Marvin Vettori finds himself at a critical juncture as he prepares for UFC 323, realizing that significant changes are necessary to revive his career. Since initiating a five-fight winning streak in 2019 that culminated in a middleweight title shot, Vettori (19-8-1 MMA, 9-7-1 UFC) has faced challenges in reclaiming that momentum, currently entering the octagon with a three-fight losing streak.
Scheduled to compete against Brunno Ferreira on the prelims of the event, Vettori considers this matchup pivotal for his journey back to prominence in the highly competitive middleweight division. Ferreira (14-2 MMA, 5-2 UFC) has made a name for himself since joining the UFC in 2022, gaining attention for his ability to finish fights without leaving the outcome to the judges, a trend that Vettori is aiming to break.
Reflecting on his recent performances, Vettori acknowledged that he has lost touch with the elements of his game that once served him well. To regain his footing, he has joined American Top Team, believing it to be the catalyst for rediscovering his strengths in the octagon. “I kind of lost some stuff that I was doing back then, and they stopped working,” he expressed. The 32-year-old fighter emphasizes the importance of not succumbing to past disappointments, declaring, “Nothing is lost. I still have the opportunity to show the world and come back and make it happen again.”
Facing Ferreira represents a unique challenge for Vettori, marking the first time since 2020 that he will confront an unranked opponent. While acknowledging that he cannot underestimate Ferreira, Vettori’s confidence is evident. “I have to win this one, man,” he stated. He believes that the matchup offers a slight reprieve from the intense competition he has faced recently and is relying on a robust grappling strategy to secure a victory. Vettori’s last win by stoppage came from a submission against Karl Roberson, and he is prepared to leverage his grappling skills once again in hopes of turning the tide in his upcoming fight.
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With a strong training camp behind him, Vettori is determined to reclaim his place in the middleweight rankings, viewing this bout as the first step in a new chapter of his career. As UFC 323 approaches, all eyes will be on Vettori as he looks to silence doubt and re-establish himself in the sport.
