Hyun Sung Park will put his perfect 10-0 MMA record on the line against heavily favored Tatsuro Taira in the Main Event of UFC on ESPN 71 this Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
"My takedown defense has been flawless in the UFC so far, and that's going to be a key factor against someone with Taira's grappling skills," Park might say about his perfect 100% takedown defense statistic.
The South Korean fighter has been nothing short of impressive in his UFC career, compiling a 5-0 record while averaging 4.27 significant strikes per minute with 46% accuracy. His defensive skills are equally noteworthy, absorbing just 3.29 strikes per minute with a solid 60% striking defense.
What makes this matchup particularly interesting is Park's grappling credentials. He averages 1.90 takedowns every 15 minutes and attempts 2.9 submissions in the same timeframe. His takedown accuracy sits at 33%, but more importantly, no UFC opponent has successfully taken him down yet.
The Main Card also features an intriguing Welterweight clash between Neil Magny and Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos. Both fighters have shown a propensity for finishes recently - Magny has seen 6 of his last 8 UFC fights end inside the distance (including his last 3), while dos Santos has had 6 of his last 12 fights end before the final bell, including his last 2.
In women's action, Karol Rosa brings her impressive striking volume (6.22 significant strikes per minute with 55% accuracy) against Nora Cornolle in a Bantamweight contest. Rosa's UFC record stands at 7-4, and interestingly, all of her UFC victories have come by decision.
By the way, Rosa's grappling shouldn't be overlooked - she averages 1.09 takedowns every 15 minutes with a 46% success rate and defends 70% of takedown attempts against her.
Can Park pull off what would be considered a significant upset against the favored Taira? His perfect takedown defense might just be the key to neutralizing his opponent's greatest weapon.
