The Ultimate Fighter (TUF): Australia vs. UK lightweight winner Norman Parke attempt to kick his career into high gear when he enters the Octagon for the first time since winning the reality show against undefeated Jon Tuck at UFC on FOX 7: "Henderson vs. Melendez," which goes down at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif., on April 20, 2013.
The two lightweights are will both be making their North American debuts, as Parke has fought his entire career throughout the United Kingdom while Tuck has sharpened his skills by fighting in Guam.
UFC officials announced the 155-pound contest for the network television event over the weekend.
Parke (17-2) defeated Colin Fletcher at UFC on FX 6 in December to become the lightweight winner of the first season of TUF: Smashes. The 26-year-old Irishman was defeated in his first professional bout, and has since gone on to win 17 of his last 18 fights.
"Stormin'" is a competitor that likes to go for broke in his fights, as he has only gone the distance twice in his 19-bout career. Parke is a finisher, too, proven by his 15 (T)KO or submission victories out of 17 total wins.
Tuck (7-0) is far less experience than Parke, but fortunately his feet are already wet under the bright lights of the UFC as he picked up a solid win over Tiequan Zhang in his Octagon debut last November at UFC on FUEL TV 6.
The "Super Salyan" is the first Guam-born fighter to compete in the UFC and brings a well-rounded skill set into the organization, having won three fights by knockout, three by submission and just one decision.
Parke vs. Tuck will likely take place on the preliminary portion of the fight card, which is expected to air on FX and Facebook. The main card will be broadcasted on FOX.
UFC on FOX 7: "Henderson vs. Melendez" is headlined by a lightweight championship bout between reigning champion Ben Henderson and former Strikeforce 155-pound titleholder Gilbert Melendez. Also announced for the card is a heavyweight contest of Frank Mir vs. Daniel Cormier.