Category Archives: Amateur MMA

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NEF CELEBRATES TEN-YEAR ANNIVERSARY WITH RIVETING FIGHT NIGHT IN PORTLAND; RETURN TO L/A AREA ANNOUNCED

Portland, Maine (February 13, 2022) – One new champion and one successful title defense in the amateur ranks and one stunning reversal of fortune at the professional level highlighted New England Fights’ 10-year anniversary card Saturday night.

“NEF 46: Decade of Dominance” was a jam-packed, 15-fight fusillade before another sold-out, energetic crowd at Aura in Portland, Maine.

Mike Murray and Zach Faulkner thrilled those fans with an early “Fight of the Year” candidate in their brouhaha for the vacant 170-pound title. Murray (4-2) applied the lessons he learned in prior losses to Zac Richard and Tim Birkenhead at NEF 40 and 41, respectively, by rallying for a split decision victory over Faulkner (4-2).

On the heels of a unanimous win on the scorecards in his most recent fight, Faulkner set the tone with a thunderous slam in the opening round. He fought out of a guillotine attempt in the second stanza and bounced back from a pair of early Murray takedowns to inflict a fair share of punishment in the third.

Murray turned momentum in his direction by landing a bundle of bombs in round four, and Faulkner’s takedown late in the fifth likely wasn’t enough to seal the deal after Murray connected with a series of body punches.

The other title bout took much less time and left far less to interpretation. Tyler Smythe (4-1) was authoritative in his first defense of the 125-pound strap, dispatching Ryan Burgess (3-3) via rear naked choke at 2:37 of the opening round.

Burgess ended a four-year layoff from the NEF hexagon to challenge Smythe, who won the title with a technical knockout of Caleb Austin.

He pushed the issue early, but Smythe turned the tables on that aggression by throwing Burgess to the mat. Burgess’ attempt at a retaliatory armbar failed, and Smythe ultimately locked in a guillotine choke that ended his night.

In a highlight among the five professional bouts, Carl Langston – winless in six prior pro bouts after an extensive amateur career – avenged his most recent defeat with a rear naked choke of Zac Richard.

The end came 81 seconds after the opening bell, when Richard (1-1), a past NEF amateur champion and decorated wrestler, went for a takedown. He initially succeeded but gave up his back and fell victim to the choke.

Both fighters accepted the 140-pound bout on only a few days’ notice after their initial opponents became unavailable. Richard lowered the boom on Langston with a knockout at 3:52 of the first round in his pro debut back in November.

Langston, who went 7-9 as an amateur and took four of his six pro conquerors to the scorecards, promised a different outcome in his pre-fight remarks, and he delivered.

Aaron Lacey of Bangor, Maine, making his first appearance in the cage since September 2018, improved to 7-2 in the pro main event with a second-round technical knockout to strikes over Bronx bomber and Bellator veteran Jerome Mickle (4-12).  In an emotional moment to end the night, Mickle announced his retirement after nearly nine years of cage competition.

Lacey took advantage of an early takedown to dominate the first round of the 155-pound showcase, then ramped up his ground-and-pound assault to another level in the second chapter before the referee waved off the proceedings at 1:42.

In the sole women’s fight on the card, crowd-pleasing Glory Watson (2-1) continued her winning ways with a rear naked choke of previously undefeated Alibeth Milliron (2-1) at 2:23 of the second round in their 115-pound tussle.

Both women landed early haymakers, with Watson’s facial expressions indicating she was anything but hurt. She further demonstrated that point by taking Milliron to the canvas and narrowly running out of time in her first attempt to turn out the lights.

Milliron made more overtures with the stand-up game in round two. A quick takedown and a series of punches gave Watson another opportunity for the choke, however, and she sealed the deal.

In a battle of two 140-pounders making their pro debut, Nate Grimard exercised top control throughout and breezed to a unanimous decision over Anthony Vasta.  Grimard’s success as a pro comes as no surprise to fans.  He is a former NEF Amateur Featherweight Champion who put together a record of 4-1 in the amateur ranks.

Mohammad Al Kinani also enjoyed a victorious dive into the pro waters, needing only 42 seconds to dismiss Chris Rooney (0-2) via strikes at 155. Al Kinani countered Rooney’s early kick with a flurry, dropping Rooney and subjecting him to another barrage that hastened the stoppage.

