Steven “Ocho” Peterson is a retired UFC veteran, respected coach, and longtime pillar of the Texas fight scene. With over a decade of elite-level competition, Steven brings world-class experience, real-fight intelligence, and proven leadership to Warrior Martial Arts Academy as its owner and head coach.
Known for his relentless pressure, grit, and fan-favorite style, Steven competed across premier organizations including Bellator, Legacy Fighting Alliance, and the UFC-earning multiple performance bonuses and delivering one of the most iconic spinning-backfist knockouts in modern MMA. Across a 30-fight professional career, he developed a deep mastery of striking, cage control, fight IQ, and mental toughness at the highest level of the sport.
At Warrior Martial Arts Academy, Steven leads with purpose-building disciplined, complete martial artists from the ground up. His coaching philosophy emphasizes fundamentals, accountability, and a championship mindset, whether working with beginners, competitors, or aspiring professionals.
In addition to his role at Warrior, Steven remains an active coach at Fortis MMA, continuing to sharpen his craft alongside some of the sport’s best minds. This dual involvement ensures Warrior athletes benefit from cutting-edge techniques, modern training systems, and insight drawn directly from elite competition environments.
Battle-tested, highly experienced, and fully invested in athlete development, Steven “Ocho” Peterson brings authenticity, intensity, and real-world excellence to everything he builds-inside and outside the cage.
