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With 14+ years of UFC experience, Brad Tavares is a sort of gatekeeper of the middleweight division. If the Iron Turtle can beat him, he will break into the Top 15 in the division. So, what’s our prediction, can he do it?

Before Betting on Brad Tavares vs. Park Jun-yong

Brad Tavares vs. Park Jun-yong is the co-main event of UFC on ESPN 60 also known as UFC Vegas 94, which is scheduled for Saturday, July 20.

This event features many other interesting fights, with the headliner fight being the one that stands out. To learn more about it, read our Amanda Lemos vs. Virna Jandiroba preview. If, on the other hand, you wish to focus on the Tavares vs. Park Jun-yong fight, just keep on reading.

This is a clash between two very tough guys who don’t mind getting hurt. Brad Tavares, a Hawaiian brawler with a professional record of 20-9, has faced some of the best in the middleweight division. Despite losing three of his last four fights, these defeats came at the hands of top-tier opponents like Gregory “RoboCop” Rodrigues, Bruno Silva, and the current middleweight champion, Dricus Du Plessis.

Tavares is known for being a striker, landing over three significant strikes per minute while absorbing a similar number of hits. His striking is great, but his ground game is a notable weakness. Tavares hasn’t secured a takedown since his bout with Israel Adesanya in 2018, reflecting his discomfort on the ground. However, his takedown defense is impressive, standing at 81%, which will be crucial in this matchup.

Park Jun-yong, also known as “The Iron Turtle,” brings a different set of skills to the Octagon. With a record of 17-6, Park has showcased his versatility with five wins by knockout, six by submission, and six by decision. Unlike Tavares, Park excels in wrestling and grappling, making him a formidable opponent on the floor.

Brad Tavares vs. Park Jun-yong Prediction

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FighterOdds
Brad Tavares+158
The Iron Turtle-183

Our prediction is that Brad Tavares and The Iron Turtle will go to war on July 20. We think it’s very likely the fight will last for the full 15 minutes, but who’s gonna win the judges’ vote afterward? We think it’s really a coin toss, but if we had to pick one, we’d go with Tavares.

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Brad Tavares
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