Category Archives: Amateur MMA

WOMEN RULE THE MMA CAGE AT NEF XIX IN LEWISTON

 

Kira Innocenti (l) and Angela Young (r) photo courtesy of Tracey McCue
Kira Innocenti (l) and Angela Young (r), photo courtesy of Tracey McCue

Lewiston, Maine (August 31, 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 two amateur women’s bouts.  Angela Young (0-0) of Young’s MMA in Bangor is scheduled to make her debut against Rachel Reinheimer (1-0) from team Sityodtong.   Young’s teammate Kira Innocenti (0-0) is also scheduled to make her debut against Hannah Sparrell (0-0) from First Class MMA in Brunswick.

 

Angela Young is the wife of Chris Young – owner and founder of Young’s MMA.  She views her debut fight as a way of testing herself.

 

“It’s important for me to test myself,” said Young, “not only in the cage comeSeptember 12th, but also through the fight that’s happened the last eight weeks leading up to the NEF event.  I feel the fight is essentially a showcase and representation of the grueling training sessions and endless hours in the gym that took place prior to fight night.  Living the MMA lifestyle to me meant more than diet modifications and strict training schedules.  Athletically, it was more about enduring through the obstacles and pushing my limits as a competitor in a way that had not been tested. It was about proving to myself, my coaches and my teammates that I have earned my right to step in the cage.”

 

Where in the past women have been relegated to the sideshow and novelty portions of combat sports events, like boxing, women’s MMA has not only risen to equal status with men’s MMA, it has, in some ways, surpassed it.  One has to look only to the highest level of the sport to see this trend.  Women’s fights are now routinely present on the main cards of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).  The promotion’s top star, and its highest paid athlete, is its women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey (12-0).  The women competing on the September 12 card will be at the forefront of a movement to expand opportunities for women at the regional level.

 

“MMA for women is not hugely different than it is for men,” stated Young. “Obviously, MMA is a predominantly male sport, but successful women in the MMA world are on the rise. Through this fight camp I have grappled, sparred and wrestled with the Young’s MMA fight team and they have been unrelentingly supportive. Being one of the first female fighters out of Young’s certainly has its pressures (as well as being married to Mr. Young) but it’s also a spotlight I’m hoping will inspire other women who otherwise wouldn’t have pursued MMA.  I would bet the women’s fights on September 12th won’t be unlike the others we’ve seen at prior NEF events. I expect the women to put on a great show because we do have something to prove. I have put blood, sweat and tears into training and you better believe I’m assuming my opponents done the same. That being said, the women are going to come after it to plant their stake in the NEF cage.”

 

Both Young’s teammate, Kira Innocenti, as well has her opponent at “NEF XIX,” Rachel Reinheimer, seem to concur with Young’s views on the rapid growth of women’s MMA.

 

“Women’s MMA is on the rise,” said Innocenti.  “Each discipline teaches a woman something she does not know about herself. I have seen it build confidence in myself and many others. The more women on the mats, the better.  Fans can expect my teammate, Angie, and myself to give it our all and go to war just like the male warriors at Young’s MMA do. We have worked hard to represent our gym. We will fight with pride, passion, and with the strongest corners looking out for us. I can assure you that the women’s bouts will be unforgettable.”

 

“Women’s MMA is a sport just like any other,” stated Reinheimer of Everett, Massachusetts.  “It’s not an action movie where the hero runs out into the woods for three days to train with a martial arts master and then defeats an entire army. It’s not a bar brawl. It’s not a back alley ambush. These women are serious athletes who train diligently for years using the best training, equipment and resources available. Women who compete in combat sports spend thousands of hours of blood, sweat and tears perfecting their sport. They make sacrifices. Furthermore, there are rules and time limits and safety precautions. When someone is unfamiliar with the idea of women’s MMA, I compare it to boxing or fencing, something else that people are more familiar with.  The pool of women fighters in New England is deepening fast and the fact that there are more women’s bouts on fight cards reflects that. My opponent and I are both from serious, hardworking camps. We are both mothers and it takes a lot of determination and drive to do this sport while juggling work and children. I have been working tirelessly with my team since my last fight to improve my game in every aspect. I am so grateful for the amazing training and teammates at Sityodtong that push me so hard. On September 12, you can expect a war.”

