Category Archives: Amateur MMA

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

FORMER MAIN EVENTER TO RETURN AFTER MORE THAN TWO YEARS

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Lewiston, Maine (July 17, 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 a professional welterweight bout to the fight card.  Darrius Heyliger (4-2) has signed to face Brandon Chagnon (5-4) at a fight weight of 170-pounds.

 

Darrius Heyliger was a regular on the main card of NEF events during the promotion’s infancy.  Making the long trip from his home in Ithaca, New York several times, Heyliger built quite the fan following for himself in Maine and became one of the most popular out-of-state fighters competing in NEF.  Heyliger impressed many with his victories over Jarod Lawton (4-2) and Josh Bellows (1-2).  He would go on to headline “NEF VII” against the legendary Marcus Davis (22-11) in one of the biggest fights in NEF history.  That bout, in May 2013, was the last time Heyliger would compete in NEF, or any promotion for that matter, until “NEF XIX.”

 

“I feel like the time away from the sport was needed, and I’m now ready to take over and dominate,” said Heyliger.  “And to make my comeback fight in front of the Maine fans and for NEF, where the support is so strong, makes it that much better.”

 

“We’re really excited to have Darrius coming back,” said NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson.  “He’s one of those fighters the fans are always asking us to bring back.  His fight with Jarod Lawton was one of the most brutal to ever take place in the NEF cage.  He’ll have his work cut out for him with Brandon Chagnon though.”

 

Brandon Chagnon began competing in MMA over seven years ago.  He is a member of Mark DellaGrotte’s world-renown Sityodtong located in Somerville, Massachusetts.  Chagnon is also a trainer at TITLE Boxing Club in North Andover, Massachusetts.  He has won his last two fights in a row, both by submission.  Like his opponent, Chagnon has not competed in quite some time, his last bout taking place in the spring of 2014.  He is confident that he can defeat Heyliger on September 12 in Lewiston.

 

“I am excited I get the chance to compete in a state I haven’t previously fought in, and in front of a new crowd who might have not had the chance to see me compete before,” said Chagnon.  “This is my tenth professional MMA fight, so it is important to me to go out make a statement.  I train with what is highly regarded as the best team in the northeast and they are like family to me.  With them standing behind me, I know that if I fight at my full potential, I am trouble for any 170-pound fighter.  From what I know, Darrius seems like a tough opponent and we have similar records on paper.  However, I have no doubt in my mind that I will be walking away with another win.”

 

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.

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

NEF STARS LOOKING TO GET BACK ON THE WINNING TRACK IN LEWISTON

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Lewiston, Maine (July 15, 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 a professional bout to the fight card. Tollison Lewis (0-4) has signed to face “Shatterproof 2.0” Derek Shorey (2-2) at a fight weight of 150-pounds.  NEF further announced that Lewis had signed a long term, multi-fight contract with the company.

 

Following a lengthy amateur career that saw him compete in the cage thirteen times, Tollison Lewis got off to a slow start in his professional career.  He has been known throughout his career to take the toughest fights he can find, and Lewis’s four losses have all come at the hands of fighters who currently have winning records, with a combined win-loss tally of 16-6.  Last fall, at NEF’s first boxing event, Lewis defeated veteran boxer John Webster  (8-7-1) after taking the bout on just a day’s notice.  With a brand new NEF contract in tow, a child on the way, and a respite from the sport behind him, Lewis will now look to carry his success from the NEF boxing ring over to the MMA cage.  The 150-pound catchweight will be the first step in Lewis’s transition from the lightweight to featherweight division.

 

“First off I’d like to thank NEF for the opportunity again,” said Lewis.  “I’ve been on a long break with my baby girl on the way getting prepared for fatherhood, but I’m back now.  I’m super excited for this fight and also making my way down in weight. Shorey is a tough guy and also very genuine person.  He’s as dangerous as any man who steps in that cage.  I’ll be ready and I know he will be coming hard and dangerous with bad intentions behind everything and when that cage door closes, he’s no friend – it’s all business.  Be ready Derek, because I will be.  Let’s give these fans a show and test ourselves to the limit.”

 

The founder and head of the Shatterproof Combat Club, Derek Shorey is looking to bounce back from what he considers the worst loss of his career.  Indeed, Jeremy DiChiara (2-0) unleashed an offensive barrage on Shorey at “NEF XVIII” last month that resulted in a first-round stoppage.  Like Lewis, Shorey is also an NEF-signed athlete.  Also like Lewis, Shorey is looking to give NEF fans a show to remember at “NEF XIX.”

 

“This is a fight I’ve seen coming and I’ve wanted for a long time,” said Shorey.  “Tollison will not back down, and he’s not afraid to get hit.  I’m coming off the worst performance of my career, and my family, friends and fans deserve better than that.  I’m excited to get in there and mix it up with Lewis and give the NEF fans the best performance of my career.”

