Vitor Petrino predicts heavyweight division will become UFC's "golden division" again
The Brazilian believes a new generation of athletic heavyweights could make the division more competitive than ever.
Vitor Petrino entered a new chapter of his UFC career after moving up to the heavyweight division last year. Currently riding a three-fight winning streak in the new weight class, the Brazilian is also keeping an eye on the bigger picture. Ahead of his fight against Serghei Spivac at UFC Sacramento on Saturday, Petrino believes the heavyweight division is entering a new era and could once again become the UFC's "golden division."
Vitor Petrino Sees New Era at Heavyweight
With Jon Jones' retirement, Tom Aspinall's rise to undisputed champion and a new generation of fighters emerging, the UFC's heavyweight division appears to be entering a transitional phase. Petrino believes, however, that this is simply part of a cycle that every division eventually goes through, with established stars giving way to veterans and, eventually, a new generation that pushes the sport forward. Speaking to Ag Fight, the Brazilian explained his view of the division's current moment.
"I think heavyweight has everything it needs to become the UFC's golden division again," Petrino began. "Everything is cyclical. Every division has these moments when its stars emerge, then you have fighters coming up and veterans who didn't get as much recognition but, because they've spent so much time in the UFC, become more prominent, and then a new generation comes along. I believe heavyweight is adapting, and the sport is becoming increasingly competitive and professional."
Athletic Heavyweights Changing the Division
One of the biggest changes Petrino sees in the current heavyweight landscape is the emergence of more athletic fighters. Rather than relying solely on their power, the Brazilian believes the new generation combines size with speed and agility, making the division increasingly difficult to navigate.
"We're seeing more and more athletic heavyweights, guys who aren't just looking for one big punch," Petrino said. "I think this new phase of the division, with these athletic heavyweights, is going to be a major problem for all the athletes. They're big, agile and fast."
On Saturday, Petrino will have a chance to extend his winning streak at heavyweight and position himself among the division's top contenders. A fourth consecutive victory in the weight class would strengthen his case as one of the fighters representing the new generation he believes can reshape the UFC's heavyweight landscape.