 

Most individuals, both men and women, who join MMA gyms do not do so initially intending to become an active cage fighter.  On any given day, one can walk into any MMA gym and find a diverse population of trainees.  Men and women, old and young, blue collar and white collar, all train side by side.  Most will never step foot in a cage in front of thousands of screaming fans.  Most are there to get in shape or learn self-defense.  Some, however, are bitten by the competition bug.

 

“I was introduced to the MMA world after signing my daughter up for Jiu Jitsu classes thinking it would be beneficial to her for the self defense aspect involved in the sport,” recalled Hanna Sparrell.  “I watched as she fell in love with the game, gaining strength and confidence, and was quick to decide that it was something I needed to be doing too.  It didn’t take long before I fell in love with Jiu Jitsu myself, and then ultimately wanted to explore the other aspects of the MMA world. Being in the gym has become a second home for me and my daughter, my training partners, a second family.  Every day I walk through the doors of the gym is a test, it’s a test of athleticism, as well as a test of mental and emotional drive. Since being introduced to the mixed martial arts world I have put my body, heart, and soul into training, and competing in this bout is important to me for many reasons, not only to represent myself and my hard work, but also to represent all the hard work, dedication, and encouragement I have received from my friends, instructors, training partners, and fellow fighters along the way.  I think MMA training for woman is a great outlet for many reasons, it physically is a great workout, and is also a good form of “therapy” at the end of a possibly stressful day. I have many women I train with, not all of them are planning on fighting, but the benefits of the sport are still there, and they love it just the same.”

 

Innocenti, like many, became involved in fight sports as a way to get in, and stay in, shape.  Little did she know when her journey started some two years ago that it would take her into an MMA cage with thousands watching her compete.

 

“Testing myself in a mixed martial arts bout is important to me in many regards. Two years ago, I was overweight and struggling to find a healthy, fulfilling path. One day, I woke up and took life by the reigns and in half a year, lost sixty pounds on my own. I welcomed that challenge, succeeded, and wanted another. Aaron “Relentless” Lacey told me about Young’s MMA and I was compelled to check it out. After stepping through the doors, trying out all of the classes, and meeting the family who made it so special, I was hooked. I made it a goal to be one of the first female fighters on the arguably most dominant fight team in New England. I have always been a competitor. I enjoy challenging myself and pushing limits that are thought to be impossible to achieve. Living the mixed martial arts lifestyle is tough. It requires more dedication than I ever imagined possible. It breaks you and builds you back up into the person you truly are. This fight is important because I have been spoiled with an amazing team by my side that is taught by the most motivating and encouraging coaches. I am determined to make them proud and thank them with my hand being raised.”

 

“Mixed Martial Arts is the ultimate test of the human spirit on every level: physically, mentally, and emotionally,” said Reinheimer.  “I have a burning desire to know how far I can go. I like exceeding expectations and pushing my limits and that’s MMA in a nutshell.  Since I started training in martial arts, my life has become boundary-less. My life on the mat has improved my life off the mat and vice versa. It’s stripped away all the unnecessary distractions and distilled my life down to what really matters, in and out of the ring. I feel like it’s helped me become much closer to my authentic self. It’s the best of ancient martial arts and modern life.”

 

Of the four women fighting on the “NEF XIX” card, only Reinheimer has actively competed in the past.  She dominated her opponent this past spring on her way to a unanimous decision victory in her debut.  All of the women fighting on September 12 in Lewiston are excited for the opportunity.

 

“NEF is a solid promotion with a great reputation,” said Reinheimer.  “I was a spectator at their very first fight card back in 2012.  I love Maine and the crowd is awesome there.  I can’t wait!”

