Palelei: Yes, I remember the first UFC videos that came out and that I bought in the back of a shop and now, to see how much advertising and promoting it’s getting -- it’s really come along way.

MMAFightline.com: Do you think you were signed by the UFC in an effort to promote Australian fighters?

Palelei: There are a lot of good fighters in Australia. I think if the UFC signs you, then you’re lucky I guess.

MMAFightline.com: Do you know when the UFC will have its first show in Australia? Do you know where in Australia?

Palelei: I think if they do end up having a show in Australia they well probably have it in Sydney.

MMAFightline.com: Other than George Sotiropoulos are you aware of any other Australian fighters that have recently been signed to fight in the UFC? Are there any Australian fighters appearing on The Ultimate Fighter Season 7 (Kyle Noke?)?

Palelei: Not to sure if any other fighters from Australia are signed apart from Elvis Sinosic and Anthony Perosh but it would be good to see some more Aussie fighters in there.

MMAFightline.com: Do you think the UFC will sign New Zealand fighter Mark Hunt? There have been some unconfirmed rumors that he still has one fight left under his PRIDE contract which the UFC assumed.

Palelei: Mark Hunt is Mark Hunt. He ain’t getting out of bed for pocket change. I consider him 1 of the top 5 fighters in the world. He just wants to get paid and he’s done a lot in his career to demand top dollar so give him what he wants because with him you’ll either see a K.O. or an awesome fight.

MMAFightline.com: Would you like to fight Mark Hunt?

Palelei: Yeah, I want top dollar (laughs). My advice to anyone who fights him: keep your hands up. He may not look like the perfect looking fighter but if your hands are down you better have a steel jaw.

MMAFightline.com: Other than you, who are the most popular Australian/New Zealand MMA fighters?

Palelei: Hector Lombard, Elvis Sinosic, Anthony Perosh, Kyle Noke, Brad Morris, Gordan Gaef, just to name a few.

MMAFightline.com: Given that you are a heavyweight fighter, the next few questions will deal with other fighters in your division. Do you think Fedor is the number one heavyweight fighter?

Palelei: Yes, and look at his paycheck (laughs). It’s good to see how he still competes in the sport he first started from (sambo). He keeps it old school the way he acts and the way he trains. I think he is beatable but he’s tough.