Career Averages - JunYong Park
Career Averages - Tafon Nchukwi
JunYong Park
Tafon Nchukwi
JunYong Park - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ikram Aliskerov | 0 | 91 of 134 | 67% | 126 of 174 | 5 of 7 | 71% | 0 | 0 | 6:07 |
| JunYong Park | 0 | 78 of 132 | 59% | 91 of 151 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:19 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ikram Aliskerov | 0 | 35 of 46 | 76% | 37 of 48 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:36 |
| JunYong Park | 0 | 17 of 43 | 39% | 18 of 44 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Ikram Aliskerov | 0 | 35 of 52 | 67% | 46 of 66 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:05 |
| JunYong Park | 0 | 38 of 55 | 69% | 42 of 60 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 | |
| 3 | Ikram Aliskerov | 0 | 21 of 36 | 58% | 43 of 60 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 3:26 |
| JunYong Park | 0 | 23 of 34 | 67% | 31 of 47 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:14 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ikram Aliskerov | 91 of 134 | 67% | 57 of 94 | 26 of 29 | 8 of 11 | 79 of 120 | 3 of 4 | 9 of 10 |
| JunYong Park | 78 of 132 | 59% | 57 of 108 | 18 of 20 | 3 of 4 | 73 of 127 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 3 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ikram Aliskerov | 35 of 46 | 76% | 17 of 25 | 14 of 14 | 4 of 7 | 33 of 44 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 |
| JunYong Park | 17 of 43 | 39% | 13 of 37 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 3 | 17 of 43 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Ikram Aliskerov | 35 of 52 | 67% | 21 of 36 | 10 of 12 | 4 of 4 | 29 of 45 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 5 |
| JunYong Park | 38 of 55 | 69% | 29 of 46 | 8 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 34 of 51 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 3 | |
| 3 | Ikram Aliskerov | 21 of 36 | 58% | 19 of 33 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 17 of 31 | 0 of 1 | 4 of 4 |
| JunYong Park | 23 of 34 | 67% | 15 of 25 | 8 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 22 of 33 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Aliskerov (-258), Park (+210)
Round 1
It’s Russia vs. South Korea in this classic historical matchup at middleweight, with well-rounded Aliskerov (16-2, 3-1 UFC) repping the former against World Top Team’s Park (19-6, 9-3 UFC). The victor of this pairing could find himself vaulted into a ranked bout his next time out, so the two are taking it as seriously as referee Rich Mitchell. A high-five is shared before the athletes ply their trades against one another.
Park introduces himself with a calf kick, and he zips away from one coming at him from the Russian. Aliskerov kicks the inner thigh, and his foot slides up and bangs into the cup. Mitchell recognizes the accidental foul and gives Park time to get his bearings. Park takes under 30 seconds to shake it off, and when they resume, Aliskerov attacks the body. Aliskerov flicks out his jab, and Park retaliates with a one-two. Aliskerov pitches a kick the waist, and he checks a calf kick and sneaks in a left hand. Park scores at the end of a right hand, but it is one-and-done as he resets. Aliskerov walks him down and knees him in the stomach, pushing off the face as Park feels he was poked in the eyes. They do not pause, and instead Aliskerov corners park and jabs his way into a head kick. Park backs him off with an effective one-two, and Aliskerov reaches him with a low kick.
Park swipes out a left hand when Aliskerov jabs at him, and he goes to the body to open up a right hand upstairs. He does this combination again, and Aliskerov gets right back to jabbing. Park connects with a right hand up top, and the two jab one another in the face before trading calf kicks. Aliskerov shoots in in the hips and takes the South Korean off his feet, where he circles around to take the back. Aliskerov does not bother getting a hook in, so Park is able to get up after taking a few right hands and a kick to the back of his leg. Aliskerov jabs to the body and head, and he completes another double with ease all while pulling on Park’s shorts. Mitchell admonishes him of the foul, and Park stands back up and re-laces the tie around his waist. The round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Aliskerov
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Aliskerov
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Aliskerov
Round 2
The middleweights touch ‘em up after five minutes of combat, and they resume where they left off with Aliskerov jabbing aplenty while Park offers other options including his one-twos and some effective calf kicks. Aliskerov doubles up on low kicks to fire one at the midsection, and Park loops a left at his sternum in response. Park drives home another right hand, and Aliskerov ties him up and knees him in the chest. Aliskerov slips when landing the knee, and Park lets him back up. Both men land short shots in the pocket, and Aliskerov steps back and boots Park in the face before stepping in to blast him with a left. Park wipes at his face and gets right back into the fray, and Aliskerov kicks him in the stomach as his heel scrapes down to bump into the groin cup. Mitchell tells the Russian there can be no more fouls, and Park uses a little over 30 seconds before resuming. Aliskerov jabs and slides out of the way of a one-two, leaning forward to land two power hooks. Park drills him back with a left hand and waves him on, and Aliskerov does not oblige in a brawl but is trading shots. Aliskerov does not appreciate the pressure, so he shoots for a double and dumps the South Korean to the floor.
When Park hits his seat, he checks to see that his nose is indeed bleeding, and he frames off to sit back up. Aliskerov drags Park back down, lacing his own legs around Park’s to stifle him. Park returns to a knee, and Aliskerov elbows him in the cheek. Park elbows him back from up close, so Aliskerov whips two short but effective hooks at him from close range. Aliskerov controls Park by clinging to Park’s left ankle with his right hand, and he is warned for grabbing the fence with his free hand. They proceed to trade strikes while on their knees, until Park powers his way back upright. With 30 seconds left in the round, Aliskerov shoots, and he is warned loudly to not grab Park’s shorts. Park stands him up and walks him down, busting him in the nose and opening a cut on the bridge of it. The round ends with Park mashing his man on the fence.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Aliskerov
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Aliskerov
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Aliskerov
Round 3
There is a final glove touch to open the final frame, and Park is the one who immediately presses the action. The South Korean punches his way into a body lock takedown try, only for Aliskerov to break off and reset. Park walks down the fatiguing Aliskerov and jacks him in the jaw with a right hand and a quick left. Park’s momentum results in a brief clinch, and he fights out of it but is met with a Aliskerov double attempt. Park goes down and turns to his knees, so Aliskerov follows him and takes his back with one hook in. Park stands through it and elbows Aliskerov in the face from behind, and he turns his back to the wall so he can break away. Park punches through several jabs to work the body, and Aliskerov intercepts him with a knee. “The Iron Turtle” tanks the knee and walks Aliskerov down, bashing him with heavy swings.