 

“I think the fans can expect a great show indeed,” exclaimed Sparrell.  “More often than not the women’s fights have proven to be extremely entertaining, we of course want to prove ourselves worthy in this prominently male-dominated sport. This is the debut for three out of four of the women on this card, so I know there is going to be a lot of heart and determination thrown into these fights. I know, personally, I am very excited to represent!  I couldn’t be more excited to be making my MMA debut in the NEF cage; I have watched so many of the fighters I idolize and look up to in this sport from the stands of the Androscoggin Bank Colisée, having the opportunity to now be out there with them really is a true honor.”

 

“As September 12th rapidly approaches, I’m becoming more excited and ready to get in the cage,” said Young.  “This has been quite a journey and I’m grateful for the opportunity of making my amateur MMA debut with NEF.”

 

“I am ecstatic to make my MMA debut with NEF on September 12th,” said Innocenti. “I have worked tirelessly to get this opportunity and I am excited that the time has come.”

 

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.

FOX SIGNS DEVELOPMENTAL DEAL WITH NEW ENGLAND FIGHTS

Lewiston, Maine (August 27, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, is proud to announce the signing of “Sleepy” Norman Fox (4-2) to an NEF developmental deal.  The deal will see Fox make his professional debut with the promotion in the flyweight division in early 2016.

 

“I’ve had a pretty successful run as an amateur with NEF, but it’s time to take things to the next level,” said Fox.  “No one has seen what I’m fully capable of, but they will soon enough.  The flyweight division is mine.”

 

A member of MMA Athletix in Bath, Maine, Fox debuted with NEF as an amateur in the summer of 2013.  He won his first four fights in NEF all via stoppage.  Fox is considered a rising star in a very thin, but burgeoning, regional flyweight division.

 

“We couldn’t be happier to have Norman with us as a professional,” said NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson.  “Norman has developed as an amateur inside the NEF cage and is now ready to tackle the pro flyweight division. Norman is an exciting signing and we’re proud to have him as a part of the NEF roster. There’s a good chance that 2016 will be the year of the Fox.”

 

“I couldn’t ask for a better promotion to kick off my pro career with than NEF,” Fox said.

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XIX,” takes place on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee 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.

51-YEAR-OLD WRESTLING COACH RETURNS TO MMA CAGE

Lewiston, Maine (August 26, 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 Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.  Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of an amateur catchweight bout to the fight card.  Pat Kelly (3-0) is scheduled to meet Ken Dunn (0-1) at a fight weight of 160-pounds.

 

Kelly is the 51-year-old coach of the Camden Hills Regional High School wrestling team in Rockport, Maine, where he has led the team to three state championships.  He also teaches at the school.  Kelly is a 2007 inductee of the Maine Amateur Wrestling Alliance Hall of Fame.  He won a state title wrestling for Camden-Rockport High School in the early 1980s.  He later wrestled for the University of Maine, winning the New England Championship and competing in the NCAA championships in 1986.  Kelly made his MMA debut in the fall of 2014 at the age of 50 as a member of Bangor, Maine’s Young’s MMA.  Earlier this year, he was the subject of international headlines after defeating the father-son duo of 46-year-old Dr. Steve Bang (0-1) and Steve Bang, Jr. (3-3) at separate NEF events.

 

Kelly’s opponent Ken Dunn is a member of Maine Kyokushin Karate (MKK) located in Norway, Maine.  As a practitioner of Kyokushin, Dunn is well-versed in full-contact sparring and will no doubt bring his striking skills to bear against the wrestler Kelly.  He will be making his debut in the NEF cage on September 12 in Lewiston.

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XIX,” takes place on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee 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.

BELLATOR, WSOF & CFFC VETERAN STEPS IN TO FACE HEYLIGER AT NEF XIX

Lewiston, Maine (August 24, 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 Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.  Earlier today, the promotion announced that Sidney “Da Gun” Outlaw (4-1) had stepped in to replace Brandon Chagnon (5-4) in a professional welterweight bout against Darrius Heyliger (4-2).