First Class MMA stablemates Cody Kilton and Justin Kangas passed muster with the judges in back-to-back amateur bouts.

Kilton (2-1) carved out a unanimous decision over Kaleb Kenney (0-2) at 155. Kangas (1-3) tasted victory for the first time with a split decision verdict at the expense of Jon Assam (2-4). Kangas kept control on the ground through the second and third rounds to put the long-awaited mark in the left-hand column of his ledger.

Three amateur bouts featured the rookie outing for both combatants.

Mike Jolicoeur used an arm triangle to take care of business against Will Smith at 145. In a 125-pound collision, Key Baltazar locked in a rear naked choke at 1:33 of the second round against Quinn Poirier. Baltazar’s team, Nostos MMA, was an undefeated 3-0 at “NEF 46.” Jack Burke punctuated his win over Nick Legrande with a brutal knockout blow at 1:25 of the opening frame in their 265-pound rumble.

Curtis Ouellette (2-3) spoiled Christopher Smith’s debut with a TKO via accumulation of strikes in round three.

Two other amateur scraps produced first-round finishes. Jeff Reynolds (3-2) won by rear naked choke over David McCarty (1-1) at 185, and Ben Grady (3-0) kept his record spotless when Brandon Maillet-Fevens (3-3) couldn’t continue after injuring his arm while blocking a kick.  Reynolds’ win gave his team of Karasu Tengu Academy a perfect record of 2-0 on the night.

The quick results from Portland, Maine:

PROFESSIONAL MMA

Aaron Lacey def. Jerome Mickle via TKO (round two)

Carl Lagston def. Zac Richard via rear-naked choke (round one)

Glory Watson def. Alibeth Milliron via rear-naked choke (round two)

Nathaniel Grimard def. Anthony Vasta via unanimous decision

Mohammad Al Kinani def. Chris Rooney via TKO (round one)

AMATEUR MMA

Mike Murray def. Zach Faulkner via unanimous decision

Tyler Smythe def. Ryan Burgess via guillotine (round one)

Mike Jolicoeur def. Will Smith via arm triangle (round one)

Key Baltazar def. Quinn Poirier via rear-naked choke (round two)

Jack Burke def. Nick Legrande via KO (round one)

Jeff Reynolds def. David McCarty via rear-naked choke (round one)

Ben Grady def. Brandon Maillet-Fevens via TKO (round one)

Cody Kilton def. Kaleb Kenney via unanimous decision

Justin Kangas def. Jon Assam via split decision

Curtis Ouellette def. Christopher Smith via TKO (round three)

NEF announced that it will return to the Twin Cities for its next installment. “NEF 47: Good Friends, Better Enemies” will pit Lewiston-Auburn mainstays Jesse Erickson and Matthew Denning in the main event. The card is scheduled for Saturday, April 30 at Norway Savings Bank Arena in Auburn, Maine. For more details or to get your seats now, go to newenglandfights.com/tickets.

About New England Fights

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

LANGSTON STEPS IN TO REMATCH RICHARD AT NEF 46 THIS SATURDAY

LANGSTON STEPS IN TO REMATCH RICHARD AT NEF 46 THIS SATURDAY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (February 8, 2022) – New England Fights (NEF) returns with its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 46: Decade of Dominance,” on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Aura in Portland, Maine. The event will commemorate NEF’s ten-year anniversary. The leading regional promotion launched on February 11, 2012. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional featherweight bout to the fight card. Carl Langston (0-6) will take on Zac “Rocky” Richard (1-0) at a fight weight of 145 pounds.

Langston stepped in on short notice to replace Richard’s previous opponent Urias Osorio (0-0) who pulled out of the fight earlier in the week.  Likewise, Langston was recently left without an opponent on the “NEF 46” card when his originally-scheduled opponent Shaun Ray (2-1) revealed to promoters that he could no longer pass medicals to obtain a fight license.

The bout will now be a rematch of the first meeting between Langston and Richard that took place last November at “NEF45.”  That fight, which was Richard’s professional debut, saw Richard defeat Langston by technical knockout in the first round.  Langston says the outcome will be different this Saturday.

“When I got asked to take this rematch on short notice it was a no brainer for me,” said Langston.  “Thank you to NEF for the opportunity and Zac’s team. This fight is going to have a very different outcome.”

“I’m very disappointed in the original fight being dropped,” noted Richard. “However, I worked too hard to sit on the sidelines and watch. I’m thankful to still have the opportunity to fight.”

