Steven Peterson

Early career

Peterson made his Bellator Fighting Championships debut, on September 2, 2010 at Bellator 27, against Ernest de la Cruz,^[3] winning by unanimous decision.^[4]

Peterson made his second and final appearance in Bellator, on March 23, 2012, against Chris Jones, at Bellator 62,^[5] losing by split decision.^[6] Peterson competed extensively in both Legacy FC and Legacy Fighting Alliance, winning the Legacy FC Bantamweight title, at Legacy FC 56 vs. Manny Vasquez by rear-naked choke.^[7] Peterson lost a title unification bout at LFA 1, against Leandro Higo by unanimous decision.^[8]

Dana White Tuesday Night Contender Series

Peterson competed on Dana White's Contender Series 7, for a chance at a UFC contract, on August 22, 2017, against Benito Lopez, losing by split decision.^[9]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Peterson was expected to make his UFC debut, at UFC Fight Night 126, on February 18, 2018, against Humberto Bandenay. However, due to visa issues, for Bandenay, he was replaced by Brandon Davis.^[10] Peterson lost the fight by unanimous decision.^[11] This fight earned Peterson the Fight of the Night award.^[12]

Peterson's next bout took place, at The Ultimate Fighter: Undefeated Finale, on July 6, 2018, against Matt Bessette.^[13] Peterson won the fight by split decision.^[14]

Peterson faced Luis Peña, on March 23, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 148.^[15] At the weigh-ins, Peña weighed in at 148.5 lbs, 2.5 pounds over the featherweight non-title fight limit of 146 lbs. Peña was fined 30% of his fight purse, and the bout proceed at a catchweight.^[16] Peterson lost the fight by unanimous decision.^[17] Peterson signed a new, four-fight contract with the UFC after the fight.^[18]

Peterson faced Alex Caceres, on July 20, 2019, at UFC on ESPN 4.^[19] Peterson lost the fight by unanimous decision.^[20]

Peterson faced Martín Bravo, on September 21, 2019, at UFC on ESPN+ 17.^[21] Peterson won the fight by knockout by spinning back fist in the second round.^[22] This win earn Peterson the Performance of the Night award.^[23] Peterson said of his knockout, "I went to evade his spinning backfist and it just naturally came because I made the same step and it was right after I jabbed when he did it. The jab was the perfect setup. I was just in a flow state when I did it. Everything came natural when I landed that backfist."^[24]

Peterson was expected to face Aalon Cruz, on February 29, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 169.^[25] However, Peterson was pulled from the event, for unknown reasons, and he was replaced by promotional newcomer Spike Carlyle.^[26]

Peterson was expected to face Seung Woo Choi, on February 6, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 184.^[27] However, Peterson pulled out of the fight on January 1, due to an injury, and he was replaced by promotional newcomer Collin Anglin.^[28]

Peterson faced Chase Hooper, on June 12, 2021, at UFC 263.^[29] At the weigh-ins, Peterson weighed in at 148.5 pounds, two and a half pounds over the featherweight non-title fight limit. The bout proceeded at a catchweight, and Peterson was fined 20% of his purse, which went go to his opponent.^[30] Peterson won the fight by unanimous decision.^[31]

Peterson faced Julian Erosa, on February 5, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 200.^[32] At the weigh-ins, Peterson weighed in at 149 pounds, three pounds over the featherweight non-title fight limit. The bout proceeded at a catchweight, and Peterson was fined 30% of his purse, which went to his opponent.^[33] Peterson lost the fight by split decision.^[34] 13 out of 18 media scores gave it to Erosa.^[35] This fight earned Peterson the Fight of the Night award, but Peterson was unable to collect the bonus, due to his weight miss. As a result, Peterson's award was given to Erosa.^[36]

Peterson faced Lucas Alexander, on March 25, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 43.^[37] Peterson lost the fight by unanimous decision, and announced his retirement after his fight.^[38]