Surging Graham Park Aims at Light-Heavyweight Title
Sep 19, 2019
EDMONTON — Graham Park is quickly establishing himself as one of Canada’s best light-heavyweight contenders. The 30-year-old Edmonton fighter boasts an impressive 6-2 record after posting first-round finishes in his last three bouts. He’s hungry to stake his claim as the top Canadian in his weight class when he takes on red-hot Sheldon Doll, a winner of five straight by first-round stoppage, for the vacant Unified MMA Light-Heavyweight Championship at #Unified38 on Sept. 27 at River Cree Resort & Casino. Before that, he caught up with Ed Kapp.
What does fighting for this championship mean to you?
It’s a really big opportunity. I’ve been fighting for Unified since the beginning of my career — and the early days of the promotion — so to be able to work my way up from those early days to fighting for the belt is really special to me.
That makes this title fight more special?
I think so, for sure. I’ve been around the promotion for a long time, not just as a fighter but as a corner as well and as a fan of the sport. Of course I’ve been training the whole time. To see the progression of the organization as well means a lot.
What does fighting for the belt that your teammate Teddy Ash recently vacated?
I want to make my teammates proud and maintain the prestige that he established with the belt. He made that belt recognizable nation-wide, and I’m working really hard to keep it in Edmonton.
What does Sheldon Doll, a winner of five straight by first-round finish, bring to the table?
Lots. I think he’s one of the top guys in the country. He’s athletic, he comes from a great camp, and he’s got a lot of experience under his belt. He’s a worthy contender; it’s going to be a great fight.
Do you have any preference for how you win?
I’ll take whatever opportunity presents itself first; I’m always working for a finish.
What are the odds of this fight making it to the second round?
(Laughs) Well, I’ve only been out of the first round once, and I think all of his fights are finished in the first. But I’m not counting on that being the case this time. When you pit two high-level guys against each other, the openings are a little bit tighter and harder to come by. Whatever happens, happens.
Where would you like to be one year from today?
You’ve asked me that before (laughs). I just want to be that much better, have a title defense or two under my belt, and just moving forward in my career.
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