Aliskerov gains a full head of steam and bulldozes Park over, completing the double and putting Park on the mat. This time, he gets his hooks in and wraps up the body triangle around the waist. Aliskerov allows Park to turn so he can smack him upside the head on either side, and Park is warned for tugging on the chain links to get free. Park sways, shifts and squirms, but the body lock is completely stifling him from escaping. Aliskerov slowly, methodically lands strikes while otherwise controlling Park. Park hand-fights before any maneuver can remotely be started, but his valiant comeback is totally nullified at this point. Aliskerov wraps up a neck crank with his left arm draped on the face of “The Iron Turtle,” and he squeezes it to use up what remaining energy he has until the bell rings.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Aliskerov (30-27 Aliskerov)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Aliskerov (30-27 Aliskerov)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Aliskerov (30-27 Aliskerov)
The Official Result
Ikram Aliskerov def. Jun Yong Park via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Angelo picks Ikram Aliskerov, noting his superior striking and wrestling compared to Jun Young Park. He uses MMA math: Aliskerov knocked out Andre Muniz, while Park lost to Muniz via decision with 11 takedowns conceded. Angelo expects a decision due to Park's toughness but is confident Aliskerov wins.
Big Brady leans toward Park Jun-yong as a live dog, citing Ikram Aliskerov's untested cardio and durability. He notes Aliskerov has finished all his UFC wins in the first round and questions what happens if the fight extends. Park is durable, has good volume and cardio, and has faced tougher competition. Brady expects Park to survive early danger, take over in rounds two and three, and win a decision. He admits it feels like a trap and is staying away from betting.
Cody picks Ikram Aliskerov, but notes that if the fight extends past the first round, he would live bet Park. He believes Aliskerov's power and early finishing ability will get the job done, as Park's durability and cardio are his only paths. Cody suggests that Aliskerov likely finishes early, but if not, Park could grind out a win.
Connor acknowledges Park's toughness and pocket combination fighting but believes Aliskerov's athleticism and natural timing will be too much. He notes that Park often meets athletic walls where he gets stopped, and Aliskerov has the speed and power to find a kill shot. Connor also points out that Aliskerov, while not deep technically, has enough offensive craft to exploit Park's aggression.
Daniel Vreeland is wary of Aliskerov's cardio and chin, but believes his early power and the Abu Dhabi setting give him the edge. He notes that Aliskerov has been finished by uppercuts before, but thinks he can win the first round and possibly the second before Park takes over. He picks Aliskerov but admits it could get 'sketchy' past round one.
Lucrative James picks Ikram Aliskerov, citing his power and wrestling as a bad stylistic matchup for Park. He notes Park's poor takedown defense and tendency to walk into punches, while Aliskerov has the tools to exploit those weaknesses. He acknowledges Park's elite cardio and pressure, but believes Aliskerov's early power and takedowns will be decisive. He is less confident in the value at -270.
The host thinks Aliskerov will be exposed, struggling with Park's jab, pressure, and pace. He expects Park to take over in the second and third rounds and eventually find a finish.
Paul leans towards Park as a dog or pass, preferring the under 2.5 rounds. He notes that Aliskerov is a one-round fighter who gasses if he doesn't finish early, and Park has shown durability and the ability to come back in later rounds, as seen against Islam Nurmagomedov. Paul believes that if the fight goes past the first, Park has a real chance to win by submission or decision.
The MMA Guru picks Ikram Aliskerov by TKO, believing Aliskerov's finishing potential will be too much for Jun Yong Park. He notes that Park is getting older and relies on volume grappling, but Aliskerov has good takedown defense and power. He references Aliskerov's loss to Robert Whittaker on short notice as understandable, but expects Aliskerov to put Park away in the first or second round. He also mentions that Park's lack of power on the feet will be a problem.
Zane shares Connor's view, noting that Park's wrestling and grappling are his only safe areas, but getting there requires him to press into the pocket, leaving him open to Aliskerov's counters. He believes Aliskerov is good at finding openings and that Park will have success but will also be consistently vulnerable to a kill shot.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ismail Naurdiev | 0 | 76 of 153 | 49% | 84 of 164 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:25 |
| JunYong Park | 0 | 45 of 109 | 41% | 92 of 187 | 2 of 8 | 25% | 1 | 0 | 6:39 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ismail Naurdiev | 0 | 52 of 105 | 49% | 54 of 108 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| JunYong Park | 0 | 26 of 77 | 33% | 28 of 79 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 | |
| 2 | Ismail Naurdiev | 0 | 19 of 37 | 51% | 25 of 45 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:25 |
| JunYong Park | 0 | 9 of 13 | 69% | 28 of 37 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 0 | 0 | 2:06 | |
| 3 | Ismail Naurdiev | 0 | 5 of 11 | 45% | 5 of 11 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| JunYong Park | 0 | 10 of 19 | 52% | 36 of 71 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 4:31 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ismail Naurdiev | 76 of 153 | 49% | 44 of 104 | 25 of 39 | 7 of 10 | 67 of 132 | 8 of 17 | 1 of 4 |
| JunYong Park | 45 of 109 | 41% | 41 of 102 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 38 of 96 | 4 of 10 | 3 of 3 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ismail Naurdiev | 52 of 105 | 49% | 33 of 73 | 16 of 27 | 3 of 5 | 48 of 96 | 4 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
| JunYong Park | 26 of 77 | 33% | 25 of 74 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 24 of 70 | 2 of 7 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Ismail Naurdiev | 19 of 37 | 51% | 8 of 22 | 7 of 10 | 4 of 5 | 15 of 27 | 3 of 6 | 1 of 4 |
| JunYong Park | 9 of 13 | 69% | 9 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Ismail Naurdiev | 5 of 11 | 45% | 3 of 9 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 9 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| JunYong Park | 10 of 19 | 52% | 7 of 15 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 13 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 3 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Park (-180), Naurdiev (+150)
Round 1