“NEF 46: Decade of Dominance” takes place this Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Aura in Portland, Maine.  The event will commemorate NEF’s ten-year anniversary. Doors open at 6 pm with first fight at 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now at www.Ticketmaster.com.  The event will also stream live in its entirety at www.CombatSportsNow.com at a price of $29.99.

AL KINANI TO MAKE PROFESSIONAL DEBUT AT NEF 46 ON FEBRUARY 12

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (January 6, 2022) – New England Fights (NEF) returns with its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 46: Decade of Dominance,” on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Aura in Portland, Maine. The event will commemorate NEF’s ten-year anniversary. The leading regional promotion launched on February 11, 2012. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional lightweight bout to the fight card. Mohammad Al Kinani (0-0)is scheduled to face Chris “Ironfist” Rooney (0-1) at a fight weight of 155 pounds.

The fight will be the professional debut for Al Kinani who finished his amateur career with an impressive record of 9-1.  He leaves the amateur division as the number-one ranked lightweight in both New England and the Northeast. Six of Al Kinani’s nine victories have been finishes, including a 34-second knockout in his final amateur fight last fall. The fight with Rooney will be Al Kinani’s first in his home state of Maine in over three years.  He represents Evolution Athletix based in Saco, Maine.

“This fight on February 12th is the first step of a long journey that I’ve been dreaming of for quite some time,” said Al Kinani. “It’s going to be a fight that’ll start and end with a handshake, but you know how I roll once I’m locked in there. It’s all business, baby. That’s what I do: I take care of fucking business.”

Chris Rooney will make his first appearance in the NEF cage on February 12, but he is a longtime MMA veteran, having competed in the sport since February 2011.  He won twelve fights as an amateur prior to making his professional debut last September.  Rooney trains at Sargent Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in St. Albans, Vermont.

“I am very excited to announce that my next fight will be against Mo Kinani for New England Fights,” stated Rooney. “Though this will be my second fight as a professional, this will be my debut with NEF. I am looking forward to showcasing my knockout power and overall abilities as a mixed martial artist. Even though the fans in Maine may not yet know the name Rooney, they won’t forget it after they witness my iron-fist power.”

“NEF 46: Decade of Dominance” takes place on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Aura in Portland, Maine.  The event will commemorate NEF’s ten-year anniversary. Doors open at 6 pm with first fight at 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now at www.Ticketmaster.com

GRIMARD AND VASTA SET TO GO PRO AT NEF 46

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (November 30, 2021) – New England Fights (NEF) returns with its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 46: Decade of Dominance,” on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Aura in Portland, Maine. The event will commemorate NEF’s ten-year anniversary. The leading regional promotion launched on February 11, 2012. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional featherweight bout to the fight card. Former NEF Amateur Featherweight Champion Nathaniel Grimard (0-0) is scheduled to take on Anthony Vasta (0-0) at a fight weight of 145-pounds.

Nathaniel Grimard made his NEF MMA debut in September 2019 at “NEF 40: School of Hard Knocks.” That night, Grimard submitted Justin Kangas (0-3) via armbar in the first round. During the pandemic lockdown, Grimard competed twice in Florida and improved his record to 3-0. His unbeaten record positioned Grimard to challenge for the then vacant NEF Featherweight Championship. In August, Grimard stopped Brandon Maillet-Fevens (3-2) in the second round at “NEF 44: Back in Black” to become the 145-pound titleholder. Grimard got right back in the cage at “NEF 45: Uprising” to defend his strap against Billy Wilson (7-1) from the famed Jackson Wink MMA camp in New Mexico. Grimard lost a laborious five-round decision that made Wilson the new champion. Now, Grimard hits the reset switch as he plans to turn professional against NEF newcomer, Anthony Vasta. Grimard represents Nostos MMA of Somersworth, New Hampshire where he trains under UFC and Bellator veteran, and former NEF Professional Lightweight Champion, Devin Powell (10-5).

“I can’t imagine a better way to start my pro career than on NEF’s 10th anniversary card,” Grimard stated. “I have big goals for myself and I’m ready to take on anybody in my way. I have nothing but respect for Vasta and his martial arts skills, but I have never been more focused.” 

