Contender Profiles | Michael Parkin

Name: Michael Parkin
Age: 26
Weight: Heavyweight
Nationality: English
Record: 5-0-0

The Story so far

The Contender Series hasn’t been kind to the Brits this season, with both Thomas Paull and Jack Cartwright suffering losses last week and losing out on that coveted UFC contract, but is Michael Parkin the man to break the spell?

The UFC’s heavyweight division has been deprived of an influx of exciting prospects in recent years, the talent isn’t exactly flowing through and mirroring that of the smaller weight classes so an exciting and undefeated prospect is always a welcome addition. The Contender Series is an avenue for this divisional enhancement where they need it most, with undefeated Englishman Michael Parkin looking to be the next Brit behind Tom Aspinall to flourish among heavyweights elite.

Beginning amateur competition in 2016, Parkin made the prove to pro in 2019 after going undefeated, 6 victories, all finishes, already showing that killer instinct and a knack for finishing fights. As a professional, Parkin has continued to ace his MMA career so far, winning all 5 of his bouts via KO/TKO, the majority of which in the very first round. Now, this is all well and good, but knockout power and a track record of finishing fights is something we expect from a heavyweight right? Well yes, it’s true, but Parkin has been flawless, competing against the level of competition every pro needs early in their careers and needs that step-up in competition.

Although an MMA career still in the blooming stages, Parkin does have a title to his name, his first round KO win over Szymon Szynkiewicz last year, secured him the Olympus FC heavyweight title. Since then he has competed twice in Rise and Conquer where he earned 2 finishes, the most recent of which being a victory over Faith Aktas in May, with his heavy ground and pound proving the difference maker en route to a round 2 finish.

Parkin trains out of Team Fish Tank in Sunderland, founded by UK MMA veteran Andrew Fisher, a gym with no shortage of quality training partners at heavyweight, with KSW heavyweight champ Phil De Fries sharing the mats with him, a man who knows all about what it takes to have a successful career at 265. As well as this, Parkin has a good relationship with UFC heavyweight contender Tom Aspinall and light heavyweight grappling ace Paul Craig, both of whom bring different levels of expertise throughout a number of areas in MMA, a valuable fountain of knowledge Parkin can tap into in order to evolve his game even further.

The Style

When it comes to heavyweight, the line tends to be much more blurred as to fighters having defined styles, the majority hit hard and back their power to March down a KO. Don’t get me wrong, certain guys have advanced a great deal fighting this way, but the recent wave of successful heavyweights tend to be much more composed and calculated, refusing to neglect any aspect of the game and fighting with a much more technical approach. The likes of Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane both fall into this category, both of whom have found success with their composed style, using their IQ and speed to pick guys apart, letting the finishes come as opposed to forcing them.

Don’t get me wrong, Parkin is by no means some sort of genetic freak, nor is he blessed with Sugar Ray Leonard-esque speed, but training with the likes of Tom has clearly influenced his game. He doesn’t neglect the grappling side of the game, in fact he thrives down there, finishing a number of his fights from top position with that patented heavy ground and pound. His takedown entries tend to be against the cage with trips and throws, set up by a composed pressure striking game.
Parkin thrives on the front foot and we rarely see him anywhere else, cutting the cage off and penning guys in with his pressure, nullifying the evasive lateral movement of his opponents with heavy leg kicks before letting off the short but sweet boxing combos to start the break down.
Defensive responsibility is another area of Parkin’s game I’ve been impressed with, often able to see shots coming and knowing when to shift back and dip out of range, never really tending to eat anything major. Similarly, when firing straight shots down the middle, he tends to shift his head from one side to another after the jab, letting off the straight at a new angle while actively making sure his head isn’t stagnant and primed for a clip on the jaw. These little tendencies are something I’d love to see continue when he faces these higher level opponents, providing he fights his fight and the activity levels stay the same.

In short, the composed pressure approach to the striking game has seen him pick guys apart on the feet, which in turn forces his opponents to the cage, presenting the takedown and subsequent ground and pound from top position we have seen him successful with time and time again. Of course, it’s easier said than done, but if Michael Parkin can stick to what he does best and dictate the pace of the fight, remaining defensively responsible while using his pressure to create the openings, I see no reason why he can’t prevail.

The Matchup

Parkin’s opponent is undefeated Brazilian heavyweight Eduardo Neves. Like Parkin, Neves has finished all of his fights via stoppage. Despite not having the amateur experience his English counterpart has and at just 22 years of age, Neves has an impressive highlight reel and would equally be an exciting addition to that heavyweight division.

While Parkin fights in a much more composed manner, Neves has a much more wild approach with a sprinkle of that Brazilian flair. This is a guy who starts fast, pressures early and often and undoubtably backs his chin. He will get in your face and sling hooks relentlessly against the cage, bashing guys up in the clinch with elbows and knees while showing an impressive level of athleticism for a bigger guy, with an array of kicks and dynamic strikes like the superman punch.

Neves will be looking to make this one rough and gruelling without a doubt, tearing it up in the pocket like he does with those heavy hands, if Parkin allows him dictatorship over the pace of the contest, he will be forced on the back foot and will be playing into the Brazilians game. Michael Parkin will need to establish octagon control early and pick Neves off at range, while using his well rounded game to mix up the contest and drown him out.

With the training partners and experience Parkin has, he for sure has the ability and know how to deal with an opponent like this, but will he adjust to the Brazilians style accordingly and find a way to victory? We know Neves is hungry and willing to back his chin in order to initiate all out offence, will he overwhealm the Englishman and claim the UFC roster spot for himself? We will find out on Tuesday!

Be sure to let us know how you think this one will go and if you think Parkin has what it takes to make it to the UFC.