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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.
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