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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
Longtime heavyweight veteran Soa "The Hulk" Palelei has been after the UFC for months, badgering UFC President Dana White and trying to do anything possible to get another opportunity inside the Octagon. Well, his perseverance paid off, as his management team at Paradigm Sports Management announced on Monday that he has signed a four-fight deal with the organization.
The 35-year-old had one fight in the UFC back in 2007, losing by TKO to Eddie Sanchez at UFC 79. However, he's gone 10-1 since that fight, with his sole loss coming to current top contender Daniel Cormier in 2010. Since the Cormier loss, he's won eight straight fights, including five wins in 2012 alone.
"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 said Monday. "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."
Penick's Analysis: It seemed like only a matter of time for Palelei, as his eight-fight winning streak seemed deserving of at least one chance to prove himself in the Octagon. He's now got that chance, and he'll be looking to make the most of it when he makes his debut later this year. With that said, he'll likely be making a leap up in competition from his last two fights, where he defeated the 2012 version of Bob Sapp, and former UFC fighter Sean McCorkle.
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Jamie Penick, editor-in-chief
(mmatorcheditor@gmail.com)
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