Anthony Vasta will also be making his professional debut at NEF 46. Vasta and Grimard made their respective MMA amateur debuts within a couple of months of each other. Vasta and Grimard share another common tie, as both competed on the same card in Florida during the pandemic. Vasta has a 1-1 amateur record and trains at Defensive Edge Martial Arts Academy in Wakefield, Massachusetts.

“Being able to make my professional debut against another rising New England fighter that I respect is exciting,” Vasta stated. “It’s time to take the next step in my career, put my skills to the test, and seize the opportunity. My style is really unorthodox and hard to prepare for. I plan to go out there and put on a dominant performance against another tough prospect of this division.”

“NEF 46: Decade of Dominance” takes place on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Aura in Portland, Maine.  The event will commemorate NEF’s ten-year anniversary. Doors open at 6 pm with first fight at 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now at www.Ticketmaster.com

CHAMP VS FORMER CHAMP SET FOR FLYWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT ON FEBRUARY 12TH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (November 26, 2021) – New England Fights (NEF) returns with its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 46: Decade of Dominance,” on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Aura in Portland, Maine. The event will commemorate NEF’s ten-year anniversary. The leading regional promotion launched on February 11, 2012. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur championship bout to the fight card. NEF Flyweight Champion Tyler Smythe (3-1) is scheduled to defend his title against former NEF Flyweight Champion Ryan “Gordo” Burgess (3-2) at a fight weight of 125 pounds.

Tyler Smythe notched his third MMA win and captured coveted NEF gold in the process when he recently stopped previously undefeated flyweight prospect Caleb “Dr. Feelgood” Austin (5-1) in a “Fight of the Night” performance at “NEF 45: Uprising.” Down on the scorecards but not discouraged, Smythe waged a come-from-behind victory to earn the technical knockout (TKO) stoppage over Austin in the final second of the fourth round of their championship bout. Never one to slow down, Smythe, who is trained by Nate Libby out of Evolution Athletix in Saco, Maine, is anxious to make an immediate turnaround and defend his title against a former NEF Champion.

“From bell to bell, every round, I’ll be going at this kid like he owes me money,” Smythe stated. “I want a quick finish. Ryan doesn’t deserve to be in that cage with me. February 12th, I’ll show why I’m the NEF flyweight champ.”

Ryan Burgess is no stranger to championship challenges. Hailing from Rumford, Maine, Burgess is one of only four Mountain Valley High School mat men to ever win triple state crowns in wrestling. He amassed an amazing 151-23 overall high school record before graduating and turning his attention to mixed martial arts. Burgess quickly made a name for himself in MMA when he won the NEF Flyweight Championship in November 2015 with a split-decision nod over then Champion Dustin Veinott (5-4). When Burgess last competed, he displayed a dangerous Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) game off his back in defeating Nate Boucher (0-1) in a heated hometown rivalry. Burgess, a BJJ purple belt, trains under Jason “JB” Bell and fights out of Bell’s Famoso BJJ.

“I’m super excited to make my return on NEF’s 10-year anniversary show,” Burgess stated. “It’s been a long time coming for me to return to the cage and I can’t think of a more perfect scenario than coming back and regaining my flyweight title with a finish over Smythe. It’s been three years since I’ve competed, but my coach, Jason Bell, and I have been putting in work behind the scenes. I can’t wait to showcase my skills and put on a show for the fans.

“Smythe seems like a tough opponent, and it was no easy feat for him to defeat Caleb Austin for the belt,” Burgess continued. “With that being said, I see many holes in his game that I plan to exploit come February 12th. I hope he’s not expecting the same fighter he’s watching in the three-plus-year-old film he’s researching to better understand me. Mentally and skillfully, I am a far superior fighter compared to my previous bouts and only my training partners actually know the weapons I’ll be bringing into that cage to get the job done. Smythe may rethink his entire pursuit of a professional MMA career when I’m finished with him. The pressure I’m going to bring would melt any of these amateur flyweights in New England and come February they will all be on notice.”

“NEF 46: Decade of Dominance” takes place on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Aura in Portland, Maine.  The event will commemorate NEF’s ten-year anniversary. Doors open at 6 pm with first fight at 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now at www.Ticketmaster.com

ASSAM VS KANGAS SET TO STRIKE AT NEF 46 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY EVENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (November 24, 2021) – New England Fights (NEF) returns with its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 46: Decade of Dominance,” on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Aura in Portland, Maine. The event will commemorate NEF’s ten-year anniversary. The leading regional promotion launched on February 11, 2012. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur welterweight bout to the fight card. Jon Assam (2-3) is scheduled to take on former lightweight Justin Kangas (0-3) at a fight weight of 170-pounds.