 

Outlaw is a veteran of the national stage, having competed for Bellator, World Series of Fighting (WSOF) and Cage Fury Fighting Championships (CFFC) in the past.  He trains out of Dante Rivera BJJ.  Prior to going professional, Outlaw had a stellar amateur career of 7-1 and captured several regional titles across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.

 

“This is an elite fight,” said NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo.  “You have two athletes who are maybe one or two solid wins away from getting the call up permanently to the major leagues of the sport.  We always tell our fans to come see these guys now before you can see them on national TV and pay-per-view.  This fight definitely falls in that category.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XIX,” takes place on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee 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.

HARVEY PREDICTS FIGHT TO THE FINISH WITH DIBARTOLOMEO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (August 21, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its nineteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XIX: HOMECOMING,” on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Headlining the amateur portion of the fight card will be Josh Harvey (4-1) defending the NEF MMA Amateur Lightweight Title against Ryan Dibartolomeo(4-3).  Recently, Harvey was the guest of NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson on the NEF Podcast.

 

Harvey was introduced to the mats early in life.  He started wrestling in junior high school and continued through his high school years.  He began boxing at the age of 15 and trained in the ring for the next seven years.  It was not until he attended “NEF VIII: Nations Collide” in Bangor that Harvey realized he could have a future in the sport of MMA.

 

“When NEF came to Bangor and I watched Ray Wood capture the title, and I remembered him from high school wrestling, that was my cue to get in on this,” said Harvey.  “I knew it was a true possibility to go somewhere in MMA.  After college, there’s nowhere for wrestlers to go.  MMA, that’s the outlet.  That’s why you see wrestlers dominating in MMA all the way to the top.”

 

Soon after the event, then Young’s MMA wrestling coach Mark Heathcote reached out to Harvey through Facebook to invite him to train with the team.  Harvey quickly found a home at the Bangor gym founded by Chris Young.  He joined in on the massive success the team had already found in the MMA cages of New England.

 

“I was greeted very warmly at Young’s,” Harvey recalled.  “Everyone was very kind over there.  Bruce (Boyington, current NEF MMA Professional Lightweight Champion) was the first person to take me, not to say under his wing, but to get together outside of the gym and we became friends.  As far as the success Young’s has had as a team, I’m not gonna say you can chalk it all up to superior coaching, but we’ve got the best around, at least in this state, possibly in New England.”

 

On his way to claiming the NEF MMA Amateur Lightweight Championship this past June, Harvey finished all three of his NEF opponents in a total of just over three minutes.  Harvey, however, sees his future in the sport in the featherweight division.

 

“I don’t train to finish them all in the first round,” said Harvey.  “That’s just how it wound up.  Maybe you’ll see me go the distance as the competition gets thicker.  That’s why I love this fight with Ryan (Dibartolomeo).  He is, I believe, ranked number-two, so this is a good way to find out where I lay in that level.  I’m not a 55er.  As far as I’m concerned, I’m a 45er that’s fighting at 55.  Best 45er?  Amateur in New England?  Yes.  The game’s gonna change when I go professional.  We’ll see where I stack up there.”

 

When Harvey began discussing potential opponents for “NEF XIX” with NEF matchmakers, he was very clear that he wanted the toughest opponent they could find for him.  If he wanted tough, he will get just that in Ryan Dibartolomeo.  Dibartolomeo is out of John Fain’s Team Triumph/Boston BJJ of Nashua, New Hampshire.  After dropping his first three, Dibartolomeo has won his last four fights in a row, an impressive streak that began at “NEF X” in September 2013.

 

“All his fights that he’s won have been by decision,” said Harvey.  “In my mind, he let the judges win those fights for him.  Fights aren’t won by judges.  Fights are won by fighters.  My prediction is it’s gonna be a finish.  I’m gonna go out there, kill or be killed.  He’s either gonna finish me or I’m gonna finish him.  That’s how it’s gonna happen.”

