Vitor Petrino is all set to take on Anthony Smith at UFC 301 next. The Brazilian will have the entire crowd behind him as he tries to keep his winning momentum going. Petrino is one of those rare, light-heavyweight fighters who has a deadly combination of striking and conditioning. His last four fights are proof of that.
His next opponent, Anthony Smith, is an experienced fighter and a force to reckon with inside the Octagon. A win against him will help the 26-year-old inch closer to the title. Before his much-anticipated fight, let us look at the coaches that help him sharpen his skills.
Who are the undefeated Brazilian fighter’s coaches and teammates?
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Vitor Petrino is a young Brazilian fighter making his way into the UFC. Just like most Brazilian fighters, Petrino also comes from a very humble background and has worked hard to reach where he is now. However, a lot of credit needs to go to his coaches for helping him shape his career. The 26-year-old sharpens his skills in the CM System gym in Curitiba, Brazil. One of the biggest advantages of the Brazilian is his striking ability, which he has displayed in most of his fights. With seven knockout victories against his name via knockout, his striking coach Felipe Silva will be super proud of his performance.
The head coach at the CM System gym is Cristiano Marcello, who has been working with him for quite a while now. Marcello has worked hard in helping the Brazilian improve his movement and fighting IQ inside the Octagon. Despite being a light-heavyweight fighter, Petrino has good wrestling skills as well. His wrestling coach Fabio Cunha constantly monitored his wrestling and grappling skills. Cunha is one of the most highly regarded wrestling coaches in the MMA circuit. His understanding of the game and intense grappling sessions have helped the young fighter improve his wrestling skills.
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How high does the Brazilian rate his coaches? Let us find out.
The training center that made Vitor Petrino who he is
Vitor Petrino shall always stay indebted to Cristiano Marcello and his gym, which helped him as an amateur. Marcello, a former Ultimate Fighter Contestant, and a Chute Box original, has played a vital role in shaping his career. He currently owns his gym by the name of the CM System and also has a team working with him. Petrino, in one of his interviews, showed his appreciation towards his coach and said, “Cristiano Marcello is like a father,” He further added, “It seems like he already knows how things will happen,”.
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Despite being unbeaten in the UFC, the Brazilian doesn’t shy away from giving credit to his coaches and gym. “A great coach always seeks to make his athletes as complete and aggressive as possible,” began Petrino, who has eight finishes in his 10 career victories, including four in the opening stanza. “I always seek to improve in all aspects, whether physical, technical or mental. I love this sport so I’m always looking for the best version of myself,” he concluded.
With the Brazilian set to take on Anthony Smith on his home soil, will he keep his winning momentum going? Let us know in the comments below.