> Skip to content

Article  •  16 June 2016

 

Face Your Fears

The career of UFC fighter Soa ‘The Hulk’ Palelei at a glance.

Following a childhood from hell, mixed martial arts helped put Soa ‘The Hulk’ Palelei on the right path in life. His memoir, Face Your Fears, is a raw and powerful story about turning obstacles into opportunities and following your dreams – destroying the odds in the hope for a better life.

Pelelei had his professional fighting debut in 2002, and he went on to dominate on the Australian circuit. Five years later he was signed on to compete in the revered Ultimate Fighting Championship. But the dream didn’t last, and his became a rollercoaster story of crushing defeats, comebacks and winning streaks on the world’s biggest stage.

 

Here’s a snapshot of Palelei’s career at a glance:

Nickname: The Hulk

Born: 12 July 1977

From: Newcastle, Australia

Height: 6’4″

Weight: 130kgs

Reach: 81”

MMA Debut: 2002

Retired: 2015

Career Record: 22 wins (19 by KO) and 5 losses

Fastest Victory: 0:12 (Vs Bob Sapp, 2012)

Championships: K-Oz Entertainment Super Heavyweight Championship (2012); AFC Heavyweight Championship (2012); defended AFC Heavyweight Championship (2012).

 

Feature Title

Face Your Fears
From homeless kid to the UFC's world stage – Soa Palelei's is an inspirational story of an Australian fighter who never gave up.
Read more

More features

See all
Article
DK Catalogue 2026

Bold. Creative. Global.

Article
You'll Always Be My Baby

The perfect bedtime picture book gift for parents and grandparents

Article
The Death of Beth March

Why must Beth die? The ‘best’ March sister, doomed to perish? Beth dies in every version of the story, including the new contemporary thriller, Beth Is Dead by Katie Bernet, which begins with Beth’s murder. What is the reasoning behind it?

Article
The Guardian’s top children’s picture books as nominated by readers

Check out the Penguin Random House picture books that have been nominated by Guardian readers as Australia’s top 50 picture books.

Article
Penguin Fantasy Fest is returning for 2026!

Penguin Fantasy Fest is coming to Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne. Meet the authors, get exclusive sneak peeks and more – this is an event not to be missed!

Article
Are We There Yet?

Fun road trip games and books to keep little kids happy!

Article
QUIZ: Which character are you from Beth Is Dead?

Take this quiz to find out whether you're a Beth, Amy, Jo or Meg!

Article
How to go analog

Join the analogue movement! Check out four key tips for the best screen free hobbies, from colouring in to starting a book club.

Article
Your questions answered – what to know about People We Meet on Vacation book and film

The film adaptation of Emily Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation is fast approaching it’s January release. The film follows Poppy and Alex over 12 summers as their relationship transforms from enemies, to friends, to… you’ll have to wait and see.

Article
The best books of 2025

Check out some of the best books of 2025. How many have you read?

Article
Some of the most anticipated books of 2026

Learn about some of the most anticipated books coming in 2026, as chosen by Penguin Random House employees.

Article
Books that make great stocking fillers for teens

Discover books that make great stocking fillers and become the perfect gift-giver this Christmas!

Looking for more articles?

See all articles