Palelei says he cannot recall ever getting into street scraps as a kid, and, remarkably, does not like confrontation out of the ring. His sporting prowess started with basketball, then moved to rugby, while he also trained in freestyle and Greco wrestling, followed by Brazilian jiu-jitsu. His father took him to get his first tattoo at 15, a rite of passage that would be repeated through milestones in his life, the patterns portraying significant Tongan symbols. Coming from a school of hard knocks helped to prepare Palelei for the fight arena. His parents had exposed him to the tough plantation life in Tonga as a young child. Then he was sent to live with an uncle in NSW where he was given regular beatings. Having gone through this has made Palelei want to be able to give back and use his platform to do so, Palelei has a mentoring program called Hulk Kids MMA in which he mentors teens on every aspect of life, combined with training and diet tips this program is available for schools and community groups. Palelei was signed to Penguin Books and is in the midst of writing a memoir about his childhood how he came up from nothing to being in the world's largest MMA organisation the UFC, his book was released in June 2016 and can be purchased at https://www.penguin.com.au/books/face-your-fears-9780143799979, this will be the first of other books to come.
Acting career
Palelei is currently signed to Clifford Wallace Plus, Palelei made his acting debut on Australian Film Son Of A Gun, playing the role of a henchmen Tommy alongside Ewan McGregor, Matty Nable and Brenton Thwaites. Since then Palelei has played the lead in Zombie Ninjas Vs Black Ops which is due to be released in 2015, and Football Breakers an Australian Comedy. In 2016 Soa was cast alongside Australian Actors Matt Nable, Ryan Corr, Abbey Leigh, Eddie Baroo, Simone Kessell. 1% is set within the primal underworld of outlaw motorcycle club gangs. It follows the heir to the throne of a motorcycle club who has to betray his president to save his brother's life.
Palelei made his professional MMA debut in September 2002. He was undefeated for the first two years of his career, going 7–0 with all wins either by TKO or submission. He suffered his first defeat via submission to Choi Mu-Bae at PRIDE 28 in October 2004.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Palelei had a brief stint in the UFC at UFC 79 against Eddie Sanchez, losing by TKO in the third round. He was released from the promotion shortly after.
In March 2013, Palelei signed a multi fight deal with the UFC. Palelei was expected to face Stipe Miocic on 15 June 2013 at UFC 161 until Miocic was reassigned to fight Roy Nelson as a replacement on the main card and Palelei was pulled from the event. Palelei faced UFC newcomer Nikita Krylov at UFC 164. He won the fight via third-round TKO in a lackluster fight which saw both fighters exhausted after the first round. It was later revealed that Palelei suffered a fractured rib during the week before the fight. Palelei next faced Pat Barry at UFC Fight Night 33 on 7 December 2013. He won the fight via knockout in the first round, after achieving full mount position and landing a barrage of punches. Palelei faced promotional newcomer Ruan Potts on 10 May 2014 at UFC Fight Night 40. He won the fight via knockout, again from a full mount, in the first round. Palelei faced Jared Rosholt on 28 June 2014 at UFC Fight Night 43. Palelei lost the fight via unanimous decision. Palelei was expected to face Daniel Omielańczuk on 8 November 2014 at UFC Fight Night 55. However, Omielańczuk was forced to pull out of bout with a broken thumb and was replaced by Walt Harris. He won the fight by TKO in the second round. Palelei faced Antônio Silva on 1 August 2015 at UFC 190. He lost the fight by TKO in the second round. In turn, Palelei announced his retirement from MMA on 19 October 2015.
Accomplishments
Australian Fighting Championship World Heavy Weight Champion
K-OZ Entertainment World Super Heavy Weight Champion