Jon Assam will have fought for NEF for four straight years when he steps in the cage on February 12th. The Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) staple most recently made Austin Hamilton (0-3) retire on the stool in between rounds when they faced-off at the Hampshire Dome last August at “NEF 44: Back in Black” in New Hampshire. Assam will be looking to extend his win streak to two when he shares the cage with Kangas in February.

“I’m very excited to be part of another NEF event, always good cards and good fights,” Assam stated. “I don’t like to do much talking outside of the cage, but my opponent can expect the same thing I expect from him—the best version of ourselves—and we’ll see whose best is better.”

Justin Kangas has struggled to find his first win in NEF, having dropped losses to a who’s who of young up and coming talent including Nate “The Mule White (5-0) and former NEF Featherweight Champion Nathaniel Grimard (4-1). Standing 6’3”, the cut to 155-pounds has always been a struggle for the moonlighting mixed martial artist who spends his days working as a school principal. Having finally found the rhythm between his professional life and passion for training, Kangas is confident that the move up in weight class will help him secure that elusive first win in the NEF hexagon.

“I am extremely excited to step back into the NEF cage. It has been far too long. Covid has been rough on us all in a variety of ways, but if there is a silver lining, it’s that it gave me a ton of time to work on my deficits. When I first started fighting for NEF, I was only nine months into my training, and I was a fish out of water on the ground. Each fight gave me a lot to reflect on and gave me a full picture of what needed to change. Covid may have stopped a lot of things in our country, but it didn’t stop me from training and growing as a fighter.

“My weaknesses have become new passions and strengths for me. Losing and identifying faults doesn’t break me down. It excites me. Nothing is more rewarding than improving yourself. Have no doubt, I have done just that. 

“After all the time off, I made the decision to jump up a weight class. I have been working hard to put on weight the right way over the last year and a half and have come leaps and bounds in my confidence and technique on the feet, the cage and the ground. I am a far more well-rounded and skilled fighter. I look forward to showing off that work. 

“Jon Assam is a veteran in the NEF cage and he always goes to war. I am excited to share the cage with him and I know the fans won’t be disappointed. I took this fight because I knew it would push me to my limits and that’s how exciting fights are made. I don’t take fights looking for an easy win to pad my record. I’m here to push and challenge myself. My past three opponents have a combined record of 12-4. Expect nothing less than a battle in that cage.”

“NEF 46: Decade of Dominance” takes place on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Aura in Portland, Maine.  The event will commemorate NEF’s ten-year anniversary. Doors open at 6 pm with first fight at 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now at www.Ticketmaster.com

MURRAY VS FAULKNER SET TO CLASH FOR WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (November 23, 2021) – New England Fights (NEF) returns with its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 46: Decade of Dominance,” on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Aura in Portland, Maine. The event will commemorate NEF’s ten-year anniversary. The leading regional promotion launched on February 11, 2012. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur championship bout to the fight card. Former NEF Lightweight Contender “Magic” Mike Murray (3-2) is scheduled to move up in weight to face Zach Faulkner (4-1) for the currently vacant NEF Welterweight Championship at a fight weight of 170 pounds. The Championship was recently vacated when former title holder Mike Bezanson (5-0) publicly stated that he will be turning professional in his next bout.

Mike Murray has dazzled fans since he made his NEF debut in June 2019. After rattling off impressive back-to-back first-round rear-naked-choke submission victories in his first two fights, Murray faced off against Zac Richard (1-0) for the then vacant NEF Lightweight Championship. After a lively five-round fight, Murray lost a decision to Richard. Murray rebounded with a win in Florida. Murray recently retired from a successful service career in the US Marine Corps.

“I’m extremely grateful and excited to be back after two years outside of the cage, and to be given the opportunity to fight for the 170-pound title against an absolutely game opponent,” Murray stated. “I personally feel like we are each other’s best match up after seeing his striking and jiu jitsu in his last fight. I’ve been two years out of the cage, but not two years out of the fight. This past summer alone, I went undefeated in Muay Thai, and had 15 jiu jitsu matches, and placed increasingly higher in each tournament. My prediction for this fight is that it’ll be the most entertaining amateur fight on this card – if not this year. I’ve been putting in the work to be the most lethal version of myself, and I believe this is the best I’ve ever been coming into a fight. There’s no animosity going into this one, this is purely two dogs getting locked in a cage. I’m so thrilled to be a part of this incredibly special 10-year anniversary card. This will for sure be a night to remember.”

