Ivana Petrovic got the call to the UFC a little earlier than the average fighter. Just six fights into her professional career, she wasn’t called to The Ultimate Fighter. She wasn’t even called to Contender Series. Instead, she was called right to the big show and given the stiff test of six-fight UFC veteran Luana Carolina at UFC Vegas 76.
While that might seem like a big ask for some newcomers, Petrovic says that this opponent is exactly the type of test she needed.
“I think it’s a good matchup. She had a few fights in the UFC, but I think she is exactly the fighter I need to fight,” she said. “She’s going to be a good test for me and I’m really looking forward to show everyone what I’m capable of.”
The Norwegian-based fighter felt that she needed someone with a particular blend of skills to test what she feels she does best. Caronlina, she said has those attributes.
“Experience and striking – she’s a striker, so I think she’ll want to strike with me,” Petrovic said. “I want to show everyone that I can strike with her.”
That statement may come as a surpise to those who have seen her in Ares FC. In her most recent fight, she took down noted Polish grappler, Ewelina Wozniak and submitted her to defend the belt.
There may still be a chance that we see this fight hit the mat – but there’s one stipulation for that to happen.
“Yeah, maybe, if I don’t get bored and then I shoot,” she said with a laugh. “My teammates are sure that I am going to finish in the second round. If I’m going to be me, [it’ll be] a rear naked choke, but maybe something more spectacular.”
Petrovic will get her chance to prove her teammate correct and test herself as part of the ESPN+ prelims of UFC Vegas 76. Those fights will start at 4pm EST.
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