Victor Petrino debut in the heavyweight division (up to 120,2 kg) this Saturday (12), at UFC Nashville. The Brazilian measures forces with austen lane on the main card of the event at the Bridgestone Arena, scheduled to begin at 19 p.m. (Brasília time). In an exclusive interview with SUPER FIGHTS, the fighter spoke about the strategy of entering the new category, the difficulties he faced among the light heavyweights (up to 93 kg) and the plans within the Ultimate.
See too
Petrino was scheduled to fight another Brazilian heavyweight, Jonatha Diniz, in March of this year. However, the fight fell through. "Cabuloso" struggled with injuries and said his team invested in care to ensure the athlete entered the new weight class at full strength.
"There are always injuries. Especially when I was in the 93kg division. Not only injuries from training, but also from a very strict diet I was on. Even from dehydration. I was very dehydrated in my last fight, so that's why I had some problems, which were caused by that. At heavyweight, I managed to finish everyone," he said. Victor Petrino ao SUPER FIGHTS.
"I had just finished fighting in the 93-kilogram division, where I'd been dealing with a lot of injuries, not only from my training camp but also from my weight cut. After the fight, I went to Minas Gerais for a break, but they'd already scheduled the fight (against Jonatha Diniz). When I returned to training, my body really couldn't handle it. My team decided to pull me out of the fight, resolve the injury issues, and move up to heavyweight with quality," Petrino explained.
Confidence up high
Despite facing a division with bigger fighters and having suffered injuries that required him to take time off, Victor Petrino is confident. The Brazilian is coming off two defeats to Anthony Smith e dustin jacoby.The first two setbacks of his professional career and, at the same time, his last two fights in the light heavyweight division. Despite this, the Minas Gerais fighter is optimistic, and not having to face the pain of cutting weight is one of the reasons.
"I've always been very confident. I've always been very happy to fight. But there's always some limitation, something. It's been a long time since I went into a fight without an injury. Of course, there's always some training injury or something else, but nothing serious, you know? Especially because I don't have to worry so much about cutting weight. Today, I can eat well, sleep well, supplement, and if I need to take any medication, I take it without fear of losing weight. So all of this contributes to a great performance during the fight," said the Brazilian.
Next opponent: Austen Lane
Ahead, Victor Petrino will have the former American football player austen laneAt 37, the American has 20 fights on his record. Lane has won 13, lost six, and has one no-contest. He's only been victorious once in his last five fights. Even so, "Cabuloso" preaches respect but exudes optimism.
"austen lane He's a very tough guy. He's a guy who's proven himself time and time again in the UFC, despite facing some setbacks. And he's a guy who, even to get into the UFC, was champion of several events. So he's a guy who gives a lot in all his fights. A guy who always goes in with a goal. Regarding our fight, I'm much more confident in my game. I know I'm a much more complete guy, younger, more athletic. Stronger. So, as tough as he is, I believe this is my moment in the division," he said. Victor Petrino.
Petrino is 10 years younger than his opponent. Austen's extra decade of life could be a factor against the American, in Vitor's opinion.
"There comes a time when it starts to take its toll. Not just because of age itself, but because of the number of fights an athlete has had. The body craves rest. Even though heavyweights live longer, it's precisely because they don't have to cut weight and can eat well," the Brazilian analyzed.
Petrino's plan at heavyweight
Victor Petrino moved up to the UFC heavyweight division. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Asked about his plans in the most noble division of MMA, Victor Petrino He's cautious. He wants to deliver good fights now, but he's in no rush to climb the rankings in a division with few notable names currently.
"You can expect a guy to become increasingly aggressive, with more desire, more eager, wanting to win more and more, but this time in 'prime mode,' with maximum strength, maximum energy, able to eat the best food, supplement the best, and sleep well. This counts for a lot in high performance. Something I was no longer able to do at 93 kilos due to the weight cut. I was losing 15 kilos a week, not counting the diet I was following before," said Petrino.
"I know there are few athletes in the category, but I know my quality, I know the UFC will test me a few times there, but I'm willing to face the best and get closer and closer to my place in the sun, closer to the belt. (...) When I want something, I go after it at all costs. So for lack of will, it certainly won't happen," assured the new heavyweight.
You need login To comment.