UFC Heavyweight fighter Soa Palelei at 6’4” and 265 lbs. is a daunting opponent. With both
PRIDE and
UFC experience, Soa continues to push himself to become a better fighter. Those that know him also know that he has a great sense of humor and a true warrior spirit. MMAFightline.com was able to catch up with Soa to talk about his recent UFC loss to Eddie Sanchez at UFC 79 and his future.
MMAFightline.com: Soa, I would like to thank you for taking the time to talk with MMAFightline.com. You are coming off a loss to Eddie Sanchez at UFC 79. What are your thoughts on that fight?
Palelei: Very disappointed with my performance – that’s the fight game you either come 100% or don’t come at all.
MMAFightline.com: Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently to train for the fight against Sanchez?
Palelei: I know what I did wrong in the fight and words cannot express how disappointed I am and to my supporters this is not the way I fight and I’m sorry. I’ll be back. I promise. Eddie Sanchez was the better man on the night
MMAFightline.com: Did you suffer any injuries in the fight? If so, have they healed?
Palelei: I was fine -- few bruises but all is ok and I’m back training and sparring so I’m fine.
MMAFightline.com: What have you been doing after the fight?
Palelei: K.F.C and then Burger King. Did I mention K.F.C? Now that I got that out of the way, I didn’t have much time to rest. I started training a week later.
MMAFightline.com: Where do you currently train and who are your training partners? Are you still with Team Quest?
Palelei: Yes, still with Team Quest – awesome bunch of guys and awesome place to train.
MMAFightline.com: Can you describe your training routine? For example, what types of cardio and weight training do you do; do you train jiu jitsu, muay thai, etc. and with whom?
Palelei: At Team Quest, Dr. Ryan Parsons coordinates all the training sessions for the team. We do conditioning twice a week and 2 a day sessions consisting of kickboxing sparring and MMA sparring and Sunday rest. It’s pretty full on there.
MMAFightline.com: Is it true that you have a 3 fight deal with the UFC with 2 fights left?
Palelei: Yes
MMAFightline.com: When do you anticipate you will be fighting again? Have you had any conversations with Dana White or Joe Silva after the fight?