Category Archives: Amateur MMA

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

WILL ATHLETE’S RETURN BE A BAD OMEN FOR SHOREY AT NEF XX?

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Lewiston, Maine (September 30, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE” on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will feature a first for Maine – mixed-martial-arts (MMA) bouts and professional boxing bouts on the same event with an MMA cage and a boxing ring set up side-by-side.  Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of a professional featherweight bout to the MMA portion of the fight card.  “Shatterproof 2.0” Derek Shorey (3-2) has signed to face the returning Damon “The Omen” Owens (2-0) at a fight weight of 145-pounds.

 

The founder and head coach of the Shatterproof Combat Club in Dexter, Maine, Derek Shorey has been impressive in his professional career thus far.  All three of his wins have come by first-round stoppage, including Shorey’s defeat of Tollison Lewis (0-5) earlier this month at “NEF XIX.”  Win or lose, Shorey does not believe in letting fights go to the judges’ scorecards.  All fifteen of his combined amateur and pro fights have ended by either knockout, technical knockout (TKO) or submission.

 

“I’m grateful to be part of this historical event that is NEF XX,” said Shorey.  “Thank you Matt Peterson and Nick DiSalvo for providing a platform for me to chase this ridiculous dream.  Damon is an interesting matchup for me because, stylistically, we are very similar.  I’m excited to get in there and mix it up with him and I think the fans will be the biggest winners on this night because they’re in for a hell of a show. I’ve only just begun to tap my full potential and to pull a ‘W’ over a fighter from the best camp in Maine, would be a very proud moment for me.”

 

Prior to moving to Colorado from Maine in 2013, Damon Owens was on the verge of becoming a breakout star on the regional MMA scene.  Owens put together a pair of solid, back-to-back wins against John Raio (2-8) and Josh Parker (4-8).  Like Shorey, Owens came into his own after leaving the amateur ranks.  Also like Shorey, Owens does not believe in letting the judges decide the outcome of his fights.  Only one of his bouts out of seven has gone the distance.  Owens is a member of Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine.  Returning home, he has been welcomed back with open arms to his team.  Owens has been inactive from competition since moving to Colorado two years ago.

 

“Adding this fight to such a monumental event like ‘NEF XX’ was a no-brainer,” said NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo.  “Derek and Damon have both proven themselves to be big finishers.  They match up very well and they’re both incredibly exciting fighters.  This fight has a very good shot at stealing the show!”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE,” takes place on November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will mark the first time in Maine history a mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event and a professional boxing event have taken place together on the same show.  Tickets for “NEF XX” start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.  For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

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 Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

EWER AND LACHANCE TO LOCK HORNS AT NEF XX

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Lewiston, Maine (September 29, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE” on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will feature a first for Maine – mixed-martial-arts (MMA) bouts and professional boxing bouts on the same event with an MMA cage and a boxing ring set up side-by-side.  Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of an amateur lightweight bout to the MMA portion of the fight card.  CJ Ewer (4-2) is scheduled to face Jason “Second Chance” Lachance (2-2) at a fight weight of 155-pounds.

 

CJ Ewer is a veteran of the United States Air Force security forces.  He is a product of Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine where he has honed his craft under coach Chris Young.  Ewer had one of the most explosive starts to a career in NEF history, winning his first three amateur bouts in a matter of just ten weeks.  Earlier this month at “NEF XIX,” Ewer fought and defeated a very tough Ricky Dexter (3-2).  All of Ewer’s fights to date have been in the welterweight and middleweight divisions.  The cut to 155-pounds will be a first for Ewer.

 

“After watching Lachance’s videos, it’s obvious he comes into the cage well prepared,” noted Ewer of his opponent.  “He’s only lost to Jarod Tyler and Dom Cofone, who are both hardcore fighters, and his win against Steve Bang shows that he has a lot of different skills and drive.  It’ll be a great opportunity to show how I can compete at 155.”

