Victor Petrino returns to the octagon on July 12. (Photo: Reproduction/Instagram)
Determined to return to winning ways, amidst the negative phase in the UFC, Victor Petrino expresses nothing but confidence and tranquility about his next steps. With a renewed contract and heading to the heavyweight category (up to 120,2 kg), the fighter did not hesitate to comment on the delicate moments he has experienced recently.
In an exclusive interview to SUPER FIGHTS, the representative of CM System MMA spoke about the loss of his undefeated record in Rio de Janeiro, when he faced Anthony Smith and ended up being finished by the veteran. Sincere, Petrino said he had a clear conscience about the episode and highlighted problems that interfered with the 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 in the UFC 301, Petrino admitted that he tried to force it to see what was actually getting in the way.
“We always insist to see if the cut was really getting in the way. My last cut against dustin jacoby, then I realized that it was no longer possible, my body would not 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 felt pain and sensitivity and I was not performing well in the fight.”
Victor Petrino is surprised by knockout in 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 was very well done, very good, like I have done, I performed well despite everything, despite the defeats. I was winning the three rounds (against Jacoby), Anthony Smith He didn't punch me, it was a fatality, everything blew up. I'm a guy who always gave everything in there, I always performed well, not only technically, but physically. I think I left something to be desired in terms of victories, but the UFC is professional and sees the whole context behind it.”
“There was still one fight left in the 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 do what I say I’m going to do and I know the UFC likes this style (…) I don’t want to fight safely and win on points, I’m going there to knock out. Like Max Holloway against Justin gaethje, who with 10 seconds left called us to the middle of the octagon, but we want to make history at the event and I think the UFC recognizes that”
Victor Petrino renewed contract with UFC in 2025. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @vitorpetrino
Next stop: Austen Lane
Scheduled to face the American on July 12, at UFC Nashville, Vitor expressed confidence in facing his opponent, who in his opinion, has no expertise in any area of MMA.
"austen lane He is a guy who didn’t start out in any martial art. In the United States, people train when they’re younger, in high school and everything, but he was from another sport (American football) and moved to MMA. He arrived training in everything related to MMA. As a modern athlete, he is a very good guy. He can take people down, take them down, work on the ground, but he is not an expert in anything. I believe in my technical quality and physical strength more than his. I respect him a lot, but I will be much better than him in this fight. It will 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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