Juliana Miller Set to Face Ivana Petrovic at UFC Des Moines

In a highly anticipated matchup, Juliana Miller, the champion of ‘The Ultimate Fighter 30’, is set to face Ivana Petrovic, a former ARES FC titleholder, in a women’s flyweight clash at UFC on ESPN 67. This event is scheduled to take place on May 3 at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa. The fight marks a significant moment for both fighters as they look to rebound from recent setbacks and establish themselves in the competitive flyweight division.

#TUF30 winner Juliana Miller (3-3) is back, as she’ll face former @ares_fighting champion Ivana Petrovic (7-2) at #UFCDesMoines, multiple sources say. Story headed to @MMAJunkie. pic.twitter.com/5o6pVVk3JN

— Nolan King (@mma_kings) March 20, 2025

Miller, with a record of just 3 MMA wins and 1-2 in the UFC, has faced a series of challenges since her victory in ‘The Ultimate Fighter 30’ finale against Brogan Walker in 2022. Following her win, Miller suffered consecutive defeats, losing a unanimous decision to Veronica Hardy and being stopped by Luana Santos in the first round. These setbacks have kept her sidelined since August 2023 due to injuries, making her return to the octagon a crucial moment in her career.

On the other hand, Petrovic, who holds a 1-2 UFC record, also seeks to regain momentum. Her UFC debut ended in a unanimous decision loss to Luana Carolina, but she bounced back with a submission victory over Liang Na. However, her most recent outing resulted in a split decision loss to Jam-Lynorth. Petrovic’s background as a former ARES FC titleholder underscores her potential and experience, making this fight an opportunity for her to prove herself in the UFC.

UFC Des Moines Turning Point for Both

The UFC Des Moines card is shaping up to be an exciting event, featuring a diverse lineup of fighters. The main attractions include Cory Sandhagen vs. Deon Jackson, Reinier de Ridder vs. Bo Nickal, Mason Jones vs. Jeremy Stephens, Mario Bautista vs. Marlon Vera, Yana Santos vs. Miesha Tate, and Montel Jackson vs. Daniel Marcos, among others. The inclusion of Miller vs. Petrovic adds another layer of intrigue, as both fighters are eager to demonstrate their skills and resilience.

For Juliana Miller, this fight is about regaining her footing in the UFC after a series of setbacks. Her victory in ‘The Ultimate Fighter 30’ showcased her potential, but her recent performances have raised questions about her ability to compete at the highest level. A win against Petrovic would not only boost her confidence but also provide a much-needed momentum boost in her career.

Ivana Petrovic, meanwhile, is looking to establish herself as a formidable opponent in the flyweight division. Her experience as a titleholder in ARES FC is a testament to her skills, but translating that success to the UFC has proven challenging. A victory over Miller would be a significant step forward, demonstrating her ability to adapt and thrive in the UFC environment.

The matchup between Miller and Petrovic is not just about individual victories; it also reflects the broader dynamics of the women’s flyweight division. This division has seen significant growth and competition in recent years, with fighters like Valentina Shevchenko and Alexa Grasso dominating the headlines. For both Miller and Petrovic, success in this fight could open doors to more prominent matchups and potentially propel them into title contention.

The upcoming fight between Juliana Miller and Ivana Petrovic at UFC Des Moines is a pivotal moment for both fighters. As they look to overcome recent setbacks and assert their presence in the flyweight division, this matchup promises to be an exciting and closely watched contest. The event itself is set to deliver a thrilling night of MMA action, with a diverse range of fights that will captivate fans and set the stage for future showdowns in the UFC.