Vitor Petrino Nicknames ‘Icao’, ‘Merciless’, and ‘Cabuloso’: Meaning Behind UFC Star’s Monikers

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

The Cristiano Marcello protegee is a special one because, unlike most fighters, he does not take the pressure about losing his undefeated streak. He said to UFC, “I never felt negative; I always enjoyed my work and the opportunities it gave me.” Interestingly 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 that he has carried on since his combat sports career started.

Meaning behind Vitor Petrino’s nicknames – ‘Icao’, ‘Merciless’, and ‘Cabuloso’ 

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

Maybe this is the reason he got a unique nickname ‘Icao’ which means Icon. On the other hand, the 27-year-old’s natural talent which was evident in DWCS (Dana White Contender Series), might have given him the second moniker, ‘Cabuloso’ which means ‘awesome’ or ‘incredible’ in Portuguese.  There aren’t any back stories 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 UFC. In 2023 he gave an interview with UFC and expressed his respect and dedication for Dana White’s promotion. He said, “I always seek to improve in all aspects, whether 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 the DCWS season 6 to defeating fighters like Tyson Pedro and Modestas Bukauskas, the 205 lbs fighter with 7 KO victories deserves to be called, ‘Merciless’ as his third moniker. On that note let’s see his rise in MMA and his first-ever loss.

A look at Vitor Petrino’s MMA and UFC record

Petrino’s last fight was against 36-year-old LHW Anthony Smith who has 38 career wins. The 27-year-old was asked about this loss since it was his first as a professional and his answer was pretty inspiring. During the pre-fight press conference before this weekend’s UFC on ESPN 63, he was asked about the criticism he faced after the loss to ‘Lionheart’.

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

He had started his journey into the arms of combat sports at the age of 6 and he was exposed to taekwondo and capoeira. However, he was not very interested in the sport but this changed when his 14th birthday arrived, by that time he was a fish taking to water. Since then he has never stopped improving in his MMA career.

After a five-fight win streak, with four of those being knockouts, ‘Icao’ was invited to fight at the Apex for a spot on the UFC roster on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2022. After a second-round KO win against Rodolfo Bellato the Brazilian was face to face with 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 is facing his 6th challenge under the billion-dollar promotion and it is Dustin Jacoby. On paper, this clash seems like a step up for him and a test since he is coming off a loss from his previous fight. For ‘Icao’ this fight is more about getting the opportunity to fight before the year ends and get back a win in his resume. Most importantly, it is perhaps an opportunity to remind people of the skills he brings to the octagon.  “I believe it will open great doors in the organization, especially in the light heavyweight rankings,” he said regarding 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.” So do you think he will win and prove that he is indeed, ‘Cabuloso’?