Former TUF: Smashes fighter Norman Parke took an 11-fight unbeaten streak into his UFC Fight Night 59 bout against veteran Gleison Tibau.
But like many up-and-coming fighters before Parke have found out, Tibau is one tough stepping stone on your way to the top.
Fighting for the 23d time in the UFC, the American Top Team veteran got the best of Parke, eking out a split decision at TD Garden. Tibau got two of three 29-28 scores for the win.
More Coverage: UFC Fight Night 59 Results | UFC news
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In a fight short on excitement, Tibau essentially kept Parke from finding his range, landed counters when he had to, and got the best of things when the fight got in close, as well. Tibau landed two of six takedown attempts on the fight, while Parke whiffed on all 12 of his attempts.
With the win, the 31-year-old Tibau improved to 31-10 and has won both three straight and five of his past six. Northern Ireland’s Parke dropped to 20-3-1, losing for the first time in the UFC.