Vitor Petrino aims to show that he's 'must-watch TV' at UFC Fight Night 221

LAS VEGAS – Vitor Petrino is looking to steal the show at UFC Fight Night 221.

Petrino (7-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) makes his UFC debut against Anton Turkalj (8-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) in Saturday’s main card opener at The Theater at Virgin Hotels. The card streams on ESPN+.

The unbeaten Brazilian, who punched his ticket to the UFC with a knockout on Dana White’s Contender Series, hopes to show off his exciting style against Turkalj.

“I can guarantee that you’re gonna find in me a fighter that always fights happy, always fights excited, and is always looking for a finish,” Petrino told MMA Junkie and other reporters through an interpreter at Wednesday’s UFC Fight Night 221 media day. “So, I can guarantee you guys are gonna have a show whenever I’m in there, and that’s what you guys are gonna learn on Saturday, that I’m must-watch TV.”

Both Petrino and Turkalj have finished all but one of their professional fights, which Petrino thinks guarantees a stoppage.

“Knowing my opponent’s style and my style, I don’t see this fight going to a decision,” Petrino said. “I believe it’s gonna end early and if it’s up to me, I’m going to be chasing the finish from the get-go, and I’m hoping for a first-round finish.”

He continued, “We know he’s a very well rounded fighter. He’s not someone you can say is a striker or he’s a grappler, he’s very well rounded and for sure has been working on his craft for quite some time. But to be honest, I’m not that worried about what he has improved at or what he has to show. I’m more worried about showing you guys what I have and what I am.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 221.