 

You can listen to the entire NEF Podcast interview atwww.NewEnglandFights.com/Podcasts/

 

You can follow Josh Harvey on his official Facebook fan page “hookonharvey.”  For more information on Young’s MMA, please visit their Facebook page “Young’s MMA.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XIX: HOMECOMING,” takes place onSaturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF XIX: HOMECOMING” 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.

DEXTER GETS SECOND CHANCE TO WIN GOLD IN A NEW WEIGHT CLASS

Lewiston, Maine (August 19, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its nineteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XIX: HOMECOMING,” on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  That night, Team Irish’s Ricky Dexter (3-1) is scheduled to meet CJ Ewer (3-2) in an NEF MMA Amateur Welterweight Title eliminator.  Recently, Dexter was the guest on the NEF Podcast hosted by NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson.

 

A veteran of the United States Navy, Dexter joined Marcus Davis’s Team Irish gym after moving home to Bangor, Maine at the conclusion of his military service.  Eventually, Dexter took over the fitness program at the gym, now known as “207 Athletes.”  Dexter touched on his progression from joining the gym to becoming a trainer.

 

“I wanted to keep working out and keep in good shape,” said Dexter of his return home to Maine from military service.  “I figured I’d go work out with the guys at Team Irish.  I started doing their workout regimen.  I dabbled a little bit with MMA training.  Slowly I got more into it over time.  It was a good workout.  As time went on, I got better at it.  I got more addicted with the more I learned, with Marcus’s knowledge, I got addicted to it.  He hired me to run his fitness class.  After that, I figured I’d take a fight.  I was in pretty good shape.”

 

Earlier this year, Dexter engaged in a grueling slugfest with Cory Trial (1-1) at “NEF XVI.”  It was just Dexter’s second fight in the MMA cage.  The bout ended in a knockout victory for Dexter.  The highlight-reel knockout will, no doubt, be in the running for a nomination for “KO of the Year” at the “NEF 2015 Year-End Awards.”

 

“The first round I pretty much remember,” recalled Dexter.   “The second round I kind of went into a trance.  I don’t really remember much of it, just from watching the video.  When you get to that point your training takes over.  You kind of black out and, before you know it, you’re getting your hand raised.”

 

In all, Dexter finished his first three amateur bouts on his way to getting a shot at the NEF MMA Amateur Lightweight Championship at “NEF XVIII” this past June against Josh Harvey (4-1).  Dexter would lose the bout by first-round submission.  At “NEF XIX” on September 12, Dexter will have a chance to avenge that loss when he meets Havey’s Young’s MMA teammate CJ Ewer in a bout that will be a title eliminator for the NEF MMA Amateur Welterweight Championship.

 

“He’s a really good wrestler, a big guy,” Dexter said of Ewer.  “He looks like he’s pretty skilled.  He comes from a respected school in Young’s.  We all know what he’s gonna do, and we all know what I have to do.”

 

You can listen to the entire NEF Podcast interview atwww.NewEnglandFights.com/Podcasts/

 

For more information on the Team Irish Fitness Academy, please visit their website www.TeamIrishMMA.com.  You can also follow “207 Athletes” on Facebook to learn more about Ricky Dexter’s training program.

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XIX: HOMECOMING,” takes place onSaturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF XIX: HOMECOMING” 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.

CROWSNECK BOUTIN: “IT’S ALWAYS FUN TO KNOCK PEOPLE OUT”

Lewiston, Maine (August 17, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its nineteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XIX: HOMECOMING,” on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Featured on the professional portion of the card will be a light-heavyweight matchup between Crowsneck Boutin (1-0) and Mike “The Mustache” Hansen (2-2).  Both men are competing under NEF developmental deals.

 

Recently, Boutin was NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson’s guest on the NEF Podcast.  Boutin discussed, among other topics, growing up in Lubec, Maine, the upcoming bout with Hansen, and his recent signing to a multi-fight NEF development deal.  Boutin and Peterson touched on their first meeting some three-and-a-half years ago, shortly before Boutin made his amateur debut at “NEF III.”