 

Jason Lachance is a member of MMA Athletix based in Bath, Maine.  He has faced stiff competition in the first several fights of his career, as Ewer noted, so Lachance is accustomed to standing across the cage from the cream of the crop.  He is coming off a first round submission victory over David Thompson (0-1) earlier this month at “NEF XIX.”  Lachance will look to continue his winning ways when he meets Ewer at “NEF XX” on November 21.

 

“I’m excited for another opportunity to get in the cage,” said Lachance.  “I expect an exciting fight no matter where it ends up.  Ewer is tough competition.  I am looking forward to this one.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE,” takes place on November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will mark the first time in Maine history a mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event and a professional boxing event have taken place together on the same show.  Tickets for “NEF XX” start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.  For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

Amateur MMA, boxing, mixed martial arts

THE FLYWEIGHT TITLE IS ON THE LINE AT NEF XX

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Lewiston, Maine (September 28, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE” on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will feature a first for Maine – mixed-martial-arts (MMA) bouts and professional boxing bouts on the same event with an MMA cage and a boxing ring set up side-by-side.  Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of an amateur flyweight bout to the MMA portion of the fight card.  Dustin Veinott (4-3) will defend the NEF MMA Amateur Flyweight Championship against Ryan Burgess(1-0).

 

Dustin Veinott has been the feel-good story of 2015 in NEF.  After going 0-3 to begin his amateur career, Veinott went on a four-fight win streak culminating in a split decision victory over Norman Fox (4-2) this past June to claim the inaugural flyweight title.  Veinott is a member of Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) in Lewiston, Maine.  He predicts a finish over Burgess on November 21.

 

“It’s an honor to fight a young up and comer like Burgess,” said the reigning champion.  “He looked like he had solid wrestling in his last fight with Witham.  However, I am disappointed in my last fight. Fight fans will want to see this one.  I will get the finish.”

 

Ryan Burgess is, indeed, an accomplished wrestler.  A veteran of the Mountain Valley High School (MVHS) wrestling program of Rumford, Maine, Burgess chalked up an amazing 150 wins and captured three state titles.  Later, he continued his wrestling career at Plymouth State University in Plymouth, New Hampshire.  Burgess joined Berserkers MMA along with other MVHS wrestling alumni and won his amateur MMA debut this past June.

 

“Dustin has a lot of experience in the cage and had to earn his spot at the top, but he has yet to fight someone at flyweight with the same skill set and intensity that I bring to the cage,” said Burgess.  “I’m very excited for this opportunity and it will be a great chance to show how much I have improved over the last six months.”

 

“It’s not very often that you witness a fighter with a 1-0 record fighting for a title, but Burgess brings with him a lifetime of competitive wrestling and training,” said NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson.  “He was so good at Mountain Valley High School that they retired his singlet when he graduated.  Veinott has found his groove and really come into his own as a champion fighter.  This is a bout between two guys with a ton of drive and determination, and I can’t wait to watch to see who strikes first in this fight.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE,” takes place on November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will mark the first time in Maine history a mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event and a professional boxing event have taken place together on the same show.  Tickets for “NEF XX” start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.  For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

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 Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

LIGHTWEIGHTS LOOK TO GET BACK TO THEIR WINNING WAYS AT NEF XX

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Lewiston, Maine (September 23, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE” on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will feature a first for Maine – mixed-martial-arts (MMA) bouts and professional boxing bouts on the same event with an MMA cage and a boxing ring set up side-by-side.  Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of an amateur lightweight bout to the MMA portion of the fight card.  Ricky Dexter (3-2) is scheduled to meet Steven Bang (3-3) at a fight weight of 155-pounds.

 

Dexter is a veteran of the United States Navy, and he currently represents Marcus Davis’s Team Irish gym of Brewer, Maine where Dexter runs the fitness program known as “207 Athletes.”  He has been a constant of the NEF cage this year, appearing in all four of the promotion’s events in 2015.  After winning his first three NEF bouts, Dexter is looking to rebound from two consecutive losses.

 

“I am pumped to be able to compete and fight in my sixth consecutive show with NEF,” said Dexter.  “Let’s end this year with a Bang!”

