Aliskerov – Foto: @ikram_aliskerov
Russian fighter Ikram Aliskerov, aged 32, takes on South Korea’s JunYong Park, 34, in a key middleweight bout on the UFC 321 prelims this Saturday (25) at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The fight aims to solidify their rankings after recent wins, with Aliskerov holding a 16-2 record and Park at 19-6. Aliskerov enters as the betting favorite, while Park looks to upset the odds.
UFC 321’s main event features Tom Aspinall defending his heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane, but the Aliskerov-Park matchup draws attention for its high-octane potential. The ceremonial weigh-in on Friday (24) confirmed both fighters at 185 pounds without issues.
Aliskerov’s striking efficiency stands out, averaging 7.76 significant strikes per minute compared to Park’s 4.59, with a 62% accuracy rate against Park’s 50%. These stats position the Russian as a constant threat on the feet.
Aliskerov’s octagon journey
Ikram Aliskerov debuted in the UFC in 2023, securing two first-round knockouts. His sole UFC loss came against former champion Robert Whittaker in June 2024 on short notice.
He bounced back in July 2025, knocking out Andre Muniz in the first round, improving to 3-1 in the division. Of his 16 career wins, 12 came by finish, including KO, TKO, DQ, or submission.
Park’s recent performance
JunYong Park has won nine of his 12 UFC fights since 2019. His latest two victories came by unanimous decision, including against Ismail Naurdiev in September 2025.
Six of his last seven fights ended in wins, with six of his 19 career victories by finish. Park’s striking defense sits at 53%, but he absorbs more damage than Aliskerov.
Striking stats breakdown
Both fighters favor stand-up combat, where Aliskerov holds the edge in volume and accuracy. His power could overwhelm Park, who absorbs more strikes than the Russian.
- Significant strikes per minute: Aliskerov 7.76 vs. Park 4.59.
- Striking accuracy: Aliskerov 62% vs. Park 50%.
- Striking defense: Park 53% vs. Aliskerov 41%.
- Career finish rate: Aliskerov 75% vs. Park 32%.
These numbers suggest a dynamic fight with a high chance of an early stoppage if Aliskerov dictates the pace.
Ground game and defense
Park excels in grappling with submission skills, but Aliskerov’s 100% takedown defense neutralizes this advantage. The Russian rarely allows fights to hit the ground.
Aliskerov uses wrestling selectively, prioritizing striking to end fights quickly. Park needs precise takedowns to leverage his ground game, a challenge given the stats.
Betting odds and insights
DraftKings lists Aliskerov as a -230 favorite, with Park as a +190 underdog. A finish by Aliskerov via KO/TKO/DQ or submission offers +125 odds, reflecting his finishing tendency.
Analysts favor under 2.5 rounds at -105, given Aliskerov’s quick finishes. Park’s resilience could push the fight longer, but the Russian’s aggression makes an early stoppage likely.
UFC 321 expectations in Abu Dhabi
UFC’s 22nd Abu Dhabi event marks Aspinall’s first heavyweight title defense. The Aliskerov-Park bout, part of the prelims starting at 8 AM ET, promises intensity.
The Etihad Arena, hosting 18,000 fans, sold out for the full card, with global broadcasts available on pay-per-view platforms.
