Brazilian powerhouse Marco Tulio is on a mission — and his next target might just be one of the toughest middleweights in UFC history. Ahead of his fight against Christian Leroy Duncan at UFC Vegas 111, Tulio is already eyeing a bold challenge: a showdown with Marvin Vettori, with hopes of becoming the first man ever to knock him out.
“One guy I really want to fight is Vettori,” Tulio told MMA Fighting. “He’s fought several of the division’s biggest names and has never been knocked out. I’d love to be the first one to do it.”
Vettori, who is set to face Brunno Ferreira at UFC 323 on December 6, has developed a reputation for being one of the most durable fighters in the division — going the distance with stars like Israel Adesanya, Paulo Costa, and Jared Cannonier. But Tulio, riding high off back-to-back knockout wins over Ihor Potieria and Tresean Gore, believes his power can finally break that streak.
🔥 “I think I have a lot of power in my hands,” Tulio said. “Vettori’s a warrior, but I want to be the guy who stops him. That’s the kind of statement I want to make.”
After recovering from hand surgery earlier this year, Tulio is eager to stay active and possibly fight a fourth time before 2025. “I said I wanted to fight four times this year,” he explained. “It could’ve happened, but I really believe in God’s plans. If all goes right this weekend and something happens to any middleweight bout before the end of the year — including Vettori vs. Ferreira — I’ll be ready.”
Tulio also mentioned Roman Dolidze as another target, calling him “a great fight near the top five.” But his ultimate dream remains a bout with former middleweight king Israel Adesanya. “I admire him a lot,” Tulio said. “He’s the biggest name in the division historically. Beating guys like Vettori and Dolidze would be my path to him.”
Currently training with Chute Boxe in São Paulo — home to elite fighters like Charles Oliveira and Norma Dumont — Tulio is confident his aggressive style will continue to deliver highlight-reel moments.
“[Duncan] fights very technical and flashy, but he doesn’t like pressure,” Tulio said about his UFC Vegas 111 opponent. “I’m the lion inside that cage, and that’s going to make him uncomfortable. When I smell blood, I go for the finish.” 🦁💥
If Marco Tulio delivers another explosive win this Saturday, his dream fights with Vettori and Adesanya might not be far away — and the middleweight division will have a new knockout artist to fear. 👊🔥
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