Matt Veal wants to add an accessory to his wardrobe.
The mixed martial artist is off to Lloydminster, Alta., this weekend, taking on Greg Welsh for the Canadian featherweight title.
It’s going to take all the fight he’s got, the 24-year-old said.
“He’s held the 145-pound championship for about three fights now and I’ll be looking to step up and take that belt from him and bring it back to Thunder Bay,” said Veal, the fifth-ranked Canadian in the featherweight class.
“Greg looks like a super tough scrappy guy. He really relies on his striking and his kicks. He comes in really aggressive. He likes to throw, he doesn’t mind getting hit back. But I think I’ll have a few surprises for him. He’s never been against anybody with a ground game like mine and I think my striking will surprise him a lot.”
To get ready, Veal (9-6) has been training with the Lakehead University wrestling team as well as regular sessions with his coach Matt Richer, the owner of the Leading Edge Gym.
Whether it’s boxing, wrestling, Brazilian jiu jitsu or kickboxing, he’s been working on all disciplines, making sure he’s ready to give Welsh a little variety and make his attack less predictable and give him options regardless of the techniques thrown at him by his opponent.
With so much on the line, he’s trying to fight off the nerves, despite what it could mean for his career.
“It’s been awhile since I’ve fought for a title. But this one I’m a lot more excited about. I’m currently ranked No. 5 in Canada at 145 pounds, so I think winning this fight will solidify my position in the top 5. There’s always a bit of nerves, because not too many people enjoy getting punched in the face. And people that do, they’re probably lying to you about it,” he said.
“All I can do is just go in there and try to stay cool and do my thing and fight the best I can fight.”
The Veal-Welsh bout is part of the Evolution Fighting Championship 10, a stepping stone for fighters looking to hit the big time.
Richer, who’s been coaching Veal since he first showed up at the gym, said even though his protégé has always been one of his toughest fighters, until recently he hasn’t always been able to put it all together. But Veal, winner of three straight, is on a roll, and Richer sees no reason for the hot streak to end in Alberta.
Veal’s two wins against Minnesota’s Melvin and Marvin Blumer, better known as the Bash Brothers, have him tracking to bigger and better things, Richer said.
“The level of confidence is growing. He’s just so calm and cocky, but so confident. He has heavy power in his hands. These guys had never been up against anyone like that. They came in with a huge crowd and he took it away,” Richer said.
“I saw him break both brothers one after another. And these guys today are still (otherwise) undefeated. After Matt beat them they went on to fights at the Target Centre against … one guy coming out of the big show and one guy going to the big show.”
The change in Veal’s game has emerged in the past year, Richer said.
“His grappling is off the hook. His boxing is crazy as well and his cardio is on another level from anyone I’ve ever seen. So he’s ready. I’m 100 per cent sure he’s going to win this title and bring it back to Thunder Bay.”
Veal, however, is trying not to think too far ahead. Using the age-old cliché, he says he’s taking things one fight at a time, not worrying about the lure of the big time. Alone in the gym, he focuses on one thing, and one thing only.
“I just train to be better than everyone everywhere and hope that one of my skill sets will prevail in the end.”