 

Bang is a member of Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) in Lewiston, Maine.  He has been a standout of the popular Bang wrestling and MMA clan along with brothers Sheldon Bang (2-2), Shawn Bang (1-1), Skylar Bang and their father Dr. Steve Bang (1-1).  Like Dexter, Bang is looking to get back on the winning track after dropping his last two in a row.

 

“I’m looking forward to this fight,” said Bang.  “I was bummed out that I had to pull out last time.  Since then, Ricky has fought some tough guys making him a better fighter.  I’m excited to be able to fight him next and excited to be able to get back in the cage again.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE,” takes place on November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will mark the first time in Maine history a mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event and a professional boxing event have taken place together on the same show.  Tickets for “NEF XX” start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.  For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

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 Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

WAR OF WORDS ERUPTS OVER HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT AT NEF XX

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Lewiston, Maine (September 17, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE” on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will feature a first for Maine – mixed-martial-arts (MMA) bouts and professional boxing bouts on the same event with an MMA cage and a boxing ring set up side-by-side.  As announced this past Saturday night at “NEF XIX,” Billy “Bigfoot” Leahy (3-1) is scheduled to defend the NEF MMA Amateur Heavyweight Title that evening against the challenge of Dave Smith (2-0).

 

Leahy won the inaugural amateur heavyweight title at “NEF XVIII” this past June when he defeated Smith’s Berserkers MMA teammate Ryan Glover (2-1) via unanimous decision.  Leahy’s decision to take time off from competing rather than to defend the title against number-one contender Smith at “NEF XIX” earlier this week was met with criticism from the Berserkers camp.  The heavyweight champion splits time training between Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) in Auburn, Maine and Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine.

 

“Berserkers wants to say I’m avoiding fights?” asked an enraged Leahy.  “I’ll clean their whole damn gym out one-by-one.  They want to come and try to take my belt from me?  Good luck, I’ll see you in November.”

 

Dave Smith made his MMA debut this past spring at “NEF XVII” in Lewiston.  That night, he defeated Sonny Spratt (0-2) by first-round technical knockout (TKO).  He followed up that victory with another win at “NEF XVIII” in June.  This time, it was Gravin Guillen (2-4) who fell to Smith in the first round by submission.  Smith is confident that he will take the heavyweight title from Leahy on November 21 in Lewiston.

 

“First, I would like to thank everyone involved in making this fight happen,” said Smith.  “I’m sure it wasn’t easy to get Billy to commit for November, he wouldn’t do it for September.  I respect anyone who gets in the cage, including Mr. Leahy.  I really hope he isn’t expecting a win. I say directly to Billy–get ready and bring my belt.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE,” takes place on November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will mark the first time in Maine history a mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event and a professional boxing event have taken place together on the same show.  Tickets for “NEF XX” start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.  For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

NEF XX FIGHT CARD TO FEATURE EXCITING WOMEN’S BOUT

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Lewiston, Maine (September 15, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE” on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will feature a first for Maine – mixed-martial-arts (MMA) bouts and professional boxing bouts on the same event with an MMA cage and a boxing ring set up side-by-side.  As announced this past Saturday night at “NEF XIX,” the MMA portion of the card is scheduled to feature an amateur strawweight women’s bout between Randi Beth Boyington (1-1) and Erin “Fun Size” Lamonte (3-0).

 

Boyington is the wife of reigning NEF MMA Professional Lightweight Champion Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington (10-8) who will also be in action on the November 21 card.  Randi made her cage debut this past spring defeating Alex Walker (0-1) via unanimous decision at “NEF XVII.”  The crowd in the Colisée was on fire as the bout went back and forth through three hard-fought rounds.  Randi trains under her husband at Boyington’s Taekwondo Academy, as well as at Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine.

 

“I’m excited to be stepping back into the cage in November – it’s something I’m looking forward to,” said Randi Beth Boyington when reached for comment.  “I’m expecting Erin to be a tough opponent, and I’m training as such.  I never underestimate someone’s ability.  I know what I’m bringing to the cage as well and NEF fans will be impressed in November.  Fighting on the same night as my husband is a bonus.  We’re both hungry to have our hands raised at the end of our fights.  I don’t think many others could understand or appreciate the emotions that a couple share until they go through a training camp to fight on the same card.”

