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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 13: Steven Asplund reacts after a victory against Sean Sharaf in a heavyweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on December 13, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Mixed martial arts (MMA) ain’t a beauty contest.
Rising Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Heavyweight prospect Steven Asplund collides with Brazil’s Vitor Petrino on the UFC Vegas 114 “Prelims” this weekend (Sat., March 14, 2026) inside the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Asplund has made no secret that before becoming a professional MMA fighter, he struggled with weight issues for most of his life and once tipped the scales at more than 400 pounds. After losing a massive amount of weight, he was left with excess skin — something fans often point out whenever he competes.
And when he steps into the cage with Petrino, who looks like he was carved out of marble, the contrast will be even more noticeable.
“Bro, he’s a monster — why is he fighting? He could be a model, what the f—k,” Asplund told MMAmania.com during UFC Vegas 114 media day. “This guy looks like The Rock, you know what I mean? This is going to be a battle of the worst physique and the best physique in the Heavyweight division. I’m excited to show the fat boys some love this Saturday.”
Asplund initially had a chance to snatch Petrino’s No. 15 ranking this weekend, but for whatever reason the Brazilian was removed from the rankings and replaced by Tai Tuivasa, who is currently riding a six-fight losing streak.
Still, a win over Petrino — who remains undefeated since moving up to the Heavyweight division — would firmly place Asplund on the radar as a rising prospect in the weight class.
There’s also a bit of bad blood attached to the matchup. Petrino knocked out Asplund’s close friend and training partner Thomas Petersen in his last outing (watch highlights), and Asplund has made it clear he’s looking to avenge that loss.
To see who else is fighting at UFC Vegas 114 here.
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