Not even the change of opponent shook his confidence. Victor Petrino protocols for ufc vegas 114, scheduled for next Saturday (14). The heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg) was initially scheduled to face Kennedy NzechukwuBut the Nigerian ended up withdrawing from the fight. In his place, the Brazilian will face Steven Asplund. Despite the change, Petrino assures that the fight plan remains the same and maintains the expectation of achieving a quick victory, preferably one that also yields a performance bonus.
In an exclusive interview with SUPER LUTAS, the fighter from Minas Gerais revealed that he received the offer to face Nzechukwu right after his last fight, but the change to Asplund didn't significantly impact his preparation. According to him, the switch was taken naturally, since the main objective is to remain active in the octagon and accumulate as many fights as possible throughout the season. Petrino also explained that he usually leaves all the negotiation aspects in the hands of his manager.
“I received this offer to fight Kennedy, then I don’t know what happened, because he withdrew from the fight, and Steven Asplund came in to complete the card. (The change) was very smooth. I’m a guy who wants to fight, likes to fight, so the more fights I can do during the year, the better for me… Actually, I don’t even know how the negotiation worked, because I don’t like to choose my opponent. So I let my manager handle it, in the end, only the contract reaches me,” he said. Victor Petrino.
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The Brazilian also emphasized that his focus in training is more linked to personal development than to the specific study of a rival. In constant pursuit of improving his technical level and physical conditioning, Petrino stated that he only makes small strategic adjustments according to the opponent's style. For him, this adaptation ends up being simpler in the heavyweight division, since many athletes in the category have similar characteristics and prioritize striking.
“I train for my evolution. I'm a guy who constantly seeks more knowledge, to improve my technical level, to push my stamina. So, regardless of the opponent, I always strive for that during my training. Of course, we adjust some things according to the opponent's style to better fit the game, right? To play a smarter game. But it was quite easy, because the heavyweights today are very, very similar in their style of play. They're guys who don't seek grappling as much, they don't seek striking as much, they're more strikers. So, in the end, the adjustments were minimal, really,” explained the heavyweight.
Vitor Petrino explains his strategy to defeat Steven Asplund and promises to adapt inside the octagon at UFC Vegas 114.
Petrino celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC
Regarding his strategy inside the octagon, the fighter from Minas Gerais emphasized that he tries to be prepared for any scenario. Although he enjoys open fights on his feet, Petrino states that he analyzes the unfolding of the fight to decide the best course of action. If he perceives an advantage on the ground, he doesn't hesitate to... take the duel to the grappling courtIf superiority emerges in the striking exchanges, the tendency is to keep the fight standing. From the fighter's perspective, the confrontation unfolds dynamically, requiring the ability to adapt at every moment.
“I prepare myself for every situation. I’m a guy who likes this kind of open exchange, I like to test myself. But I also know where I can best take the fight, manage it. If I feel that’s the best way, if I’m excelling on the ground, I take it to the ground; if I see that I’m excelling standing up in the striking exchanges, I maintain that striking game. So, the fight is like a dance. Everything will depend on how the fight unfolds,” continued the fighter from Minas Gerais.
Vitor Petrino projects a victory by knockout or submission and aims for a performance bonus at UFC Vegas 114.
Victor Petrino in victory in UFC Nashville (Photo: Twitter/UFC News)
Confident, Petrino projects a resounding outcome for next Saturday's duel. The Brazilian believes he can win by knockout or submission and emphasizes that he always enters the octagon looking to deliver a spectacle for the audience. In addition to the victory, the fighter from Minas Gerais also aims for a performance bonus, an award that, according to him, would be a dream come true if he took home the US$100 (approximately R$500) offered by the organization.
"Definitely, either knockout or submission. I don't go into a fight for less than 100%. To deliver this show for the fans and definitely secure the bonus. Taking home 100 dollars is the dream," he concluded. Victor Petrino.
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