If life were fair, Max Holloway’s next fight would be here.

It should be here.

This undisputed UFC featherweight world champion from Waianae has earned it. He’s done more to battle for his belt than anyone in the history (granted, short history) of mixed martial arts. Although he is just 25, Holloway has paid way more than his share of dues, winning 11 fights in a row since his 2013 loss to Conor McGregor.

But his most challenging fight is the one coming up now, outside of the octagon — the fight for the right to host his first defense of that title at home in the islands.

There are enough other viable Hawaii fighters to help fill one side of the under card. They include Yancy Medeiros, another tough and talented scrapper from the Leeward Coast who won at UFC 212 Saturday before Holloway dispatched Jose Aldo with a third-round TKO.

And although it’s obvious that B.J. Penn is way past his prime, he’s still active and would still be an attraction for a UFC event here. But, a couple of years ago when Holloway pushed for UFC in Hawaii, his plan was for Penn to be the main event.

Now, Holloway doesn’t have to defer to anyone.

He does, however, need some help in trying to convince UFC president Dana White that an event in Hawaii — even at one of its less-than-ideal venues — is worth it. And that help should come from the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

A sports commission like the one in New Orleans would have anticipated this situation and already be on top of it, would already have started developing a relationship with White and be working with him on how to make this happen, despite the daunting logistics.

It’s not like there’s no precedent for the HTA to sweeten the pot for the rights to host big-time sports events. When the big investment of state resources was questioned the answer was always that the Pro Bowl was well worth it because of the tourism dollars generated by visitors who came for the game. Plus there’s what amounted to an incredible amount of free advertising for our sandy beaches and sunny skies to lure future tourists.

When the idea of UFC in Hawaii was first broached during Penn’s heyday, the Blaisdell Arena (8,800 capacity) and Stan Sheriff Center (10,300) were deemed too small. Aloha Stadium has 50,000 seats, but is outdated and even in Hawaii we can’t guarantee good weather.

The HTA should crunch the numbers and try to negotiate with White; determine what premium ticket prices would have to be raised to while still keeping many affordable to local fans, and how much UFC would need to help with expenses in order to make this happen.

We’ve been told that the $4-5 million that used to go to the NFL annually for the Pro Bowl got spread around to other deserving areas that stimulate tourism. That’s great, but I’m pretty sure what most local sports fans would prefer if given a choice between hosting the Clippers preseason camp and a UFC event featuring a world championship defense by a local boy.

Whether you love mixed martial arts or hate it, it’s a legitimate sport and it’s a very popular one. And, once again, one of its biggest stars is one of our own. Let’s keep in mind — and remind the HTA — that he is now an international star, in an international sport.

While we’re at it, the HTA should be trying to figure out how Hawaii can someday host a card featuring ONE women’s world champ Angela Lee from Mililani. Too bad their contracts likely prevent Holloway and Lee being on the same card. Now that would be huge … maybe someday, with McGregor serving as Holloway’s opponent, in that new stadium with the retractable roof. (Yeah, right.)

Holloway was asked after Saturday’s fight if it’s time for UFC in Hawaii. That’s like asking a man who hasn’t eaten in a couple of days if he would like a steak.

“Do you think it’s time? … I think the whole world thinks it’s time,” Holloway said.

Well, maybe not the whole world. And among those who disagree might be the guy who decides, Dana White.

But White is a businessman, and that means he can be convinced otherwise if the deal is right. The Hawaii Tourism Authority should huddle with Max Holloway, and try to come up with ideas for a proposal that works for everyone.

Reach Dave Reardon at dreardon@staradvertiser.com or 529-4783. His blog is at Hawaiiwarriorworld.com/quick-reads.