UFC Dublin Preview – Norman Parke vs. Naoyuki Kotani

With just days to go until UFC Dublin we here at SevereMMA want to get you more familiar with some of the fighters on show with a series of profiles on each bout. From first prelim to the main event this card is full of quality mixed matrial artists with interesing careers. Next up is the lightweight bout between Naoyuki Kotani and Ulsterman Norman Parke.

Norman Parke

Nickname: Stormin’
Twitter: @Norman_Parke
Record: 19 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw.
Age: 27
Height: 5’11”
Notable wins: Colin Fletcher (December 2012), Jon Tuck (October 2013)
Notable losses: Joseph Duffy (March 2010)
Facts and Stats: TUF: Smashes winner, trains out of Next Genaration in Northern Ireland and Allinace in California, 12 career wins via submission.
Strengths: Judo, submissions, improving striking.
Weaknesses: Finishing fights in the UFC, inactivity in the clinch, letting his hands go.
Keys to victory: Keep the fight standing, don’t get into a jiu-jitsu battle, let hands go.

Naoyuki Kotani

Nickname: The Catch Kid
Twitter: None
Record: 30 wins, 10 losses, 7 draws.
Age: 32
Height: 5’8”
Notable wins: Katsuya Inoue (September 2011), Yoshihiro Koyama (February 2014)
Notable losses: Dennis Siver (September 2008), Jorge Masvidal (April 2010)
Facts and Stats: Won his last 13 fights, first UFC fight since 2007, 25 submission wins.
Strengths: Grappling, submissions, transitions.
Weaknesses: Boxing, speed on the feet, takedowns.
Keys to victory: Get the fight to the ground as soon as possible, don’t trade on the feet, go for submissions.