 

Erin Lamonte is not a stranger to the NEF cage.  She appeared for the promotion in early 2013, defeating Angela Theriault (0-1) via first round technical knockout (TKO).  Lamonte was victorious twice more that year before taking time off from competing to have a baby with her husband Casey.  Returning to the cage onNovember 21, it will have been nearly two years since the undefeated Lamonte won her last bout on a fight card in West Virginia.  She has been eager to return to action for some time.

 

“I am extremely excited to finally be back in cage on November 21st, fighting Randi Beth Boyington,” stated Lamonte.  “After a lengthy time off due to the birth of our son, I am itching to get back to training and competing.  Time to prove that the new and improved mama Fun Size can still kick ass.  After all, the mother lioness is one of the most ferocious and feared in the animal kingdom.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE,” takes place on November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will mark the first time in Maine history a mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event and a professional boxing event have taken place together on the same show.  Tickets for “NEF XX” start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.  For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

MMA MAIN EVENT ANNOUNCED FOR NEF XX CARD

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Lewiston, Maine (September 14, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE” on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will feature a first for Maine – mixed-martial-arts (MMA) bouts and professional boxing bouts on the same event with an MMA cage and a boxing ring set up side-by-side.  As announced this past Saturday night at “NEF XIX,” the MMA portion of the card will be headlined by NEF MMA Professional Lightweight Champion Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington (10-8) defending his title against Jimmy “Jimbo Slice” Davidson (7-1).

 

For the second time this year, Boyington will fight alongside his wife, Randi Beth Boyington (1-1), on an NEF card.  Boyington has held the lightweight championship since September 2014 when he defeated Jesse “The Viking” Erickson (6-4) for the then-vacant strap.  A proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps (USMC), Boyington has electrified NEF audiences for nearly four years now with his brand of Taekwondo.  He splits time training between Young’s MMA and his own gym, Boyington’s Taekwondo Academy, both located in Bangor, Maine.  Always fueled by a competitive spirit, Boyington went to NEF executives immediately after his last victory and asked them to find him the toughest opponent possible.  The promotion delivered with one of New England’s top lightweights in the form of Davidson.

 

“I’m thrilled to get back in the cage where I’m at my happiest and the opportunity to share this experience once again with my wife is something I will cherish forever,” said Boyington.  “I have set out for the toughest challenge available because I want there to be no doubt what I’m capable of after November 21st is over.  I’m sure there will still be some doubters, but I know there will be many more believers.  Jimmy comes from one of the best camps and coaches around, so I know he will be hungry and at his best – just the way I want him.  I have the utmost respect to all those guys, but it’s my belt and it’s my home and it’s my time and I do not intend on letting anymore slip away from me.”

 

Davidson does, indeed, come from one of the most well-respected teams not only in the region but in the entire country.  He is a product of Mark Dellagrotte’s Team Sityodtong.  Davidson holds victories over some of New England’s most outstanding MMA competitors like Aniss Alhajjajy (7-4).  All seven of Davidson’s professional victories have been finishes.  His only loss to date was against a very tough Leon Davis (7-3).

 

“It’s an honor to fight on Maine’s first ever Boxing/MMA show,” said Davidson.  “There’s been some epic fights in the Colisee and this title fight against Bruce will be no different.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE,” takes place on November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will mark the first time in Maine history a mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event and a professional boxing event have taken place together on the same show.  Tickets for “NEF XX” start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.  For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

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 Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

NEF XIX RESULTS FROM LEWISTON, MAINE

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Lewiston, Maine (September 13, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, held its nineteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XIX: HOMECOMING,”  Saturday night at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  A crowd of nearly 2,000 fight fans was on hand to witness the slate of seven professional and thirteen amateur bouts.

