Category Archives: Amateur MMA

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

FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE WILL BE UP FOR GRABS AT NEF 45 IN PORTLAND

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (September 21, 2021) – New England Fights (NEF) returns with its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 45: Uprising,” on Friday, November 5, 2021, at Aura in Portland, Maine.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur featherweight title bout to the fight card.  Reigning NEF Amateur Featherweight Champion Nathaniel Grimard (4-0) will defend his belt against Billy Wilson (6-1).

Since his debut in September 2019, undefeated Nathaniel Grimard has emerged as one of the top amateur prospects on the New England MMA circuit.  Grimard submitted Justin Kangas (0-3) in the first round at “NEF 40” in Orono, Maine.  During the Covid-19 pandemic, and the resulting shutdown of combat sports events in the northeast region, Grimard kept himself active by taking fights in Florida where he was victorious twice.  Last month at “NEF 44” he won the NEF Amateur Featherweight Title with an impressive second-round technical knockout of Brandon Maillet-Fevens (3-2).  Grimard represents Nostos MMA of Somersworth, New Hampshire where he trains under UFC and Bellator veteran, and former NEF Professional Lightweight Champion, Devin Powell (10-5).

“I’m very excited to fight in Portland against my toughest opponent yet,” said Grimard. “Billy comes from a very credible gym with a little more experience than me, but that’s what motivates and excites me about this fight. I believe this will be a great fight, and I’m expecting to put on my best performance to date.”

Billy “The Kid” Wilson comes to Maine as the challenger on November 5th.  Of his six victories, Wilson holds four finishes with three technical knockouts and one submission.  He has actively competed in the sport since summer 2017.  Wilson currently represents Jackson Wink based in Albuquerque, New Mexico – a world-renowned MMA training academy whose roster reads like a “who’s who” of UFC champions and legends like Jon Jones (26-1) and Holly Holm (33-2-3) just to name a few.

“I’m very blessed to have the opportunity to go out and travel to a whole new area to compete,” said Wilson when reached for comment.  “I had just switched my camps to Jackson Wink, and I think the fans will see a whole new fighter.”

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

About New England Fights

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

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

NEF ANNOUNCES FIGHT CARD FOR NEW HAMPSHIRE DEBUT, FIRST PAY-PER-VIEW EVENT

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Milford, New Hampshire (August 13, 2021) – New England Fights (NEF) returns with its next event, “NEF 44: Back in Black,” on August 21, 2021, at the Hampshire Dome in Milford, New Hampshire.  The show will feature both mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and kickboxing fights.  Earlier today, NEF announced the full fight card for the event which will be the promotion’s first since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic and its first foray into the Granite State.

On the professional portion of the card, Glory Watson (0-1) and Rebecca Bryggman (0-1) will both seek their respective first pro victories in a women’s strawweight contest.  Watson, a former NEF amateur flyweight champion, lost her pro debut earlier this year in Florida.  Likewise, Bryggman came up short in her professional debut at Bellator 231 in the fall of 2019.

Caleb Hall (3-0) and Shaun Ray (2-0) will put their respective unblemished pro records on the line in a lightweight bout, as will Jacob Deppmeyer (1-0) and Aaron Hughes (1-0) who are scheduled to meet in the 145-pound featherweight division.

Also in action on the professional portion of the card will be NEF fan-favorite Josh Harvey (7-1-1).  Harvey will look to bounce back after suffering the first loss of his pro career to veteran Jesse Erickson (10-8) last year.

Two title fights top the amateur portion of the card as Mike Bezanson (5-0) challenges longtime NEF Amateur Welterweight Champion Duncan Smith (6-3) for his strap and Nathaniel Grimard (3-0) and Brandon Maillet-Fevens (3-1) contest for the vacant NEF Amateur Featherweight Title.

Also featured on the amateur card will be a long-awaited rematch between Caleb Austin (4-0) and James Ploss (1-2) in the 125-pound flyweight division.  Their first bout, won by Austin in April 2017 at “NEF 28,” was mired in controversy and received national attention on social media.

Additionally, NEF announced today that it had partnered with Combat Sports Now to provide a pay-per-view stream of “NEF 44: Back in Black.”  The event will stream live in its entirety at https://combatsportsnow.com/event/new-england-fights-44 for $29.99.

