Vitor Petrino, undefeated and widely seen as perhaps the best light-heavyweight prospect in the UFC, took on former Cage Warriors champion Modestas Bukauskas at UFC Sao Paolo.
Petrino came into the fight with a 9-0 record, including two wins in the UFC and one on the Contender Series. He won those three fights by three different methods – TKO, decision, submission – showing his well-roundedness and bright potential at light-heavyweight. However, Modestas Bukauskas had already turned back one top prospect when he derailed Tyson Pedro in his return to the UFC last year. Since starting his second stint Bukauskas is 2-0 in 2023, making him arguably Petrino’s toughest test to date.
The fight was a well-paced striking battle for most of the first round. Vitor Petrino’s athleticism seemed to give him a slight edge and he was the party moving forward for the most part. With two minutes left Petrino attempted a takedown and landed it, into Bukauskas’ full guard. He controlled the Lithuanian for the rest of the round.
The second round began with some mouth guard shenanigans in the Bukauskas corner, but when the round got going he seemed to be doing well on the feet, landing a few good punches. However the tables turned instantly as a Petrino left hand came over the top and sent Bukauskas to his rear, where he saw stars.
The one hitter quitter from Vitor Petrino continued his rapid ascent in the UFC as he builds a solid highlight reel with a picture perfect knockout. A ranked contender seems likely to come in the near future.
Official Result: Vitor Petrino def. Modestas Bukauskas by knockout (Left hand), Round 2, 1:03
