Nothing says “statement victory” in MMA quite like a spinning backfist finish. Few and far between in the upper echelon of the sport, that’s exactly what Steven Peterson pulled off at UFC Mexico City late last month. The win earned ‘Ocho’ a Performance of the Night bonus, after he finished Martin Bravo in the second round.

Cageside Press caught up with Peterson ahead of UFC Boston this week, who spoke to us about the finish, and previewed this weekend’s card.

“Even before this fight, I was extremely happy that I’m living my dream,” Peterson told us. “I’m driven every day, every day I’m pushed to another level just in training.”

“I’m really motivated. That win just really solidified me in the UFC,” he added. “It shows I’m there to stay.”

With performances like that, he certainly should be. And he’ll be looking for more. “I always fight to finish, so that just kind of showed what I’m capable of,” he said.

If Ocho’s fights are known for one thing, it’s being violent. Blood is another common sight. “It’s part of the show,” Peterson said. “If there ain’t no blood, there ain’t no show. My last fight, it wasn’t me bleeding though. But there’s got to be blood.”

Going into the UFC Mexico City card, “I felt the pressure for sure,” Peterson said. He’d been robbed, arguably, in his previous fight against Bruce Leeroy. In his home state of Texas no less.

“Going out in the Bruce Leeroy fight, I felt like I was robed, and I was confident that I performed well,” Peterson explained. “I was frustrated, but I wasn’t down on myself. I knew what I brought and what I’m capable of, and I felt I performed well.”

“Going into the next card, I knew I needed a win, and I knew that win was not going to come from the judges. So without a doubt in my mind, I was going to need a finish.” The key, he later added, was not to over-extend himself, and to wait for the right opportunity.

That opportunity came in the second round, when Peterson caught Martin Bravo with a spinning back fist that will make highlight reels for years to come. The move came off Bravo’s own “desperate spinning back fist,” one that Peterson saw coming.

The finish propelled Peterson to a new level of recognition, with dozens of interviews, a viral clip of the knockout, and even a story in Forbes. “What’s really cool is since it was on ESPN, since it was on TMZ, it’s bringing in more fans to the sport that wouldn’t otherwise watch MMA,” he noted.

Check out our full interview with Steven ‘Ocho’ Peterson above! Peterson also previews this Friday’s UFC Boston.

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Steven Peterson went to UFC Mexico City on a mission, with his back to the wall. Two straight losses heading in. He came out of the Fight Night event $50,000 richer.

Peterson, known as Ocho, found himself under siege in the opening round of his fight against Martin Bravo on Saturday. However, a second round surge saw Peterson (18-9) knock out his opponent with a spinning back fist. That captured him a Performance of the Night bonus.

Peterson’s finish makes him just the seventh UFC fighter to finish a bout by spinning back fist. He joins the likes of Paul Felder (UFC 182) in an exclusive club of athletes who have won a fight in the UFC via the technique.

Scotland’s Paul Craig (12-4) earned himself the other Performance of the Night bonus for submitting Vinicius Moreira earlier on the card.

#UFCMexico POTN

💰 @PCraigMMA | @8Ocho08 💰 pic.twitter.com/rHFI9vgU5r

— UFC (@ufc) September 22, 2019

Fight of the Night honors at UFC Mexico City went to Carla Esparza and Alexa Grasso. Esparza’s wrestling made all the difference in the world through the first two rounds of the fight. However, she was under fire in the third, survived a nasty arm-bar attempt, and was lucky to make it to the scorecards. When she did, she’d done enough to win a majority decision.

All four bonus-winning fighters will take up an extra $50,000 for their efforts.

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UFC Mexico City went down Saturday night at the Mexico City Arena and the main event featured a pair of featherweights at vastly different points in their careers. Fan-favorite Jeremy Stephens was in hostile territory, looking to snap a two-fight skid. Lil’ Heathen has always been a game fighter but has struggled with consistency even as his fights have entertained each and every time out. Yair Rodriguez, meanwhile, was looking to build on his stunning, last-second elbow finish of The Korean Zombie last November, in front of a hot Mexican crowd that would be fully in his corner.