Zach Faulkner made his triumphant NEF debut in 2017 at “NEF 30: Rumble in Bangor” and has remained perfect inside the NEF hexagon ever since. He most recently won a unanimous decision victory over Curtis Ouellette (1-3) last August at “NEF 44” in New Hampshire. He trains with Jon Deupree (1-0) at Recon Fitness in Westbrook, Maine.

“I’m super excited to not only have the opportunity to fight for the NEF welterweight title, but also to be able to fight on such a big card against a tough, game opponent,” Faulkner stated. “Winning would mean a lot to me because it would show that my fight journey is moving in the right direction and show that I’m ready to start to think about moving up to the next level.”

“NEF 46: Decade of Dominance” takes place on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Aura in Portland, Maine.  The event will commemorate NEF’s ten-year anniversary. Doors open at 6 pm with first fight at 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now at www.Ticketmaster.com

NEF RETURNS TO MAINE WITH STACKED FIGHT CARD FEATURING FOUR TITLE FIGHTS

NEF RETURNS TO MAINE WITH STACKED FIGHT CARD FEATURING FOUR TITLE FIGHTS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (October 22, 2021) – When the bell rings at 7 pm EST to start the show on Friday, November 5, it will be the first time New England Fights (NEF) has presented a mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event in its home state of Maine in 21 months.  Shortly after the venerable fight promotion held “NEF 42” at Merrill Auditorium in Portland on February 8, 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic gripped the state and the nation.  The resulting shutdown forced the indefinite postponement of “NEF 43” which was scheduled to take place in Orono, Maine later that spring.  With the state not fully opening for combat sports events until well into 2021, NEF decided to turn to neighboring New Hampshire to hold “NEF 44” last summer.  “NEF 45: Uprising” on November 5 will see the fight promotion make its long-awaited return to action in Maine, as well as close out its first decade of business.  The event will originate from Aura in Portland.

Earlier today, NEF announced the full fight card for “NEF 45.”  It is scheduled to feature a total of 21 bouts with four championships to be decided.

In the main event of the evening, Josh “Hook On” Harvey (7-1-1) will defend the NEF Professional Featherweight Title against the challenge of Aguilando Brandao (9-8).  Harvey has held the championship since February 2019.  Brandao is a tough veteran with more than 15 years of cage experience.

The co-main event will see Mark “Pockets” Gardner (1-2)take on Nick Alley (7-4) in a professional welterweight contest.  Both competitors are veterans of global promotion Bellator’s cage.  Both will be looking to bounce back from losses in their respective previous bouts.

Zac “Rocky” Richard (0-0) will make his professional debut against Carl Langston (0-5) after a successful amateur career that saw Richard capture the NEF 155-pound title.  Langston seeks his first win as a professional fighter.

In other pro bouts, Matt “Ken Doll” Denning (5-10) meets former University of Southern Maine wrestling standout Jon Deupree (0-0) in Deupree’s pro debut, while former NEF Professional Middleweight Champion CJ Ewer (3-3) battles Shaun Ray (2-1) in the welterweight division.

The amateur portion of the fight card will be headlined by three title fights: Caleb Austin (5-0) faces Tyler Smythe (2-1) for the vacant flyweight belt; Felipe Günter (3-0) is scheduled to square off with Teddy Politis (2-0) for the vacant bantamweight championship; and Nathaniel Grimard (4-0) will defend his newly-won featherweight strap against Billy Wilson (6-1).

The sole women’s fight of the evening will also take place on the amateur card as BJ Garceau (1-1) meets the debuting Hayley Martin (0-0) in a strawweight bout.  Garceau last appeared in the NEF cage three years earlier at “NEF 36.”

“It feels like forever since we had a fight in Maine—and what a card to come back with,” said NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson.  “So many prospects in this lineup, so many undefeated fighters putting their perfect records on the line, so much at stake for so many impressive athletes putting themselves to the test on November 5th. Four title fights. For headliner Josh Harvey, his next fight could be the last chance to see him compete before he gets the call to the UFC —he’s that close. Leading up to the main event we have several undefeated amateur athletes that are on the cusp of turning pro and trying to follow in Harvey’s footsteps. AURA is the place to be November 5th!”

