Yaozong Hu vs Andre Petroski Odds, Preview and Prediction, October 30 (10/30): UFC

Credit: photo by Clayton Freeman/Florida Times-Union via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Odds

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Preview

The Middleweight division features a pair of inexperienced fighters, as Yaozong ‘Totoro’ Hu and Andre Petroski clash. There is a lot of unknown for Hu coming into this fight. Not only has Hu been inactive for nearly three years, but he is dropping two weight classes to fight at 185 pounds for the first time. With only five professional bouts, it’s a little curious how Hu was given a third chance to fight inside the octagon. Meanwhile, Petroski returns two months after winning his UFC debut against Michael Gillmore. A fight where Petroski used takedowns and ground-and-pound to stop Gillmore in the third round.

Prediction

If I were to dissect this fight, it begins with the notion if Yaozong Hu is truly UFC caliber. I think not. For one, Yaozong was signed after winning his first three fights against cans on the regional scene. With the UFC looking to expand in China, local talent was sought to fill out their card in Shanghai. Yaozong was fortunate to get the call, but clearly, it was too soon for the young fighter. Given the UFC has five hundred fighters or so on the roster, it’s really surprising that Hu remained on the roster after two consecutive losses and nearly three years of inactivity. Regardless, he will get his chance against Andre Petroski. A wrestler who looks to get the fight to the ground where he can implement his powerful ground-and-pound.

As for a prediction, I have Petroski. There are too many red flags surrounding Hu in his return to the octagon. While he may have size at Middleweight, that won’t aid him past the obvious skill gap. In Hu’s first UFC fight, he was taken down on all four takedown attempts and eventually submitted. Petroski's path to victory will be no different, except he wins this fight via TKO.

PICK: Andre Petroski (-230)

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