A little over two months after starting linebacker David Pa’aluhi decided to transfer from Oregon State, he’s still awaiting a decision from the NCAA as to whether he’ll be able to play for Hawaii in 2010 or 2011.
In the meantime, Pa’aluhi is biding his time by becoming a part of a family pastime -- mixed martial arts.
According to the Honolulu Advertiser, Pa’aluhi and his sister will fight separate bouts on a MMA undercard Friday night. The fights will come 14 years after their father won a tournament at the first MMA event ever held in Hawaii.
Pa’aluhi said his main focus is still on football, and that MMA “is just something to do in the meantime.”
“If I can get drafted in the NFL someday, that would be good,” he told the paper. “If not, I’ll train (for MMA).”
In order to maintain his collegiate eligibility, Pa’aluhi will fight as an amateur.
(Tip O’ the Hat: Cliff Kirkpatrick of the Corvallis Gazette Times)