 

The evening of action saw highlight-reel knockouts delivered by “Shatterproof 2.0” Derek Shorey (3-2) and Josh Harvey (5-1) who retained the NEF MMA Amateur Lightweight Championship.  Mike “The Mustache” Hansen (2-1) was victorious over Crowsneck Boutin (1-1) on the professional portion of the card.  In the main event of the night, Bellator and World Series of Fighting (WSOF) veteran Sidney “Da Gun” Outlaw (5-1) submitted the returning Darrius Heyliger (4-3).

 

In addition, the promotion announced that its next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE,” will feature a first for Maine combat sports – a joint MMA and professional boxing event.  The event will take place on November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Three fights were announced including: NEF MMA Professional Lightweight Champion Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington (10-8) defending the title against Jimmy “Jimbo Slice” Davidson (7-1); Northeast Junior Welterweight Boxing ChampionBrandon “The Cannon” Berry (9-1) defending his title against an opponent to be named; Billy “Bigfoot” Leahy (3-1) defending the NEF MMA Amateur Heavyweight Championship against Dave Smith (2-0); and Randi Beth Boyington (1-1) facing Erin Lamonte (3-0).

 

The results of “NEF XIX” in Lewiston, Maine:

 

PROFESSIONAL

 

CATCH Darrius Heyliger def. Sidney Outlaw via rear-naked choke, round 1

205 Michael Hansen def. Crowsneck Boutin via verbal submission, round 1

150 Derek Shorey def. Tollison Lewis via KO, round 1

CATCH Zech Lange def. Jay Perrin via split decision

155 Matt Denning def. Zenon Herrera via rear-naked choke, round 1

265 Matt Andrikut def. Artie Mullen via TKO, round 1

CATCH Jesse Erickson def. Ricky Sylvester via armbar, round 1

 

AMATEUR

 

155*TITLE Josh Harvey (c) def. Ryan Dibartolomeo via KO, round 2 (Harvey retains)

150  Jason Lachance def. David Thompson via rear-naked choke, round 1

190  Chaz Gray def. Dominique Bailey via rear-naked choke, round 1

155  Rafael Velado def. Cory Trial via armbar, round 1

170  CJ Ewer def. Ricky Dexter via unanimous decision

150  Hannah Sparrell def. Kira Innocenti via unanimous decision

CATCH Wil Carrero def. Clifford Redman via TKO, round 2

CATCH Henry Clark def. Fred Lear via triangle choke, round 1

185  Nick Shea def. Ruben Redman via unanimous decision

S.HWT Ryan Glover def. Jason Field via TKO, round 1

155 Mike Peitersen def. Ken Dunn via TKO, round 1

170 Scott Godbois def. Phil Pearson via split decision

130 Rachel Reinheimer def. Angela Young via unanimous decision

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE,” takes place on November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will mark the first time in Maine history a mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event and a professional boxing event have taken place together on the same show.  Tickets for “NEF XX” start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.  For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

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 Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

JOHN RAIO THRIVING IN RETIREMENT WITH A FIRST CLASS TEAM

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Lewiston, Maine (September 3, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its nineteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XIX,” on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The fight card will feature three members of First Class MMA in action that night. Hannah Sparrell (0-0), Rafael Velado (0-0) and Nick Shea (1-0) from the Brunswick, Maine-based gym.  Recently, First Class MMA founder and head coach John “First Class” Raio joined NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson as the guest on the NEF Podcast.

 

This past June, 38-year-old Raio retired after competing in the NEF cage for some three-and-a-half years.  Raio now concentrates on training the members of his First Class MMA gym, including preparing Sparrell, Velado and Shea for their upcoming bouts.

 

“I definitely can put a lot more time into my fighters as well as my family,” said Raio.  “The fighters, I can put a lot more time into them because it’s not all about me.  When you’re fighting, when you’re training for a fight, no matter how much you try to focus on Nick Shea or Nick Gully or Hannah Sparrell or Rafael or any of our fighters, you can’t really put 100% effort into a fighter when you really focus on your own fight.  It’s tough splitting between their fight and your fight and your job, your family and your kids.”

