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Our betting prediction and pick coverage of UFC Atlanta continues to roll in the Middleweight (185) Division. Xtreme Couture product Edmen Shahbazyan will take on Renzo Gracie Philly's own Andre Petroski as both men look to keep their current momentum going. Check the UFC odds series for our Shahbazyan-Petroski prediction and pick.
Edmen Shahbazyan (14-5) comes into this bout with a 7-5 record in the UFC since 2018. He's alternated wins and losses over his last five fights with a 3-2 record, but most recently earned a performance bonus with a knockout in his most recent bout. He'll hope to notch back-to-back wins for the first time since 2019. Shahbazyan stands 6-foot-2 with a 74-inch reach.
Andre Petroski (13-3) is 8-2 through his UFC run since 2021. Notching a five-fight winning streak upon his entry to the promotion, Petroski dropped two quick bouts in lackluster fashion. He's since won three-straight and is looking to mount another impressive run into the rankings. He stands six feet tall with a 63-inch reach.
Here are the UFC Atlanta Odds, courtesy of DraftKings.
UFC Atlanta Odds: Edmen Shahbazyan-Andre Petroski Odds
Edmen Shahbazyan: -180
Andre Petroski: +150
Over 1.5 rounds: -140
Under 1.5 rounds: +110
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Why Edmen Shahbazyan Will Win
- Last Fight: (W) Dylan Budka – KO (right hook, R1)
- Last 5: 3-2
- Finishes: 12 KO/TKO, 1 SUB
Edmen Shahbazyan was perfect in his last fight as it only took him 90 seconds to find the chin of Budka in his last fight and walk away with the win. While he face a now 7-4 opponent and will have a much tougher challenge in Petroski, he looked extremely sharp during the performance and it will bode well for his confidence ahead of this one.
Shahbazyan stands a chance to be successful in this fight if he's able to extend his opponent and drag this fight into the later rounds. Petroski has had questionable cardio in the past. Combine that with Shahbazyan's tendency to start fast and pick back up during the third round, and we could have a situation where he changes the tide of the fight later on.
Still, defense will have to be his first priority as Petroski is dangerous from just about everywhere. Shahbazyan should look to play it safe until he's certain he can land some shots. His knees to the body and in the clinch will be a big focal point throughout this fight.
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Why Andre Petroski Will Win
- Last Fight: (W) Rodolfo Vieira – U DEC
- Last 5: 2-3
- Finishes: 4 KO/TKO), 4 SUB
Andre Petroski has been very consistent during his time in the UFC, mounting two separate winning streaks of five and three fights up to this point. He'll be motivated at the though of cracking the top-15 rankings and he'll have an even bigger chip on his shoulder as the underdog. His training at Renzo Gracie's is top-notch and he's always been a massive submission threat each time he steps out.
With three of his losses coming by way of knockout, Petroski should certainly look to avoid an early brawl against Shahbazyan in the first round where his opponent is most dangerous. Petroski should look to instead work his trips along the fence and shoot for a deep takedown if he's able to. Shahbazyan does have a submission loss, but his control grappling and top pressure could be more effective in a three-round environment.
Petroski will also have a big power advantage during this fight, but he's more of a lopping puncher opposite of the straight shots from Shahbazyan. He'll need to mix things up and be more fluid if he wants the win.
Final Edmen Shahbazyan-andre Petroski Prediction & Pick
Edmen Shahbazyan and Andre Petroski makes for a great stylistic matchup between two fighters who are willing to trade shots in the pocket. Shahbazyan looked extremely sharp during his last fight, but he hasn't been able to string back-to-back wins since 2019. We'll need to see a serious change if he wants to avoid slipping into old habits.
Andre Petroski, on the other hand, has been streaking for most of his UFC tenure and his ability to stay in a fight remains apparent until the final bell. He'll be a live dog throughout this fight, especially if he's able to make it into the third round with some gas left in his tank.
Shahbazyan wins this fight if he's able to land effectively in the first round and put Petroski on the ropes. However, if Petroski manages to pin Shahbazyan and control this fight on the ground, he'll stand to win in a decision situation. This fight may be a bit too close to call on the side, so we'll instead take the over as we should see them feel things out during the first round.
Final Edmen Shahbazyan-Andre Petroski Prediction & Pick: OVER 1.5 Rounds (-140)
