The River Cree Resort and Casino is hosting Unified MMA once more this Saturday as the organization wraps up the 2022 calendar year.
The headline bout of Unified MMA 49 features hometown favourite Graham Park (8-3) of Edmonton, Alberta, as he puts his Unified MMA light heavyweight championship on the line against challenger Ty Flores (9-4).
Looking back at Park's most recent appearance—one full year before Unified MMA 49—he was chasing a second title belt, taking on the vacant super middleweight crown. That effort fell short against Canadian prospect Mariusz Ksiazkiewicz.
Now fully committed to the 205-pound division, Park has no plans to drop down to 185 again.
"I used to consider returning to 185 pounds, but that experience definitely shut that option for me," Park told MMA Empire. "205 is where I belong."
"I've done well at that weight and intend to keep it up. But I've picked up some lessons along the way. I think I've held back too much in recent fights, and I'm bringing a heightened intensity to this one."
Park holds genuine admiration for what his next opponent brings into the octagon. While he sees similarities in their approaches, Park feels his version of that game is sharper.
"I've studied his bouts, and honestly, he doesn't have any weaknesses," Park noted.
"His overall skill set is solid across the board. I've spent plenty of time developing my own well-rounded game and winning fights no matter how they unfold. He's a tough competitor with excellent conditioning and a refusal to fade. I know what he's bringing and I'm ready to counter it. He's there to fight, and I'm eager for this matchup—it'll reveal a side of me I'm excited to show everyone."
During a pre-fight chat with Flores, the challenger pointed to Park's career as an Edmonton firefighter as a possible weakness, suggesting it could distract from dedicated MMA training. Park wasn't buying it—and he thinks the opposite is true.
"I'd say I maintain a pretty solid balance between my career and fighting," Park replied.
"I put in serious hours at the gym, and my work schedule supports that. If he thinks fighting isn't my primary focus, he's missing the mark entirely. Look at Stipe Miocic—the greatest heavyweight champion in history—and he's a full-time firefighter. I think he's just talking without understanding the reality of the situation."
A first responder by trade and a 12-year veteran of professional competition, Park has always relied on his mental toughness.
Whether he wins or loses, none of Park's bouts have ever stretched into a second round. It may not always be his intention, but when he's operating at his peak, fights tend to end quickly.
"Anyone lacking mental strength gets filtered out before reaching this level," Park observed.
"I trust my preparation and I trust my skills. I'm going out there to execute my game plan. I still believe I can secure a finish—when I combine those combinations with forward pressure and layer in grappling, the finish tends to find me."
Park aims to extend his string of title defences before his home crowd on Saturday evening. Whatever comes after that, anything is possible.
"Not really locked into anything specific at this stage," Park said. "I did submit my name for the PFL next season. I'm certain they're watching to evaluate whether I'd be a legitimate contender."
"I'd love to crack open the door with the PFL and hopefully bring home a million dollars next Christmas."
Park's shoutouts
"Everyone at Shaved Bears MMA and Little Sweatshop. Head coach Jeff Montemurro, Jordan at Flex Chiropractic and Unified MMA for putting on these top level events. I'm proud to be a champion in such a high-level promotion." Follow Park on social media: FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM
