Vitor Petrino is on the brink of something big. He’s got a shot at proving himself this Saturday at UFC 301, and it’s not going to be easy. He’s up against Anthony Smith in a light heavyweight clash that could really shake up the rankings. Especially if Petrino pulls off a win. And not just any win, but a decisive one. That could catapult him straight into the Top 10.
Now, let’s talk about the UFC. It’s the major league of MMA, where there’s no such thing as an easy fight. Petrino knows this all too well. He’s been climbing the ranks, facing tougher opponents each time. Yet, he keeps racking up those wins, impressively so.
Anthony Smith, with 56 fights under his belt, brings a wealth of experience to the cage. He’s a seasoned pro, with titles from Cage Fury Fighting Championships and Victory Fighting Championship to his name. Smith’s record? Thirty-four finishes, including 14 by submission and 20 by knockout or technical knockout. But, he’s hit a rough patch recently, losing three of his last four fights.
Petrino, on the other hand, can’t wait to face Smith. He respects Smith’s legacy in the UFC, acknowledging the caliber of fighters Smith has faced. Yet, Petrino is confident. He’s gearing up to be Smith’s most aggressive opponent yet, ready to knock him out or submit him at any moment. Petrino is all about putting on a show.
Since joining the UFC roster in September 2022, Petrino has been on a tear. He’s notched wins against Rodolfo Bellato, Anton Turkalj, Marcin Prachnio, Modestas Bukauskas, and Tyson Pedro, maintaining an unbeaten record. These victories have only fueled his competitive spirit, pushing him to hone his skills further under the guidance of Cristiano Marcello at CM System gym.
Petrino’s approach to training? It’s all about constant improvement. He doesn’t focus on any one opponent but rather on elevating his game across the board. Whether it’s muay thai, jiu-jitsu, or wrestling, Petrino is always looking to evolve.
His last outing at UFC Fight Night 238 saw him secure a unanimous decision over Tyson Pedro. Petrino dominated, executing three takedowns and controlling the fight, which the judges recognized with scores of 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28.
For Petrino, it’s all going according to plan. He’s putting in the work, showing his evolution fight after fight. His goal? To face the best in the world and climb to the top of the UFC. Being part of the world’s premier MMA promotion only adds to his drive to showcase his skills and ambition.