Firmly back in the confines of the UFC roster after taking seven fights elsewhere, Naurdiev (24-7, 3-2 UFC) has a lot to prove and some time to do it as he will reach the age of 29 in August. The relative elder statesman in this middleweight match is Park (18-6, 8-3 UFC), who will be entering into his 12th bout as a member of the organization. For this classic matchup of Austria vs. South Korea, referee Lukasz Bosacki will be the third in the Octagon. The fighters bump fists, and Naurdiev resides in the center of the cage attacking the body. Park responds with an overhand right, but Naurdiev’s volume is consistent with jabs and low kicks and the occasional power strike. They tie up for a second, and Naurdiev breaks off and drills Park with three punches that make him flinch and have to blink it out. Park responds with power, but Naurdiev swarms him with a trio of fists that get his attention again. Park swings mightily, and the Austrian keeps his range and sways out of the way from the worst of them. A right hand from Park reddens up Naurdiev’s face, but he gives it right back and bends Park’s nose a bit. The middleweights trade blows up top, with Park headhunting while Naurdiev opens up with a right hand that the Korean rolls with. Naurdiev cracks Park with a flurry, and Park steels himself and pays him back. Naurdiev’s punches are accurate, quick and painful, but Park is an “Iron Turtle” slowly working his way forward. The nickname is perfect for Park, who displays durability and eventually gets through. Naurdiev eats a stern right hand that makes him back off, and he pushes out with his fingers outstretched and swipes Park in the eye. Naurdiev is immediately apologetic, and Park does not take long to recover after Bosacki calls it. Naurdiev opens up with two hooks when they resume, and Park works his way forward behind a jab. Naurdiev flashes out two punches and then a knee to the body, and Park knees him back and takes one to the groin. Naurdiev says he is fine, and Park walks him down and blasts him in the face. Naurdiev rips the body with a left, and he shakes Park up with a right hand. Park takes a deep breath and explodes with a right hand that staggers Naurdiev. This rock-em sock-em battle continues as Park puts his foot slowly but comfortably on the gas, no-selling Naurdiev’s biggest blows and tripping Naurdiev up and possibly dropping him. Whether the knockdown was a knockdown or a slip may weigh heavily on the scores of the round, which ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Park
Christian Laporte scores the round: 10-9 Naurdiev
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Park
Round 2
When the round begins, Naurdiev starts by pushing off with his left hand and jamming it into Park’s eye socket. Bosacki calls time and tells Naurdiev to watch himself but does not take a point on the second poke. They restart, and Park rushes forward for a takedown and walks through a flying knee. Park drops to a knee, and Naurdiev blasts him in the face with an illegal knee. Bosacki immediately calls that it was a foul, and Park’s left eye is shredded open as blood streams down his face. Park stays on his seat for a minute, and Bosacki is advised by referee Herb Dean of his options. Park cannot open his eye as he gets to his feet, and he crouches back down as the physician attends to the wound. After two-plus minutes, Park stands up, and he leans on the fence as he speaks to the officials through an interpreter. Bosacki asks the doctor to check if Park can continue, and they test Park’s vision by covering his good eye. Park still cannot open his eye three minutes into the break, but somehow he is cleared to continue as the doctor issues a thumbs-up. Bosacki deducts two points from Naurdiev, who expresses disappointment in learning that Park’s knee was down. Park is able to get going after all, and after over four minutes of recovery and Bosacki checking them back in, he is enraged and runs towards Naurdiev to take him down. Naurdiev defends with hacking elbows to the side of the dome, hopping on one foot while Park holds the other in the air. Park wants to keep things tight, and Naurdiev knees him in the face when tied up. Naurdiev leans against his opponent until breaking off with an elbow, and he aims two left hands on the damaged eye and backs off. Park wipes his eye and digs an uppercut to the ribs before pushing Naurdiev to the wall. Naurdiev turns the corner and drops down for a double-leg takedown, and Park defends properly but is still lifted and slammed to the ground. The Austrian takes Park’s back and gets a hook in, searching for a choke that does not come. Park scrambles, working his way to his knees and then upright. Park puts a knee down to prevent another knee on the melon, and he turns Naurdiev around and muscles him to the mat. Park uses his weight to drag Naurdiev from the side, sliding his own hook in and loops his left arm under the chin. Naurdiev has the other limb controlled, and Park smacks him with his free hand. Park goes after one final choke, but the round ends with Naurdiev needing a finish in Round 3.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-7 Park
Christian Laporte scores the round: 10-7 Park
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-7 Park
Round 3
Park is a man on a mission, pushing the pace and drilling Naurdiev with punches up top and to the midsection. The body shots have taken their toll on the Austrian, as Park is able to back him up and work him down to the mat. Park is on the side of Naurdiev with a hook around his leg, looking for a choke but bailing on it to take mount for a moment. Naurdiev turns to surrender his back briefly, but Park remains in a dominant position wearing Naurdiev down. Naurdiev grabs the fence to adjust himself, and Bosacki grumbles at him. Park slowly bowls Naurdiev over, drowning him with short right hands and top control. Park reams his opponent with an elbow to the side of the head, and he softens Naurdiev up with punches until Naurdiev explodes to turn to his back. Park gladly takes his back and secures both hooks, and he irritates Naurdiev with punches to soften him up. Park hunts for a choke, and Naurdiev defends his neck but has little else to offer with about a minute left in the match. Naurdiev pushes his feet off the wall in hopes of freeing himself, and Park waves to the crowd while in dominant position. With a second left, Park wraps up the rear-naked choke, and if he had more time, he likely would have finished the job. Instead, they reach the final horn.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Park (30-24 Park)
Christian Laporte scores the round: 10-8 Park (29-25 Park)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-8 Park (30-24 Park)
The Official Result
Jun Yong Park def. Ismail Naurdiev via Unanimous Decision (29-26, 29-26, 29-25)
Angelo picks Ismail Naurdiev, citing his takedown ability and the fact that Park has poor takedown defense, as shown in the Andre Muniz fight. He notes that Ismail is a good striker and grappler, and at $7,500 he is a great value. He thinks Ismail will exploit Park's weaknesses and get the win.
Big Brady picks Park Jun-yong, citing durability and wrestling as key factors. He notes Naurdiev has been finished in four of seven losses and has poor takedown defense. Park completes takedowns at 47% accuracy and even took down Brad Tavares. Brady thinks Park can mix in takedowns if needed and has better cardio. He predicts a competitive decision win for Park.
Connor compares Park to a less-athletic Chan Sung Jung, noting his aggressive style and reliance on grappling. He highlights Park's ability to break opponents with low kicks and body shots, as seen in the Duryev fight. Connor believes Naurdiev's measured pace from long range will allow Park to close distance and secure takedowns, leading to a finish.
The host is a big fan of Junyong Park and thinks this fight perfectly showcases his advantages in pace, pressure, and grappling. He expects Park to put Naurdiev through the ringer and easily win on the scorecards.
The MMA Guru picks Park Jun-yong, praising his pace, striking, and composure. He notes Naurdiev's defensive grappling and submission threats but doubts his power and ability to dominate. He expects a three-round barn burner where Park's pressure in later rounds secures the win.
