Kevin Pease aims for history at most unique event in CFFC history: 'I just really feel like it was divine timing'

Undefeated welterweight champ gave up title to challenge for lightweight belt at "The Thrill on the Hill" on May 29

Kevin Pease earned the biggest win of his career in October, taking home the CFFC welterweight title. Before even leaving the cage, "Sweet Peas" called for an opportunity to do something even bigger.

After taking out Ethan Pauley in a dominant decision result, Pease declared his intentions of moving down to 155 pounds and challenge for the lightweight belt, which would see him become the first male fighter in CFFC history to hold pro titles in two different weight classes.

Pease made his pro debut in 2021 at lightweight but has remained in the welterweight division for the past five years. However, as he targets success at the highest level, Pease believes the move to 155 pounds is necessary for him to be at his best.

"It's something I'd done before, and especially that whole week, how easy the weight cut was going, I just knew I could push myself a little more, especially with the right help," Pease said. "Before, I didn't have all the help. I was doing things not as professionally as the guys at the highest level do them, so I knew if I locked in those areas and got the coaching in those areas – not just the fighting part – I could do it successfully."

To that effort, Pease has enlisted the representation of UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier, as well as spending time at the former two-division UFC champion's Academy Fight Club, in addition to his work at Kill Cliff FC and Memphis Judo & Jiu-Jitsu.

"He's always been an influence on me from when I was a young fighter getting into the business and watching him win his two world titles, and Rosendo Sanchez has really helped me with that relationship because he coached him, as well," Pease said. "Just watching one of the greats and learning from him and seeing how to conduct myself, how to prepare, and how to get in there and fight the right way, he's just been an invaluable resource for me, and I've just learned so much from him."

Pease (7-0 MMA, 5-0 CFFC) get his chance to show that progress on Friday, May 29, when he moves down to 155 pounds to challenge reigning lightweight champ Will Starks (12-3 MMA, 1-0 CFFC), who claimed the belt in February with a fantastic stoppage victory over the highly touted Nikita Leshukov.

Pease said he was impressed by what he saw from Starks that night but it fueled his preparation.

"I was actually rooting for him in that fight," Pease said. "I believe there was a little too much hype behind Nikita for what he hadn't done – you know, beat up some guys I never heard of – but Will was certified. He's well-rounded, he's skilled, he's experienced, and I thought he deserved to win that title, and I turned over every stone and worked my ass off to be able to beat someone like him.

"I put all my respect for him into my preparation, leaving my family eight weeks for this camp, and weeks before just preparing for opponents of his caliber, but where I will not respect him is in that cage because I will march him down, I will get my hands on him, and I will hunt to finish him every minute of that fight."

The high-level matchup headlines "CFFC 154: The Thrill on the Hill" at Pennsylvania's prestigious Union League Liberty Hill, an incredible outdoor event that serves as both and America250 commemoration and a fund raiser for both Founding Forward and the Travis Manion Foundation.

Pease, who had a brief stint for the PFL before he earned his first CFFC title shot, realizes the uniqueness of the moment and is thankful for how it's all worked out.

"I just really feel like it was divine timing," Pease said. "I feel like the welterweight title came a little slow for me, but with that, I got to fight in the PFL and get a lot of great experience. I got to grow as a martial artist and then come back for that fight, which delayed me enough for this fight against Will Starks and a unique event for CFFC's most unique fighter, so I'm very happy with it."

CFFC champions are prime candidates for a UFC call, so boasting titles in two different weight classes would certainly be an easy selling point the matchmakers at the top level. Pease is well aware of what it would mean for his career and is excited to test himself against another UFC-level fighter.

"I feel like we're both deserving, but I feel like I'm also excited and grateful that we get to put on this special event and give the fans of CFFC such a great show," Pease said. "I feel like we're both deserving. I feel a victory here gets me straight in, but these aren't things I can control, right? I can't control whether I fight on the Contenders.

"I can't control if I go straight in, but I will be ready for the next biggest opportunity after that, whether it's UFC, whether it's another major organization. I will be ready to turn around and get back in there and keep making money and keep whooping ass."

Extremely limited tickets for "CFFC 154: The Thrill on the Hill" are currently available at UnionLeague.org.

Stay tuned to CFFC.tv for additional announcements regarding this once in a lifetime event.