Vitor Petrino

Early Life & Martial Arts Foundation
Vitor Petrino Malaquias Salvo was born on August 28, 1997, in Santa Luzia, Minas Gerais, Brazil. He began martial arts at age 13, training in sanda and Chinese boxing before transitioning to MMA at 18. Alongside training, he studied physical education and worked various jobs—sales, mechanical assistant, and warehouse labor—to support his fighting dreams. Petrino carries the nickname “Icão” and fights out of CM System. He stands 6′2″ with a 77.5″ reach and uses an orthodox stance.

Amateur & Early Pro Career
Petrino debuted professionally in May 2019, quickly impressing with a blistering 25-second KO in his first bout. Over the next two years, he built an undefeated record in regional promotions, amassing wins via KO/TKO, submission, and decision. This strong start earned him an invitation to Dana White’s Contender Series.

Contender Series & UFC Contract
On September 6, 2022, Petrino faced Rodolfo Bellato on Dana White’s Contender Series. He secured a second-round knockout victory—his second win over Bellato—and was awarded a UFC contract for his performance.

UFC Debut & Rise
Petrino made his UFC debut on March 11, 2023, against Anton Turkalj, winning by unanimous decision and earning Fight of the Night honors. He followed this with a third-round submission of Marcin Prachnio at UFC 290 in July 2023, showcasing his grappling chops. In November 2023, he delivered a spectacular check-hook KO of Modestas Bukauskas, earning Performance of the Night.

2024 & Setbacks
In March 2024, Petrino extended his undefeated UFC run to 4–0 by defeating Tyson Pedro via unanimous decision. However, his ascent hit a rough patch: he lost via first-round guillotine choke to veteran Anthony Smith at UFC 301 in May, and then dropped a third-round KO to Dustin Jacoby in December 2024.

Move to Heavyweight & Upcoming Bout
In July 2025, Petrino announced a move to heavyweight to avoid strenuous weight cuts. He’s scheduled to face former NFL player Austen Lane in the main event of UFC on ESPN 70 on July 12, 2025, in Nashville—marking his heavyweight debut.

Fighting Style & Attributes
Petrino blends powerful striking (7 KOs) with a dangerous submission game (1 submission win). He brings athleticism, technical proficiency, and composure. His 77.5″ reach and stability provide a solid foundation for distance control and counter striking, while his sanda and boxing background fortify his takedown defense.

Personality & Team Environment
Known for his calm demeanor and disciplined approach, Petrino stays focused both inside and outside the Octagon. Managed by Derek Brunson and training with CM System, he maintains a professional attitude and strong work ethic. His moniker, “Mineiro brabo e bão de porrada,” reflects his Brazilian roots and striking prowess.

Career Highlights

• Fight of the Night (UFC debut): Earned bonus honors with a unanimous decision win over Anton Turkalj in March 2023.

• Performance of the Night: Delivered a stunning KO via check hook against Modestas Bukauskas in November 2023.

• Multi-discipline wins in UFC: Showed versatility with victories via decision, submission (arm-triangle choke), and KO in his first four UFC bouts.

Summary
Vitor “Icão” Petrino emerged from a traditional martial arts upbringing to dominate Brazil’s regional scene and quickly make an impact in the UFC. With a blend of striking, grappling, and fight IQ, he has already collected impressive bonuses and victories across methods. Now stepping into the heavyweight division, he enters a new chapter with a debut fight against Austen Lane on July 12, 2025—an opportunity to further showcase his skills and resilience.