 

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.

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

FAN FAVORITE INKS MULTI-FIGHT DEAL WITH NEF; WILL COMPETE AT NEF XIX

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Lewiston, Maine (July 14, 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 a professional light-heavyweight bout to the fight card.  Crowsneck Boutin (1-0) will face Mike “The Mustache” Hansen (2-2) at a fight weight of 205-pounds.  The promotion further announced that Boutin had signed a long term, multi-fight deal with the company.

 

Crowsneck Boutin debuted as an amateur fighter with NEF in June 2012.  After going 3-0 in 2014, Boutin was voted the “Fighter of the Year” by NEF fans.  His successful run continued into 2015 when Boutin downed veteran Ryan Cowette (2-3) in his professional debut.  He currently trains out of the Choi Institute in Portland, Maine under coach Jon Pinette.

 

“A few years ago, after losing my first fight, Matt Peterson gave me Jon Pinette’s (Choi coach) phone number,” recalled Boutin. “I didn’t know it at the time, but that one phone call would become the most important call I’d ever make. Ups and downs, yea? We all come by them. We find the light. I’m blessed with this opportunity to call the NEF cage my home and it’ll be a true privilege to honor those who have loved me unconditionally and have supported me through this, from when I started as a fugitive, to now, as a professional.”

 

“Hopefully it’s a war and things get bloody,” stated Boutin when asked about his upcoming clash with Hansen on September 12th. “I understand he has a mustache and it’s extremely cool, but I can’t let that distract me from ripping him open.”

 

Mike Hansen, himself an NEF-signed athlete, won a state championship in wrestling for Mountain Valley High School in Rumford, Maine in 2004.  Hansen began competing in MMA soon after graduating high school, but then took nearly a decade off from the sport during which time he served in the United States Army as a combat engineer.  Returning to the cage earlier this year, Hansen founded Berserkers MMA in Rumford where he trains with other Mountain Valley wrestling alum.

 

“Crowsneck is a hard worker out of a great school and he’s dedicated,” stated Hansen when reached for comment. “I’m sure he’s going to throw a lot of volume on his feet, kicking and punching, but it’s not like he’s going to take me down. So, it looks like we are going to stand and bang it out. I expect him to come fully prepared for battle—and battle we will.”

 

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.

Amateur MMA, Bellator, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

BELLATOR & WEC VETERAN RETURNS TO DEFEND NEF TITLE

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (July 10, 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 a professional featherweight championship bout to the fight card.  Anthony “Cheesesteak” Morrison (17-9) will defend the NEF MMA Professional Featherweight Title against Vovka “KGB” Clay (3-0).  The bout is scheduled for five five-minute rounds at a weight of 145-pounds.

 

Morrison stunned the NEF universe this past February when he arrived in Lewiston and submitted hometown hero Ray Wood (5-1) in the fifth round to win the championship title.  It was as if he had sucked all the air out of the Colisée with a vacuum.  Morrison played the role of spoiler that cold, snowy night in Lewiston.

 

“I’ve never seen anything like that before,” said NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo.  “The entire place just dropped into a dead silence.  I don’t think anyone in Maine saw that coming, and I certainly don’t think anyone who’s followed NEF expected a fighter to come in and do that to Ray Wood.  Everyone was shocked.  It was a surreal moment.”

 

Morrison is a seasoned veteran with more than a decade’s experience in the sport.  He has competed against the best MMA has to offer on the national stage, including a stint in World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) and Bellator.  Morrison trains out of Daddis MMA in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

 

“I am very thankful to return to the beautiful state of Maine, for my first title defense,” said Morrison.  “It will be a very entertaining fight and another victory for the five time!  Five time!  Five time!  Five time!  Five time!  Mixed martial arts champion, Anthony Morrison.”

 

Vovka Clay is undefeated as a professional.  He competed as an amateur twice in NEF and won both fights by submission in an impressive fashion.  Clay is considered one of the true rising stars of the New England fight scene.  A win over an accomplished veteran like Morrison could potentially propel Clay onto the national stage.  He is a product of Team Triumph/Boston BJJ of Nashua, New Hampshire.

 

“Every fighter has a dream of making it to the UFC,” said Clay.  “Some choose to go after meaningless titles and pad their records fighting nobodies.  I choose to fight the highest level of competition possible.  I am thrilled to be fighting Anthony Morrison for the NEF Featherweight title.  He is a very durable and crafty veteran.  It won’t be easy, but if I fight my fight, I will finish Morrison and I will be the NEF Featherweight Champion.”

 

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.