Yair went out and opened up with a leg kick, and then finished the combination with a devastating eye poke. His right hand swiped downward with fingers extended as he backed away, catching Stephens in his left eye.

Herb Dean did a great job giving Stephens time, giving him the full five minutes in order to let his eye heal. Stephens kept saying “he got me good,” the replay then confirmed that. After the five minute break, the fight then was waved off after Stephens couldn’t open his eye.

The crowd then rained down with bottles and boos. Not surprising, but disappointing.

First, Yair Rodriguez was celebrating, as if he had won by TKO. Then, when he was informed that it was a no contest, his emotions quickly soured, lashing out at Michael Bisping when he was approached for an interview. Rodriguez’s coaches calmed him down, as he was obviously hurt that he was unable to perform in his home country.

Yair Rodriguez vs. Jeremy Stephens Ends in a No Contest (Eyepoke) in Round 1 (0:15) 

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The main event of UFC Mexico City boasted a featherweight showdown that pitted sheer violence against flash and creativity. Jeremy Stephens was venturing into enemy territory, looking to overpower Yair Rodriguez at home. It promised to be one for the ages.

It wasn’t. Instead, barely ten seconds in, Rodriguez, the hometown hero, raked Stephens across the eyes. Stephens winced in pain. Ref Herb Dean was forced to stop the fight, giving Stephens five minutes to recover.

He couldn’t. Dean did everything in his power to salvage the fight, ensuring Stephens took the full five minutes before the doctor examined him fully. However, even after five minutes, Stephens was unable to open his eye. The fight was subsequently waved off, ruled a no contest. That was a bitter pill to swallow for the Mexican fans, and they let their displeasure be known, pelting the octagon with anything they could hurl.

Not a happy ending to UFC Mexico City. See how the pros reacted to the main event being scuttled early below!

Chills.@PanteraUFC embraces a moment with his family before entering the Octagon. #UFCMexico pic.twitter.com/KIrDR94FrX

— UFC (@ufc) September 22, 2019

https://twitter.com/cyn_calvillo/status/1175597727503118337

When I fight I definitely have my family stay away on fight day but different people draw off different things.

— Max Keiser (@themaxkeiserr) September 22, 2019

To each thier own but I would never want my family all over me right before I get in a cage to fight someone. #UFCMexicoCity #UFCMexico

— Gerald Meerschaert (@The_Real_GM3) September 22, 2019

The Eyes Have It

I’m pretty sure Jeremy won’t be saying “I’m seeing double “

— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) September 22, 2019

https://twitter.com/blondefighter/status/1175598790285385731

😑😑😑 #UFCMexico pic.twitter.com/kkNXjOSs5C

— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) September 22, 2019

Damn REALLY!!!! @ufc cannot end like this 🤷🏾‍♂️😤

— Maurice Greene (@TheCrochetBoss) September 22, 2019

https://twitter.com/MenaceBermudez/status/1175599090828267520

Credit to Herb for the Old College Try

Good job herbal.

— Danny Castillo (@lastcall155) September 22, 2019

And Herb Dean for ref of the year! 🙏🏽

— PEARL GONZALEZ (@PearlGonzalez) September 22, 2019

Great reffing @HerbDeanMMA #UFCMexico

— Adrian Pang (@adrianpangmma) September 22, 2019

Agreed! Shout out @HerbDeanMMA https://t.co/2OcPaFalER

— Julian marquez (@JMarquezMMA) September 22, 2019

He handled it great 👏🏽

— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) September 22, 2019

Mexico City Did Not Take It Well

Mexico City is about to burn down

— Eryk Anders (@erykanders) September 22, 2019

This is sucks 🙄 #UFCMexico

— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) September 22, 2019

That is so incredibly unfortunate. No fault for the eye poke and it looked like it grazed straight down. I hope they can rebook this fight ASAP. The Mexican crowd can't blame anyone here, it's just unfortunate

— Sarah Kaufman (@mmasarah) September 22, 2019

That Sums It Up

😟

— UFC (@ufc) September 22, 2019

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The co-main event of UFC Mexico City saw an interesting opportunity present itself for the women’s strawweight division. Former (and inaugural) champ Carla Esparza was looking to reestablish herself at 115lbs. Mexico’s own Alexa Grasso was seeking to make the jump from prospect to player in the division, after defeating a former title challenger, Karolina Kowalkiewicz, in her previous outing.

