EXCLUSIVE: Vitor Petrino points out Poatan's advantage against Gane and explains what it's like to fight in the UFC heavyweight division.

Alex Poatan and Ciryl Gane will face each other at UFC Casa Branca . Photo: SUPER LUTAS montage

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Vitor Petrino believes Alex Poatan has a good chance of achieving a historic feat at UFC Casa Branca , scheduled for June 14th. The UFC recently announced that the Brazilian relinquished his light heavyweight title (up to 93 kg) to move up a weight class and compete for the interim heavyweight title (up to 120,2 kg) against Ciryl Gane at the historic event. For the fighter from Minas Gerais, who also transitioned to the heavier division, his compatriot's mission is challenging, but entirely possible.

In an interview with SUPER LUTAS, Petrino explained that the main difference between the weight classes lies in the fighting style. According to him, light heavyweight fighters tend to be more dynamic and athletic, capable of frequently alternating between striking and grappling. In contrast, the scenario changes in the heavyweight division, with larger, stronger fighters and fights that demand greater physical prowess.

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“Man, the biggest difference, I'd say, is more the style of the game. Because the 93 division was very dynamic. You face very athletic guys, right? Who hit, take down, defend takedowns, go for it. The heavyweight division is a different style. They're heavier, stronger guys. It's like you're hitting a wall. So, it all comes down to adaptation. In this category now, you work much more on strength, right? The issue of excelling in a way that allows you to physically impose yourself on your opponent,” said Vitor Petrino.

Vitor Petrino bets on Alex Poatan having an advantage in striking against Ciryl Gane.

Face-off between Ciryl Gane and Alex Poatan . Photo: Reproduction/YouTube/@aresfighting

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Despite these differences, Petrino believes Poatan has enough tools to do well in the new weight class. The fighter from Minas Gerais highlighted his compatriot's physique and stated that the fight against Ciryl Gane tends to be favorable in terms of style, since both prefer to fight standing up. According to him, the Frenchman isn't an athlete who heavily utilizes grappling or cage work, which could open up opportunities for striking, precisely the former GLORY champion's strong point.

“Man, I think he (Poatan) will do well. Especially because he's a big guy. He's really tall, in stature. And if he can adapt his game well to the heavyweight division, because the biggest difficulty is really feeling the power of the category. But since he's going to fight a guy who's also a striker, it's a good fight for him. He's a guy who doesn't work so much on that cage strength, that grappling strength. He's a guy who opts more for the stand-up fight, the striking. And Poatan is a guy who has tested himself many times. He was the Glory champion. So, I believe that, on paper, it's a very good fight for him,” explained the amazing fighter.

In addition to the technical analysis, Petrino also revealed his support for his compatriot's success. The heavyweight stated that he would like to see Poatan make history by winning a third belt in different weight classes in the UFC, an unprecedented feat that would also represent a landmark moment for Brazil in the sport.

“I’m rooting for him to win, to make history not only for himself, but for Brazil as well. For a guy to win his third belt in different weight classes is an unprecedented feat, right? So, when you see a Brazilian in that situation, we can’t help but be biased towards him,” concluded the heavyweight.

Vitor Petrino enters the fray at UFC Vegas 114.

Petrino celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

While Poatan has the chance to make history in the Ultimate, against Ciryl Gane . Vitor Petrino , on the other hand, fights to defend his position in the top 15 of the heavyweights. The Brazilian faces Steven Asplund on the main card of UFC Vegas 114, scheduled for next Saturday (14)

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