THE NEWS THAT Wembley Arena will host the first of three European UFC events next year has been met with approval from MMA fans on this side of the water.
Although it greatly reduces the chance of a show coming to Ireland in the foreseeable future, many fans will no doubt make the short trip across the Irish Sea to witness some top-class fighting first hand on February 16.
With fights yet to be confirmed, speculation is rife as to who will make up the card but all the usual suspects such as Dan Hardy, Terry Etim and Brad Pickett have been mooted as possible candidates.
It will be the first show London has hosted since Michael Bisping defeated Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 120 back in 2010, although there have been events in Birmingham and Nottingham since then.
The last few European events have drawn criticism for making up lacklustre cards and leaving the superstars of the sport to fight in America.
With the roster of this event still to fill, there is the opportunity to build an exciting show and kick off 2013 in spectacular style. Let’s hope Dana White and Joe Silva make a card that is worthy of satisfying the loyal following the sport has over here.
Parke “Stormin’” his way to the UFC
One man who has a chance of competing on one of the European shows next year is Northern Ireland fighter Norman Parke. He has managed to reach the finale of the current series of TUF-“The Smashes.”
He is now only one fight away from acquiring the much coveted $100,000 UFC contract although his performances on the show to date should be enough to earn him a couple of UFC fights in the future.
The man from Bushmills, Antrim, was forced to face Brendan Loughnane from his own team in the semi-final but was on the right end of a unanimous decision that has taken him to one fight from glory.
YouTube Credit: Tommy Lakes
History suggests that regardless of the outcome of the finale, Parke should be guaranteed at least one UFC fight as the likes of Stephan Bonnar, Brendan Schuab and CB Dolloway have all had UFC careers despite losing a series finale.
“The Smashes” reaches its conclusion on December 14 in Australia and although the London show might come too soon for him, expect to see the talented Parke in proper UFC action soon.
