Vitor Petrino's coach predicts a finish against Valter Walker
Cristiano Marcello believes the Brazilian heavyweight can finish Valter Walker either on the feet or on the ground.
Vitor Petrino's coach believes the Brazilian has what it takes to finish Valter Walker. Cristiano Marcello expects Petrino to score either a knockout or a submission against Walker, who has repeatedly called out his fellow heavyweight in recent months.
Petrino and Walker have been trading barbs for some time, engaging in trash talk and callouts. Recently, Walker has escalated the rivalry by dismissing Petrino as one of the easiest opponents he could face. However, despite the heated rivalry between the Brazilian heavyweights, the UFC has yet to book the matchup.
Cristiano Marcello Predicts Knockout or Submission
Petrino has found his good form again after moving up to the heavyweight division in July 2025. The Brazilian is coming off four consecutive victories and is currently sitting at No. 9 in the division. Like Petrino, Walker is also on an impressive run, having submitted his last five opponents in the first round. "The Foot Hunter" is No. 11 in the heavyweight rankings.
Both fighters are riding winning streaks and have plenty of momentum behind them. If they eventually meet inside the Octagon, Marcello is confident his pupil will finish Walker.
"Vitor knocks him out or submits him," Marcello told PVT.
Petrino and Walker have different styles inside the Octagon. While Petrino is a more well-rounded fighter who relies on his aggressive striking, Walker is a submission specialist with a dangerous ground game.
For Marcello, Petrino can dominate Walker on the ground and on the feet. The coach believes his pupil has better striking and can also outwrestle Walker. In fact, Marcello is confident that Petrino could even submit The Foot Hunter, defeating him in his own specialty.
"I see Vitor knocking him out," Marcello said. "We've already seen what Walker is like on the feet, and I trust Vitor's ground game. I see Vitor submitting Walker, and Vitor is also better than him in wrestling. I see Vitor looking at Walker in the rearview mirror now. That's the truth."
Petrino and Walker have yet to be officially booked to face each other in the UFC. However, the rivalry between the two Brazilians has continued to grow as both fighters continue to call for the matchup.
