Chad Laprise Is First Canadian To Win The Ultimate Fighter

Chad Laprise made history tonight for Canada and the Chatham-Kent area by becoming the first Canadian Ultimate Fighter winner. Laprise battled hard in very hostile territory to take a split decision win at the TUF Nations his from the Pepsi Colisee in Quebec City.

The key going in to the fight was whether Laprise could keep opponent Olivier Aubin-Mercier off him and the fight standing and the 8-0 Adrenaline Training Center product did just that with some excellent take down defence. Laprise seemed too strong from the get go, throwing Olivier off him early and often. The fight was fought mainly on the feet, and that’s Laprise’s world with is technically proficient footwork and precision strikes. Aubin-Mercier was able to get a few take downs late in the fight, but Laprise had already built up a nice cushion of scored strikes before then.

Laprise landed early and often, but was unable to really rock Olivier with the right hand and stated in his post-fight interview that he was prepared for Olivier’s take downs but was surprised by his striking ability. Laprise wins a contract to fight in the UFC, making history while achieving the dream he has worked so hard and sacrificed for in the last few years.

“I can’t describe what I am feeling right now,” Laprise told CKSN post fight. “People are asking me what it feels like to be the first winner of The Ultimate Fighter from Canada, and all I can say is I feel blessed. Oliver was tough; I knew he would be, he’s a southpaw and has a very difficult style to figure out. He is young and will come again. Right now, I feel so happy right now, so proud. I just had Dana White hand me a TUF finale trophy. I can’t describe what’s going on in my head.”

A small following of Laprise fans sat directly behind me but the place was rocking for Olivier all night with chants of “OLI OLI” reining down from the stands the entire fight. Laprise was not phased and he dictated the where the fight played out with his strength and footwork.

The win was the main course in what was an excellent menu of fights for the TUF Finale.

Laprise will now enter the UFC for his next fight, most likely to take place at lightweight.

“I’d like to drop down to 155lbs now, I’m a little small for 170lbs. But I will fight anyone the UFC want me to. I’m here to fight.”