Soa Palelei retires
Soa Palelei: “This isn’t goodbye, as I will still be very much involved in the sport but just not as a fighter. I want to help further MMA around the world.”
UFC heavyweight Soa Palelei is retiring from mixed martial arts fighting at age 38. The Australian holds a 4-3 record in the heavyweight division, where no one, ever, puts together a long streak. His record will stand overall at 22-5.
Soa The Hulk Palelei @soathehulk
I want to take an opportunity to officially announce my retirement from the sport of Mixed Martial Arts. Thank you to the UFC, Dana White, Lorenzo Fertitta and Joe Silva for giving me a second chance to fight for the organization. I’ve had a great time, but feel it’s time to focus on my family and other career interests. After several months of thought and discussion with my family and my team, we realize our future includes many things in MMA, but active competition in the sport is no longer one of them. This isn’t goodbye, as I will still be very much involved in the sport but just not as a fighter. I want to help further MMA around the world and give my contribution to the sport. I know that I have, and will continue to contribute much to the growth of our sport outside of the Octagon. Stay tuned guys as there is still so much more to come from “The Hulk” #WatchThisSpace #MuchLove
Palelei always showed a gigantic heart, in all sense of the word. He was a brave and fierce fighter, and he was involved with a number of laudable charitable interests. Given the danger in his division, and his age, this was a wise decision that should be look upon with respect rather than regret.
This is the third retirement in four days, with Nick Newell retiring on Friday and Rick Hawn also retiring today.