TAMPA, Fla. – Dustin Jacoby isn’t putting additional stress on himself to get a win against Vitor Petrino on Saturday at UFC on ESPN 63.
With back-to-back losses against Dominick Reyes and Alonzo Menifield, and four defeats in his past five, entering his light heavyweight matchup with Petrino (11-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC) at Amalie Arena (ESPN2, ESPN+), nobody would blame Jacoby (19-9-1 MMA, 7-6-1 UFC) if he felt like he was fighting for his job.
It’s possible he is. However, given Jacoby has been at low points before in his career, even being released by the UFC before being brought back in 2020, he said he knows what it takes to overcome this type of adversity.
“I’ve been there before,” Jacoby told MMA Junkie. “I don’t feel any pressure. I’m just going to go out there and compete and perform. I believe in myself. I’ve always believed in myself. I always prepare properly. I truly believe that I can get the job done.”
Jacoby, 36, thinks he has a good opportunity to bounce back in the matchup with Patrino. He is the more proven finishes and has more experience at the top level, which he intends to use in his favor going into the octagon.
“Vitor Petrino’s a very tough up and coming kid,” Jacoby said. “It’s going to be an exciting matchup. I think it will be a very fun fight for the fans, and that’s what I’m always in for.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 63.