Round 1

Grasso held center early, getting her hands going as Esparza tried to close the distance. The former champ would land a solid punch of her own, but Grasso clearly had the faster hands. However, Esparza of course had her takedowns. Her first shot was a powerful one, and she drove through, taking Grasso down after a level change. Grasso briefly landed on top but Esparza quickly regained the upper hand. When Grasso scrambled free, Esparza charged after her, and nearly ate a kick off a slip. A second takedown was stuffed, but Esparza pushed her opponent up against the fence. The pair reversed, but Esparza was able to use a head and arm throw to get things back down.  They’d get back up for the final few seconds in the round.

Cageside Press scores the round 10-9 for Carla Esparza

Round 2

Carla Esparza took Alexa Grasso to the ground early, settling into her guard. Esparza had to contend with an active closed guard. Grasso at times appeared to look for a kimura. Esparza meanwhile was peppering her opponent’s side with body shots. When they did make it back up Grasso landed with a hard right that snapped Esparza’s head back. Esparza tripped looking for a takedown, but would eventually complete it. While Grasso had the clear edge standing, she couldn’t stay standing, and that was becoming an issue.

Cageside Press scores the round 10-9 for Carla Esparza

Round 3

Grasso absolutely rocked Carla Esparza to start round three! Esparza fled to buy herself some time, and Grasso slipped. Esparza, however, was still dazed. She shot for a takedown, but Grasso was able to fight it off. Another attempt, and a big sprawl by Grasso. Grasso then took things down while looking to trap an arm. She was able to lock in the arm-bar, but somehow, Esparza rolled through, even as the limb was extended at a grotesque angle. Esparza managed to end up on top, in guard. She wound up bloodied when they got back to the feet and slugged it out to the bell. But gutting it out won her the fight.

When it went to the scorecards, one judge had it a draw, while two gave it to Esparza. Not a popular decision with the crowd, but a hard-fought win for the former champion.

Cageside Press scores the round 10-9 for Alexa Grasso

Official Decision: Carla Esparza def. Alexa Grasso by majority decision (28-28, 29-28, 29-28)

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Brandon Moreno was set to make his return to the UFC Saturday night, on home turf. Cut from the promotion in late 2018, he was looking to start fresh with a win at home on the UFC Mexico City main card. His opponent, Askar Askarov, was a talented flyweight prospect making his promotional debut.

Askarov was carrying a perfect 10-0 record into the fight. The Dagestani finished all ten of those wins, and was the betting favorite in the fight, despite being far from home, in Moreno’s back yard.

Round 1

Askarov latched onto a leg early, looking to take the fight to the ground. Moreno made his way to the fence. Askarov switched to a body lock, and hoisted his opponent up, then slammed him down. While Moreno actually landed on top Askarov quickly rolled him over. That gave him time to work, but Moreno would eventually scramble free — only to have to watch out for an arm-bar/triangle as he did. Askarov then got active off his back, as Moreno settled into guard. Some hard elbows landed for Askarov on bottom. Moreno dropped some heavy punches in response, an seemed to have his opponent hurt. However, Askarov would escape to his feet, and they’d close out the round there.

