Forrest Petz

Phantom Fireworks enters the UFC OCTAGON

May 29, 2007 (YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio) - When Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight Forrest Petz approaches the octagon, his entrance has been described as "fireworks."

So it made perfect sense for Phantom Fireworks to sponsor Petz for his upcoming fight.

Petz (18-4-0) will battle Luigi Fioravanti (11-2-0) as part of a nine-bout card at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Fla. on Tuesday, June 12. The event is part of "UFC Fight Night" which airs on Spike TV at 9 p.m. EST.

Petz, a Cleveland native, began competing in UFC last August. After 22 fights, he has earned and grasped a more ideal schedule.

"I've now found it takes me about five to six weeks to peak for the next fight," Petz said. "I've developed a pretty good routine."

The weekly routine includes three days of boxing and kickboxing training and four days of ju-jitsu and wrestling. In between that, Petz runs four miles a day four times a week.

Petz says the Welterweight division (170 lbs.) is the toughest UFC weight class.

"As the level of competition increases, so does the preparation," Petz said. "But as long as I stay in shape between fights, I'll be fine."

At 5-foot-10, he stands near the middle of his division in height. The 50 welterweights classified by UFC range as tall as 6-foot-4 down to current UFC Welterweight Champion Matt Serra, who stands 5-foot-6.

Petz's plan for the 5-foot-8 Fioravanti is no different.

"Everybody has their own strategies and their favorite combinations. I like to fight on my feet." Petz said. "The ideal fighter is good at everything and fights his opponent's weaknesses. If you see openings, you go after them."

Phantom Fireworks recognizes the popularity of UFC over the past few years and believes they can connect with UFC's fan base.

"We didn't jump into this as a novelty," Phantom Fireworks Director of Advertising Travis Short said. "Phantom Fireworks and UFC target a similar demographic that is beneficial to both. Both of our brands shout excitement and entertainment."

UFC fights comprise of three five-minute rounds and utilize a 10-point scoring system similar to boxing. Like boxing, fights are decided by decision or knockout. In UFC, bouts can also end by submission.

Over time, Petz has noticed one significant difference in his ability that reflects in his success.

"As you get better, your perception of the fight's pace tends to slow down," Petz said. "It affords me more control of the fight."

Phantom Fireworks is owned by the B.J. Alan Company, which is headquartered in Youngstown, Ohio. Phantom Fireworks also own the Mahoning Valley Phantoms Junior "A" Hockey team, which competes in the North American Hockey League.

Both Petz and UFC lightweight newcomer Jeff Cox will both be signing free autographs at the Boardman, Ohio superstore on Saturday, June 30 from 12 - 3 p.m.