Norman Parke (17-2) is a man who shot into the mainstream last year as a contestant (and eventual winner) of the inaugural season of ‘The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes’ and hasn’t looked back since. Having recently been booked to a fight Japanese lightweight Kazuki Tokudome (12-3-1) at UFC 162, Norman admits he had never heard of Tokudome when he was offered the fight but has since done his homework on his soon to be opponent.
“Well to start I got the name Kazuki.. I thought since the UFC didn’t give me my Harley Davidson (from winning ‘TUF’) they were offering me some new type of bike.. But to realise it was my next opponent.. He does sound quite like a Japanese motorbike (laughs). Anyway, I saw a few videos on him.. Seems pretty well rounded, good clinch takedowns, good movement on the ground, and some stand up.. Style wise we match up well.. But I feel there’s a hole in his game.”
Both fighters come into this fight with one UFC win to their names but are relatively unknown to the ‘casual fans’. Things have certainly changed for the Northern Irishman since he took the ‘Smashes’ crown but he has a message for anyone who isn’t quite familiar with his name just yet;
“yeah my life has changed a lot..social media has been crazy which was expected.. It’s great to keep in touch with the fans and keeping them updated. My message is no one has seen the best of my abilities yet. Soon enough it will start to unfold, believe me.”
With twelve of Parke’s career wins coming via submission added to two decisions and three knockout victories, he is clearly pretty well rounded and that gives him confidence that he can get the ‘W’ no matter where this fight goes.
“I feel I have the advantage everywhere.. He can’t beat me anywhere in this fight.. I feel he’s got a weak chin so I’m going to test him there, mentally break him, wear him down and FINISH HIM. Mortal Kombat style.”
Norman was booked to fight back in April in a bout with Jon Tuck (which was ultimately scrapped late on when Tuck picked up an injury). Here he opens up about how it felt to have the bout called off last minute and his eagerness to get back into the cage after what has now been a long time training.
“it was quite a sickener but it happens. Just wasn’t meant to be but it’s all part of this crazy journey I’m going to have. Things happen for a reason. I am fighting in Vegas! You bet I’m dying to get back in and show everyone how well rounded I am. After this fight I’m looking to have a few more by the end of the year. Fighting in the UK or Ireland would be fantastic to have so many fans chanting for ya.”
With Norman’s experience of not only surviving but winning ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ and with the time fast approaching for the debut of the first ever co-ed season which will feature women for the first time, it is only right to speak to the TUF champ about the experience, and he has a few words of wisdom for the new breed.
“My advice would be this. This is an opportunity someone else would love to get, so grab it by both hands and no matter what comes your way, may it be sickness in the house or niggling injuries… persevere and keep going and everything will fall into place. Always say to yourself this is the life you chose so got get it!”
Norman asked to give a big thanks to his sponsors Peak Physique, Gentry Barbers Ballymena, INKUNLEASHED Tattoos, Scotch House Bushmills, Moes Grill Antrim, his management KO Dynasty and most importantly his fiancée, gym Next Generation NI and Alliance in San Diego.
UFC 162 takes place July 6th from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The card features a main event of all time great Anderson ‘The Spider’ Silva defending his UFC middleweight title against number one contender Chris Weidman.
Gregg Mullen
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