UFC Fight Night 30 Preview

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Lightweights

Jon Tuck (7-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Norman Parke (18-2, 2-0 UFC)

The Matchup: This bout was originally scheduled to take place at UFC on Fox 7, but an injury to Tuck altered those plans. In the meantime, Parke captured a unanimous verdict over Kazuki Tokudome at UFC 162. While “The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes” winner has not generated the hype of fellow Irishman Conor McGregor, his judo and grappling skills have carried him to an eight-fight winning streak.

Tuck displayed a good ground game in his first Octagon appearance, as he transitioned to dominant positions and threatened with submissions in a decision triumph against Tiequan Zhang at UFC on Fuel TV 6. However, the Guamanian fighter showed some vulnerability in round three, where Zhang wobbled him with a left hook. Tuck will have to show more of a standup arsenal if he is to defeat Parke, who utilizes pressure and takedowns to impose his will on opponents. The judo black belt is a strong defensive grappler who is unlikely to allow Tuck to advance position as easily as he did versus Zhang.

Additionally, Parke will look to pass guard and attempt submissions from top position. On the feet, look for Parke to use his strikes as a means to move into clinch range. He had success connecting with his overhand left against Tokudome, but if he earns a stoppage via strikes here, it is more likely to come from a barrage of ground-and-pound.

The Pick: Parke takes this by decision or late submission.

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