Bookmakers Can’t Split Them
UFC lines can’t split Vitor Petrino vs Anton Turkalj in the light heavyweight division at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Vegas.
With a combined 15-1 record, they are set for an important showdown, which sees the winner rise up the division rankings.
UFC Debut for Petrino
The 25-year-old Brazilian makes his UFC debut after scoring a second-round knockout in Dana White’s Contender Series.
He got the better of Rodolfo Bellato, who is a solid fighter, but no match for 7-0 Petrino, who owns six wins by knockout.
He’s a dangerous fighter than that’s reflected in UFC betting odds. He’s fighting a guy with UFC experience, so he’s entitled to start as the underdog. However, the sportsbook respects his raw talent.
UFC news reports that is not underestimating Turkalj, who comes off a loss.
“I never underestimate anyone I face. I simply believe in the work I put in with my team. Regardless of what he brings, I’m ready,” Petrino told Sherdog.com.
“My goal is to impose my game and not play his. You can expect a great show. I’m much happier to be facing Turkalj now as opposed to Tafon Nchukwi in December. It’s not because of the change of opponent but for the additional time I was granted. I had just fought in September, and while I was recovering from my injuries, I received my UFC booking.”
Petrino could be a fighter worth following in the light heavyweight division, but he first must pass this test.
Turkalj Needs a Victory
We don’t know the details of his contract, but Turkalj could need a victory to remain in the UFC.
The Swedish fighter made it into the UFC via a decision win on the Contender Series, which is extremely rare. Dana White doesn’t often dish out contracts to fighters who fail to get a finish.
We wouldn’t put our UFC futures bets on him making a deep run in the division, especially after losing to Jailton Almeida in his debut. He lost via rear naked choke at UFC 279, and although Almeida is a tough opponent, it wasn’t a good result.
He showed much better form in Brave CF, including a win via spinning back fist in 2021. If he’s that dangerous, the -115 odds could prove to be a value bet. However, we have yet to see that since he hit the mainstream.
If he doesn’t win on Saturday, he could have run out of chances to impress the bosses.
Petrino vs Turkalj Head-to-Head
This will be the first meeting between Petrino vs Turkalj.
Petrino vs Turkalj Fight Information
- Fight: Petrino (7-0) vs Turkalj (8-1)
- Location: The Theater, Las Vegas, NV
- Day/Time: Saturday, March 11, 6 p.m. ET
- Petrino vs Turkalj Live stream: UFC Fight Pass
Petrino vs Turkalj Betting Lines
Petrino vs Turkalj Prediction
Our UFC Picks have Petrino favored to win, so we’re taking the -115 before it firms.
He might be making his UFC debut, but he appears to be a well-rounded fighter who can handle the size of Turkalj.
We haven’t been impressed with the Swede in two TV fights, so we can’t put our money on him.
Petrino is listed at -115 in our Vegas UFC lines. This means that if you wager $100 on Petrino, you have a chance to win $87. Turkalj is -115 offering a chance to win $87 on a $100 wager.
The implied probability attached to the betting lines gives Petrino a 53.49% chance to win, with Turkalj at 53.49%
