Vitor Petrino Calls ‘Icao’, ‘Merciless’ and ‘Cabuloso’: The Meaning Behind UFC Stars’ Monikers

Vitor Petrino is on the verge of success and the promising light-heavyweight prospect has already amassed an 11-1 record. He enters the octagon again against Dustin Jacoby this weekend while coming off a loss for the first time in his pro career against Anthony Smith. But his spirit is not gone at all. “Nobody wants to lose, but unfortunately it’s part of the game,” Petrino told the UFC after he was submitted by Anthony Smith in the opening stages of UFC 301 in Rio de Janeiro.

Cristiano Marcello protegee is a special one because unlike most fighters, he doesn’t take the pressure of losing his undefeated streak. He told the UFC, “I have never felt negative; I have always enjoyed my work and the opportunities it gave me.“ Interestingly enough this is not the only thing that makes him special, because unlike most fighters, he has more than one moniker that people use to address him. Petrino gets the chance to use three nicknames he’s carried since his martial arts career began.

Meaning behind Vitor Petrino’s nicknames – ‘Icaisland‘, ‘Mercilesp‘, and ‘Cabuloso‘

Born in Santa Luzia, Minas Gerais, Petrino started his martial arts journey at the age of 6. His first loves were taekwondo and capoeira, then he switched to sanda and Chinese boxing. Finally, at the age of 18, he entered the scene of amateur MMA. As a student of Physical Education, he worked hard every step of the way to his professional career. He was a salesman, and mechanics assistant, and also worked in a warehouse company to support his dreams.

Maybe this is it the reason he got a unique nickname ‘Icao‘ which means icon. In return, the 27-year-old’s natural talent which was evident in the DWCS (Dana White Contender Series), could have given him the other moniker, ‘Cabuloso‘ which means ‘fantastic‘ or ‘incredible‘ in Portuguese. There isn’t it any backstories to his monikers but his career record speaks for itself so these names suit the brazilian fighter. Petrino has always been straightforward when showing his dedication to MMA and the UFC. IN 2023 he gave an interview with the UFC and expressed his respect and dedication for Dana White’s promotion. He said, “I’m always looking to improve in every aspect, whether it’s physical, technical or mental. I love this sport, so I’m always looking for the best version of myself.”

From winning the UFC contract in DCWS Season 6 to defeating fighters like Tyson Pedro and Modestas Bukauskas, the 205 lbs fighter with 7 KO wins deserves to be called, ‘Merciless‘ as his third moniker. On it note let us see his rise in MMA and his first ever loss.

A look at Vitor Petrino’s MMA and UFC record

Petrino’s last game was against 36 year old LHW Anthony Smith WHO has 38 career wins. The 27-year-old was asked about this loss as it was his first as a professional and his answer was quite inspiring. During the pre-match press conference before this the weekend UFC on ESPN 63, he was asked about the criticism he faced afterwards the loss to ‘Lion’s eart‘.

He expressed his position while an interpreter translated it for him. ‘Merciless‘ said “ I guess it’s part of the game right? I think it’s an opportunity for you to learn and understand things that need to be improved, that I need to respect my body a little more and other things.” His confidence was palpable when the translator said, “Win or lose, I’m always trying to improve.”

He started his journey into the arms of martial arts at the age of 6 and he was exposed to taekwondo and capoeira. However, he was not particularly interested in the sport but this changed when his 14th birthday came around time he was a fish that walked in water. Since so he has never stopped improving in his MMA career.

After a five game winning streak, with four of them knockouts, ‘Icao‘ was invited to fight at Apex for a spot on the UFC roster at Dana White’s Contender Series in 2022. After a second round KO win against Rodolfo Bellato the The Brazilian faced Anton Turkalj at UFC Fight Night 221. He has already fought five times in Dana White’s promotion and won four of them.

Now he faces his 6th challenge during the billion promotion and it is Dustin Jacoby. On paper, this clash seems like a step up for him and a test as he is coming off a loss from his previous fight. Before ‘Icao‘ this fight is more about getting the opportunity to fight before the year ends and get a win back on his resume. Most importantly, perhaps, it’s an opportunity to remind people of the skills he brings to the Octagon. “I think it will open big doors in the organization, especially in the light heavyweights,” he said about defeating Jacoby. “I know what I want, I know where I deserve to be and I will do everything to be among the top in the category.” Then you think he will win and prove that he is really, ‘Cabulosisland’?