German flyweight Ivana Petrovic made her promotional debut at UFC Vegas 76 on Saturday, taking on Brazil’s Luana Carolina in a preliminary card bout.
After taking back-to-back losses in London against Molly McCann and Joanne Wood, Carolina was badly in need of a win — and no doubt happy she was fighting somewhere other than the U.K.
The fight started off with both women trading a lot of kicks. Although both were throwing, nothing significant was landing. They traded control time against the cage in the clinch. Petrovic was able to trap the knee behind the leg getting the fight down. Carolina used the momentum to secure the top position. Both ladies were doing a good job staying busy. Petrovic would roll for a leg creating the scramble to get the top position with a minute left in the round. The round ended with Petrovic going for a leglock that was never close.
In the second round, a lot of movement came from both women early on. It wasn’t the cleanest striking on display but it wasn’t long until they clinched back up. It was clear Petrovic was the stronger fighter in the clinch as she had more control time. Carolina was the one more active though landing those soft knees to the body. With almost two minutes left they finally separated. Petrovic landed a big left hand that backed up Carolina, who got back into the clinch. It was the hardest strike of the fight thus far that had actually landed. The round ended with Petrovic scoring the inside trip takedown.
In the final round the fight seemed like it was very well still up for grabs. Carolina was more aggressive coming out in the final round pressing a good pace. She landed a few good shots forcing Petrovic to clinch. Petrovic attempted a trip takedown but Carolina won the position and landed on top. Petrovic worked her way back to her feet but did take a few strikes on the way up. Still against the cage, Petrovic rolled for a leg dropping down to the mat. Carolina was defending well until she made the mistake of trying to take the back and slipped off. Petrovic again rolled for a leg going for the toe hold and heel hook. The round ended on the feet with Carolina getting the best out of the 10-second exchange.
Come the scorecards, it was Luana Carolina winning a unanimous decision.
Official Result: Luana Carolina def. Ivana Petrovic by unanimous decision (29-28 , 29-28, 29-28)
