Vitor Petrino


Vitor Petrino Malaquias Salvo is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Background

Born in Santa Luzia, Minas Gerais, Petrino began his martial arts journey at the age of 13. The first disciplines he devoted himself to were sanda and Chinese boxing, and it was at the age of 18 that he entered the world of amateur MMA.
Petrino worked hard outside the realm of fighting to study and dedicate himself to training. While studying Physical Education, he worked as a salesman, mechanic's assistant, and also worked in a warehouse company.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Petrino made his professional MMA debut facing Rodolfo Bellato at Max Fight 22 in 2019. Petrino won by knockout in 25 seconds. After that fight, he achieved five more victories, including four more knockouts.

Dana White's Contender Series

On September 6, 2022, Petrino faced Rodolfo Bellato for the second time in his career, for a UFC contract in Dana White's Contender Series: Season 6, Week 7. Petrino won the contract by defeating Bellato via knockout in the second round.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Petrino was expected to debut in the UFC on December 17, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 216, facing Tafon Nchukwi. However, Nchukwi withdrew from the fight for unknown reasons.
Petrino made his promotional debut on March 11, 2023, facing Anton Turkalj at UFC Fight Night 221. Petrino won the fight by unanimous decision. This bout earned him his first Fight of the Night award.
Petrino faced Marcin Prachnio on July 8, 2023, at UFC 290. He won the fight by submission in the third round.
Petrino faced Modestas Bukauskas on November 4, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 231. He won the fight by KO in the second round. This bout earned him his first Performance of the Night award.
Petrino faced Tyson Pedro on March 2, 2024, at UFC Fight Night 238. He won the fight by unanimous decision. 
Petrino faced Anthony Smith on May 4, 2024, at UFC 301. He lost the fight by submission in the first round.
Petrino faced Dustin Jacoby on December 14, 2024 at UFC on ESPN 63. He lost the fight by knockout via a straight, right punch in the third round.
Petrino was scheduled to face Jhonata Diniz on March 8, 2025, at UFC 313. However, Petrino was forced to withdraw from the fight due to lateral epicondylitis in both elbows.
Petrino made his heavyweight debut against Austen Lane on July 12, 2025, at UFC on ESPN 70. He won the fight via a rear-naked choke submission in the first round.
Petrino faced Thomas Petersen on October 11, 2025, at UFC Fight Night 261. He won the fight by knockout in the third round. This fight earned him another Performance of the Night award.
Petrino was scheduled to face Kennedy Nzechukwu on March 14, 2026 at UFC Fight Night 269. However, Nzechukwu withdrew for undisclosed reasons and was replaced by Steven Asplund.

Championships and accomplishments