Max Holloway is Hawaiian through and through.

The proud 24-year-old featherweight contender represents all the signature traits of the islands he calls home. Holloway moves seamlessly between laidback Hawaiian chill and the ferocity of the scrap without cause or concern, and his ability to do so has made him a fighter to watch at the highest level of the sport and a favorite with MMA's passionate fan base.

With the news of his upcoming bout against Anthony Pettis at UFC 206 breaking Wednesday afternoon, the fight world has another big reason to get excited. Holloway is ready to return to the Octagon and promises fans something special will go down Dec. 10 in Toronto.

"I'm beyond stoked for this fight," Holloway told FloCombat. "Anthony Pettis is a former champion, and I can't wait to go out there and take one more step toward greatness. I can't wait to show them one more example of who Max Holloway is, and that's the best fighter in the world.

"Pettis does what I like to do and that's striking. People need to tune in on Dec. 10 on pay-per-view, because Pettis and I are going to throw these hands and feet, and it's going to be one you won't want to miss. It's the Hawaiian versus the Puerto Rican, and both cultures are known for producing great fighters. It's going to be a great night."

The prospect of fighting a former lightweight champion excites Holloway, but perhaps more than that, Pettis' fight style has the scrappy Hawaiian itching to get back inside the cage.  

"I'm so excited I finally get to be in there with someone who will be willing to stand and trade with me," he added. "Pettis is a former champion, and I have nothing but respect for him, but when those cage doors close he's going to see what Max Holloway brings to the table."

In less than five years competing under the UFC banner, Holloway has risen from prospect status to become a legitimate title contender, and his current nine-fight winning streak has played a huge part in the process.

Yet, no matter how much momentum Holloway has at his back, "Blessed" sees his upcoming bout with Pettis as a clean slate. Holloway knows he's been on deck for a shot at the 145-pound title for a hot minute, and none of that means anything if he stumbles in Toronto.

"At the end of the day, this winning streak ain't nothing now," Holloway said. "I have a date now on Dec. 10, and I'm going for 1-0. My time is coming, but if it doesn't then it doesn't. I'm going to get where I'm going no matter what. In my mind, I'm the best fighter walking the planet, and UFC 206 is just one more chance to go out and make them believe.

"It felt great just to get a fight but even better to get this fight in particular. This is a high-profile fight and one I know people really want to see."

After all the uncertainty experienced in pursuit of a fight against interim featherweight champion Jose Aldo--and the fear of not being able to find a matchup that made sense--Holloway is fired up to have an opponent who hits all categories.

Holloway is also happy to be able to give the Canadian fight fans a big fight, because he knows the passionate fans in the "Great White North" have long desired some full-throttled face-punching action.

That's what he brings to the table each and every time, and Holloway wants Canadian fight fans to know that's what they will get Dec. 10.

"People on Twitter were hitting me up asking me to please fight at UFC 206 in Canada, and I'm so happy I get to go up there and fight for them," Holloway said. "I have a lot of fans up there and get a lot of love from Canada, and nothing makes me happier than knowing I get to go up and put on a show for them.

"All I can say is I'm grateful and thankful for the fan support I receive. I'm allowed the chance to live my dream because of them. I have so much love for Team Blessed. I also have a lot of love for the Team Blessed haters, because they are also tuning in to watch the pay-per-view and I still get paid. I'm proud to have any of it, and I carry that support with me every step of the way."