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

FLYWEIGHT TITLE ELIMINATOR ADDED TO NEF XIX FIGHT CARD

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Lewiston, Maine (July 9, 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 flyweight bout to the fight card.  “Crispy” Mike Crespo (3-2) is scheduled to face Ryan “Gordo” Burgess(1-0) at a fight weight of 125-pounds.  The bout will be a title eliminator for a future shot at the NEF MMA Amateur Flyweight Championship currently held by Dustin Veinott (4-3).

 

Crespo is a member of MMA Athletix in Bath, Maine where he instructs in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).  He is also a member of Victory Church, located in Bath as well, which is the ministry affiliated with the MMA Athletix gym.  After getting off to a 2-0 start in 2014, Crespo was nominated for the “Rookie of the Year” award.  He dropped two in a row to start 2015, but bounced back with an impressive win over Caleb Costello (2-4) last month at “NEF XVIII.”

 

“I’m excited to be in the cage again,” said Crespo.  “Sadly, there’s nothing I can say about  Ryan Burgess, except that he’s another wrestler.  I know he won’t stand with me, like most of the wrestler and Jiu Jitsu-based fighters I have gone against so far.  If he does stand with me, great – but I doubt he will.  If he chooses to go to the ground with me, even better.  I am prepared and definitely have the mindset.  I wish my opponent the best, but let Dustin (Veinott, 125-pound title holder) know I’m coming for him very soon.”

 

Ryan “Gordo” Burgess, a native of Mexico, Maine, is a 2011 graduate of Mountain Valley High School where he was a three-time state wrestling champion and one of the most winning wrestlers in Mountain Valley’s history under coach Gary Dolloff.  Burgess made his MMA debut last month at “NEF XVIII” in Lewiston.  That night, he defeated the more experienced Justin Witham (0-3) via unanimous decision.

 

“Crespo is an experienced fighter with a different style than most fighters in this division,” said Burgess,  “and I can’t wait to step in the cage and put on a show with another hungry opponent.  I love this sport, and I can’t wait to see what it has to offer me as I journey towards an amateur championship fight.”

 

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.

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

MMA COACH’S WIFE TO MAKE CAGE DEBUT AT NEF XIX

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Lewiston, Maine (July 8, 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 a women’s amateur fight to the card. Angela Young (0-0) will make her debut against Rachel Reinheimer (1-0) at a fight weight of 130-pounds.

 

Angela is the wife of Chris Young, the founder, owner and head coach of Bangor, Maine-based gym Young’s MMA.  She has spent the last several years being trained by her husband in combat sports.  Her debut fight is a moment Angela has prepared for for some time, and she is excited to finally step into the NEF cage.  OnSeptember 12, she will look to continue the tradition of success Young’s MMA has come to be known for on NEF events.

 

“Chris, my husband, has been my coach from the very beginning, and I’m ecstatic to have the opportunity to test myself in the sport I’ve loved for so long,” said Angela. “My opponent comes out of a great gym, but then again, so do I.”

 

Rachel Reinheimer does, in fact, come from one of the longest active and most respected fight camps in New England – Sityodtong in Somerville, Massachusetts.  A graduate of Simmons College in Boston, a mother and employee of the United States Department of Labor, Reinheimer has trained with Sityodtong for the past six years, honing her skills in all areas of the martial arts.  This past spring, she made her MMA debut, decimating Hillary Cooledge (0-2) on her way to a unanimous decision victory.

 

“My first amateur fight was an incredible experience, and I owe everything to my Sityodtong family who pushes me every step of the way,” said Reinheimer.  “I love this sport, and I am completely driven to keep evolving and getting better every day. I feel so lucky to have this opportunity to fight for NEF in September.”

 

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.

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

A FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPION TO BE CROWNED AT NEF XIX

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Lewiston, Maine (July 7, 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 a fight on the card that will determine the first-ever NEF MMA Amateur Featherweight Champion.  Aaron “Relentless” Lacey (5-1) is scheduled to face Dylan Lockard (3-0) at a fight weight of 145-pounds with the winner to be crowned the inaugural amateur featherweight kingpin.

 

Aaron Lacey has been a standout of the NEF amateur roster since debuting with the promotion in the fall of 2013.  He is undefeated in the NEF cage, holding victories over the likes of Dom Cofone (6-5) and Caleb Hall (5-3).  His only loss to date was on a fight card in New Hampshire to Matt Tullos (7-0).  Lacey represents Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine.

 

“I’m super excited for this fight,” exclaimed Lacey.  “It’s a tough matchup between two top ten guys.  I have a new secret weapon on my side and her name is Vanessa Sanders.  Vanessa has been transforming my strength and conditioning, so come September 12th,  I’m going to display a side of me that no one has seen before. I’m a different, more dangerous fighter.  Don’t miss this one – I’m bringing that belt home.”

