Exclusive interview: Ivana Petrović Looks to Reignite Career in OKTAGON Debut

Ivana Petrovic. Foto via UFC

Norwegian former UFC fighter Ivana Petrovic returns to action for her OKTAGON MMA debut in May.
”I chose OKTAGON because it’s the best organization in Europe,” Petrovic tells Frontkick.

More than two years after her last professional win, Norwegian MMA fighter Ivana Petrovic is set to return to competition, making her debut in OKTAGON MMA on May 16.

After parting ways with the UFC last spring, Petrovic returned to action with a Fight of the Night-winning split decision loss at FNC in December.

Now, a move to Europe’s leading MMA promotion is a big chance to get her career back on track after four straight losses.

Do you feel like this is a fresh start or just business as usual?

”I’d say it’s a bit of both,” Petrovic tells Frontkick in an exclusive interview. ”It’s a fresh start in the sense that I’m entering a new environment with new challenges, and that always pushes you to grow. But at the same time, my mindset doesn’t change, I’m here to work, improve, and win. So it’s not about starting over, it’s about continuing the journey at a higher level.”

What made you choose OKTAGON over other promotions?

”I chose OKTAGON because it’s the best organization in Europe, especially when it comes to the women’s divisions. They have the strongest and most competitive women’s division, and that’s exactly where I want to be. I’m here to challenge myself against the best. I want to compete where the level is high, the platform is strong, and where I can actually build something meaningful. What excites me the most is the opportunity not just to fight, but to evolve and prove myself against top level competition.”

Ivana Petrovic. Foto via Instagram (@ivana_mma)

Ivana Petrovic: ”The title shot will come naturally”

The women’s bantamweight division is as good as it gets.

With fighters like reigning champion Lucia Szabova, undefeated rising star Alina Dalaslan and former UFC fighter Lucie Pudilova, the top three is stacked with talent.

There’s even the possibility of a Norwegian derby, with former champion Cecilie Bolander also in the mix.

”There are definitely some very strong fighters in the division, and I respect all of them,” Petrovic says. ”I don’t focus too much on naming one or two at this level, everyone is dangerous. For me, the toughest opponent is always the one in front of me at that moment.”

When do you expect to fight for an OKTAGON title?

”I believe if I stay consistent and perform the way I know I can, the title shot will come naturally. My focus right now is on putting on dominant performances and when the time comes, I’ll be ready.”

• Triple-Sport Champion Means Business: ”Pressure, Power, Unconsciousness!”
• Swedish star Liam Pitts thrives in OKTAGON spotlight: ”I do better under pressure”

Follow Frontkick.Online on social media for more exclusive interviews!
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on Facebook