Maui’s Mahe to Headline Just Scrap Fight Card

Courtesy image.

By Rodney S. Yap

Valley Isle resident Lolohea Mahe – considered one of the heaviest-handed punchers in the MMA – headlines Friday night’s “Just Scrap XVI” fight card at War Memorial Gym, where he takes on Chad “The Brama Bull” Thomas of the Big Island.

Thomas is the No. 1 ranked amateur heavyweight making his professional debut.

“Theses are two big heavyweights. Two big guys ready to go to war and leave everything in the cage. This will be an exciting matchup,” said promoter JD Penn.

“Chad has been fighting the regional circuit and has been doing really good fighting some of the toughest fighters in the state. He has finally got what he wanted and that is a fight against the toughest guy in the state, which is Lolohea.

“Lolohea is fast, agile, and explosive. He pretty much has the total package, so come Friday night, it’ll be two big men going to war.”

Maui's Lolohea Mahe is nicknamed "The Tattooed Titan." Photo courtesy of MMAHawaii.com

The semi-main event is a light heavyweight bout featuring Scott “Punk Haole” Junk against Maui native Adam Akau.

Junk is making a comeback and fighting for the first time at 205 pounds, while Akau is looking to add a win to his 1-2 professional record.

Tickets are still available and start at $20 for general admission. Doors open at 6, fights start at 7.

“I fight for my family, for my wife and my kids,” Thomas said. “Personally, I’m making a comeback from the ups and downs in my life, but the No. 1 reason is for my wife and my family.”

“Chad is a big man. He is [an] extreme athlete. It’s going to be an exciting fight, two big extreme athletes going to war against each other,” said Paul Abiley, Thomas’ trainer. “He is definitely ready for this fight.”

“This is a great opportunity to fight Lolohea,” Thomas said. “Physically I am probably the strongest I’ve ever felt. Mentally, I am ready. I had had a lot of amateur fights to prepare me for this pro debut.”

Mahe said he has matured over the years and has his priorities in order now.

“I’ve been through a lot and I have learned my lesson, went to some trip where I was separated from my family for a very long time and that has taught me that the things I used to do, I can’t continue to do. I am only going to hurt my family, and I have learned my lesson. Before I was a punk, always getting into fights and making trouble, but now [these] days I rather go work, make money and put food on the table and cruise with my family. That’s pretty much what I do now is work and kickback with my family.”

Mahe said he is expecting nothing but the best from Thomas and is prepared to give his best, as well.

“I’m going to bring it. I’m going to do what I usually do and that’s swinging for the fence and do whatever it takes to win,” Mahe said. “I know he’s going to bring it. I’ve watched a couple of his tapes and he’s always bringing it. So I just have to match his energy and bring it too.”

Meanwhile, Junk made his UFC debut in 2007 at UFC 76 where he tapped out to Christian Wellisch. Junk re-injured his knee in the win and was forced to take a 17 month leave from MMA. He returned to the UFC on Season 10 of “The Ultimate Fighter” reality series, but lost in the preliminary round to Matt Mitrione via majority decision.

Akau, a former King Kekaulike football player, has three professional fights under his belt, all three ending by submission. He has an overall record of 3-2, and a professional record of 1-2.