news podcast: https://khon2.com/khon-2go FB: https://bit.ly/3cb4MHO IG: https://bit.ly/3a0UxTC Twitter: https://bit.ly/3cbe9Hi