 

“I was hanging out with a few buddies who got tickets to your (NEF) first event, so I went to that and it was the greatest thing,” recalled Boutin.  “I remember talking with people and then contacting you.  I really wasn’t doing anything at that time.  I was feeling kind of lost.  I was kind of clinging to the feeling of want.  I just wanted to do something.  Plus, I liked to fight and scrap.  I always watched the sport.  I guess it just all came together at that time.”

 

With no formal training, Boutin would lose his first bout.  Shortly thereafter, Peterson put Boutin in contact with coach Jon Pinette of the Choi Institute in Portland, Maine.  It is there that Boutin found his footing in the martial arts while, at the same time, forging strong friendships and relationships with teammates.

 

“It’s a pretty awesome atmosphere,” said Boutin of the Choi Institute.  “I’ve never stayed in one place very long my whole life, except for this place.  I don’t see myself leaving.  It’s a great atmosphere over here.  I called Jon.  I remember being really nervous to call Jon, I was thinking about this earlier, but he was really inviting… Everyone here has been really inviting, really supporting.  There’s a really good mix of people here.  We have young to old.  We have everything in between.  It’s a very accepting place to be.  It’s a great place to train.  Everyone gets along inside and outside the gym.”

 

Boutin made the decision to turn professional earlier this year after having competed in a total of 13 amateur fights.  He would defeat MMA Athletix head coach Ryan Cowette (2-3) in his debut.  In doing so, Boutin gained a measure of revenge as it had been Cowette’s protégé Brent Dillingham (1-1) who had handed Boutin his first loss in Boutin’s amateur debut at “NEF III.”  Boutin says that there really was no animosity between himself and Cowette, but the post-fight exchange between Boutin and Dillingham at “NEF III” in 2012 is still in the back of his mind.  He admits that he would love a rematch with Dillingham in the near future.

 

“As far as Brent Dillingham goes, he’s somebody I’d really like to fight soon at 205 if he can get in shape and meet me there,” Boutin declared.  “I’d love to have that fight sometime soon.”

 

Boutin will have his work cut out for him with Hansen on September 12 in Lewiston.  Hansen is an accomplished wrestler, having won a state championship for Mountain Valley High School in Rumford, Maine in 2004.  Boutin, however, is confident in his own abilities both standing and on the mat.

 

“I feel ready for wherever the fight goes,” said Boutin.  “If it stays on the feet, eventually over three rounds, I’m gonna try to knock him out.  It’s always fun to knock people out.  If it goes to the ground, I’ll prevail there.”

 

You can listen to the entire NEF Podcast interview atwww.NewEnglandFights.com/Podcasts/

 

For more information on the Choi Institute, please visit their websitewww.choishindo.com.

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XIX: HOMECOMING,” takes place onSaturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF XIX: HOMECOMING” 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.

FULL FIGHT CARD ANNOUNCED FOR NEF XIX IN LEWISTON

Lewiston, Maine (August 14, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its nineteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XIX: HOMECOMING,” on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Earlier today, the promotion announced the fight card for the event featuring a full slate of professional and amateur MMA matchups.

 

The event is aptly titled “Homecoming” as it will feature the returns of several athletes who have either been recently inactive or competing outside the NEF umbrella.  One such return will feature Darrius Heyliger (5-2) from Ithaca, New York.  Maine and the NEF cage became a home-away-from-home for Heyliger and several of his Bombsquad teammates during the early days of the promotion.  Heyliger competed regularly for NEF in 2012 and early 2013.  His last appearance in the cage was in May 2013 against Marcus “The Irish Hand Grenade” Davis (22-11) in the main event of “NEF VII.”  Heyliger will make his return on September 12 against Brandon Chagnon (5-4) of Sityodtong.

 

The professional side of the card will also feature the homecoming of Matt “Ken Doll” Denning (1-0) after a 10-month extended layoff from action.  Denning made his professional debut last November with a win over Derek Shorey (2-2).   He will return in front of his hometown crowd against Zenon “Ka-bar” Herrera(0-1).

