While he might not have been as busy as he would have liked in 2022, welterweight Kris Vereen is overall happy with the way the year turned out.
In two bouts in 2022, Vereen managed to pick up wins in both, raising his career-starting undefeated streak to seven in a row.
“I wanted to get three fights in, but I got two, which is better than none,” Vereen told MMAWeekly.com. “My first fight in 2022 was in May, and we had other scheduled fights before then but things happened and it wasn’t my time. We were patient and eventually got a fight.
“I went to turn back around and fight in July, but that didn’t happen, but I got to fight in August. Ever since then I’ve been training and staying ready. Overall 2022 went well. It could have been way worse, so I have no complaints about it at all.”
Entering his fourth year as a pro, Vereen feels he’s constantly improving as time passes.
“Everything is a process in the fight game,” said Vereen. “I feel like every day I’m learning something new about myself and every day I’m adding to my arsenal. I’ve been taking my time and I feel like I’m a way better fighter than I was yesterday, a way better fighter than I was last year for sure.”
This Friday in Hinton, Oklahoma, Vereen (7-0) will look to remain undefeated when he faces Perry Stargel (6-3) in the 170-pound championship main event of PFC 25.
“I think it’s a very good match-up for me against a very solid, tough opponent (in Stargel),” Vereen said. “He’s one of those fights you need to get to the next level. I want to go to that next level, UFC, Bellator, PFL, whatever comes my way. This is the type of fight I need.
“In order for me to come out victorious I need to come out firing on all cylinders. I need my fight IQ, my footwork, be smart, pick my shots, and not just go out there and having a brawl. I have to go out smart, be the fighter I can be, and I’m pretty sure things will fall into place.”
As he continues to establish himself, Vereen is going to take things as they come and focus on each opportunity that comes his way rather than looking to far ahead in 2022.
“Right now I’m just going one fight at a time,” said Vereen. “I’m not overlooking anything that’s put in front of me right. I’m not going to look past my opponent.
“I’m going to take one fight at a time and wherever it takes me it takes me. I have a great team around me, and great management, so if we take it one fight at a time things will take care of themselves and I’ll be where I need to be.”
Kris Vereen expects to be ‘firing on all cylinders’ in PFC 25 championship main event
