MMA's return to the City of Champions demanded a headline-worthy main event.
Unified MMA makes its highly anticipated UFC Fight Pass debut this Saturday, with Edmonton, Alta.'s Graham Park (7-2) set to defend his Unified MMA light heavyweight championship at Unified MMA 40 in Edmonton against Neil Berry (9-9) of Lethbridge, Alta. in the main event.
Park has dispatched most of his opponents with ease, securing all seven professional victories via first-round finishes.
Over a decade since his first bout, Park says he's evolved significantly as an athlete, crediting the self-assurance that's fueled his recent achievements.
"My composure is my biggest improvement. I think with all the training and being more confident in my ability it's boosted my composure," Park said in an interview with MMA Empire.
"I don't look for anything in particular, and I don't have any agenda to always get it done in the first round, it's just what happens. Whether it happens again or it goes to the judges decision, I'm just looking for a win."
At 32, Park has built a reputation around his imposing frame and explosive athleticism, consistently pressing forward in the cage.
Yet despite his dedication to peak physical conditioning, Park wants fans to understand there's more to his game than brute force.
"A lot of people say that I'm strong, but I'm not on the receiving end of it so I can't really say for sure," Park said.
"That's the first thing people say when they roll with me and it's almost a little bit frustrating because I work a lot on technique. I like to think I'm a cerebral grappler and I'm technically sound. Strength helps, but I definitely don't rely on it."
Calling the Little Sweatshop home and being part of the rapidly-ascending Shaved Bears MMA team has put Park in the main event position he's in.
Training at one of Alberta's premier MMA destinations has given Park the opportunity to expand his skill set considerably.
"Iron sharpens iron, we all level up together," Park said.
"You don't get away with the same tricks for long before somebody catches on around here. You got to catch on quick, adapt and improve yourself. We're all making each other better and it's like the best environment you can think of to learn and grow as a fighter."
Park's previous outing was a thrilling title bout against Berry's teammate Sheldon Doll at Unified MMA 38, extending a longstanding friendly rivalry between two of Alberta's top MMA teams.
This Saturday adds another chapter, and whichever way it goes, both camps will walk away improved.
"Lee Mein's team in Lethbridge and us at Shaved Bears have been going back and forth for years," Park said.
"We've had great fights and I think we bring the best out of each other. Hats off to those guys, they always show up ready to fight and ready to bang."
Park approaches fight night with the usual respect he brings to every opponent.
Berry remains a fixture in Alberta's MMA landscape, someone Park has studied closely over the years.
"He's a veteran, he's got a lot of fights," Park said.
"He's already got a title in another organization and he was fighting tough guys before I was really even in the sport. He comes with a wealth of knowledge and experience and I'm eager to put my abilities to the test against him."
After debuting with the promotion in 2010, Saturday marks Park's sixth appearance inside the Unified MMA cage.
Eager to defend his light heavyweight crown before a hometown crowd, Park is looking forward to delivering an entertaining performance.
"It's been awesome to grow with the organization. I remember fighting for Unified back at the Mirage and if you jumped on the cage you probably would've hit your head on a chandelier," Park said.
"I'm honoured to be a part of it and be the main event of their first show on UFC Fight Pass. I'm excited I have such a wide audience, but it doesn't really add any pressure for me. It could be a million dollars or 50 bucks, a gym or a stadium, I want to win just the same."
Park's Shoutouts
"Frontline Jiu-Jitsu, the entire team at Shaved Bears, and Flex Chiropractic." Follow Park on social media: FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM
