UFC Vegas 98: Brad Tavares vs. Junyong Park: Live round-by-round updates

A middleweight bout between Brad Tavares and Junyong Park will go down at UFC Vegas 98, later this evening (Oct. 12) at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

Tavares (20-9) has produced mixed results in his career, with his recent run in the UFC being particularly underwhelming. The 36-year-old is 2-3 in his last five, most recently suffering a third-round TKO loss to Gregory Rodrigues in February.

The Hawaiian, however, has fought numerous elites of the sport including Israel Adesanya, Dricus du Plessis, and Robert Whittaker. He also boasts a win against former champion Chris Weidman.

Park (17-6) enters the cage on a 4-1 run in his last five. While he suffered a split decision loss to Andre Muniz in his most recent fight, prior to that 'The Iron Turtle' was on a three-fight submission streak.

The bookmakers favor Park for the bout. He is a -185 favorite over Tavares, the +154 underdog.

The main card of UFC Vegas 98 is now underway. Stick with Sportskeeda for live coverage and play-by-play updates from the event.

Check out the final UFC Vegas 98 face-off between the pair below:

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UFC Vegas 98: Brad Tavares vs. Junyong Park

Round 1

As Park tries to close the distance, Tavares connects with a quick one-two, puts his opponent down on the canvas, and then proceeds to take his back. While Tavares tried for submissions and even managed to sink in a few shots, Park manages to get back to his feet.

Parks has ramped up the intensity since getting back to his feet. The Soth Korean forces a cliche with his opponent near the cage. As the separate Park taunts his opponent to engage. Tavares connects with a quick one-two and Park shrugs it off.

A possible eye poke momentarily stops the fight. But referee Herb Dean restarted the action after the replay deemed it a fair blow.

Our score: 10-9 Tavares.

Check out the knockdown below:

Round 2

Multiple one-two gets in for Tavars to start off the round. Park trips his opponent to the canvas, but the American quickly gets back to his feet. 'The Iron Turtle' ramps up the pressure, he is now having more success on the feet.

Park employs a few outside leg kicks to compromise his opponent's mobility. Tavares is trying to close the distance with jabs but is unable to chain combinations.

The American explodes with a one-two, pushing Park backward. Another heavy step in one-two lands for Tavares. Park's quick jabs are making it hard for Tavares to close the distance.

Our score: 10-9 Tavares.

Round 3

Tavares connects with multiple one-twos and Park returns fire with a barrage of his own, momentarily wobbling his opponent. The Soth Korean pushes his opponent to the cage wall to force a clinch. He is trying to drag his opponent to the feet.

Park eventually completes the takedown and now has his opponent's back. Tavares is finding it hard to get out of the disadvantageous position.

Other than racking up ground control time, Park has done little in the way of offense on the ground. 'The Iron Turtle' switches to side control and connects with elbows to his opponent's body. Park finishes the round with over four minutes of control time.

Our score: 10-9 Park.

Official decision: Junyong Park def. Brad Tavares via split decision. (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Watch Junyong Park celebrate his UFC Vegas 98 win below: