News broken by Pete Dilorenzo @longhornsmma
All I have to say is……..It’s about time! Sao “The Hulk” Palelei is a big name and a big name at MMAVictor.com (premier MMA fantasy leagues). He has been lobbying to get his name back in the UFC, and between him, his twitter followers, and his winning streak, he has got his wish.
Palelei is on a 8 fight winning streak (last loss to Daniel Cormier) and has signed a four fight deal to return to the UFC. Soa fought one time in the UFC at UFC 79 where he was TKO’d by Eddie Sanchez in the third round.
Real Soa fans know that the guy who fought in 2007, is not the same machine. Nearly a year ago Palelei won the Australian Fighting Championship’s heavyweight title, then defended it recently in December with a first-round TKO of former UFC veteran Sean McCorkle at Australian Fighting Championship 4.
After Palelei’s loss he only dropped one to “DC”, and has ran through his competition winning all but one fight in the first round. All 18 of Palelei’s career victories have come by stoppage with 14 coming in the first round.
He has never been to a decision. We are happy to have “The Hulk” back, and we all know he is very grateful to be given a second chance.
“I’m thankful to (UFC President) Dana White and (UFC matchmaker) Joe Silva for giving me this opportunity to come back to the UFC to showcase my skills,” Palelei stated. “With determination, hard work and a great team, I’m happy to say that today I have signed with the UFC. I look forward to competing in the best organization in the world.”
~ Final Thought ~
“The Hulk” is back in the UFC, and the heavyweight division should be put on notice. Palelei has fought at both heavyweight and super heavyweight, though he will obviously have to be at the heavyweight division’s maximum of 266 pounds.
Before he can feel at home again in the UFC, he will need to beat one of the division’s best in Stipe Miocic. This one has KO of the night written all over it.Either way I expect him to make a huge impact, and would even pay to see a rematch with “DC.”