Soa Palelei (pictured) is the latest Aussie addition to the UFC Fight Night 33 card which is scheduled to take place on December 7 (local time) at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.
‘The Hulk’ joins fellow Australian based fighters James Te Huna and Mark Hunt after verbally agreeing to face UFC veteran Pat ‘HD’ Barry at the show.
The news was first revealed by WA Today then later confirmed by UFC officials.
Palelei is currently recovering from a broken rib which he sustained just days prior to facing promotional newcomer Nikita Krylov at UFC 164 last month. The fight was widely criticised as being sloppy, however, despite the injury, the Western Australian native soldered through two and a half rounds to eventually win by TKO. The hard earned victory was his first in the UFC after losing to Eddie Sanchez in his promotional debut at UFC 79, and also improved his pro record to 19-3.
A former pro kickboxer, Pat Barry is known for his all-out approach in the cage which his record reflects with 12 of his 14 fights ending in the first or second rounds. The two-time UFC fight of the night winner will take an 8-6 record to Brisbane as he looks to avoid back to back defeats following a TKO loss to Shawn Jordan back in mid June.
As previously announced, Mark Hunt will meet Antonio ‘Bigfoot’ Silva in the main event while James Te Huna will square off with former light heavyweight champ Mauricio Rua.
Updated Fight Card
- Mark Hunt vs Antonio Silva
- James Te Huna vs Mauricio Rua
- Soa Palelei vs Pat Barry
