Determined to return to winning ways amidst a negative phase in the UFC, Vitor Petrino expresses nothing but confidence and tranquility about his next steps. With his contract renewed and heading towards heavyweight (up to 120,2kg), the fighter did not hesitate to comment on the delicate moments he has recently experienced.
In an exclusive interview with SUPER LUTAS , the CM System MMA representative spoke about losing his undefeated record in Rio de Janeiro, when he faced Anthony Smith and ended up being submitted by the veteran. Frankly, Petrino stated he has a clear conscience about the episode and highlighted problems that interfered with his performance.
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“We have to understand that it’s the game. I have a clear conscience because I really trained a lot, invested a lot, focused on my game. In reality, my body couldn’t handle it, in the middle of the fight my body started to fall apart and it was all a consequence of overtraining, cutting weight and everything else (…) everyone saw that I started with absurd pressure, he was cornered, but my knee burst there, when I lifted him, my knee rolled. So it was a series of things that happened. I was sad, but I understood that my body couldn’t handle it anymore.”
Weight problems
Known for his large physique, Petrino revealed the battle he faced throughout his career to reach the weight limit of 93kg. Much heavier in his daily life, the fighter highlighted the need to cut more than 20kg to fight.
“When I arrived in good shape, I weighed 105 kg. I had already been cut quite heavily. As a heavyweight, my average weight is now 117, 118 kg, even when I was slightly down to keep myself light. I had to lose every time I was going to fight over 20 kg.”
Why did you insist after defeat to A. Smith?
Asked why he insisted on staying in the light heavyweight division after complications at UFC 301 , Petrino admitted that he tried to push himself to see what was actually hindering him.
“We always insist on seeing if the cut was really hindering me. My last cut against Dustin Jacoby , that's when I realized it wasn't working anymore, my body wouldn't even accept rehydration. I usually fight at 108kg and when I weighed 104kg I was already having trouble recovering (more weight). My elbow and knee started to dry out a lot, I had pain and sensitivity and I wasn't performing well in the fight.”
Vitor Petrino is surprised by a knockout at UFC Tampa . Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC
(Un)expected contract renewal
Despite having lost two consecutive fights in his last three fights, Petrino had his contract renewed last week. Without showing any surprise at the fact, the fighter highlighted his quality and violence, which are in line with what is expected of the UFC.
“I was very calm. When you do a job that you believe has been very well done, very good, like I have been doing, performing well despite everything, despite the defeats. I was winning all three rounds (against Jacoby), Anthony Smith didn't land a single punch, it was a fluke, everything fell apart. I'm a guy who always gave everything in there, always performed well, not only technically, but physically. I think I fell short in terms of wins, but the UFC is professional and sees the whole context behind it.”
“I still had one fight left on my contract, we didn’t know how it was going to go, because things get a little more delicate, everyone with two wins and me with two losses, I knew I couldn’t make a mistake, but I live up to what I say, I’ll deliver, and I know the UFC likes that style (…) I don’t want to fight safely and win by points, I’m going there to knock them out. Like Max Holloway against Justin Gaethje , who with 10 seconds left called for a knockout, but we want to make history in the event and I think the UFC recognizes that.”
Vitor Petrino renewed his contract with the UFC until 2025. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @vitorpetrino
Next stop: Austen Lane
Scheduled to face the American on July 12th at UFC Nashville , Vitor expressed confidence in facing his opponent, who in his opinion, has no specialty in any area of MMA.
“ Austen Lane is a guy who didn't start in any martial art. In the United States, people train when they're younger, in high school, and all that, but he came from another sport (American football) and migrated to MMA, already training everything related to MMA. As a modern athlete, he's a very good guy, he takes down, he goes for takedowns, he works on the ground, but he's not a specialist in anything. I have much more faith in my technical quality and physical strength than in his. I respect him a lot, but I'm going to be much better than him in this fight; it's going to be a better fight for me than for him.”
Message to Brazilians
Finally, the new heavyweight prospect sent a message to Brazilians who avoid supporting athletes during delicate phases in their careers.
“Be more patriotic, be fans of your fighters, regardless of victory or defeat. We are challenging the entire world to represent Brazil. No one wants to get beaten up, everyone wants to win, but above all, to represent Brazil and be an example for Brazilians, for their community, where they were born. We do all this with an open heart to motivate someone and not the other way around. People say it’s for money. Money is the last thing we see in sports. I fought for 14 years to make money in the last two years of my career. One thing doesn’t make up for the other. We are there for a greater purpose.”
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