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).
From homeless kid to the UFC's world stage – Soa Palelei's is an inspirational story of an Australian fighter who never gave up.
Margot McGovern’s Our Dark Unravelling is the must-read YA horror thriller for 2026.
Magical creatures, perilous trials and one unbelievable adventure await in Protector of Beyond, the first book in a gripping new fantasy book series from exciting new voice Shara Curlett.
Fall in love with Penguin’s selection of the best romance fiction. Explore our diverse list of new favourite reads, from YA favourites to Australian classics.
Looking for a good book to accompany your holiday? Whether you’re sitting poolside, on a snowy escape or relaxing at home, find our 10 best choices here.
At the end of a busy day, many of us like to sit down with a good book or in front of the television to relax. Both offer the chance to enjoy a great story, but they engage us in their own ways.
From a smouldering slow-burn to fiery heat at first bite, we’ve paired some of our best spicy books with our most delicious dishes.
Discover the diverse books our team recommends to broaden your reading and introduce you to unforgettable new authors.
Forget the Roman Empire. We're entering our Greek mythology era.
If you’ve been hearing these words a lot lately and not sure what they mean, here’s your guide to the DCC universe.
See Penguin Australia’s selection of the best book adaptations, from movies to TV shows. Get to reading or watching your next favourite here.
Discover Penguin Australia’s best memoirs & biographies. Find a curated list of powerful stories from the most interesting & inspiring people.
Do you already have a costume for Children's Book Week, but no book to match?