UFC: Welcome to the 29th season of The Ultimate Fighter! How does it feel to be here and to be part of this season?
Petroski: I’m at a stage of my career where this is my shot. Not to say that I don’t have a lot to learn, but this is definitely my opportunity. Everything, I think, is tailor made for me to succeed and I’ve been put in the perfect situation to succeed. Everything came together at the right time for me.
UFC: What do you think living in the house will be like?
Petroski: I’m sure there will be drama; there are definitely some good personalities with the cast. We were definitely hand-picked. There were like 900 applicants, and we are the final eight (at middleweight). That’s awesome to hear and I can see why. When we were all put in the same room [at the hotel], I was like, ‘Oh, this is going to be good.’
UFC: There have been quite a few stars that have come out of The Ultimate Fighter. Why do you think you have the potential to leave this show as the star of the season?
Petroski: I think my look is a big part of it. I fit the mold of a fighter, and my style, man; All my wins have been by finish. Five finishes in a row in the first two rounds and that’s what people want to see; that’s why people tune in.
I break guys with good striking. I hit the body hard, I take guys down and I put them in positions where they feel helpless. I think I just have that winning spirit and that competitive spirit that people are drawn to, and that people like to watch.
Make sure you tune in to season 29 of The Ultimate Fighter, which airs live on ESPN+ on June 1st at 9pm ET / 6pm PT.