Vitor Petrino calls out Curtis Blaydes for December UFC fight
The Brazilian heavyweight wants to move up the UFC rankings by facing the No. 7 contender before the end of 2026.
Vitor Petrino has set his sights on Curtis Blaydes. The Brazilian heavyweight called out the American on social media and suggested they meet in December. Petrino is looking to continue climbing the UFC rankings after winning four straight fights since moving up from light heavyweight. The Brazilian is currently ranked No. 9 in the division.
Vitor Petrino Wants Curtis Blaydes Next
Riding a four-fight winning streak, Petrino wants to continue his climb in the heavyweight division and has chosen Blaydes as his next potential step up. The Brazilian challenged "Razor" in a post on X, arguing that the American is occupying the spot he wants in the heavyweight rankings. He also urged the veteran to make room for the new generation of heavyweights and proposed a fight before the end of the year.
"Hey Curtis Blaydes, I am thinking about moving forward in the UFC rankings and I think you might sit in my seat. With all the respect, I think it's time for you to step aside and let the new generation of heavyweights move forward. Let's make this happen in December?!" Petrino wrote.
Since moving up to heavyweight in 2025, the 29-year-old Brazilian has won all four of his UFC fights, defeating Austen Lane, Thomas Petersen, Steven Asplund and Serghei Spivac. His unanimous decision win over Spivac in August moved him into the UFC's top 10.
Blaydes, meanwhile, is coming off a unanimous decision win over Waldo Cortes-Acosta at Noche UFC 4 in September. The victory moved the veteran heavyweight back into the win column after his unanimous decision loss to Josh Hokit in April.
Petrino has also been challenged by Valter Walker, who has repeatedly called for a fight against the Brazilian. Walker has been pushing for the matchup as he looks to move up the heavyweight rankings, claiming that Petrino would be "one of the easiest fights" he could get. However, "Cabuloso" appears to have a different opponent in mind.
Despite Walker's calls for a fight, Petrino is now targeting a higher-ranked opponent. A matchup with Blaydes would give the Brazilian an opportunity to make another significant jump in the heavyweight division.
