Palelei (photo via UFC.com)

By FCF Staff

One of Australia’s top fighters is hanging up the gloves, as Soa Palelei has announced he’s retiring from professional fighting.

The 37 year-old fighter, who was stopped by “Bigfoot” Silva in his last bout this past August, reported his decision on Twitter:

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

The heavyweight made his way to the UFC back in 2007, and was released, following a loss to Eddie Sanchez. Palelei proceeded to go 10-1 in his next 11 fights, however, and rejoined the promotion in 2013. “The Hulk” won his next three bouts, but since then, Palelei’s dropped 2 of 3.

The noted finisher completes his career having put together an impressive 22-5 record.