Vitor Petrino Calls Out Curtis Blaydes for UFC 335 in Las Vegas

UFC heavyweight contender Vitor Petrino is seeking a top-ranked opponent to close out his 2026 campaign, issuing a direct challenge to Curtis Blaydes for UFC 335 on Dec. 12 in Las Vegas. According to a report from Sherdog, the Brazilian fighter has already communicated his desire for the matchup to UFC management and is now awaiting a response from Blaydes.

The 29-year-old Minas Gerais native has enjoyed an impressive run since transitioning from the light heavyweight division. Petrino has remained undefeated as a heavyweight, racking up four consecutive victories over Austen Lane, Thomas Petersen, Steven Asplund, and Serghei Spivac. His win over Spivac in August elevated him to No. 9 in the UFC heavyweight rankings and positioned him for a leap into the upper tier of the division.

Blaydes, currently ranked No. 7, is coming off a victory against Waldo Cortes-Acosta on Sept. 12.

With both contenders holding adjacent spots in the rankings, Petrino believes the timing is ideal for a clash. "We’re both coming off wins, we’re close to each other in the rankings, and this is the fight that makes sense right now," Petrino said. "I’ve already talked to the UFC, and as far as I’m concerned, everything is settled.

I want to fight on December 12 in Las Vegas. I respect your history, but I want your spot in the rankings. If you think you’re going to stay ahead of me, accept the fight and we’ll settle it inside the Octagon."