 

Speaking of hometown fighters, Jesse “The Viking” Erickson (5-4), a native of neighboring Auburn, Maine, will look to extend his win-streak to three when he faces Ricky “Savage” Sylvester (2-1).  Sylvester’s previous appearance in NEF ended in controversy when many felt he held an armbar a little too long on Tollison Lewis (0-4).

 

On the amateur side of the card, Josh Harvey (4-1) is scheduled to headline in the first defense of his NEF MMA Amateur Lightweight Title.  Harvey will meet the stiff challenge of Ryan Dibartolomeo (4-2) from John Fain’s Team Triumph/Boston BJJ of Nashua, New Hampshire.  Harvey won the vacant title this past June with a first-round submission of Ricky Dexter (3-1).

 

The amateur portion of the card will also feature not one, but two women’s contests.  Young’s MMA of Bangor, Maine will be represented in both bouts with Angela Young (0-0) and Kira Innocenti (0-0) making their respective debuts.  Angela is the wife of Young’s MMA founder and head coach Chris Young.  She will meet Rachel Reinheimer (1-0) from Sityodtong while Innocenti will square off against Hannah Sparrell of First Class MMA.

 

The full fight card (subject to change and approval of the Combat Sports Authority of Maine):

 

PROFESSIONAL

265 Matt Andrikut 0-0 (Conviction Martial Arts) vs Artie Mullen 1-14 (Southern Maine MMA)

205 Michael Hansen 2-2 (Berserkers MMA) vs Crowsneck Boutin 1-0 (Choi Institute)

 

170 Darrius Heyliger 5-2 (Bombsquad) vs Brandon Chagnon 5-4 (Sityodtong)

 

155 Jesse Erickson 5-4 (CMBJJ) vs Ricky Sylvester 2-1 (Team Flo)

 

155 Matt Denning 1-0 (CMBJJ) vs Zenon Herrera 0-1 (Independent)

 

150 Derek Shorey 2-2 (Shatterproof Combat Club) vs Tollison Lewis 0-4 (CMBJJ)

 

135 Zech Lange 2-1 (Bombsquad) vs Jay Perrin 2-0 (Boston BJJ NH)

 

 

AMATEUR

205 Ryan Glover 1-1 (Berserkers MMA) vs Zak Bergeron 0-0 (CMBJJ)

 

200 Chaz Gray 0-1 (Young’s MMA) vs Dominique Bailey 0-0 (Independent)

 

200 Ian Milligan 0-0 (Team Kaze) vs Anthony Spires 0-0 (Independent)

185 Ruben Redman 1-2 (Independent) vs Nick Shea 1-0 (First Class MMA)

 

185 Caleb Farrington 2-0 (Team NEU) vs Jon McNeil 1-0 (Boston BJJ NH)

170 Ricky Dexter 3-1 (Team Irish) vs C.J. Ewer 3-2 (Young’s MMA)

 

170 Scott Godbois 0-0 (Berserkers MMA) vs Phil Pearson 0-0 (MMA Athletix)

 

155*Title Josh Harvey 4-1 (Young’s MMA) vs Ryan Dibartolomeo 4-3 (Boston BJJ NH)

 

155 Cory Trial 1-1 (Ruthless MMA & Boxing) vs Rafael Velado 0-0 (First Class MMA)

 

150 David Thompson (Shatterproof Combat Club) vs Jason Lachance 1-2 (MMA Athletix)

 

150 Kira Innocenti 0-0 (Young’s MMA) vs Hannah Sparrell 0-0 (First Class MMA)

145 Mike Pietersen 2-0 (Young’s MMA) vs Alex Johnson 2-2 (Ruthless MMA & Boxing)

140 Fred Lear 3-1 (Young’s MMA) vs Henry Clark 2-1 (Choi Institute)

135 Clifford Redman 0-2 (Independent) vs Wil Carrero 0-1 (MMA Athletix)

 

130 Angela Young 0-0 (Young’s MMA) vs Rachel Reinheimer 1-0 (Sityodtong)

 

125 Ryan Burgess 1-0 (Independent) vs Michael Crespo 3-2 (MMA Athletix)

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XIX: HOMECOMING,” takes place onSaturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF XIX: HOMECOMING” 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.

