On October 10th, undefeated fighter Kevin Pease will step into the cage to claim his long-awaited shot at the vacant CFFC welterweight championship. Facing a formidable opponent in Ethan Pauley, who boasts a 7-1 record, Kevin is determined to prove that he’s the rightful king of the division. With a journey marked by rigorous training, personal growth, and professional milestones, Kevin’s story is one of perseverance and preparation.
The Road to October 10: A Title Shot Delayed but Not Denied
For Kevin Pease, this opportunity has been a long time coming. Originally poised for a title shot nearly two years ago, circumstances intervened, and the moment was delayed. Kevin’s journey took him to the Professional Fighters League (PFL), where he faced one of the toughest opponents of his career, gaining invaluable experience that he believes has shaped him into a more complete fighter.
Reflecting on his time in the PFL, Kevin shared, “The PFL experience was one of the best in my whole career. The amount of professionalism, the level of competition, and even battling through adversity taught me so much. That experience has made me better prepared for this title bout.”
Training with Legends: The Ultimate Preparation
Preparation for this fight has been nothing short of elite. Kevin began his camp at Daniel Cormier’s Wrestling Academy in California, where he worked with the legendary Cormier himself and a team of top-tier athletes. He also made a significant management switch, putting his faith in DC’s guidance to secure this title opportunity.
“I’ve known DC for years, and his team has coached me since my amateur days. It just made sense to make that switch now,” Kevin explained. After his time in California, he flew to Florida to train at Kill Cliff FC, a gym renowned for its world-class fighters and coaches. The roster there includes names like Gilbert Burns, Vicente Luque, and Reinier de Ridder, all of whom pushed Kevin to new heights in his preparation.
“The beauty of Kill Cliff is the depth of talent. I’ve been sparring with veterans like Gilbert Burns and learning new techniques from guys like Luque. The flow in that gym is incredible,” Kevin said.
The Matchup: Breaking Down Ethan Pauley
When it comes to his opponent, Ethan Pauley, Kevin remains respectful but confident. “I’ve seen his record, and he’s been active with some good finishes. But he’s never fought someone at my level. He’s never faced an undefeated athlete who’s been on the big stages and had hard fights since the amateur days. That’s going to make the difference,” he stated firmly.
Standing at 6’2”, Ethan brings a height advantage, but Kevin’s team has left no stone unturned in preparing him to neutralize any advantages his opponent might bring. Kevin’s focus remains on executing his game plan and letting his preparation speak for itself.
Faith, Family, and Focus: The Pillars of Kevin’s Success
Beyond the training and strategy, Kevin draws strength from his faith, family, and an extensive support system of teammates and coaches. “My family has been phenomenal, and my faith in God has kept me grounded. I always think I know what’s best, but He continually guides me to the right place. I feel like I’m right where I’m supposed to be,” Kevin shared.
Spending time with his wife and kids after his PFL stint allowed Kevin to recalibrate, assess his goals, and return to the sport with renewed focus. This balance between his personal and professional life has been crucial in his journey toward the title.
Fight Day Rituals: Staying Calm in the Chaos
When asked about fight day rituals, Kevin emphasized the importance of staying relaxed and focused. “I visualize, I pray, and I keep the mood light. I always walk out with my Memphis flag draped over my shoulders, reminding me who I fight for and where I come from,” he revealed. His walkout song, “Feds Watching” by 2 Chainz, is another staple that gets him in the zone.
However, Kevin avoids over-relying on rituals, understanding that the unpredictability of the cage demands adaptability. “No one knows what will happen in the cage. I just show up prepared and ready to take the fight wherever it goes,” he explained.
Looking Ahead: What This Title Means
Winning the CFFC welterweight championship is more than just a stepping stone for Kevin—it’s the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice. “This belt means a lot. I’ve felt like I’ve been the champion of this promotion for a while, but everything happens in God’s timing. I’m grateful for the path I’ve taken to get here,” he said.
Kevin also sees this fight as a potential gateway to bigger opportunities, possibly a return to the PFL or even a shot in the UFC. Regardless of what comes next, his focus is squarely on October 10 and claiming the gold.
A Message to Fans and Supporters
As Kevin gears up for fight night, he expressed gratitude to everyone who has supported him along the way. “Shout out to Kill Cliff FC, Daniel Cormier’s Wrestling Academy, Memphis Judo and Jiu-Jitsu, my family, and most importantly, God. I’m blessed to have so many people pouring into me, and I wouldn’t be here without them,” Kevin said.
To his opponent, Ethan Pauley, Kevin had this to say: “I salute him and thank him for taking this opportunity. I’m grateful to share the cage with him, and I’m excited to see what happens when we get in there.”
Conclusion: Ready for Glory
With a perfect record, elite training, and an unshakable mindset, Kevin Pease is ready to seize his moment on October 10. His journey is a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of preparation. Whether you’re rooting for him or just a fan of high-level MMA, this fight promises to be an unforgettable showdown.
Who do you think will emerge victorious in the battle for the CFFC welterweight championship? Let us know your thoughts, and stay tuned for more updates as Kevin’s journey unfolds. Don’t miss the action on October 10!
