MMA Match Preview: Ismail Naurdiev (24-7-0) vs. Junyong Park (18-6-0)
The middleweight division will see an exciting clash as Ismail “The Austrian Wonderboy” Naurdiev takes on Junyong “The Iron Turtle” Park at UFC Baku, hosted at Baku Crystal Hall in Azerbaijan. Park enters as the favorite while Naurdiev looks to pull off an upset and climb the rankings.
Fight Details
Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025
Time: Preliminary Card – Approx. 4:00 PM UTC
Venue: Baku Crystal Hall, Baku, Azerbaijan
Event: UFC Fight Night: Hill vs. Rountree
Fighter Profiles & Stats
Ismail Naurdiev (Austria) – “The Austrian Wonderboy”
Record: 24-7-0
Age: 28
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 185 lbs
Reach: 74″
Strikes Landed Per Minute: 3.41
Striking Accuracy: 53%
Takedown Accuracy: 40%
Significant Strike Defense: 66%
Naurdiev is a technical striker with a strong wrestling background, boasting a 40% takedown conversion rate. He absorbs only 1.52 significant strikes per minute, making him one of the more defensively sound fighters in the division. His last fight saw him defeat Bruno Silva via unanimous decision, landing 107 of 166 total strikes.
Junyong Park (South Korea) – “The Iron Turtle”
Record: 18-6-0
Age: 34
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 185 lbs
Reach: 73″
Strikes Landed Per Minute: 4.77
Striking Accuracy: 51%
Takedown Accuracy: 47%
Significant Strike Defense: 54%
Park is a powerful striker, known for his knockout ability, with five first-round finishes. He enters as the clear favorite, ranking higher in striking volume and submission attempts. His last fight saw him secure a split-decision victory over Brad Tavares, landing 91% of his significant strikes at distance.
Key Matchups to Watch
Striking Battle: Park has the edge in volume (4.77 strikes per minute), but Naurdiev has better accuracy (53%).
Takedown Game: Park has a 47% takedown accuracy, while Naurdiev defends 72% of takedown attempts.
Fight Pace: Naurdiev absorbs only 1.52 strikes per minute, meaning Park could struggle to land clean shots.
FIGHT ODDS
Ismail Naurdiev + 155
Junyong Park – 185
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, June 20, 2025