The full “NEF 45” fight card (subject to change):

PROFESSIONAL MMA

145 POUND TITLE: Josh Harvey (c) vs. Aguilando Brandao

170 POUNDS: Nick Alley vs. Mark Gardner

140 POUNDS: Carl Langston vs. Zac Richard

170 POUNDS: Jon Deupree vs. Matt Denning

160 POUNDS: Jay Ellis vs. Rodrigo Almeida

170 POUNDS: CJ Ewer vs. Shaun Ray

AMATEUR MMA

125 POUND TITLE: Caleb Austin vs. Tyler Smythe

145 POUND TITLE: Billy Wilson vs. Nathaniel Grimard (c)

135 POUND TITLE: Felipe Günter vs. Teddy Politis

115 POUNDS: BJ Garceau vs. Hayley Martin

200 POUNDS: David McCarthy vs. Danny Dray

170 POUNDS: Brian Cosco vs. Tyler Kingsbury

265 POUNDS: Tucker Olinsky vs. George Pissimissis

170 POUNDS: Curtis Ouellette vs. Derek Lambert

185 POUNDS: Bryant Wade vs. Brandon Oldenberg

185 POUNDS: Brett Martin vs. Justin Philbrook

155 POUNDS: Jonas Ryerson vs. RJ Janeczek

165 POUNDS: Austin Hamilton vs. David Hart

115 POUNDS: Julian Menjivar vs. Matt Miles

155 POUNDS: Jacob Routon vs. Emmett Huber

135 POUNDS: Tyler Parent vs. Randall Hathorn

“NEF 45: Uprising” takes place on Friday, November 5, 2021, at Aura in Portland, Maine.  Doors open at 6 pm with first fight at 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now at www.Ticketmaster.com.  The event will also be live streamed on pay-per-view for the price of $29.99 at www.CombatSportsNow.com.

About New England Fights

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

BJ GARCEAU WILL RETURN TO THE CAGE AT NEF 45 AGAINST HAYLEY MARTIN

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (October 7, 2021) – New England Fights (NEF) returns with its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 45: Uprising,” on Friday, November 5, 2021, at Aura in Portland, Maine.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur women’s strawweight bout to the fight card.  BJ Garceau will meet Hayley Martin at a fight weight of 115 pounds.

The fight will see Garceau (1-1) return to the NEF cage after a three-year absence.  She made her debut at “NEF 32” in February 2018 with a split decision win over Sarah Ziehm (1-2).  Garceau then lost via technical knockout to Chelsea Tucker (3-3) in the third round of their bout at “NEF 36” in the fall of that year.  She had been scheduled to make her return to action at “NEF 43” in 2020 until the COVID-19 pandemic forced the postponement of the event.  Garceau represents Young’s MMA of Bangor, Maine.

“I can’t believe I’m stepping back into the cage again this November,” exclaimed Garceau. “When we had to stop training last year, I felt like I lost my family, my health, and that hit me hard mentally and physically. I was a mess. So once (Young’s MMA head coach) Chris Young and so many other amazing coaches from other gyms said ‘come home’ a/k/a ‘get back into the gym,’ I finally felt whole again once we were on the mats.  I didn’t think it would happen again, but honestly after everything that’s been going on in the world and personally the past 18-months, I’ve never wanted to fight this bad.  I’m thankful for the opportunity and honestly it could have been anyone standing across from me at this point. I am happy to throw down with Hayley, and promise I will not let anyone down in that cage!  I would say more, but I gotta go train. Let’s do this!”

Hayley Martin will be making her in-cage debut in the fight with Garceau at “NEF 45” – just a few weeks after celebrating her 50th birthday.  Martin is an independent fighter whose dream it has been to actively compete in MMA.

“I’m beyond excited to step into the cage, test my skills and show what hard work and dedication looks like,” said Martin.  “I’m on this journey because I have never felt anything that makes me feel more alive, strong and confident. And when that moment happens on November 5th, I will leave it all in the cage and fight my ass off for every woman that thought dreams can’t come true.”

“NEF 45: Uprising” takes place on Friday, November 5, 2021, at Aura in Portland, Maine.  Doors open at 6 pm with first fight at 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now at www.Ticketmaster.com

About New England Fights

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.