Today we’re excited to be connecting with Steven Peterson again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.
Steven, always such a pleasure connecting with you and thank you for sharing your stories, insights and inspiring messages with our community. We’re looking forward to getting the download and what you have been up to since our last interview, but first can you briefly introduce yourself to folks who might have missed the prior conversation.
My name is Steven “Ocho” Peterson. I’m a retired (; for now 😉 professional mixed martial artist, best known for my time competing in the UFC’s Featherweight division. I’ve been in the fight game for over a decade, starting from regional promotions such as Xtreme Knockout (XKO) where I won the Bantamweight title– to National promotions like Legacy FC—where I cemented my Legacy by overcoming rock bottom setbacks (both in my career as well as my personal life) to capture the Bantamweight World Title—to earning my spot in the UFC through Dana White’s Contender Series. Throughout my career, I built a reputation as an aggressive, exciting fighter, earning multiple Fight of the Night awards and delivering one of the most talked-about knockouts of all time—a historic reverse spinning backfist knockout.
Beyond my career in MMA, I’ve transitioned into building something bigger than just myself. I founded Fight Fit Fighting League (F3L) and Ocho TV, both platforms designed to grow the Martial Arts community, highlight up-and-coming talent, and give athletes and artists the exposure they deserve. F3L Events is about more than just competition—we create an unique entertainment experience, whether it’s high-level martial arts showcases, self-defense seminars, non profit fundraisers or full-scale entertainment events. Ocho TV, on the other hand, is all about media, production, and storytelling—capturing moments that make music, art, combat sports and athlete journeys unforgettable.
On top of that, I run the Housing Homeless Heroes Foundation (HHH), a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans by providing housing solutions and the help they deserve. A lot of my mission now revolves around using my platform to uplift fighters, give back to the community, and build lasting impact beyond my own career.
What sets me apart? I’ve lived the grind. I’ve been the underdog, the guy who fought through adversity and came out stronger. Everything I build—whether it’s events, promotions, or community outreach—is fueled by that same grit and determination. My goal is to build people up, entertain with a positive message and leave a lasting impact on this world and the people in it.
Awesome, so we reached out because we wanted to hear all about what you have been up to since we last connected.
A lot has happened since we last talked, and I’ve been busier than ever—just in a different way than when I was competing. Stepping away from fighting full-time has opened up a whole new world of opportunities for me, and I’ve been pouring my energy into building something bigger than just my own career.
Right now, my main focus is on growing Fight Fit Fighting League (F3L) and Ocho TV. F3L has been making waves in the martial arts community with events like True Grit, which isn’t just another competition—it’s a full-scale experience that brings together high-level competitors, entertainment, and community support. We’ve been adding new elements to every show, making them bigger and better, and working hard to create a platform where fighters can showcase their skills and get the exposure they deserve.
Ocho TV has also been leveling up. We’ve built a solid media team that specializes in documenting fighter journeys, martial arts events, and community outreach efforts. The goal is to give a voice to fighters at every level, capturing their stories and bringing them to a wider audience. Whether it’s live coverage, behind-the-scenes footage, or athlete features, we’re making sure these moments get the attention they deserve.
Another huge part of my focus has been Housing Homeless Heroes (HHH). This nonprofit is something deeply personal to me, and we’ve been making major strides in helping veterans get the support and housing they need. We’ve hosted fundraising events, partnered with businesses to expand our outreach, and created programs that provide real solutions for veterans who have been left behind. Every event we put on, whether it’s a fight show, a seminar, or a community gathering, has a bigger purpose behind it—to make a difference.
Of course, there have been challenges. Transitioning from being a full-time fighter to being on the business and promotional side has been a learning process. But I love it. The grind is different, but the mindset is the same—keep pushing forward, keep finding ways to improve, and never settle.
Right now, I’m most excited about the upcoming F3L events we have planned, especially our self-defense seminars taught by world-class UFC fighters. These are about more than just learning techniques—they’re about empowerment, confidence, and building a strong community. I’m also looking forward to taking True Grit to the next level, expanding our reach, and continuing to create a space where fighters can shine.
At the end of the day, my journey in combat sports isn’t over—it’s just evolved. I’m still in the trenches, still grinding, but now I’m building something for the next generation of fighters and giving back to the people who have supported me throughout my career. The future is looking bright, and I’m excited for what’s next!
We also want to give folks a chance to get to know you a bit better so we’ve prepared a fun lightning round of questions. Ready?
- Favorite Movie: 8 Mile
- Favorite Book: Art of War
- Favorite TV Show: Smallville
- Favorite Band or Artist: Caskey
- Mountains or Beach: Mountains
- Favorite Sport (to watch): MMA
- Favorite Sport (to play): MMA
- Favorite Cartoon growing up: Spiderman
- Favorite Breakfast Food: Doughnut
Life is often about tough choices – can you talk to us about your thought process, strategy or philosophy when it comes to making difficult choices or tradeoffs.
Tough choices are a constant, whether in fighting, business, or life. My approach is always rooted in discipline, clarity, and commitment—the same mindset I had in the cage applies to every major decision I make.
First, I identify what truly matters—not just in the moment, but long-term. Short-term sacrifices are necessary for bigger victories down the road. Whether it’s turning down opportunities that don’t align with my mission or making personal sacrifices to invest in my businesses, I always keep the bigger picture in focus.
Second, I assess risk vs. reward. In fighting, you learn to take calculated risks—know your strengths, recognize your opponent’s weaknesses, and make smart decisions under pressure. That same mentality applies to business and leadership. I don’t let fear dictate my choices, but I make sure I understand what’s at stake before I commit.
Finally, once a decision is made, I own it fully. No second-guessing, no regrets—just forward momentum. I’ve learned that hesitation can be more dangerous than making the wrong choice. If something doesn’t work out, I adjust, adapt, and keep pushing forward. That’s the only way to grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: F3Levents.com & OchoTV.Net & Housinghomelessheroes.com
- Instagram: @8ocho08 @F3League @Ocho_TV @Housing_homeless_heros
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ocho08/
- Twitter: @ochoufc
- Youtube: OchoTV08
Image Credits
Wes7 Productions