 

Dylan Lockard holds the only victory to date over Lacey’s teammate, and reigning NEF MMA Amateur Lightweight Champion, Josh Harvey (4-1).  Lockard burst onto the regional scene last year and, like Lacey, also holds a win over Caleb Hall.  He is a member of Tim Barchard’s Professional Martial Arts Academy (PMA) in Derry, New Hampshire.  Prior to competing in MMA, Lockard wrestled for Timberlane Regional High School in Plaistow, New Hampshire and later the University of New Hampshire (UNH).

 

“I’m excited to come up and fight for the NEF belt against a tough opponent like Aaron Lacey,” said Lockard.  “I haven’t had an easy fight yet, and this one is no different.  We’re going to steal the show on September 12th.”

 

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.”

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

WELTERWEIGHT TITLE QUALIFIER ADDED TO NEF XIX FIGHT CARD

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Lewiston, Maine (July 6, 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 an amateur welterweight title qualifier had been added to the fight card.  Ricky Dexter (3-1) will meet CJ Ewer (3-2) at a fight weight of 170-pounds.  The winner of the bout will get a shot at becoming the inaugural NEF MMA Amateur Welterweight Champion at a later date.

 

Ricky Dexter is a member of Team Irish in Brewer, Maine and a protégé of the legendary Marcus “The Irish Hand Grenade” Davis (22-11).  Dexter got off to a remarkable 3-0 start in his amateur career, finishing all three of his opponents in the first round.  Last month, Dexter faced CJ Ewer’s teammate Josh Harvey (4-1) in a losing effort for the NEF MMA Amateur Lightweight Title.  Dexter will look to avenge that loss on September 12.

 

“The taste of defeat definitely left a foul taste in my mouth,” recalled Dexter of his most recent fight.  “You better believe I’m more hungry than ever to get this win.  Expect to see a Ricky Dexter you’ve never seen before.”

 

Similarly, CJ Ewer also got off to a 3-0 start in his amateur career.  The summer of 2013 saw Ewer defeat his first three opponents in a matter of a mere ten weeks.  He would put his MMA career on hold to serve his country in the United States Air Force security forces before returning to NEF this past spring to face Connor Barry (5-1).  Barry would be Ewer’s second loss in a row.  He recognizes that to get back on the winning track will not be easy with Dexter standing in his way.  Ewer is a member of Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine.

 

“Ricky  Dexter seems like a really tough fighter,” said Ewer.  “You can’t judge him on his last fight because Josh Harvey is elite – he’s the next Ray Wood.  I feel like this will be a great match up.”

 

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.

 

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

FIRST TITLE FIGHT ANNOUNCED FOR NEF XIX

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Lewiston, Maine (July 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 Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.  Earlier today, the promotion announced the first amateur title bout on the fight card.  Josh Harvey (4-1) will defend the NEF MMA Amateur Lightweight Championship against Ryan Dibartolomeo (4-3).  The fight will take place at the lightweight limit of 155-pounds.

 

Harvey won the title at “NEF XVIII” last month by defeating Ricky Dexter (3-1) via first-round submission.  He is a perfect 3-0 in the NEF cage since debuting with the promotion in the fall of 2014.  All of Harvey’s victories in Lewiston have been first-round stoppages. He is a member of Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine.

 

“Any time you can get two title-holding, top-ranked fighters, it’s bound to peak interests and get attention,” said Harvey.  “Since that is exactly what this title defense is, I believe we have all the necessary ingredients for the fight-of-the-night.  This will be yet another step in the right direction.  Ryan, get ready to hook on, Bub.”

 

Ryan Dibartolomeo is no stranger to the NEF cage.  He fought for the promotion at “NEF X” in September 2013, defeating Nermin Zilic (0-2) via unanimous decision.  It was the start of a four-fight win streak that Dibartolomeo will look to continue on September 12 in Lewiston.  He recently captured his first amateur MMA championship on a fight card in New Hampshire.  Dibartolomeo represents Team Triumph/Boston BJJ of Nashua, New Hampshire.

 

“Fighting for the NEF belt is a huge step forward in the positive direction in my career,” stated Dibartolomeo.  “It’s always an honor to fight for one of the top regional promotions, and now throwing a chance at the belt in on top of that – I couldn’t be more excited to go out and put on a show for the fans.  Josh Michael Harvey is arguably the best ammy 155 fighter coming out of Maine right now. I’m going to have to be ready in all aspects of the game and look to eliminate as many mistakes as possible.  I am going to show up ready to fight.  I’m looking to bite down on my mouthpiece and press forward until he has had enough of me up in his face and looks for a way out.  There is no room for error, but I am extremely confident in the fact that I have Coach Fain and Coach Olsen standing behind me in my corner.”

 

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 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.”