Zane acknowledges Park's limitations as a not-great athlete who relies on pocket exchanges and top control, but believes his wrestling and ground-and-pound will break Naurdiev. He notes that Naurdiev is a re-signing who struggled in Brave and only beat a broken Bruno Silva. Zane expects Park to find takedowns and break Naurdiev, though the fight may be scrappy.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JunYong Park | 0 | 65 of 149 | 43% | 73 of 159 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:42 |
| Brad Tavares | 0 | 99 of 177 | 55% | 124 of 210 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 6:32 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JunYong Park | 0 | 26 of 57 | 45% | 27 of 60 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:42 |
| Brad Tavares | 0 | 19 of 46 | 41% | 21 of 48 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:18 | |
| 2 | JunYong Park | 0 | 31 of 80 | 38% | 31 of 80 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Brad Tavares | 0 | 67 of 108 | 62% | 68 of 109 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:35 | |
| 3 | JunYong Park | 0 | 8 of 12 | 66% | 15 of 19 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Brad Tavares | 0 | 13 of 23 | 56% | 35 of 53 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 4:39 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JunYong Park | 65 of 149 | 43% | 55 of 136 | 2 of 3 | 8 of 10 | 62 of 143 | 0 of 1 | 3 of 5 |
| Brad Tavares | 99 of 177 | 55% | 76 of 151 | 4 of 6 | 19 of 20 | 91 of 167 | 3 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JunYong Park | 26 of 57 | 45% | 21 of 52 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 5 | 23 of 52 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 5 |
| Brad Tavares | 19 of 46 | 41% | 12 of 37 | 2 of 3 | 5 of 6 | 19 of 46 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | JunYong Park | 31 of 80 | 38% | 27 of 73 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 4 | 31 of 79 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Brad Tavares | 67 of 108 | 62% | 52 of 93 | 1 of 1 | 14 of 14 | 64 of 103 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | JunYong Park | 8 of 12 | 66% | 7 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 8 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Brad Tavares | 13 of 23 | 56% | 12 of 21 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 18 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 5 |
Angelo picks Brad Tavares, citing his experience and takedown defense. He notes that Park Jun-yong is not dangerous enough to finish Tavares, lacking one-punch power and nasty takedowns. Angelo believes Tavares will defend takedowns and land clean strikes for a straightforward win.
Big Brady picks Park Jun-yong by decision. He thinks the fight will be close and go to the judges, but he cannot pick Brad Tavares due to his decline. Tavares has taken a lot of damage and looked poor in recent fights, including a lackluster win over Chris Weidman. Park was on a five-fight win streak before a close loss to Andre Muniz. Brady expects the fight to stay on the feet and Park to do better work, though it could be a close decision.
Connor also picks Park but is hesitant, noting that Tavares still has great takedown defense and can strike. He points out that Park's best path is through grappling, but Tavares stuffs takedowns. Connor thinks Park can win a striking battle because Tavares doesn't throw combinations and is passive, but it's a risky fight for Park.
Daniel highlights Park's well-rounded skills, pace, and wrestling ability, noting that he was close to knocking out RoboCop. He criticizes Tavares's recent decline, pointing out that RoboCop walked through him with zero respect. Daniel believes Park's physicality and durability will be key, and he predicts a knockout victory, citing that Park has been overdue for his first UFC KO.
Tavares is on a rough run but this is a winnable matchup if he keeps it in the striking realm. Park has decent power but not enough to catch Tavares. Tavares will land better strikes, leg kicks, stop takedowns, and win on the scorecards over 15 minutes.
The MMA Guru picks Brad Tavares, noting that Tavares cannot be taken down and has good cardio. He criticizes Park Jun-yong's striking and believes Tavares will out-strike him for a TKO or decision. He acknowledges Tavares has been KO'd recently but sees Park lacking the power to finish him.
Zane picks Park but is hesitant because Tavares has excellent takedown defense, which neutralizes Park's best weapon. He notes that Park's striking is crafty but he is short and gets hit often, and Tavares is a durable defensive striker who doesn't leave many openings. Zane trusts Park to win a kickboxing match due to his volume and trap-setting, but acknowledges it's a tough fight.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| André Muniz | 0 | 27 of 60 | 45% | 52 of 96 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 2 | 2:58 |
| JunYong Park | 0 | 14 of 30 | 46% | 35 of 60 | 11 of 14 | 78% | 0 | 1 | 9:34 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | André Muniz | 0 | 13 of 17 | 76% | 20 of 26 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:45 |
| JunYong Park | 0 | 3 of 4 | 75% | 10 of 11 | 5 of 6 | 83% | 0 | 0 | 3:07 | |
| 2 | André Muniz | 0 | 6 of 12 | 50% | 16 of 24 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| JunYong Park | 0 | 9 of 16 | 56% | 21 of 37 | 4 of 4 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 4:16 | |
| 3 | André Muniz | 0 | 8 of 31 | 25% | 16 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 2:10 |
| JunYong Park | 0 | 2 of 10 | 20% | 4 of 12 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 1 | 2:11 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| André Muniz | 27 of 60 | 45% | 21 of 54 | 3 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 11 of 25 | 0 of 0 | 16 of 35 |
| JunYong Park | 14 of 30 | 46% | 10 of 25 | 3 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 13 of 29 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | André Muniz | 13 of 17 | 76% | 11 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 11 of 15 |
| JunYong Park | 3 of 4 | 75% | 0 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | André Muniz | 6 of 12 | 50% | 3 of 9 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| JunYong Park | 9 of 16 | 56% | 9 of 15 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | |
| 3 | André Muniz | 8 of 31 | 25% | 7 of 30 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 20 |
| JunYong Park | 2 of 10 | 20% | 1 of 9 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Cody picks Park Jun-yong, citing his tenacity and cardio. He notes that Park is a go-getter who keeps coming forward and has solid striking and grappling. Cody is concerned about Park's tendency to give up his back when taken down, but he thinks Muniz's heart is questionable. He points out that Muniz has looked terrible in his last two fights and was outworked by Paul Craig. Cody believes Park will outwork Muniz and get a late TKO or decision.
Lucrative James believes the market is too low on Muniz after his recent losses, which he attributes to Paul Craig's unpredictability and a competitive fight against Brendan Allen. He highlights Muniz's powerful double-leg takedown and elite submission skills, noting that Park gets taken down in every fight and has given up his back. He sees a good chance of a submission in rounds 1-2, but acknowledges that if Muniz doesn't finish, Park's cardio could be a problem in later rounds. He agrees with the line movement and picks Muniz outright.
Paul also picks Park Jun-yong. He notes that Park is looking better than ever and mixes in submission skills. Paul is a little worried about Park giving up his back against a grappler like Muniz, but he thinks Park's volume and cardio will be decisive. He mentions that Uriah Hall survived Muniz's grappling for three rounds, and Park is a better striker. Paul believes the fight on the feet is not close and Park will win.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JunYong Park | 0 | 31 of 77 | 40% | 35 of 83 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:14 |
| Albert Duraev | 1 | 50 of 96 | 52% | 77 of 138 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 3 | 0 | 1:59 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JunYong Park | 0 | 20 of 47 | 42% | 20 of 47 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:19 |
| Albert Duraev | 0 | 25 of 54 | 46% | 25 of 54 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 0:17 | |
| 2 | JunYong Park | 0 | 11 of 30 | 36% | 15 of 36 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:55 |
| Albert Duraev | 1 | 25 of 42 | 59% | 52 of 84 | 0 of 0 | --- | 2 | 0 | 1:42 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JunYong Park | 31 of 77 | 40% | 18 of 57 | 7 of 8 | 6 of 12 | 31 of 76 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Albert Duraev | 50 of 96 | 52% | 41 of 85 | 4 of 5 | 5 of 6 | 47 of 93 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JunYong Park | 20 of 47 | 42% | 10 of 31 | 5 of 6 | 5 of 10 | 20 of 47 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Albert Duraev | 25 of 54 | 46% | 20 of 48 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 6 | 25 of 54 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | JunYong Park | 11 of 30 | 36% | 8 of 26 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 2 | 11 of 29 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Albert Duraev | 25 of 42 | 59% | 21 of 37 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 22 of 39 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
Angelo picks Albert Duraev, liking his wrestling pace and takedowns. He notes Park is well-rounded with good takedown defense but is not dangerous enough to threaten Duraev. He is surprised Duraev is a plus-money underdog and plans to use the line movement tracker to bet him at the best price. He thinks Duraev can grind out a decision.
