UFC Fight Night 165: Edgar vs. Korean Zombie - Predictions and Picks

#5 Jun Yong Park vs. Marc-Andre Barriault

Canada's Marc-Andre Barriault is looking for his first UFC win

In a Middleweight tilt, ‘The Iron Turtle’ Jun Yong Park returns to take on Canada’s Barriault, who is still looking for his first UFC victory. Judging on what I’ve seen from both men, this one should depend on which fighter can impose his will on the other; they’re both down-and-dirty types who love to exchange from the clinch and the pocket with heavy strikes.

Park made his debut in China this summer and looked strong in the first round of his fight with Anthony Hernandez, but despite having Hernandez hurt on occasion, he fell prey to a second round anaconda choke. Overall he appears to be a strong striker, but judging by that fight, his takedown defense needs some work.

Barriault had the same issues against both Andrew Sanchez and Krzysztof Jotko; he had both fighters hurt with strikes at points in their fights, but showed vulnerability to the takedown and ended up being largely grinded out. He showed a lot of toughness, but to really proceed in the UFC he’ll have to close that gap in grappling.

I’m leaning towards Barriault here I think; despite losing both of his UFC fights he never seemed to be completely out of the running in either, and Park appeared to gas out somewhat right before he was beaten by Hernandez. I’ll take Barriault to wear the Korean down for a decision here.

The Pick: Barriault via unanimous decision