Italian middleweight Marvin Vettori is at a crossroads in his profession as he prepares to face rising star contender Bruno Ferreira at UFC 323 on December sixth. The 31-year-old former title challenger freely admitted the stress he faces in a must-win state of affairs.
Talking to veteran combined martial arts journalist Helen Yee, Vettori left little doubt in regards to the wager, saying, “All I had in thoughts was I’ve to win that struggle. That is for positive. , I undoubtedly should win this struggle.”
This remark displays the fact of Vettori’s present place within the middleweight division. The Italian, presently ranked 14th within the official UFC rankings, was eradicated in two consecutive fights for the primary time in his skilled profession. His most up-to-date losses have been in opposition to Roman Dorise at UFC Struggle Night time 254 in March and in opposition to Brendan Allen at UFC 318 in July.
Marvin Vettori’s profession comes below scrutiny
Vettori’s profession trajectory has been on a steep decline since a formidable five-fight profitable streak that clinched the title over Israel Adesanya in 2021. This era represented the height of his time within the UFC, with wins over notable opponents akin to Paulo Costa, Kevin Holland, and Jack Hermansson.
Regardless of the current setback, the fighter’s confidence stays intact. “I’m so much higher than him, I’m much more skilled, I’ve been via all of it, and I’m simply getting again on a profitable streak on the profitable facet,” Vettori mentioned of his subsequent opponent.
Vettori’s sturdiness has been a defining attribute all through his 28-fight skilled profession. The American High Group consultant has by no means completed an MMA bout and maintains a formidable report of avoiding a knockout or submission in 17 appearances within the UFC.
confront a harmful opponent
Bruno “The Hulk” Ferreira poses a big problem to Vettori’s comeback hopes. The 32-year-old Brazilian boasts knowledgeable report of 14-2 and has demonstrated ending potential that might take a look at Vettori’s sturdiness.
Ferreira earned a UFC contract in 2022 via Dana White’s Contender Sequence and has since posted a 3-2 report contained in the Octagon. His most up-to-date win got here through armbar submission over Jackson McVay at UFC 318, the identical occasion the place Vettori suffered a loss to Allen.
The Brazilian’s ending fee is in stark distinction to Vettori’s polished type. Ferreira has achieved all 14 of his skilled wins, with 9 knockouts and 5 submissions. Ten of these finishes occurred within the first spherical, highlighting his potential to finish fights shortly.
Coaching camp coordination
Vettori has made notable modifications to his preparation, splitting his time between his longtime dwelling with American High Group and coaching periods in California with Beneil Darish’s group at Kings MMA. The Italian mentioned returning to California “felt like dwelling” after spending six or seven years there earlier than transferring to Las Vegas.
The fighter expressed confidence in his preparation, regardless that he was conscious of the dangers. “I’ll go on the market and struggle to win that match it doesn’t matter what,” he emphasised in the course of the interview.
The UFC 323 struggle takes place in opposition to the backdrop of a altering panorama within the middleweight division. Present champion Khamzat Chimaev stands atop an evolving division as former champions and up-and-coming contenders vie for place.
The occasion, to be held at T-Cellular Enviornment in Las Vegas on December sixth, will function the ultimate numbered UFC card below the present ESPN pay-per-view mannequin earlier than the promotion strikes to Paramount+ in 2026. The centerpiece of the cardboard is the bantamweight title rematch between Merab Dvalishvili and Petr Yan.