Big Brady picks Park Jun-yong, calling him underrated. He notes Park has good durability, cardio, and well-rounded skills, while Duraev has four knockout losses and slows down in fights. He expects a close decision where Park's volume and cardio edge him ahead, possibly mixing in takedowns late. He thinks -150 is about right.
Cody leans toward Park, citing Duraev's red flags: low takedown success rate (1/9 vs Coppola, 2/9 vs Buckley), gas tank issues, and being a low-output striker. He thinks Park's volume and durability will win striking exchanges, but acknowledges Duraev could win via takedowns or cage control. He expects a close, greasy decision and doesn't love the -150 price.
The host expects Park's pressure and cardio to wear down Duraev as the fight goes on. He thinks Duraev will have early wrestling success but fade, allowing Park to land damaging strikes and potentially get a late finish or decision. He notes the line is a bit steep but still sees value.
Paul leans toward Park, noting Park's recent finishes via rear-naked chokes against grapplers, but thinks that path is off the table here. He expects Park to keep it on the feet and use his chin, while Duraev hasn't shown power. He thinks it goes the full 15 minutes and leans Park at -150, but acknowledges judging could swing either way.
The MMA Guru picks Albert Duraev over Park Jun-yong, citing Duraev's win over Roman Kopylov, which has aged well, and his finishing potential. He criticizes Park's split decision over Eric Anders and notes his wins came against opponents with clear weaknesses. He believes Duraev is more dangerous in multiple areas and predicts a finish.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JunYong Park | 0 | 25 of 38 | 65% | 38 of 52 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 | 0 | 2:58 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 0 | 8 of 22 | 36% | 8 of 22 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JunYong Park | 0 | 25 of 38 | 65% | 38 of 52 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 | 0 | 2:58 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 0 | 8 of 22 | 36% | 8 of 22 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JunYong Park | 25 of 38 | 65% | 20 of 33 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 4 | 15 of 27 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 11 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 8 of 22 | 36% | 4 of 16 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JunYong Park | 25 of 38 | 65% | 20 of 33 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 4 | 15 of 27 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 11 |
| Denis Tiuliulin | 8 of 22 | 36% | 4 of 16 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady likes Park's cardio, volume, and underrated grappling. He notes Tiuliulin is hittable with poor striking defense and a suspect gas tank. He expects Park to drown Tiuliulin with grappling and eventually find a submission in the second or third round.
Cody picks Tiuliulin at plus money, noting his improved takedown defense and cardio. He thinks Park is prone to brawling and getting knocked out, as seen against Gregory Rodrigues. He expects Tiuliulin to land a knockout, especially if Park engages recklessly. He added Tiuliulin at +190.
Connor agrees, highlighting Park's ability to use aggression against Tiuliulin, running him into jabs and countering. He notes that Tiuliulin is heavily rooted and lumbering, making takedowns easier once Park establishes his jab. He has faith in Park's ability to figure out these matchups despite the physical disadvantages.
Paul picks Tiuliulin, calling him a greasy underdog. He notes Tiuliulin's power and improved takedown defense, while Park has a tendency to brawl and get knocked out. He expects Tiuliulin to win by knockout, especially if Park engages in a firefight. He likes the plus money.
Zane expects Park to win due to his crafty striking and excellent ground and pound. He notes that Tiuliulin is a reckless, aggressive striker who is hyper durable but lacks structure. He believes Park's takedowns and positional grappling will be effective, though he acknowledges that Park often faces physical challenges due to size disadvantages.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JunYong Park | 0 | 20 of 40 | 50% | 21 of 42 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:39 |
| Joseph Holmes | 0 | 18 of 33 | 54% | 48 of 76 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 2 | 0 | 4:37 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JunYong Park | 0 | 18 of 36 | 50% | 19 of 38 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:39 |
| Joseph Holmes | 0 | 12 of 24 | 50% | 22 of 36 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:55 | |
| 2 | JunYong Park | 0 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Joseph Holmes | 0 | 6 of 9 | 66% | 26 of 40 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 2 | 0 | 2:42 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JunYong Park | 20 of 40 | 50% | 8 of 24 | 5 of 7 | 7 of 9 | 19 of 37 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 2 |
| Joseph Holmes | 18 of 33 | 54% | 13 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 7 | 14 of 28 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 5 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JunYong Park | 18 of 36 | 50% | 7 of 21 | 5 of 7 | 6 of 8 | 17 of 33 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 2 |
| Joseph Holmes | 12 of 24 | 50% | 8 of 19 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 5 | 12 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | JunYong Park | 2 of 4 | 50% | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Joseph Holmes | 6 of 9 | 66% | 5 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 5 |
Big Brady picks JunYong Park to win by decision. He notes that Park has fought much better competition and has superior cardio and striking volume. He acknowledges Holmes' height and reach advantage but believes Park can mix in takedowns and win minutes against the cage. Brady points out that Holmes has never been finished but expects Park to grind out a decision.
Cody picks Jun Yong Park, noting his durability and forward pressure. He acknowledges Park's poor ring IQ (getting caught by Gregory Rodrigues) but believes Park will break Holmes down over time. Cody is concerned about Holmes' grappling if Park ends up on his back, but expects Park to win a decision.
Connor agrees with Zane, picking Park as a clear favorite. He notes that Holmes is extremely raw and tentative, while Park is a busy, well-rounded fighter who can jab, take down, and grind. Connor mentions the size difference but believes Park's technical edge and pressure will be too much for Holmes.
Daniel Levi picks JunYong Park, citing his experience and veteran savvy. He acknowledges Holmes' physical advantages (height, reach) and improvement, but trusts Park's experience against tough competition. He notes Park has been rocked before, so an upset is possible, but leans with the experienced fighter.
Jacob picks Park as the safer pick, expecting him to be the cleaner striker and defend takedowns. However, he is hesitant because Park lacks danger and Holmes has dangerous jiu-jitsu. He calls the -230 odds insane and suggests Holmes is the value underdog.
