Preview: UFC Fight Night 165 ‘Edgar vs. The Korean Zombie’

Tom FeelyDec 18, 2019


Middleweights

NR | Marc-Andre Barriault (11-3) vs. NR | Jun Yong Park (10-4)

ODDS: Barriault (-125), Park (+105)

Two middleweights look for their first UFC win in a bout that has potential for weirdness. Park looked like he could make some noise in the UFC upon his debut. “The Iron Turtle” has a solid depth of skill and a willingness to make opponents pay for each bit of offense they throw. However, when Park made it to the Octagon in August, his loss to Anthony Hernandez raised a lot of red flags about his being able to handle quicker and more aggressive fighters at the UFC level.

Park will take on Quebec’s Barriault, who has had his own struggles in 2019. “Power Bar” enjoyed a highly successful run in Canada, mostly on the back of his doggedness. There is no one skill that particularly stands out for Barriault, but he racked up win after win due to confidence in the idea that he could either outlast his opponent or eventually land the right punch.

Neither man really seems like he can neutralize the other, so this could be a bit of a mess. Park figures to be the much more accurate puncher, while Barriault should be able to hit the harder shots and control the fight some against the cage. The pick is Barriault via decision in an absolute coinflip.

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