Former obese man confesses admiration for Vitor Petrino's physique, but seeks revenge in the UFC: 'I could be a model'

Asplund celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Zuffa LLC

MMA sensation Steven Asplund has a rather peculiar life story, and that's precisely why he's become one of the highlights of... ufc vegas 114. At this Saturday’s event (14), the American will face Victor Petrino, in a fight that should place the winner in the top 15 of the heavyweight division (up to 120,2 kg). As the match is a clash of opposites, the athlete opened up about what he thinks of the Brazilian and surprised everyone.

During the show's 'media day', Asplund treated the fight against Petrino as a kind of 'Beauty vs. the Beast', expressing his amazement at his physique and praising him. And the American's admiration is understandable. Being a former obese fighter, 'Concrete' has excess skin on his body, while the Brazilian, having moved from light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) to heavyweight, appears stronger than ever.

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However, anyone who thinks the likeable Asplund is taking the fight lightly is mistaken. On the contrary, the American is taking his second UFC fight seriously, as it's a personal vendetta. This is all because Petrino delivered a brutal knockout to... Thomas PetersenHaving witnessed one of his best friends suffer, the striking specialist revealed that he dreams of taking justice into his own hands.

“There’s a bit of rivalry involved. As soon as I heard Vitor’s name, I thought, ‘Sure! Give me that fight.’ So, I’m excited. It’s not exactly a rivalry, but there’s history. He beat my brother. I think Tom was winning, and seeing Vitor take a punch to the chin in that fight, I definitely could have knocked him out. I’m excited to do what I know how to do.”, said the fighter.

“He’s a monster. Why is he fighting? He could be a model. What the hell is this? This guy looks like The Rock. It’s like a battle between the worst physique and the best physique in the category. I’m excited to represent the fat guys. I don’t think muscles win fights. If he doesn’t knock me out in the first round, he’ll have a hard time dealing with me after that. But Vitor is a specimen and a great fighter.”

“I’m excited to put myself to the test. I don’t want to be an idiot, but it’s about family. Tom is like an older brother and has always encouraged me. It was hard to watch that. It’s not like I hate Vitor. This is a sport and there’s sportsmanship, it’s all 100% love until we step into the octagon. There’s no animosity, but the second the door closes, it’ll just be me and him. Let’s go!”, he concluded.

Asplund's Fighters in MMA

Steven Asplund, 27, is a promising MMA fighter seeking a place in the UFC heavyweight division. The American began his career in the sport in 2023, was revealed by the Contender Series program in 2025, and debuted in the organization that same year. In MMA, he has built a record of seven wins, six by knockout, and one loss.