Park has excellent pace, pressure, and grappling. He gassed against Gregory Rodrigues only because he threw everything at him. Holmes relies on physical attributes but lacks the skill to handle Park's pressure. Park should finish Holmes in the second or third round. The fight doesn't go to decision prop at +120 is a good alternative.
Paul leans toward Park but is not betting due to the -220 price. He notes Holmes' reach advantage and decent grappling, but is unimpressed with Holmes' stand-up. Paul says the market price seems about right and he will pick Park to win but stay away from betting.
The MMA Guru picks JunYong Park over Joseph Holmes, questioning Holmes' gas tank and the quality of his wins. He notes Holmes' win over Alan Amadovsky is not impressive as everyone finishes him early. He praises Park's performances against Eric Anders and Gregory Rodriguez, and believes Park can survive Holmes' early explosiveness and then take over, predicting a third-round TKO.
Zane picks Park confidently, describing him as 'really quite good everywhere' with solid footwork, a good jab, takedowns, and brutal top control. He notes that Holmes is extremely raw, awkward, and uncoordinated, with only a puncher's chance. Zane acknowledges the size advantage Holmes has but believes Park's technical skills and pace will overwhelm him.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JunYong Park | 0 | 65 of 142 | 45% | 75 of 155 | 3 of 24 | 12% | 0 | 0 | 4:45 |
| Eryk Anders | 0 | 105 of 184 | 57% | 108 of 187 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 0:31 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JunYong Park | 0 | 16 of 30 | 53% | 22 of 37 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 0 | 0 | 2:32 |
| Eryk Anders | 0 | 25 of 36 | 69% | 26 of 37 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:07 | |
| 2 | JunYong Park | 0 | 16 of 38 | 42% | 20 of 44 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:36 |
| Eryk Anders | 0 | 31 of 52 | 59% | 33 of 54 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:24 | |
| 3 | JunYong Park | 0 | 33 of 74 | 44% | 33 of 74 | 0 of 12 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:37 |
| Eryk Anders | 0 | 49 of 96 | 51% | 49 of 96 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JunYong Park | 65 of 142 | 45% | 45 of 112 | 17 of 25 | 3 of 5 | 56 of 131 | 9 of 11 | 0 of 0 |
| Eryk Anders | 105 of 184 | 57% | 74 of 152 | 16 of 17 | 15 of 15 | 85 of 161 | 20 of 23 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JunYong Park | 16 of 30 | 53% | 12 of 22 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 1 | 11 of 24 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Eryk Anders | 25 of 36 | 69% | 11 of 21 | 11 of 12 | 3 of 3 | 16 of 27 | 9 of 9 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | JunYong Park | 16 of 38 | 42% | 9 of 29 | 6 of 7 | 1 of 2 | 12 of 33 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Eryk Anders | 31 of 52 | 59% | 21 of 42 | 1 of 1 | 9 of 9 | 27 of 46 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | JunYong Park | 33 of 74 | 44% | 24 of 61 | 7 of 11 | 2 of 2 | 33 of 74 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Eryk Anders | 49 of 96 | 51% | 42 of 89 | 4 of 4 | 3 of 3 | 42 of 88 | 7 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Eryk Anders because he believes Anders's toughness, power, and wrestling will be the difference. He notes that Park is the better overall fighter but lacks danger in his striking or submissions. Park relies on trips and pressure for takedowns, which Angelo doesn't think will work against Anders. He also suggests a plus 3.5 round bet on Anders.
Big Brady picks JunYong Park to win by decision, favoring his higher volume and striking defense over Eryk Anders. He notes Anders is a low-volume, one-shot-at-a-time striker with poor striking defense. He expects Park to outland Anders on the feet and win rounds. He acknowledges Anders could have success with takedowns but doubts he can hold Park down.
Cody picks Park, citing his better pace, ground game, and consistency. He criticizes Anders for low volume, lack of urgency, and getting outstruck in many fights. He believes Park will come forward, outland Anders, and grind out a decision. He is confident in the moneyline.
The host is uncertain about this fight. He notes that it could be volatile and come down to who is stronger, with Anders being the stronger fighter. He finds the Park line too wide but does not have the courage to bet Anders at plus money. He passes on betting the moneyline and instead considers the over 2.5 rounds, which he thinks is around -160.
Paul agrees with Cody, saying Park is the logical pick. He notes Anders' inconsistency and low volume, and that Park should be able to outwork him. He is with Cody on this one.
The MMA Guru picks JunYong Park, citing his superior cardio, leg kicks, and combination striking. He thinks Eryk Anders is a simple fighter and may have less power after trimming down. He believes Park's grappling defense and pace will be too much, predicting a 29-28 decision with Park taking the last two rounds.
Tafon Nchukwi - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A.J. Dobson | 0 | 67 of 134 | 50% | 98 of 176 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 4:33 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 0 | 53 of 99 | 53% | 59 of 106 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A.J. Dobson | 0 | 34 of 65 | 52% | 36 of 69 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 0 | 24 of 45 | 53% | 24 of 45 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | A.J. Dobson | 0 | 28 of 51 | 54% | 29 of 53 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:23 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 0 | 26 of 48 | 54% | 27 of 49 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | A.J. Dobson | 0 | 5 of 18 | 27% | 33 of 54 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 3:57 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 0 | 3 of 6 | 50% | 8 of 12 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A.J. Dobson | 67 of 134 | 50% | 19 of 75 | 12 of 18 | 36 of 41 | 61 of 119 | 2 of 5 | 4 of 10 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 53 of 99 | 53% | 11 of 47 | 12 of 15 | 30 of 37 | 49 of 92 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A.J. Dobson | 34 of 65 | 52% | 6 of 31 | 10 of 15 | 18 of 19 | 31 of 59 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 6 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 24 of 45 | 53% | 4 of 20 | 7 of 10 | 13 of 15 | 24 of 44 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | A.J. Dobson | 28 of 51 | 54% | 12 of 31 | 2 of 3 | 14 of 17 | 26 of 47 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 26 of 48 | 54% | 6 of 25 | 5 of 5 | 15 of 18 | 22 of 42 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | A.J. Dobson | 5 of 18 | 27% | 1 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 5 | 4 of 13 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 4 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 3 of 6 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 4 | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Dobson as an underdog but with low confidence. He notes Dobson has better wrestling and a sturdier chin, but worries he may be afraid to strike with Nchukwi. He hasn't bet yet.
Big Brady picks Tafon Nchukwi to win by decision, but is not confident due to chin concerns. He praises Nchukwi's volume, cardio, and wrestling, but notes he has been knocked out in his last two losses. He thinks Nchukwi should be the better striker over 15 minutes and can win minutes. He worries about Dobson's power but believes Nchukwi's volume will carry him.
