Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven Peterson.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Steven. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I grew up in Los Angeles California. Moved to Mckinney, TX at 15 and didn’t fit in with the kids at school. I joined the football team and became an undersized offensive lineman. I got singled out by the varsity D-line and pummeled into the ground play after play. I wore the number 8 so they chanted “Ocho, Ocho!” as they pointed me out before the snap. I always fought back and one time got up swinging. I quickly got a reputation for getting into fights, and “Ocho” became infamous for getting into fights. I typically didn’t hit anyone that didn’t deserve it, but when somebody talked down to me I kept that LA mentality… “Talk shit, get hit.”
Years later I started training MMA and kept the name “Ocho” and that never quit mentality to the local MMA scene and realized that I had what it takes to be a champion. I put my mind to it, won fight after fight then became XKO Champion. Broke out on the national scene and told myself I’d be champion. After some losses and setbacks in life (divorce) I hit rock bottom. People said I should give up and get a “real job.” I kept my heart set on my goals and began teaching kickboxing and MMA at Title Boxing. I fought my way back up the ranks and became LFA World Champion. On my way up I started my own business Fight Fit Lifestyle! Now I’m fighting in the UFC, the pinnacle of the sport of MMA. On the side I teach classes at Fortis MMA in Dallas and run my business on the side.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
To elaborate on the struggles… Fighting is an extremely tough way to make a living. Each fight is the biggest fight of your career. A loss means half the pay, less pay in future fights and less chance that you’ll be able to fight for the bigger organizations. Most of my career I felt like I was chasing a carrot on a stick. The UFC being the carrot. Every time that I was on the verge, just one win away from making it. I would drop a close decision loss. (Loose based on 2/3 judges opinion) That would mean I would be set back multiple wins from being called up to the UFC. I was 22 years old, married with a young son and on the verge. I lost a majority decision and went into a downward spiral in life. My wife became distant, as she was the one making the money to pay the bills and I was still chasing this dream. I was a stay at home dad and took my son Keison with me to the gym while I trained. I took another fight against a fighter from the same team as my past opponent, hoping to double down. I lost by knockout… My home life peril.
The end of that year my wife left and I hit rock bottom. With nowhere else to turn, I went to the gym of my past two opponents and spoke with Coach Sayif. The coach of Octagon MMA fight team. (Before he opened Fortis MMA) He told me how he picked apart my fight game and figured me out. I asked if he could help me fill the holes in my game and he gladly took me in as one of his own. I went from being a lone wolf, fighting with minimal training and joined a pack of like minded fighters who were chasing the same dreams as myself. I used my pain from my downfall, to push myself to greater heights and achieve my goals. I went on a 5 fight win streak and became the Legacy World Champion. Then I had a loss, learned some more lessons, won some more fights and had an opportunity to fight for Dana Whites Contender Series. It’s basically a fight in front of the bosses as an interview to get into the UFC. It was an absolute bloodbath, a back and forth war.. The bosses were all on their feet applauding. I lost a split decision… They said, get one more win and they would sign me. I healed up and got right back to work. Five months later I signed with the UFC.
Now, three years later I’m still in the UFC and coming off of the biggest win of my career. A spinning back fist knockout that made sportscenter top ten, TMZ and many other sports news outlets. My career has been a story of overcoming adversity. I guess in order to help others, you need to go through things yourself. Now with teaching my students and clients I do just that. I am able to share my experience in Martial arts and in life to help those in need.
We’d love to hear more about FightFit Lifestyle.
FightFit Lifestyle is a fitness and wellness lifestyle and apparel brand. We offer personal training for all levels, MMA training gear and apparel, nutritional coaching and MMA management. I am proud to share my skills, experience, and offer quality products to the martial arts community.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Coach Sayif Saud is a great mentor to myself and many others. He helped me get my life back on track. My team at Fortis MMA has many top level fighters that help motivate me and I see them as family.
Contact Info:
- Website: FightFitLifestyle.com
- Phone: 2144499041
- Email: 8ocho08@gmail.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/8ocho08
- Twitter: @8ocho08
Image Credit:
Mike Jackson
Legacy Lou
James Blair
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