One of a planned three heavyweight fights at UFC Rio (though Usman vs. Walker wound up cancelled) saw Vitor Petrino take on Thomas Petersen.
Petrino had started his UFC run at 205 pounds, but after back-to-back losses, moved to heavyweight in his last outing, defeating Austen Lane in his debut in the weight class. Petersen was 2-2 under the UFC banner, and coming off a win over Don’Tale Mayes.
Vitor Petrino took the fight to the fence early, tying up and controlling Petersen in the clinch. Petersen would eventually reverse, pursue a single leg, and go after the takedown, with Petrino showing some impressive balance. Petersen put on a body lock, and fired some knees to the back of the thigh.
With just over 90 seconds, however, Petrino broke free and clipped Petersen, sending him to the mat. He went after the American, knocking out his mouthpiece, but Petersen managed to survive.
Petrino grabbed a leg early in round two, looking for a takedown and forcing Petersen to the fence. Petersen fought it off for a bit, but would be dragged down eventually. Still, he’d work his way back up and was facing off with Petrino to end the round.
Petersen wound up taking a nap in round three, with the fight taking a massive turn early in the round. Petersen ducked his head down just as Petrino unleashed an uppercut, leading with an uppercut and trailing with a left hook. Both punches connected, snapping Petersen’s head from one side to the other and face-planting him. A violent end to his night, and a big win for Petrino who is now 2-0 as a heavyweight.
Official Result: Vitor Petrino def. Thomas Petersen by KO, Round 3, 0:26
