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UFC Fight Night Picks: Royval vs. Taira - JunYong Park vs Brad Tavares Preview and Pick

On October 12, 2024, UFC Fight Night: Royval vs. Taira brings us a middleweight clash between JunYong "The Iron Turtle" Park and Brad Tavares at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, NV. This fight pits the durable and versatile Park against the veteran Tavares in what should be a highly competitive battle. With both fighters looking to climb the middleweight rankings, this bout has serious implications for their futures in the division.

As always, KingPin Pro is your #1 source for MMA predictions and analysis. Check out my Njokuani vs Gooden Article Prediction for more fight breakdowns from this event.

 

Fighter Backgrounds

Brad Tavares

Brad Tavares (20-10-0) is a veteran middleweight who has been competing at the highest level in the UFC for over a decade. Training out of Xtreme Couture, Tavares is known for his well-rounded game and ability to go the distance in tough fights. With wins over notable names like Antonio Carlos Jr., Elias Theodorou, and Chris Weidman, Tavares has proven himself to be a durable and difficult challenge for anyone in the middleweight division.

However, Tavares has struggled recently, losing three of his last four fights, including a KO loss to Gregory Rodrigues in February 2024. Despite his recent setbacks, Tavares remains a dangerous opponent with a wealth of experience, particularly in the striking department.

JunYong Park

JunYong Park (17-6-0), fighting out of Korean Top Team, has quickly become one of the more exciting middleweights to watch. Known as "The Iron Turtle," Park combines solid striking with a dangerous grappling game, making him a well-rounded threat in the division. With five knockouts and six submission wins on his record, Park has the ability to finish fights in multiple ways.

Park’s recent run in the UFC has been impressive, with submission victories over Albert Duraev, Denis Tiuliulin, and Joseph Holmes. His ability to adapt and mix up his game plan gives him an edge over many opponents. Despite a recent split decision loss to Andre Muniz, Park remains a serious contender in the division.

Fighting Styles and Strengths

Brad Tavares

Tavares is primarily a striker, utilizing his boxing and kickboxing skills to outpoint opponents over the course of three rounds. He has strong takedown defense, which allows him to keep the fight standing where he is most comfortable. Tavares has good footwork and is skilled at staying on the outside, using his reach and jab to control the pace of the fight.

While Tavares is durable and difficult to finish, his lack of finishing ability has been an issue in his recent losses. He will need to use his experience and striking to keep Park at bay and avoid being dragged into a grappling exchange.

JunYong Park

Park is a well-rounded fighter who can compete both on the feet and on the ground. His striking has improved throughout his UFC career, but his grappling remains his most dangerous weapon. With six submission victories to his name, Park is always a threat if he can get his opponent to the mat.

Park’s ability to mix up his strikes and takedown attempts makes him a difficult opponent to game plan for. He is comfortable in the clinch and excels at wearing down opponents with a high pace. Against Tavares, Park will likely look to mix in his grappling and take the fight to the ground where he can control the action.

Recent Performances and Fight Analysis

Brad Tavares

Tavares’ recent performances have been a mixed bag. After a unanimous decision win over Chris Weidman in August 2023, Tavares suffered a knockout loss to Gregory Rodrigues in February 2024. His durability has been a hallmark of his career, but as he ages, he may find it harder to withstand the power of younger fighters.

In this fight, Tavares will need to rely on his striking and experience to outpoint Park. His takedown defense will be tested against Park, and if Tavares can keep the fight standing, he has a good chance of winning on the scorecards.

JunYong Park

Park has been on a solid run, winning three of his last four fights, all by submission. His most recent victory was a submission win over Albert Duraev in July 2023. Park’s ability to finish fights, particularly with his grappling, has made him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the middleweight division.

Against Tavares, Park will likely look to push the pace and mix in his takedowns. If he can get Tavares to the ground, he will have a significant advantage. Park’s cardio and ability to grind out tough fights will also be key factors in this matchup.

Odds and Betting Information

Fighter	Odds
JunYong Park	-170
Brad Tavares	+140

Park enters the fight as the favorite with odds of -170, while Tavares is the underdog at +140. Park’s recent form and well-rounded skill set make him the favored fighter, but Tavares’ experience and striking could make this a closely contested bout.

Keys to Victory

Brad Tavares

• Keep the Fight Standing: Tavares needs to use his takedown defense and striking to keep Park from taking the fight to the ground. If he can keep the fight on the feet, he has a good chance of outpointing Park over three rounds.
• Utilize Footwork and Range: Tavares should use his jab and footwork to stay on the outside and avoid getting into grappling exchanges with Park.

JunYong Park

• Push the Pace: Park should look to set a high pace and force Tavares into uncomfortable positions. By mixing up his strikes and takedown attempts, he can wear down Tavares and take control of the fight.
• Take the Fight to the Ground: Park’s grappling is his best weapon, and if he can get Tavares to the mat, he will have a significant advantage in controlling the fight and looking for a submission.

Prediction