Andre Petroski on UFC 292 victory: ‘I’m truly blessed’

Andre Petroski’s victory at UFC 292 was a triumph of the human spirit.

Petroski (10-1) defeated Gerald Meerschaert by split decision on Saturday, extending his undefeated streak in the UFC to five.

“It was hard fought and a good win for me,” says Petroski, who forced Meerschaert–with his 52 pro fights compared to only 11 for Petroski–to keep up with his pace. “I can go the distance. I’m proving I am here to stay in the UFC.”

Nearly a victim of substance abuse, Petroski’s success is deeper than his victories in the cage. His rock bottom occurred when he overdosed in 2018 as his addiction to heroin had seized control of his life.

One day at a time, Petroski has battled to stay clean. There are days when that can be difficult, yet it has not impeded his forward progress.

“Five years ago, I was dope sick in a jail cell,” says Petroski. “Statistically, I should be dead. IV drug users don’t live very long. So to be clean and make it to the pinnacle of the sport in the UFC, I’m blessed.”

Petroski will celebrate this upcoming weekend, but it won’t be because of his victory over Meerschaert. He will be spending time with family and friends at his daughter’s fourth birthday party, a place he is honored to be.

“I’m alive, I have a beautiful daughter, and I wake up every day and I’m not addicted to a drug,” says Petroski. “I was stuck in that jail cell in my head for so long.”

The future for Petroski will include high-profile bouts in the middleweight division, potentially including a marquee matchup against undefeated wrestling sensation Bo Nickal.

It will also include sharing his journey. Petroski received strength from UFC fighter Jared Gordon, whose battle against addiction server as an inspiration, and he hopes to offer a similar lifeline to those in need.

“Telling my story is an obligation,” says Petroski. “I’m not proud of that I was an addict, but I hope someone can draw inspiration from it, like I did from Jared.”

Justin Barrasso can be reached at JBarrasso@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @JustinBarrasso.