Cageside Press scores the round 10-9 Moreno

Round 2

Round two opened with a flurry from Moreno. Askarov opted to avoid that, and take the fight to the ground. Soon enough Moreno was on his back, working his way to the fence. He gave up the back standing back up, but was eventually able to scramble free. A brief, wild exchange followed until Askarov took control of Moreno’s back, while the Mexican was still standing. Moreno then found himself thrown back to the mat. Each time Moreno returned to the feet, Askarov was able to quickly take control and bring him back down. Until the final ninety seconds of the round, where Moreno was at long last able to create space. After a couple of exchanges, Askarov changed levels, and Moreno cracked him with a head kick! Askarov was rocked, but survived the round.

Cageside Press scores the round 10-9 Askarov

Round 3

Through two, this flyweight scrap was close, and could easily be split, or have either fighter awarded both rounds. Moreno switched up the script and took down Askarov to open the third. Askarov threw punches from his back, while Moreno worked to improve top position. More than anything, he was eating up time on the clock. Landing punches to the body, dropping elbows, and working to pass guard. Which was more and more control time. Moreno would eventually move to the back and look to sink in a rear-naked choke. He couldn’t pull it off, and Askarov would transition to the top to finish the frame.

Cageside Press scores the round 10-9 for Moreno

Official Result: Brandon Moreno vs. Askar Askarov ends in a split draw (28-28, 28-29, 30-27)

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Irene Aldana was set to welcome UFC newcomer Vanessa Melo Saturday at UFC Mexico City. The scheduled bantamweight scrap was thrown for a loop when Melo missed weight, however, and instead would proceed at a catchweight, with Melo giving up 30% of her purse.

Aldana was entering the fight off a loss to Raquel Pennington that snapped a three-fight win streak in the promotion. Melo, meanwhile, was heading in on a five fight win streak, but had the disadvantage of being a short-notice replacement.

Round 1

Melo fired a leg kick early, and the pair traded, Aldana backing out of range. Aldana landed a hard leg kick of her own. When Melo could close the distance, she was finding some success with her heavy hands. However more often than not, Aldana was able to fire off a right hand, or combo, and fade back. Her jab got going as well. The pair battled it out to the bell, with Aldana firing a jump knee at the buzzer.

Cageside Press scored the round 10-9 for Irene Aldana

Round 2

Melo let her hands go early in the second, pressing forward and connecting with a number of punches. However Aldana once again got on her horse and outworked her opponent. Aldana landed a jab to the body, then a right hand. She’d later plant a spinning back kick to the body. Melo made a half-hearted single leg attempt, and ate a few punches for her efforts. Melo, to her credit, never stopped pressing forward, but she was unable, through the first two rounds, to get the upper hand against Irene Aldana, whose boxing was simply a step above.

Cageside Press scored the round 10-9 for Irene Aldana

Round 3

Irene Aldana became more creative and more confident as the fight wore on, and she opened the third with a high kick and spinning back fist attempt. A knee off the break followed a clinch. The skill differential was becoming apparent, but Melo charged forward regardless. A power punch was likely the Brazilian’s only hope of victory, but Aldana continued to pick Melo apart instead. She turned it up in the final minute, looking to land a knockout punch, but Melo proved too tough. On the scorecards, though, there was never any question.

Cageside Press scored the round 10-9 for Irene Aldana

Official Decision: Irene Aldana def. Vanessa Melo by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)

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A featherweight scrap with Fight of the Night potential opened the UFC Mexico City main card on Saturday night. Steven Peterson, always a game, move-forward fighter, was taking on Martin Bravo, the local favorite. Both men were looking to snap losing streaks, and could potentially be fighting for their jobs.

Round 1

Bravo opened by fanning on a leg kick, and the pair immediately began trading. Peterson connected with a kick to the body. Bravo was landing with his hands. He then dropped and landed a takedown, working in guard for a moment before standing back up. There, Bravo landed a spinning back kick, and soon had Peterson on his heels. Bravo caught a body kick, and continued his attack. Peterson then went down, at least partially from a leg kick! Peterson was under fire, but came over the top with a right hand. Bravo answered back with a combo. Peterson would mount a brief comeback late in the round, but Bravo had been overwhelming early.

