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GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 13: Norman Parke works out for the media during the UFC on FX open workouts on December 13, 2012 at Boonchu Gym in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Norman Parke

TRAINING: Twice a day with mornings working technique and drilling every aspect of the game, and evening classes having more contact, with sparring, hard grappling, and some judo mixed in.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started martial arts when I was 16. I did judo for four years and got to a good level, started training MMA at 20 years old and never looked back. In my early teens I was leading a life of destruction and heading nowhere, and finding martial arts gave me a direction in life.

What ranks and titles have you held? TUF Smashes lightweight winner, ranked in the top 10 in the UK and I held the Cage Contender European lightweight title.

Do you have any heroes? Not really. When I was young I always watched Superman, so I guess you could say him. (Laughs)

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means everything. This is what everyone strives for…to be in the UFC. I’ve worked really hard over the past few years and dedicated myself to this, so it’s a dream come true!

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I left school early as I planned to join the Marines. Things didn’t work out, but I guess things happen for a reason.

What was your job before you started fighting? I worked every job you could think of. I’ve worked on building sites, restaurants, security work and farms!

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? Irish judo champion, Irish wrestling champion

Specific accomplishments in pro competition? Getting to the final of The Ultimate Fighter.

Ranks in any martial arts styles: Black belt in judo.

Favorite grappling technique: Any form of choke

Favorite striking technique: straight left, right uppercut, straight left.