A CLITHEROE cage fighter has been crowned the world's "ultimate fighter" and landed himself a six-figure salary to fight in America.

Clitheroe father-of-two Michael Bisping, 27, fought his way to victory and $1million prize money in the final of Bravo TV's Ultimate Fighter 3 competition, watched by millions of viewers on satellite television.

The final, held in Las Vegas on Saturday, was the culmination of a 12-week American reality show which followed the fortunes of 16 of the world's best up-and-coming mixed martial arts experts as they fought it out for the Ultimate Fighting crown.

Speaking from Las Vegas minutes after he won, Michael said: "It is a dream come true.

"A year ago when I started this journey it was a dream just to get on the show.

"Josh is proud and has phenomenal heart.

"I was throwing punches that would have knocked over a horse.

"I would like to thank everyone from England who has supported me."

The light-heavyweight final saw American Josh Haynes take on the Ribble Valley warrior, after they had shared a Vegas mansion together for the duration of the competition.

The producers of the show had hoped the added-twist would lead to tension and cause the former Blackburn College student and his fellow competitors to explode.

Bisping, described as "a small-town boy from the North West of England", won by knock out with four minutes and 14 seconds gone of the second of three rounds.

Afterwards, commentators said Bisping had put in a "very impressive performance" and was "absolutely relentless and ruthless in his attack".

Proud mum Kathleen Bisping, of Salthill View, Clitheroe, has previously said that although she doesn't like this kind of fighting, she was proud of her son's conduct and dedication throughout the contest.

The contestants faced a gruelling regime of jiu-jitsu, judo, Muay Thai, karate, boxing, kickboxing and wrestling in training as cage fighters have to use skills form all martial arts as they take to a metal cage to battle it out without gloves.

The former upholsterer and part-time DJ lives in Nelson Street, Clitheroe, with his girlfriend Rebecca and children Callum, five, and Ellie, three.

Michael is known as The Count because his ancestors originated in Poland and were wealthy enough to be considered part of the aristocracy.

The name also relates to his habit of knocking opponents out quickly.