I would like to say a big THANK YOU to UFC and Pride veteran Soa The Hulk Palelei for

agreeing to speak with me! This is a little feature I have named Georges 20 Questions, which is inspired by the French writer Marcel Proust, who developed a list of subjective questions that he felt would help people reveal something about their personalities and the personalities of those around them. I have modified Prousts questions to fit todays combat athlete with the goal of trying to find out a little bit about both the fighter and the person. Thanks again, Hulk! Soa The Hulk Palelei (Born July 12, 1977; 64 265 lbs) is an Australian mixed martial artist who competes in the Heavyweight and Superheavyweight divisions. Born in Newcastle, New South Wales, Soa started his fighting career at an early age. Wrestling was his first choice in his earlier years and he nearly competed for Australia at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Over time, his interest in the martial arts grew into a love of Mixed Martial Arts. He has earned a reputation as a hard and fast fighter and has the following fighting accomplishments on his resume: Black Belt Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Australian Heavyweight Mixed Martial Arts Champion, Australian Heavyweight Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Champion, W.A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Heavy Weight Champion, W.A Freestyle Wrestling Champion at 120 kg, W.A MMA Heavy Weight Champion, Australian Freestyle Wrestling Champion at 120 kg, ADCC Australian Heavyweight Submission Champion, South Pacific MMA Heavyweight Champion, Pride Fighting Championship (Japan) Fighter, and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Fighter. Soas Official Website: http://www.soathehulk.com/ Like Soa on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Soa-The-HulkPalelei/111561455546470 Follow Soa on Twitter: http://twitter.com/soathehulk Here we go! 1. What is your idea of perfect happiness? Being The UFC Heavyweight Champion. 2. Who has been the greatest influence on your fighting career? Being able to train with some of the best MMA fighters all over the world. 3. What do you consider your greatest achievement(s)? Im extremely proud of becoming the first Tongan BJJ Black Belt, fighting in the UFC, becoming a father, and seeing everyday how dedicated my kids are to their sports.

4. Which MMA fighter would you most like to face? A fight is a fight. It doesnt really matter who I face. I respect all my opponents, and its an honor to fight them. 5. What is your most treasured possession? Not sure you would call it a possession. But I would say my family. They come first in my life. 6. If you could change one thing about yourself as a fighter, what would it be? Nothing. I have learned from the best and continue to learn each and every day. 7. Which historical figure do you most identify with? Hercules, because he was a champion and a great warrior. 8. Would you ever fight a teammate? I know that no one wants to fight a teammate but sometimes it has to be. I want to fight thats my main goal. If I had to fight a teammate, I know that we would be cool afterwards. 9. What is your favorite way of spending free time? I love spending time with my children they are my world. My time is taken up with training, fights, and travelling for appearances. So, when I do have some spare time, I spend it with them. Theyre my inspiration and the reason I get up and train every morning. 10. What quality do you most admire in a fighter? Determination and the will to not quit. Without these two elements, you cannot succeed as a fighter. 11. What quality do you most dislike in a fighter? Arrogance. Theres no need to put someone down by talking smack. Just do your talking in the cage. 12. Which living person do you most admire? Michael Jordan. He is in a league of his own. He accomplished his goals and hes a leader I look up to that. 13. What do you value most in a fight team (e.g., loyalty, expertise, etc.)? Dedication (people who are willing to give it their all).

14. How much weight are you usually cutting by weigh-in day? Around 10 kilos (approximately 22 lbs.). Cutting weight isnt a problem for me. I know exactly what I need to do now. I can do it without getting into a steamroom or a sauna. 15. What is the most overrated quality in a fighter? I dont think there is a quality thats overrated. The more you know, the better you are as a fighter. 16. What is your most marked personal characteristic? Im a down-to-earth guy. Im a cage fighter, but what you see is what you get Im a nice guy and most people know that. But when its time to rumble, I do that well. 17. What is your favorite post-fight meal? Do I have to pick one? Damn! (LOL). The Hulk loves KFC. I dont eat KFC often, because I have a dietary regimen that I follow. But I most definitely have KFC after a fight. 18. Who is the best MMA fighter of all time? Ive always been a fan of Randy Couture, but my favorite fighter is still Theodore. 19. Are there any words that you live by or that mean a lot to you (e.g., like a motto)? Pain is temporary but quitting lasts forever I tell myself this everyday. Also, my own lil catch phrase All Day Every Day (because The Hulk does it All Day Every Day). 20. How would you like to end your MMA career? Retiring knowing that I did what I wanted to do, which is fight win or lose. I love to fight and I dont want to be 50 years old saying to myself, I should have done this or that.

Thanks, Soa! Have a Happy New Year, everybody! Take care, George