Vitor Petrino Calls Out Curtis Blaydes for UFC 335 in Las Vegas
The No. 9 ranked heavyweight wants to close out 2026 against No. 7 Curtis Blaydes at UFC 335 on December 12 in Las Vegas.
Vitor Petrino is not interested in waiting around for a heavyweight title shot. The No. 9 ranked contender has publicly called out No. 7 Curtis Blaydes for a showdown at UFC 335 on December 12 in Las Vegas.
"Curtis, I'm waiting for you," Petrino said, per Sherdog. "I want to fight on December 12 in Las Vegas. Now it's up to you to accept the fight."
The Brazilian said he has already discussed the matchup with the UFC and is simply waiting for Blaydes to agree. Petrino expressed respect for the veteran's resume but made it clear he wants to take his ranking spot and keep climbing.
Petrino has earned the right to talk. Since moving to heavyweight, the 28-year-old has rattled off four consecutive victories over Austen Lane, Thomas Petersen, Steven Asplund, and Serghei Spivac. He has looked like a natural at the weight, and a win over a proven gatekeeper like Blaydes would be the biggest statement of his career.
Blaydes remains one of the division's most durable fighters, with elite wrestling and enough power to make anyone uncomfortable. He has not responded publicly to Petrino's callout.
The heavyweight picture has been shifting rapidly, and a Petrino victory would put him squarely in the title conversation heading into 2027. The question is whether Blaydes sees enough upside in accepting a fight against a rising contender with nothing to lose.
This is the right call from Petrino and honestly one of the more logical heavyweight matchups the UFC could make right now. You have two guys ranked two spots apart, both coming off wins, both available in December. Just book it.
Blaydes is the perfect measuring stick. He is not going to blow you away with athleticism or flashy knockouts, but he will wrestle you into the cage and make you earn every second. If Petrino can handle that grinding pressure and still find his offense, he belongs in the top five. If he cannot, we know where his ceiling is.
I think Petrino gets this done. He hits harder than most of the guys Blaydes has faced recently, and his confidence is through the roof right now. Four straight wins at heavyweight, all decisive. At 28, he is entering his prime while Blaydes is deep into the back nine of his career. Accept the fight, Curtis.
KEEP TALKING FIGHTS.
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