Maki Pitolo Going for the Victory FC Gold, Taking on All Comers | MMAWeekly.com

At one time, Hawaiian-based welterweight prospect Maki Pitolo was 1-2 and was in need of a change to get his career on track before it could have possibly ground to a halt.

Since then, Pitolo has won seven straight bouts, including three so far this year, placing him as one of Hawaii’s best up-and-coming fighters.

“Before I was just getting there and trying to finish the fight as fast as I could,” Pitolo told MMAWeekly.com. “I feel like slowing the whole process down and taking it in, I’m really enjoying my time inside of the cage.

“Getting that experience has helped me get to the next level and become the fighter I am now: calm, cool and collected.”

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Most recently, Pitolo picked up a unanimous decision win over late replacement Kassius Holdorf in July at Victory FC 52 in his first ever five-round fight.

“It came on very short notice, so we could watch film maybe one day, and the next day we could game plan for our fight,” said Pitolo. “Whatever Kassius brought, I wanted to dominate the game wherever it went – and that’s pretty much what I did – and I got the W.”

Pitolo (8-2) will once again face Holdorf (9-3) in the main event of Victory FC 54 for the promotion’s welterweight title on Friday in Omaha, Neb.

“He probably learned his lessons in that (first) fight, and I‘ve learned my lessons from that fight,” said Pitolo of Holdorf. “I’m going to look for the finish in all aspects of the game.

“No matter what he brings to the table, I feel it’s going to be a good fight, and I feel like I’m ready for whatever he has.”

Having put himself on a good path the past couple years, Pitolo only sees better things ahead for himself in 2017.

“In 2017, I look to be the most dominant 170-pound fighter there is,” Pitolo said. “Once I get that strap, whoever wants to get it, come and get it, but be prepared for one of the best VFC fighters to step in the cage. I’m just going to dominate in there.”

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