Graham Park Back in the Cage at Unified 36 for First Time Since 2016
Jan 27, 2019
EDMONTON — Graham Park enters the cage for the first time since 2016 at Unified 36 on March 1 at River Cree Resort & Casino. The hard-hitting Edmonton fighter is looking for his third straight win and to solidify himself as one of Canada’s top middleweight contenders. But standing in his way is undefeated Saskatchewan standout fighter Tyler Weran, who’s trying to climb to 4-0 with a third stoppage victory.
Tickets are now available at TicketMaster.ca
What’s new since Unified MMA fans last saw you in the cage in 2016?
Good question. I got a new career — I’m a firefighter now — and got some new dogs. That’s about it. Still training hard with the same crew.
Why has it been so long since we’ve last seen you?
Mainly just life getting in the way, I guess you could say. I had to put all of my focus on my new career, because that’s what’s going to benefit me the most in the long run. We all know this sport doesn’t look after you when you’re older, unfortunately. I was just trying to set myself up for future success outside of the cage. Now that that’s settled, I’m really excited to get back out there.
Why do you fight?
It’s just who I am. I’ve always been a fighter in one form or another. It’s definitely a release to get in the cage.
Do you know a lot about your opponent?
I wouldn’t say I know a ton, but I know enough. He’s out of Saskatoon training with a great group of guys. He’s got a few fights, but I don’t think he’s ever fought anyone like me. I’m expecting a tough opponent.
Is it exciting to fight an undefeated up-and-comer like Tyler, who’s looking to improve to 4-0 in this fight?
It’s business as usual; I’m just focused on doing what I have to do to get the win. Whoever is standing across from me, my job is the same.
What’s the most likely outcome?
There’s no set outcome, but I definitely see myself getting my hand raised in victory, and I don’t see it going past the second round, for sure. I don’t expect him to be a pushover, but he’s going to have his hands full.
Where would you like to be one year from today?
I’m really just taking it one fight at a time. I just wanted to keep getting better every day and winning as much as I can. We’ll see what happens!
Unified 36 includes three Unified MMA championship bouts, including Pat Pytlik versus UFC vet Jake Lindsey for the super-lightweight title, Teddy Ash against UFC vet Dom Steele for the middleweight championship and UFC vet Shane Campbell versus Menad Abella for the lightweight title.
