Soa Palelei, also known by his nickname “The Hulk,” is a retired Australian mixed martial artist who competed in the heavyweight division.
He is best known for his time in the UFC and PRIDE Fighting Championships. Below is a detailed breakdown of his life, career, and achievements.
Soa Palelei’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Soa Palelei |
| Nickname | The Hulk |
| Date of Birth | July 12, 1977 |
| Age | 47 years old |
| Place of Birth | Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Ethnicity | Tongan |
| Height | 6’4″ (193 cm) |
| Weight | 265 lbs (120 kg) |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Turned Pro | September 2002 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1.5 million |
| Salary (Career Earnings) | Approximately $159,000 |
| Spouse | Married (Name undisclosed) |
| Children | Father of three |
| Instagram Profile | @soathehulk |
Early Career
Soa Palelei began his professional MMA career in September 2002. He had an explosive start, remaining undefeated for the first two years with a record of 7–0.
All of these victories came via TKO or submission, showcasing his versatility and dominance in the heavyweight division.
Wrestling was his foundational discipline, and he nearly represented Australia in the Sydney Olympics before transitioning fully into mixed martial arts.
Professional Career
Palelei made his UFC debut in December 2007 at UFC 79 but lost to Eddie Sanchez via TKO. After being released from the UFC, he dominated regional circuits with a record of 10–1, earning victories over notable fighters like Sean McCorkle and Brad Morris.
In 2013, he returned to the UFC and secured multiple wins, including knockouts against Pat Barry and Ruan Potts. His final fight took place at UFC 190 in August 2015, where he lost to Antônio Silva via TKO.
Wife
Soa Palelei, the retired Australian mixed martial artist known as “The Hulk,” is married to Adriana Palelei. The couple has been together for many years and shares a family life in Cockburn, Western Australia, where they have raised three children.
Soa and Adriana have built a strong family foundation while Soa pursued his career in mixed martial arts and later transitioned into mentoring and advocacy work.
Soa Palelei’s Net Worth Details
Soa Palelei’s net worth is estimated to be $1.5 million as of 2025. This includes earnings from his MMA career, sponsorships, acting roles, and other ventures.
Fight Purses
Here’s a breakdown of some of Soa Palelei’s notable fight purses:
| Event | Opponent | Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| UFC 79 | Eddie Sanchez | $5,000 |
| UFC 164 | Nikita Krylov | $20,000 |
| UFC Fight Night 40 | Ruan Potts | $32,000 |
Endorsements
Soa Palelei has been associated with several brands throughout his career:
- Mack Boots (Signature footwear line)
- Southern Crossfit
- Adidas
- My Urban Swagga
- Limousine Excursions
Career Records
Soa Palelei retired with an impressive professional MMA record of 22 wins and 5 losses.
| Opponent | Event | Result | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antônio Silva | UFC 190 | Loss | TKO |
| Walt Harris | UFC Fight Night 55 | Win | TKO |
| Daniel Cormier | XMMA | Loss | Submission to punches |
FAQs
What is Soa Palelei’s nickname?
His nickname is “The Hulk.”
When did Soa Palelei retire?
He retired in October 2015 after a professional career spanning over a decade.
What is Soa Palelei’s fighting style?
He was known for his ground-and-pound techniques and knockout power.
What championships has Soa Palelei won?
He held titles such as the AFC Heavyweight Championship and K-Oz Entertainment Super Heavyweight Championship.
Has Soa Palelei acted in movies?
Yes, he appeared in films like Son of a Gun and Zombie Ninjas vs Black Ops.
What is Soa Palelei’s height?
He stands at an impressive height of 6’4″ (193 cm).
Does Soa Palelei have children?
Yes, he has three children.
What book did Soa Palelei write?
He authored a memoir titled Face Your Fears.
Where can I follow Soa Palelei on social media?
You can follow him on Instagram at @soathehulk.
What is Soa Palelei’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is $1.5 million.
