Brad Tavares
* Age: 36
* Height: 5’11" / 180 cm
* Weight: 185 lbs / 83.91 kg
* Record: 20-9
* Association: Xtreme Couture / MMA Development
Brad Tavares is a seasoned middleweight veteran, known for his durability and decision-heavy style, with 65% of his wins coming via decision (13 decisions). He has faced some of the toughest names in the division, including Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker. Although Tavares has struggled with recent losses, his unanimous decision win over Chris Weidman at UFC 292 showed that he can still compete at a high level. His striking is solid, and he possesses decent takedown defense, but he’ll need to bring his A-game against the versatile Jun Yong Park.
Brad Tavares - Last 5 Fights
* Loss vs. Gregory Rodrigues – UFC Fight Night 236 (Feb 10, 2024)
* Win vs. Chris Weidman – UFC 292 (Aug 19, 2023)
* Loss vs. Bruno Silva – UFC Fight Night 222 (Apr 22, 2023)
* Loss vs. Dricus Du Plessis – UFC 276 (Jul 2, 2022)
* Win vs. Omari Akhmedov – UFC 264 (Jul 10, 2021)
Jun Yong Park («The Iron Turtle»)
* Age: 33
* Height: 6’0" / 183 cm
* Weight: 185 lbs / 83.91 kg
* Record: 17-6
* Association: World Top Team
Jun Yong Park is a well-rounded fighter with a balanced mix of striking and grappling. With 35% of his wins coming via submission (6 submissions), Park is known for his ground game, highlighted by his rear-naked choke victories over Albert Duraev and Denis Tiuliulin. He is also capable of striking, though not his strongest suit. Park’s ability to control opponents on the mat will be his key to victory. His last submission victory in July 2023 demonstrated his growing confidence in using his grappling to dominate the fight.
Jun Yong Park - Last 5 Fights
* Loss vs. Andre Muniz – UFC Fight Night 233 (Dec 9, 2023)
* Win vs. Albert Duraev – UFC on ESPN 49 (Jul 15, 2023)
* Win vs. Denis Tiuliulin – UFC Fight Night 218 (Feb 4, 2023)
* Win vs. Joseph Holmes – UFC Fight Night 213 (Oct 29, 2022)
* Win vs. Eryk Anders – UFC Fight Night 206 (May 21, 2022)
Fight Breakdown
This fight presents an interesting clash of styles. Tavares will want to keep the fight standing, relying on his striking and experience to outpoint Park. On the other hand, Park will aim to take the fight to the ground, where his submission skills could be a game-changer. Tavares has shown strong takedown defense in the past, but Park’s ability to chain takedowns with strikes could give him the edge.
Prediction
Brad Tavares’ experience and striking ability could keep him competitive, but Jun Yong Park’s grappling is a significant threat. If Park can close the distance and implement his ground game, Tavares may struggle to keep up.
Prediction: Jun Yong Park by Submission (Round 3).
