Petrino Targets Spivac Test as UFC Heavyweight Breakthrough Step

Vitor Petrino will face Serghei Spivac at UFC Sacramento on August 23, 2026, at Golden 1 Center. The Brazilian heavyweight sees the contest as a chance to strengthen his case for higher-profile fights in the division.

Petrino believes he has already shown enough variety to establish himself among the UFC heavyweights. He has recorded a submission victory and a knockout, while his most recent bout tested him over three rounds. He now wants the Spivac fight to demonstrate that he can compete with the division’s more established names.

Spivac represents a significant test in that plan. Petrino regards the Moldovan as a difficult opponent who has earned his standing in the organisation, particularly because his defeats have come against fighters from the UFC’s top five. Beating him would give Petrino the evidence he believes is needed to enter the discussion for bigger heavyweight assignments.

Petrino also addressed Valter Walker, who has expressed interest in challenging him on the ground. While Petrino said he respects Walker’s jiu-jitsu, he argued that their sport requires more than grappling and questioned whether Walker could cope with his striking.

The wider heavyweight picture is also part of Petrino’s ambition. He believes the division is entering a period of change, with new athletes moving into the ranks and future champions emerging. For Petrino, Spivac is the immediate measure of whether he belongs among those contenders rather than simply another name in the division.