Ivana Petrovich received the call to the UFC a little earlier than the average fighter. Only six fights in her career, she hasn’t been called to The Ultimate Fighter. She wasn’t even called up to the Rivals Series. Instead, she was called straight to the big show and put through the rigorous testing of six-fight UFC veteran Luana Carolina at UFC Vegas 76.
Although this may seem like a big ask for some newcomers, Petrovitch says this discount is exactly the kind of test you need.
“I think she’s a good match. She’s had a few fights in the UFC, but I think she’s exactly the fighter I need to fight,” she said. “It will be a good test for me and I’m really looking forward to showing everyone what I’m capable of.”
The Norway-based fighter felt she needed someone with a special mix of skills to test what she felt she did best. Karonlina, she has those qualities.
“Experience, lights – she’s a striker, so I think she’ll want to bat with me,” Petrovic said. “I want to show everyone that I can beat it.”
This statement may come as a surprise to those who saw her at Ares FC. In her final fight, she took down the famous Polish wrestler, Elena Wozniak, and submitted her to defend the belt.
There may still be a chance we’ll see this fight hit the rug – but there’s one condition for that to happen.
“Yes, maybe,” she said, laughing, “if I didn’t get bored and then shoot.” “My teammates are sure I’ll finish second. If it were me, [it’ll be] Naked rear throttle, but maybe something more exciting.”
Petrovic will get her chance to validate her teammate and test herself as part of the ESPN+ prelims of UFC Vegas 76. These fights will begin at 4pm EST.
Be sure to check out and subscribe to the entire interview above Cageisde Press’ YouTube page.