Written by Scott Swerbinsky

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Forrest Petz is a Cleveland based fighter who trains with Team Strong Style. Known as "The Meat Cleaver" he has fought in many organizations, and has had success in all of them. He currently has a 19-4 record in mixed martial arts competition. Two of those victories have come in the UFC where is fought four times.  This local product hits the national stage this Saturday at UFC 77.  And my cousin Scott had a chance to sit down and talk with him ... Forrest Petz is a Cleveland based fighter who trains with Team Strong Style. Known as "The Meat Cleaver" he has fought in many organizations, and has had success in all of them. He currently has a 19-4 record in mixed martial arts competition. Two of those victories have come in the UFC where is fought four times.

Forrest Petz will be making his fifth trip into the octagon on October 20th at UFC 77 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He will be going up against a very good fighter in Josh Burkman this Saturday. He was able to find some time after training to sit down with me for a little q and a.

TCF: Forrest, thanks for taking the time to speak with me, I have to ask right off, where did that nickname come from?

FP:  There really isn't a good story behind it. A buddy of mine was mc'ing a show where I was fighting and announced me that way and I had no clue. They wanted everyone to have a nickname. It just stuck from there.

TCF: It sure is a unique one. Tell me a little about your training routine.

FP: I usually train six days a week, sometimes five. I do take Wednesdays off here and there as I still work a regular 9 to 5 job also. I train all aspects of my game. I do a lot of wrestling and Mondays and Thursdays I do my really hard sparring.

TCF: What do you feel is your biggest strength?

FP: My punching power and timing. I feel like I'm a good counter fighter.

TCF: What is the biggest win of your career?

FP: My biggest win would have to be my last fight against Luigi Fioravanti at UFC Fight Night back in June. He was the highest profile fighter I have been in with, no doubt.

TCF: You have a fight with another pretty high profile guy in Josh Burkman coming up. What are your thoughts on him?

FP: He's a very tough, explosive, and athletic guy. I will have my work cut out for me but I know I can beat him. He likes to come straight ahead and brings it. I'm ready.

TCF: What is the most satisfying thing about fighting in the UFC?

FP: It feels really good to win on the biggest stage. It's the Super Bowl of MMA.

TCF: I am looking forward to this fight as you are both very exciting fighters to watch. I wish you the best of luck and look forward to seeing your hand raised on Saturday.

FP: Thank you for the support.