According to a report on ProMMAInsider.com on Tuesday, popular Australian heavyweight Soa Palelei has finally received what he and his fans have long clamored for, another chance to compete in the UFC. According to the fighter’s management team, the agreement is for four fights.
He last appeared inside the Octagon at UFC 79, where he lost to Eddie Sanchez. Paradigm Sports Management issued a press release on Monday confirming that Soa Palelei would be returning to the promotion for the first time since then
“I’m thankful to Dana White and Joe Silva for giving me this opportunity to come back to the UFC to showcase my skills,” Palelei stated in the release. “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.”
Palelei has been on a roll since he left, winning 10 of 11 fights since the TKO loss to Sanchez. He has won eight straight, and all but one of those victories were claimed in the first round. In 2012, he competed successfully in five contests, including notable victories over Bob Sapp and UFC veteran Sean McCorkle.
His last loss came back in 2010 when he was defeated by fellow UFC newcomer Daniel Cormier, who would go on to capture the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix before making his way to the UFC.
Besides his impressive winning streak, Soa Palelei brings to the UFC with him a faithful fan base. As one of the most popular fighters on social media, he always has their support, which no doubt played at least a small part in his getting another chance to compete in the UFC. Dana White usually has his ear to the wind and knows adding a popular fighter from Australia can’t be bad for business.
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