Punahele Soriano: The Explosive Hawaiian Striker in the UFC Middleweight Division
Punahele "Puna" Soriano, born November 22, 1992 in Wailua, Hawaii, is a powerful and dynamic fighter in the UFC middleweight division. Soriano is known for his heavy hands, strong takedown defense and explosive fighting style. With his Hawaiian fighting spirit and impressive knockout power has quickly established himself as a rising force in the division.
Early Life and Career
Soriano grew up in Hawaii, a place with a rich martial arts culture. He began wrestling at a young age, excelling in high school and college. His strong wrestling background gave him a solid foundation for a career in mixed martial arts (MMA) . Soriano made his professional MMA debut in 2017, where he quickly made a name for himself with his explosive knockouts and aggressive style.
Before joining the UFC, Soriano fought in several regional promotions and built an undefeated record, which earned him an invitation to Dana White's Contender Series .
Dana White's Contender Series and UFC Career
Punahele Soriano made his debut on the international stage during Dana White's Contender Series in June 2019, defeating Jamie Pickett via unanimous decision to earn a UFC contract. His strong performance, characterized by powerful punches and impressive control, proved that he was ready for the highest level of the sport.
Soriano made his official UFC debut in December 2019 at UFC 245 , where he defeated Oskar Piechota via knockout in the first round. His impressive victory showcased his explosive power and immediately put him on the map in the middleweight division.
Soriano followed this up with another dominant victory in January 2021, when he defeated Dusko Todorovic via first-round TKO at UFC Fight Night: Holloway vs. Kattar . His aggressive style and powerful striking have made him one of the most exciting fighters in the division.
Although Soriano subsequently suffered losses to Brendan Allen and Nick Maximov, he remained a consistent threat due to his explosive fighting style and ability to finish fights at any moment.
Style and Technique
Punahele Soriano is a powerful striker with a strong background in wrestling. His fighting style is focused on aggression and pressure, constantly trying to overwhelm his opponents with heavy punches and combinations. Soriano is known for his heavy hands, and his ability to force knockouts makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the middleweight division.
While his striking is his biggest weapon, Soriano also possesses solid takedown defense thanks to his wrestling background. This allows him to stay on his feet, where he is most effective. His explosiveness and ability to quickly switch between strikes makes him a versatile and unpredictable fighter.
Future Ambitions
Punahele Soriano remains focused on his ambitions to break through to the top of the UFC middleweight division. With his powerful style and impressive knockout power, he hopes to establish himself as a serious challenger and eventually earn a shot at bigger fights and possibly a title run.
Conclusion
Punahele Soriano is one of the most explosive fighters in the UFC middleweight division, known for his powerful striking and Hawaiian fighting spirit. His impressive knockout power and constant pressure make him an exciting fighter to watch. As he continues to grow and work towards his goals in the UFC, Soriano remains a dangerous challenger in the future of the middleweight division.