Cody picks Dobson, heavily fading Nchukwi. He questions Nchukwi's age (suspects he's older than listed), criticizes his slow speed, low volume, and lack of power. He notes Dobson is younger, faster, and still improving with a good camp (Matt Brown, Mark Coleman). He thinks Dobson's speed and wrestling will be key, and that Nchukwi may miss weight or look bad at weigh-ins.
James slightly favors Dobson, citing his speed and power. He thinks Dobson is faster and hits harder, which could be the difference. However, he calls the fight extremely close and says he would flip the lines to make Dobson -150 and Nchukwi +120. He is unsure if he will bet it due to the closeness.
Nchukwi is the better technical striker and should outwork Dobson over 15 minutes. Dobson lacks technical aspects in both wrestling and striking and relies on physical capabilities. Nchukwi is on a losing streak but had good moments in those fights. As long as he stays conscious, he should win by decision.
Paul also picks Dobson, agreeing with Cody's fade of Nchukwi. He notes Nchukwi's move to 185 hasn't worked due to lack of speed, and that Dobson showed grappling improvements in his last fight. He thinks Dobson's wrestling and athleticism will be too much for Nchukwi, and that weigh-ins will be crucial. He will likely bet Dobson if Nchukwi looks depleted.
The MMA Guru picks A.J. Dobson over Tafon Nchukwi, arguing that Dobson's losses to Jacob Malkoun and Armen Petrosyan are to quality unranked middleweights. He notes Dobson's finishing potential and experience since 2012, while Nchukwi is coming off two KO losses, which may make him hesitant. He trusts Dobson to win by finish.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlos Ulberg | 1 | 15 of 19 | 78% | 15 of 19 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 0 | 3 of 4 | 75% | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carlos Ulberg | 1 | 15 of 19 | 78% | 15 of 19 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 0 | 3 of 4 | 75% | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlos Ulberg | 15 of 19 | 78% | 9 of 13 | 3 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 12 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 4 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 3 of 4 | 75% | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 4 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carlos Ulberg | 15 of 19 | 78% | 9 of 13 | 3 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 12 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 4 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 3 of 4 | 75% | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 4 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Carlos Ulberg in a tough striking match. He acknowledges Tafon Nchukwi looked amazing in his last fight before getting caught, but worries that Nchukwi may be gun-shy coming off a KO loss less than three months ago. He believes Ulberg is the more technical striker and if Nchukwi lets Ulberg get into a rhythm, he'll lose a technical kickboxing match.
Big Brady picks Tafon Nchukwi to win by decision. He believes Nchukwi is the more complete MMA fighter with paths to victory via takedowns, cage control, and cardio. He notes Ulberg's untested takedown defense and ground game, and that Nchukwi has successfully taken down strong opponents. He favors Ulberg on the feet but thinks Nchukwi will make it an MMA fight and grind out a decision. He says the line should be flipped.
Cody leans towards Nchukwi, citing Ulberg's cardio issues and inexperience. He thinks Nchukwi's physical strength and wrestling could be key, especially in the smaller Apex cage. He also likes Nchukwi by submission at 18-1 as a longshot prop.
Paul agrees with Cody, noting that Ulberg hasn't looked good and Nchukwi has a path via takedowns. He thinks the price is even and Nchukwi is live.
The host picks Tafon Nchukwi as an underdog, believing he will make improvements at 27 while Ulberg is older and less likely to improve. He notes Nchukwi nearly beat Azamat Murzakanov and looked good against Mike Rodriguez. He expects a KO in the second or third round, citing Ulberg's lack of toughness and Nchukwi's power.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 43 of 98 | 43% | 50 of 105 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:14 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 1 | 28 of 69 | 40% | 28 of 70 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 0:39 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 17 of 40 | 42% | 24 of 47 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:14 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 0 | 13 of 31 | 41% | 13 of 32 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:11 | |
| 2 | Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 25 of 52 | 48% | 25 of 52 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 0 | 12 of 31 | 38% | 12 of 31 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:26 | |
| 3 | Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 1 of 6 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 1 | 3 of 7 | 42% | 3 of 7 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamat Murzakanov | 43 of 98 | 43% | 14 of 59 | 17 of 27 | 12 of 12 | 35 of 88 | 8 of 10 | 0 of 0 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 28 of 69 | 40% | 25 of 60 | 3 of 8 | 0 of 1 | 26 of 67 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azamat Murzakanov | 17 of 40 | 42% | 5 of 22 | 7 of 13 | 5 of 5 | 12 of 33 | 5 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 13 of 31 | 41% | 11 of 24 | 2 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 13 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Azamat Murzakanov | 25 of 52 | 48% | 8 of 32 | 10 of 13 | 7 of 7 | 22 of 49 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 12 of 31 | 38% | 11 of 29 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 1 | 10 of 29 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Azamat Murzakanov | 1 of 6 | 16% | 1 of 5 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 3 of 7 | 42% | 3 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Azamat Murzakanov, expecting him to use his wrestling despite being known for striking. He notes that Tafon Nchukwi has more high-level experience but tends to back up and slow down under pressure. He believes Murzakanov's forward pressure and wrestling will be the difference.
Big Brady picks Azamat Murzakanov to win by first-round TKO. He notes Murzakanov is very well-rounded with heavy hands and a solid top game, but has cardio concerns since he's never been to a third round. He thinks Murzakanov can hurt Nchukwi on the feet or take him down and finish him, referencing Nchukwi's poor get-up game against Jung Park. However, he won't bet the fight due to the cardio and low-output risks.
Cody is confident in Murzakanov, citing his speed, power, and well-rounded skills. He notes Nchukwi's size but believes Murzakanov's speed and pressure will be too much. He mentions a parlay with Ankalaev.
Daniel Levi picks Azamat Murzakanov, stating that he is a little more experienced, smarter, and more comfortable in the cage. He thinks Murzakanov will point-fight for three rounds or possibly find a finish. Levi acknowledges Tafon Nchukwi's power and potential but believes Murzakanov's experience and fewer mistakes will be the difference.
Murzakanov is a fast, agile striker with good cardio and takedown ability. He can close distance quickly and has power in both hands. Nchukwi has speed and cardio issues, and may overextend. Murzakanov is expected to outwork Nchukwi over 15 minutes or finish late, with a decision at plus 320 being a value play.
Paul is confident in Murzakanov, citing his speed, power, and well-rounded skills. He notes Nchukwi's size but believes Murzakanov's speed and pressure will be too much. He mentions a parlay with Ankalaev.