Cageside Press scores the round 10-9 for Bravo.

Round 2

If Peterson had come on a bit at the end of the first, he exploded in the second. Bravo launched a spinning back fist, and Peterson answered with one of his own. Bravo missed, but Peterson landed clean! Bravo fell back, crashing to the canvas, Peterson delivering one more strike before the ref intervened.

OUT. COLD.@8Ocho08 puts Bravo out with a beautifully timed spinning backfist! Wow! #UFCMexico pic.twitter.com/e6Gn7RPYB4

— UFC (@ufc) September 22, 2019

Official Result: Steven Peterson def. Martin Bravo by knockout (spinning back fist), Round 2, 1:31

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Canada’s Kyle Nelson made the trip down south for UFC Mexico City, where he’d clash with Marco Polo Reyes in an early featherweight bout. ‘The Monster’ from Ontario was looking to snap a two-fight skid, with Mexico’s Polo Reyes in a similar position. The fight took place Saturday at the Mexico City Arena.

Notably, Polo Reyes was moving down in weight for the featherweight bout. His two previous losses had come to Drew Dober and Damir Hadžović, at 155lbs. Which meant a featherweight bout was a glimmer of hope for the Mexican fighter.

Round 1

Nelson pushed Polo Reyes up against the cage early, looking for the takedown. While he couldn’t find that, he did begin lighting Marco Polo Reyes up! A big knee to the body, an elbow, uppercut, then a flurry of left and right hooks put the Mexican out on his feet! With that, Kyle Nelson had his first win in the UFC, and the trip south to Mexico City was all worth it.

Official Result: Kyle Neson def. Marco Polo Reyes by knockout, Round 1, 1:36

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Brazil’s Ariane Carnelossi was making her UFC debut on short notice in place of the suspended Istela Nunes at UFC Mexico City. And she had a tough assignment in front of her, as former Invicta FC champ and Ultimate Fighter alum Angela Hill was her scheduled opponent. The strawweight scrap took the place of Carnelossi’s expected debut, which had been set against Talita Santos at UFC Uruguay in August, until Santos was forced off that card due to injury.

Carnelossi had not lost a fight since her pro debut in 2014 against fellow UFC fighter Amanda Ribas. Angela Hill, for her part, was coming in off a loss to China’s Yan Xiaonan.

Round 1

‘Overkill’ and Carnelossi got off to a fast start, with Carnelossi bringing the fight and Hill answering right back. Hill would eventually power Carnelossi to the fence, firing knee after knee, and landing a right off the break. Carnelossi was cut open after that sequence, but she continued to walk forward as they moved back to center. Another knee, however, came up the middle from Hill. Carnelossi attacked the leg when she could, but Hill was more active, moving better, and was landing more. She popped Carnelossi with an uppercut in the final ten seconds, and certainly did enough to take the round.

Cageside Press scored the round 10-9 for Hill

Round 2

The second started fast and scrappy again, Carnelossi no doubt feeling a bit of urgency. Hill soon had her tied up by the fence, landing an elbow off the break. Carnelossi’s leg attacks weren’t having the desired effect, but a right hand did connect for the Brazilian with just over three minutes remaining in the round. She’d later go to the body with a kick, and was starting to come on at the midway mark. Hill had slowed a step, which made it harder to get out of the way of Carnelossi’s heavy strikes. Hill’s elbows and knees remained her most dangerous weapons, however, and a right hand connected at the end of a combo. She finished the round clinching, firing knees, and adding a kick.

Cageside Press scored the round 10-9 for Hill

Round 3

Carnelossi headed into the third likely in need of a finish. While she turned up the pressure, she also ate a knee for her troubles early. Up against the fence moments later, a Hill elbow split Carnelossi up over the eye, quickly resulting in a bloody mess. The doctor came in to check on the injury, and waved it off, giving Angela Hill the TKO win!

Official Decision: Angela Hill def. Ariane Carnelossi by TKO (doctor’s stoppage), Round 3, 1:56

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