Chad Laprise made UFC history Wednesday in Quebec City, becoming the first ever Canadian winner of The Ultimate Fighter.
The London, Ont., native defeated his Tristar Gym teammate Olivier Aubin-Mercier at the TUF Nations Finale to earn a six-figure UFC contract.
Laprise outstruck Mercier and defended his takedown attempts for 15 minutes to earn a split decision win.
“Words can’t even describe how I feel right now,” an elated Laprise said after his win. “I really wasn’t nervous at all. I truly believe God put me here to be a fighter.”
The 27-year-old defeated Chris Indich by decision in the quarterfinals and knocked out Kajan Johnson in the semis to advance to the live finale. Laprise was awarded two $25,000 TUF Nations bonuses for his efforts — one for his Fight of the Season with Indich, the other for KO of the Season against Johnson.
Laprise (9-0) has said he plans to move down to the lightweight division, but would still fight at welterweight if the UFC brass ask him to.
The loss was Mercier’s first career loss.