 

Since the birth of NEF in early 2012, and the subsequent explosion of the sport’s popularity in the state, many new gyms have sprung up in recent years, including First Class MMA.  Raio enjoys, more than anything else, the tight-knit, family-like atmosphere that has developed at the facility since he opened the gym.

 

“The biggest thing I like about our gym, I enjoy going and being a part of, is there’s a very humble group of students and instructors,” noted Raio.  “Everyone who teaches in there is about the fighters.  It’s about the students.  They’re not about themselves.  They’re more about trying to help people get better.  Whether they’re a fighter or a teacher, we have a few teachers who go there and we have several women students and several children and adults.  It’s a real good mix and very much a family atmosphere.  We rarely lose a student.”

 

The “First Class” moniker is not merely a nickname given to Raio because of his past job with the postal service.  Early on in his MMA career, Raio earned the reputation of a respectful, classy, professional, likeable individual, hence the pun in his nickname.  Those same qualities have carried over to the students of First Class MMA.

 

“I try to treat everybody equally,” said Raio.  “I try to treat everyone respectfully.  I think a lot of those guys (at the gym), in turn, treat each other respectfully.  If I ever have an issue with a student, if they’re not acting respectful to the instructors or the other students, I’ll pull them aside and if they have to leave then they have to leave.  That’s part of life… Our gym attracts, for some reason, people who are just nice people.”

 

With more and more new students coming through his gym’s door, Raio has definitely kept busy since his retirement from active competition.  Like a proud father, Raio has a real passion for the success of his students.  The ultimate reward for him is seeing his protégées do well in the cage.

 

“After the last show (NEF XVIII), when I saw Nick (Gulliver, 1-0) have his arm raised and Rob (Robinson, 1-0), I was so happy for those guys,” recalled Raio.  “I’m so happy to see these two guys win.  As much as I didn’t come away with a win against Bruce (Boyington, 10-8), I said ‘if we go 2-1, I’d rather be the one that didn’t pull off the victory.’  I’ve never been as happy for my own win than I was for Nick and Rob that night.”

 

To learn more about First Class MMA, you can visit the team’s Facebook page “First Class Fitness & MMA.”

 

You can listen to the NEF Podcast in its entirety atwww.NewEnglandFights.com/Podcasts/.

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XIX,” takes place on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF XIX” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.  For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

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 Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

BARRETT INKS DEVELOPMENTAL DEAL; NEF BEEFS UP FLYWEIGHT DIVISION WITH SECOND SIGNING IN FIVE DAYS

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Lewiston, Maine (September 1, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, is proud to announce the signing of Kevin “.50 Cal” Barrett (2-1) to a multi-fight developmental deal.  Barrett is scheduled to make his professional debut with NEF in November 2015 against an opponent to be named at a later date in the 125-pound flyweight division.  His signing comes just days after it was announced that fellow flyweight “Sleepy” Norman Fox (4-2) had also inked a developmental deal with the promotion.

 

Barrett is a perfect 2-0 in the NEF cage.  He won both of his bouts with the promotion via submission.  Barrett has been inactive from competition since November 2013.  He is a member of Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine, and Barrett is certain he can replicate the success his teammates have had in the professional ranks of NEF.

 

“I’m 100% confident in my fighting style,” said Barrett.  “I have the best gym in New England backing me – there is no doubt I’m going to put on exciting fights for NEF. This is my time.  I will be the NEF flyweight champion.”

 

“We’re really looking forward to seeing the new additions to the professional flyweight division,” stated NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson.  “With the signing of Norman Fox last week, and now Kevin Barrett, we’re expecting some explosive fights at 125-pounds.  These guys are finishers—they compete to win and they do it with style.  There are going to be some interesting matchups in the flyweight division inside the NEF cage in the months and years to come.”

 

“I’m very excited to be a part of the NEF family,” exclaimed Barrett.  “It’s been a dream of mine for the last ten years to become a professional athlete and make a name for myself in this sport that I love so much.  I can’t wait to put these 125ers on blast.  Get ready because once I start, I’m not going to stop.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XIX,” takes place on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF XIX” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.  For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

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 Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.