Brunno Ferreira: ‘I Want to Put on a Real Show’

Brunno Ferreira has always been a showman at heart. Need proof? All 14 of his pro bouts—12 wins and two losses—have concluded inside the distance.

The Dana White’s Contender Series graduate will attempt to regain some lost ground in the Ultimate Fighting Championship middleweight division when he confronts Armen Petrosyan as part of the UFC 313 undercard on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Ferreira has won three of his five fights since joining the UFC roster in 2023. He last competed at UFC 308, where he submitted to a third-round arm-triangle choke from Abusupiyan Magomedov a little more than four months ago.

“I’ve had many good and bad moments in MMA, as far as wins and losses go,” Ferreira told Sherdog.com, “but they were great learning experiences. My strength is my mindset. I never lose that. I always find ways to make the best of both good and bad situations.”

In his path stands Petrosyan, a former Fight Nights Global champion who enters the cage on the heels of back-to-back losses. He last suited up in October, when he was victimized by double spinning backfists from Sharabutdin Magomedov in the second round of their encounter. Victories over Christian Leroy Duncan, A.J. Dobson and Caio Borralho highlight the Petrosyan resume.

“He’s someone who comes from kickboxing. That’s his base,” Ferreira said. “That’s why he doesn’t pursue grappling exchanges. He has several holes in his game, even when striking. I’m not afraid to strike with him since I know I have knockout power. I’m one of the strongest knockout artists in our weight class. It’s a proven fact.”

Ferreira operates out of the Brazilian TKO camp run by Andre Amado in Curitiba, Brazil. Their partnership has already reaped rewards.

“I’m very happy with the work I’ve been doing with my team,” Ferreira said. “I have everything I need here. I’m going to once more show our worth to the organization.” He has also found external sources for encouragement in Brazilian legends Wanderlei Silva, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Fabricio Werdum and Mauricio Rua, all of whom have shown an interest in his development. “They tell me I have that special something that could bring me to the championship one day,” Ferreira said. “Soon enough, we’ll reach the Top 15, then the Top 10, then the top of the weight class so I can be champion.”

For now, he has his sights trained on Petrosyan.

“I want to put on a real show,” Ferreira said. “I’ve won fights by knockout and submission. I’ve also been KO’d and submitted, so nothing is new to me. My hunger remains unabated. I know I have the ability to be the champion in our weight class. What matters in that regard isn’t physical strength but fight IQ and how much you evolve after losses or wins. I’ll use my full combat arsenal in this next fight. I’m very happy with this opponent. I’m feeling great—mind and body.”