Lessons earned in competition. Perspective shaped by fatherhood. Max brings both to honest conversations about confidence, character, and finding your way forward.
School visits · Youth programs · Community events · Volunteer coaching
WHY THIS WORK MATTERS
The future is worth showing up for.
Rooted in school communities.
Being a father of two boys gives me a reason to keep growing—and a responsibility to look beyond myself. I feel called to protect, encourage, and invest in the next generation. Every young person deserves someone who sees their potential and shows up for them.
I’m still a student. I read, study, ask questions, and learn from people who challenge me. Mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually—I’m always working to become better. That’s what I want young people to see: you don’t have to have it all figured out to keep moving forward.
For nine years, I’ve brought that commitment into schools, youth programs, and coaching. One conversation can help a young person see a different possibility. One example can encourage a healthier habit, a better choice, or the courage to try again. That’s how I want to help build a stronger future: one interaction at a time.
UFC competition · 2016–26Father of twoYouth mentor & volunteer coach
WHAT THEY CAN TAKE WITH THEM
A story gets their attention. A lesson gives it purpose.
Practical ideas to revisit at school, at practice, and when things don’t go to plan. Explore the themes for your audience.
Confidence grows through practice.Make room to try. Make room to grow.
01Confidence is something you practice.+
You don’t have to feel ready to take a first step. Max connects the nerves of competition with the everyday courage it takes to try something new.
Takeaway: Choose one small action you can take before confidence catches up.
02Your next choice matters.+
Discipline begins with what you do today: prepare, follow through, and take responsibility. A difficult moment doesn’t have to decide what comes next.
Takeaway: Identify one choice that moves you toward the person you want to become.
03A setback isn’t the whole story.+
Wins, losses, and reinvention are part of Max’s life. He talks about learning from mistakes without letting them become your identity.
Takeaway: Name what you learned, ask for support, and choose a next step.
04Pause. Reset. Respond.+
Max draws on more than a decade of work with sports psychologists and mental-performance coaches to discuss presence and composure in everyday language.
Takeaway: Notice the pressure, take a pause, and focus on what you can control.
05Respect includes boundaries.+
How you treat people—and yourself—matters. Max brings lessons from the dojo and his own growth into conversations about respect, restraint, and asking for help.
Takeaway: Strength can mean stepping back, speaking up, or turning to a trusted adult.
06Be someone others can count on.+
Leadership happens in everyday actions. Being a teammate, encouraging someone, and showing up for your community are ways to contribute now.
Takeaway: Find one way to help someone at school, on your team, or at home.
Topics and examples are shaped with the organizer for the audience’s age, needs, and setting.
WAYS TO BRING MAX IN
A talk. A workout. A day that stays with them.
Choose a starting point, then shape the experience around your students, team, or program. Speaking can stand alone or be paired with movement and conversation.
01 / INSPIRE
Up to 1 hour
Start a conversation that matters.
An honest, engaging talk that connects Max’s story to the choices young people face every day.
Stories with a practical lesson
Audience interaction and Q&A
Ideas to take beyond the room
For assemblies & classroom visits
02 / LEAD
Up to 3 hours
Make room for deeper connection.
Time to ask questions, share perspectives, and explore what confidence and character look like in action.
A talk and guided group discussion
A focus shaped around your group
An optional workout with Max
For teams & leadership programs
03 / IMPACT
Up to 6 hours
Give the work time to grow.
An extended visit with space for more voices, meaningful conversations, and shared experiences.
Sessions for multiple groups
Speaking, interaction & optional movement
A schedule built with your organizer
For school days & custom youth events
OPTIONAL / TALK + WORKOUT
Put the lesson into motion.
Follow the talk with a guided group workout led by Max. Give young people a chance to practice effort, focus, and encouragement together.
Discuss the group’s ages, abilities, available space, and time with Max’s team to plan the activity.
Q&A, smaller group conversations, and a meet-and-greet can also be discussed as part of your visit.
These are starting formats. Activities and timing are agreed together before booking.
EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE OCTAGON
Different rooms. The same commitment.
Max’s youth and community work has included local schools, United Way, Boys & Girls Clubs, and juvenile hall through Sacramento County Probation.
School assemblies01 / SCHOOLS & PROGRAMS
Give students a starting point.
School assemblies, after-school programs, and youth organizations. Connect confidence, choices, and resilience to daily life.
Conversations with young athletes02 / TEAMS & SPORT
Build the person behind the athlete.
For athletes and teams across sports. Explore preparation, handling pressure, supporting teammates, and growing through setbacks—lessons that carry beyond competition.
Meet-and-greets & community events03 / COMMUNITY & CONNECTION
Make space for a real conversation.
Community events, meet-and-greets, and juvenile justice settings. Meet young people with respect and a message about possibility.
More moments from the community +
In the classroom.Alongside the team.Part of the conversation.
FROM A YOUTH PROGRAM LEADER
A connection that matters.
Following Max’s visit with Summer Strong members at the West Modesto Club.
“Watching our kids engage, ask thoughtful questions, and connect with someone who has achieved success through hard work, perseverance, and dedication was truly special.”
Jeremy Martinez, MPA, CCMC, AFPNon-Profit Executive LeaderExcerpt from his LinkedIn post about the West Modesto Club visitRead the shared post ↗
BRING MAX TO YOUR AUDIENCE
Let’s make the conversation count.
Tell us about your school, team, or organization. Start with what you know—we can discuss the rest.
Share your audience’s ages and setting in your inquiry. The focus, language, and examples can be discussed with your organizer before booking.
Can we include questions or a meet-and-greet?
Include your preferred format when you reach out. Time for questions, team discussion, or a meet-and-greet can be considered as part of the engagement.
What are the fees and availability?
Fees and availability are confirmed directly based on the event, location, timing, and format. Sending an inquiry is the first step.