Northern Irishman Norman Parke wins The Ultimate Fighter

Northern Irishman Norman Parke beat Colin “Freakshow” Fletcher tonight to win The Ultimate Fighter: UK vs Australia.

“Stormin” Norman secured an early takedown in the first round and easily fended off Fletcher’s submission attempts to secure dominant position and land shots to clearly win the first round, despite a last second reversal from “Freakshow”.

The second round started off just like the first, with Norman securing a takedown. Parke worked his way to full mount and then took Colin Fletcher’s back momentarily before Fletcher escaped back to his feet with about 2 minutes remaining in the round.

Fletcher started to pepper leg and body kicks, while Parke worked his boxing and with seconds to go in the round, “Stormin” Norman secured another takedown to yet again secure the round.

The third was a stand up battle, with Norman countering Fletcher’s punches, and Fletcher landing leg kicks. As the final round progressed Norman started to land his left hand and in the final minute of the fight he secured yet another takedown, but as he tried to take Fletcher’s back, “Freakshow” got back to his feet but it was too late.

The judges scored it a unanimous decision for “Stormin” Norman Parke and he was crowned The Ultimate Fighter and receives a five figure contract with the UFC.

Norman has been a regular on the Irish MMA scene, fighting for many promotions and earning the Cage Contender lightweight championship.

We spoke to Cage Contender owner John Ferguson, who when Norman Parke won the Cage Contender title at Cage Contender 11, went on camera during the post fight interview and called for the UFC to “come and take him”

“I genuinely had tears in my eye when he won!”

“Norman has fought for me a number of times right back from Cage Contender 3, we gave him his TV debut on Cage Contender 5 and he won our title at Cage Contender 11.”

Through out that time I have watched him grow as a fighter and he has been probably the most professional, dedicated fighter I have dealt with. He is a great guy who I’m happy to class as a friend! He has all the tools to make a real life for himself and Amanda now, I can’t wait to watch it progress.

Interestingly, I think I am right in saying that every Irish UFC fighter with the exception of Egan have come from Country Antrim.

Now it looks like I have a belt to fill”