Ultimate Fighting Championshipthe best heavyweights. The Brazilian challenged Curtis Blaydes to fight at UFC 335scheduled for December 12th in Las Vegas, and has already expressed interest in the promotion. Now, according to Petrino, the only thing missing for the negotiations to move forward is the American’s answer.
The match would pit two victorious fighters, both ranked closely together in the heavyweight rankings. Petrino is currently No. 9, while Blaydes is No. 7.
Petrino wants Curtis Blaydes next after moving up to No. 9 in the UFC heavyweight rankings
Petrino, 29, is enjoying his best run since joining the UFC. The Minas Gerais native has remained undefeated since leaving light heavyweight and moving up to heavyweight. He has won four fights in a row Austen Lane, Thomas Petersen, Steven Asplund and Sergei Spivac.
His win over Spivac in August catapulted the Brazilian into the Top 10 of the division and opened the door to matches with higher-ranked opponents. Petrino sees Blaydes as the perfect next challenge.
“Curtis, I’m waiting for you. We’re both winning, we’re close in the rankings, and this fight makes sense right now. I’ve already talked to the UFC and I think everything is settled. I want to fight December 12th in Las Vegas. Now it’s up to you to respect your history, but I want you to take your place in Vegas. You stay ahead of me, take the fight and we’ll work it out in the Octagon,” said the CMSystem fighter.
Blaydes is getting the win Waldo Cortes-Acosta on September 12. The American’s professional record is 20 wins and six losses, including 13 knockout victories.