The MMA Guru picks Azamat Murzakanov over Tafon Nchukwi, citing his nasty hands and power advantage. He notes that Murzakanov has laid opponents out cold and has grappling to fall back on, referencing a video of him beating Ion Cuțelaba in a grappling competition. He predicts a first-round TKO, trusting Murzakanov's physicality and technique despite Nchukwi having good stand-up of his own.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JunYong Park | 0 | 71 of 145 | 48% | 79 of 155 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 2 | 0 | 3:49 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 0 | 58 of 136 | 42% | 64 of 144 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:34 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JunYong Park | 0 | 30 of 69 | 43% | 30 of 69 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 0 | 30 of 69 | 43% | 32 of 71 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | JunYong Park | 0 | 16 of 35 | 45% | 16 of 35 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 0:34 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 0 | 21 of 43 | 48% | 24 of 48 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:34 | |
| 3 | JunYong Park | 0 | 25 of 41 | 60% | 33 of 51 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 1 | 0 | 3:15 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 0 | 7 of 24 | 29% | 8 of 25 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JunYong Park | 71 of 145 | 48% | 61 of 134 | 4 of 5 | 6 of 6 | 48 of 117 | 3 of 3 | 20 of 25 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 58 of 136 | 42% | 20 of 83 | 25 of 33 | 13 of 20 | 51 of 127 | 7 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JunYong Park | 30 of 69 | 43% | 24 of 62 | 2 of 3 | 4 of 4 | 28 of 67 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 30 of 69 | 43% | 9 of 39 | 13 of 16 | 8 of 14 | 25 of 63 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | JunYong Park | 16 of 35 | 45% | 13 of 32 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 15 of 34 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 21 of 43 | 48% | 9 of 28 | 8 of 10 | 4 of 5 | 19 of 40 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | JunYong Park | 25 of 41 | 60% | 24 of 40 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 20 of 25 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 7 of 24 | 29% | 2 of 16 | 4 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady likes Park's durability and chin, noting he has never been knocked out. He thinks Park will mix in takedowns to wear out Nchukwi, who may have cardio issues despite a good gas tank in his last fight. Brady is concerned about Nchukwi's striking defense after being hit by Pickett. He calls it a close fight that can go either way but leans Park by decision. He explicitly says no bet for him.
Daniel Levi picks Tafon Nchukwi, arguing that African power can make up for experience and technique. He notes Nchukwi's good technique, cardio, and ability to go the distance as seen in the Pickett fight. He believes Nchukwi's takedown defense and get-up game will neutralize Park's wrestling, and that Nchukwi will outstrike Park. He respects Park but thinks Nchukwi is the better athlete.
The host favors JunYong Park as a live underdog, citing his durability, cardio, and ability to push the pace. He believes Nchukwi is one-dimensional and will struggle if he doesn't get an early knockout. He likes the over 2.5 rounds, fight goes to decision, and Park by decision props.
The MMA Guru picks Tafon Nchukwi over JunYong Park, acknowledging it's a tough fight to predict. He thinks Nchukwi's size and strength will allow him to stop Park's takedowns and win by decision, possibly 30-27. He notes Nchukwi showed he can go three rounds in his last fight, which alleviates cardio concerns.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tafon Nchukwi | 1 | 120 of 187 | 64% | 159 of 234 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:51 |
| Jamie Pickett | 0 | 40 of 81 | 49% | 40 of 81 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 0:34 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tafon Nchukwi | 0 | 35 of 58 | 60% | 43 of 66 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:21 |
| Jamie Pickett | 0 | 9 of 17 | 52% | 9 of 17 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:32 | |
| 2 | Tafon Nchukwi | 0 | 41 of 69 | 59% | 54 of 82 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:53 |
| Jamie Pickett | 0 | 25 of 43 | 58% | 25 of 43 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Tafon Nchukwi | 1 | 44 of 60 | 73% | 62 of 86 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:37 |
| Jamie Pickett | 0 | 6 of 21 | 28% | 6 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tafon Nchukwi | 120 of 187 | 64% | 70 of 133 | 49 of 53 | 1 of 1 | 59 of 118 | 57 of 63 | 4 of 6 |
| Jamie Pickett | 40 of 81 | 49% | 28 of 68 | 8 of 9 | 4 of 4 | 39 of 77 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tafon Nchukwi | 35 of 58 | 60% | 22 of 44 | 13 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 20 of 41 | 15 of 17 | 0 of 0 |
| Jamie Pickett | 9 of 17 | 52% | 7 of 15 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 16 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Tafon Nchukwi | 41 of 69 | 59% | 19 of 45 | 22 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 16 of 41 | 25 of 28 | 0 of 0 |
| Jamie Pickett | 25 of 43 | 58% | 15 of 33 | 6 of 6 | 4 of 4 | 24 of 42 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Tafon Nchukwi | 44 of 60 | 73% | 29 of 44 | 14 of 15 | 1 of 1 | 23 of 36 | 17 of 18 | 4 of 6 |
| Jamie Pickett | 6 of 21 | 28% | 6 of 20 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 19 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady picks Tafon Nchukwi over Jamie Pickett, noting Nchukwi's power and takedown defense (stuffed all takedowns seen on tape). He believes Pickett has no path to victory, as he cannot take Nchukwi down and will likely get knocked out. Brady predicts a first-round KO, though he notes Nchukwi's low output and the weight cut to 185 as potential concerns.
The host is confident in Nchukwi, citing his power, combinations, and high guard. He notes Pickett's tall-man defense and cardio issues. He predicts a first or second-round KO for Nchukwi and considers him a safe parlay piece, but advises waiting for weigh-ins due to Nchukwi's weight cut.
The Guru picks Tafon Nchukwi, believing he is a massive favorite. He notes Nchukwi's youth and improvement, and that he knocked out William Knight. He criticizes Jamie Pickett's level of competition and says Pickett is moving up in weight. He predicts a brutal first-round KO for Nchukwi.
Expert Picks (4)
Big Brady likes Park's durability and chin, noting he has never been knocked out. He thinks Park will mix in takedowns to wear out Nchukwi, who may have cardio issues despite a good gas tank in his last fight. Brady is concerned about Nchukwi's striking defense after being hit by Pickett. He calls it a close fight that can go either way but leans Park by decision. He explicitly says no bet for him.
Daniel Levi picks Tafon Nchukwi, arguing that African power can make up for experience and technique. He notes Nchukwi's good technique, cardio, and ability to go the distance as seen in the Pickett fight. He believes Nchukwi's takedown defense and get-up game will neutralize Park's wrestling, and that Nchukwi will outstrike Park. He respects Park but thinks Nchukwi is the better athlete.
The host favors JunYong Park as a live underdog, citing his durability, cardio, and ability to push the pace. He believes Nchukwi is one-dimensional and will struggle if he doesn't get an early knockout. He likes the over 2.5 rounds, fight goes to decision, and Park by decision props.
The MMA Guru picks Tafon Nchukwi over JunYong Park, acknowledging it's a tough fight to predict. He thinks Nchukwi's size and strength will allow him to stop Park's takedowns and win by decision, possibly 30-27. He notes Nchukwi showed he can go three rounds in his last fight, which alleviates cardio concerns.
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