Following his upset of Chidi Njokuani in March, Russian brawler Albert Duraev has been handed a co-main event slot at UFC Fight Night 224 against the streaking Korean Park Jun-Yong. Both Middleweights have logged wins in the first quarter of this year already and will be expecting to keep the momentum going. UFC Fight Night holds this weekend at the Apex in Las Vegas.
MMA: UFC Middleweight
Location: UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada
Where to watch: ESPN/ESPN+
Date: 16.07.2023. 01.00
Albert Duraev
34-year-old Duraev showcased his effective wrestling skills when he overcame favorite and homeboy Chidi Njokuani at UFC San Antonio just over three months ago. The Chechen took all the shots that “Bang Bang” threw at him to earn a split decision over the Nigerian American. The Dana White Contender Series alumni defeated Roman Kopylov in October 2021 to make a winning start in the UFC before losing via doctor’s stoppage to Joaquin Buckley. That loss ended his ten-fight winning streak.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 34
- Height: 5’ 11”
- Reach: 70.5”
- Record: 16-4
Park Jun-Yong
South Korean Top Team member Park Jun-Yong turned professional in 2013. He fought in the Asian regional scene before joining the UFC. The highlight of his time in Asia was a win over future PFL Welterweight champ Ray Cooper III. Debuting in the UFC in 2019, “The Iron Turtle is 8-2 in the promotion and is currently on a three-fight winning streak stretching from May 2022. The 32-year-old from Seoul has five knockouts from sixteen victories, with none coming in the UFC. His last victory came via a first-round submission of Denis Tiuliulin last February.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 32
- Height: 6’ 0”
- Reach: 73”
- Record: 16-5
Betting odds
Albert Duraev is again the underdog with a price of 2.16 to win on Marathonbet. The Korean favorite is available at 1.65 odds on Marathonbet. On Bet365, it is 2.25 odds for a Duraev win with his opponent priced at 1.66. 1XBET has round three to start at 1.6 odds and the No at 2.25.