EXCITING BANTAMWEIGHT BOUT ADDED TO NEF XIX FIGHT CARD

Lewiston, Maine (August 13, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its nineteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XIX: HOMECOMING,” on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of a professional bantamweight bout to the fight card.  Jay Perrin (2-0) will return to the promotion to take on Zech Lange (2-1) at a fight weight of 135-pounds.

 

Jay Perrin is undefeated in two previous NEF appearances.  As an amateur, he defeated Nick Spencer (5-4) via unanimous decision in February 2013 on his way to becoming the top-ranked amateur bantamweight in New England.  Perrin returned to Maine this past spring as a professional and scored a second-round TKO victory over a very tough Elias Leland (2-1).  He is a member of John Fain’s Team Triumph/Boston BJJ of Nashua, New Hampshire, a team with a reputation for crossing the border to deliver memorable moments in the NEF cage.

 

“I’m very excited to be returning to Maine to fight for NEF,” said Perrin.  “They’ve always been good to me, and I can’t wait to fight Zech Lange, he’s a tough opponent for anyone and people sleep on him a little.  But, I believe I belong with the best in this division, so come fight night I intend to prove just that.  The fans in Maine are always so amazing, I can’t wait to put on another great performance for them.”

 

Based out of Ithaca, New York, Zech Lange is a member of Team Bombsquad, another out-of-town team known for bringing their best to the cages of Central Maine.  Lange had a stellar amateur career, amassing a 5-1 record.  As a professional, he holds wins over Thane Stimson (2-3) and veteran Dan Bonnell (11-10).  Lange has been inactive from MMA competition for the past three years.  He is eager to get back in the cage and move forward in his career.

 

“I’m thankful to NEF for giving me an opportunity to fight a worthy opponent in Perrin,” said Lange.  “I look forward to the challenge, and have never been so excited to be back.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XIX: HOMECOMING,” takes place onSaturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF XIX” 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.

MAINE’S KNOCKOUT KING BACK IN THE CAGE AGAINST BLACK BELT AT NEF XIX

Lewiston, Maine (July 23, 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.  Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of an amateur lightweight bout to the fight card.  Cory Trial (1-1) is scheduled to face the debuting Rafael Velado (0-0) at a fight weight of 155-pounds.

 

Trial is coming off a huge win at “NEF XVIII” last month.  He knocked out Corey Hinkley (2-4) in just seven seconds of the first round.  In doing so, Trial became the new holder of the NEF fastest knockout record.  The finish was so brutal that Hinkley was taken from the cage on a stretcher by paramedics.  Trial trains under coach Josh Parker at Ruthless MMA & Boxing in Benton, Maine.  He is confident that he will repeat his knockout performance on Velado at “NEF XIX.”

 

“I’m excited to get back in the cage,” said Trial.  “Having a seven second knockout and breaking the NEF record was nice, but it wasn’t enough.  I’ve been busting  my ass in the gym with the best coach and I’m ready for anything – but it’s inevitable. This fight will end the same way the last one did.”

 

While Rafael Velado may be making his official MMA debut at “NEF XIX,” he is no stranger to combat sports.  Velado is an accomplished practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).  Training in the sport since 2005, Velado earned his black belt in 2012 from world famous BJJ legend, and UFC veteran, Joe Moreira.  He was raised in Skowhegan, Maine and now resides in neighboring Norridgewock. Velado represents John Raio’s First Class Fitness & MMA of Brunswick, Maine.

 

“It’s been hard finding an amateur that will take a fight against a BJJ black belt, so I decided to call out the guy who is riding high from an impressive victory,” said Velado.  “I’m sure he feels unstoppable right now, and that should make this fight very interesting.  I don’t know if I would call it a classic striker versus grappler match-up, but if that’s how it’s billed, I’m not mad at that.”

 

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 at207.783.2009 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.