LAS VEGAS — Eric Priest kicked off the year by promising to be a fresh new face for the middleweight division.

Last weekend, Priest (16-0, 8 KOs) took another step toward fulfilling his potential when he displayed more dimensions to his game and soundly beat rugged veteran Luis Arias (22-5-1, 11 KOs) via unanimous decision at Virgin Hotels.

“It was a hard and scrappy fight. It wasn't pretty, but we had to get it done,” Priest said. “I was pushing the pace that entire fight. I didn't take my foot off the gas once. I let him get a few flurries off, but that's because I was trying to find his tempo and timing. He was tough and very experienced. I hurt him early, and I realized that he was trying to gas me out to come on to me.”

Arias entered the clash having beaten former unified 154-pound champion Jarrett Hurd in 2021, fought to a split draw against Gabriel Rosado and suffered defeats to Daniel Jacobs and Erickson Lubin.

Ultimately, Arias gave Priest the precious experience he needed to keep piling on wins as he looks to bridge the experience gap toward a potential title shot.

“I learned a ton in this fight. I'm here,” said Priest. “I'm ready for some of those top-10 guys. I'm at that next level to take on whoever. I rarely give myself an A. It was a B-plus performance. I have to give myself a little bit more credit than I actually do. I just want to get better. I'll be 27 at the end of this year and am just getting into my prime. I have the skills, speed, power, and gifts, and now I need to merge it all together.”