Hard-hitting heavyweights collide on Saturday night, as Serghei Spivac faces Vitor Petrino in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night: Hernandez vs. Rodrigues in Sacramento.
Spivac (18–6, 9–6 UFC) has dropped three of his last five fights but notched a unanimous decision victory over Ante Delija in February. Petrino (14–2, 7–2 UFC) is off to a 3–0 start at heavyweight, punctuated by a unanimous decision win over Steven Asplund in March.
Petrino enters as a -148 moneyline favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook. Spivac is a +124 underdog, with the fight total set at O/U 1.5 rounds.
Spivac vs. Petrino Preview
Serghei Spivac (#6)
- 18–6 (9–6 UFC)
- 7–4 (T)KO
- 8–0 SUB
Currently the No. 6 heavyweight in the world, Serghei Spivac is seemingly a couple of good wins away from entering the title conversation. But consistency has been a constant struggle for the “Polar Bear,” who has dropped three of his last five bouts — two by stoppage — heading into Saturday night.
Granted, the Moldovan contender’s losses have come against elite competition; his last four defeats have come at the hands of champion Tom Aspinall, ex-titleholder Ciryl Gane, Jailton Almeida, and Waldo Cortes Acosta. At 31, he remains a formidable power threat with a smothering ground game, though his own takedown defense is fairly shoddy. His Octagon experience and fight IQ make him a difficult test for any competitor, and the veteran will aim to reinforce that notion in Sacramento.
Vitor Petrino
- 14–2 (7–2 UFC)
- 8–1 (T)KO
- 2–1 SUB
Sometimes a change in scenery can make all the difference — or, in Vitor Petrino’s case, a shift in weight class. The 28-year-old Brazilian has looked right at home since bulking up to heavyweight, going 3-for-3 with two stoppages.
Still, the Dana White’s Contender Series graduate looks to prove himself against the division’s upper echelon. He’s got the tools to do so: polished striking, big power, and a strong grappling game with sound takedown defense. Even with a vulnerable chin, Petrino’s rare combination of speed and explosiveness at this weight makes him a formidable challenge for anyone standing in his way.
Spivac vs. Petrino Pick, Best Bet
Vitor Petrino has hit the ground running since his heavyweight debut, and he should keep the momentum rolling Saturday night against Serghei Spivac. While the Moldovan holds a clear edge in Octagon experience, his Brazilian opponent brings a superior stand-up game and strong enough defensive grappling to withstand takedown attempts. Petrino should test Spivac’s compromised chin — four of his six pro losses have come by knockout or TKO — and leave Sacramento with his fourth straight win.