The full “NEF 44” fight card:

PROFESSIONAL

155 Caleb Hall (Syndicate) vs Shaun Ray (Independent)

145 Josh Harvey (Vision Quest) vs Ian Beatease (KOV Gym)

145 Jacob Deppmeyer (First Class MMA) vs Aaron Hughes (Regiment)

115 Rebecca Bryggman (Kai MMA) vs Glory Watson (Young’s MMA)

AMATEUR

205 Henry Jeffs (Independent) vs Brandon Oldenburg (Vision Quest)

170*TITLE Duncan Smith (Evolution Athletix) vs Mike Bezanson (Kaze)

170 Curtis Ouellette (CMBJJ) vs Zach Faulkner (Recon)

170 Austin Hamilton (Independent) vs Jon Assam (CMBJJ)

155 Ryan Savage (First Class MMA) vs Kyle Pufahl (Nostos)

155 Lucas Donald (Independent) vs Evan Piette (Kaze)

155 Kaleb Kenney (Team Nitemare) vs Isaac Piette (Kaze)

145*TITLE Nathaniel Grimard (Nostos) vs Branon Maillet-Fevens (CMBJJ)

145 Cody Kilton (First Class MMA) vs Cam Hoyt (Kaze)

140 Mike Caron (SSSF) vs Key Baltazar (Nostos)

135 Teddy Politis (Evolution Athletix) vs Tyler Parent (CMBJJ)

130 Hannon Sanford (CMBJJ) vs Richard Martell (Young’s MMA)

125 Caleb Austin (CMBJJ) vs James Ploss (Kaze)

125 Tim Murray (Vision Quest) vs Guiliano Rossi(Kaze)

115 Matt Miles (Independent) vs Juan Quinom (UFC Gym)

130 KICKBOXING Dustin Veinott (CMBJJ) vs Geraldo Reyes (Team Link)

Tickets for “NEF 44: Back in Black” are on sale now at www.NewEnglandFights.com/Tickets/.  The MMA and kickboxing event will take place at the Hampshire Dome in Milford, New Hampshire on Saturday, August 21, 2021, with a bell-time of 7 pm. 

About New England Fights

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

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

WOMEN’S FIGHT WILL MARK THE RETURN OF GLORY WATSON TO THE NEF CAGE

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Milford, New Hampshire (July 16, 2021) – New England Fights (NEF) returns with its next event, “NEF 44: Back in Black,” on August 21, 2021, at the Hampshire Dome in Milford, New Hampshire.  The show will feature both mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and kickboxing fights.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional women’s strawweight bout to the fight card.  Glory Watson (0-1) is scheduled to meet Rebecca Brygmann (0-1) at a fight weight of 115 pounds.

Glory Watson last appeared in the NEF cage in November 2019, suffering her first and only amateur loss in a strawweight title fight to a very tough Cara Greenwell (10-5).  Prior to that time, Watson had rattled off six wins in a row to start her amateur career, capturing the NEF Women’s Amateur Bantamweight Championship in the process.  She made her professional debut during the pandemic on a fight card in Florida, losing via first round submission to Ariana Melendez (1-1).  Watson looks to get her first win as a professional on August 21.  She currently represents Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine.

“I am looking forward to returning to the cage for an amazing promotion and to do so against an experienced opponent,” said Watson. “This will be my second professional fight, and I am beyond excited for the cage doors to lock behind me! Wishing my opponent a healthy fight camp and best of skill on August 21st!”

Like her opponent, Rebecca Bryggman will also be looking for the first win of her professional career at NEF 44.  Bryggman made her pro debut for national promotion Bellator in a losing effort to Elise Reed (4-0) in October 2019.  She was 2-1 as an amateur, undefeated in MMA with her sole loss coming in a kickboxing bout.  Bryggman fights out of New York.

“It’s all about divine timing and I’ve been hungry, patiently waiting to get back in the cage,” noted Bryggman.  “Now is the time.  A starved animal is a dangerous animal, and I’m that animal.”

Tickets for “NEF 44: Back in Black” are on sale now at www.NewEnglandFights.com/Tickets/.  The MMA and kickboxing event will take place at the Hampshire Dome in Milford, New Hampshire on Saturday, August 21, 2021, with a bell-time of 7 pm. 

About New England Fights

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

559 Fights, Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, MMA

559 Fights MMA this Saturday in Visalia

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559 Fights is back
 
VISALIA – Live mixed martial arts action is back this Saturday at Valley Strong Ballpark home of the Visalia Rawhide.
 
559 Fights is the first amateur MMA promotion in the State to do a live event with a crowd since the pandemic started.
 
Doors open for the 17-bout event at 6pm and fights start at 7. In the main event, Oceano strawweight Gabby Lopez (5-0) fights Rocklin’s Valerie Thurs (3-4) for the 559 Fights title.
 
In the co-main event, Visalia 145-pounder Mark Hernandez (2-2-1) battles Bakersfield’s Sal Bruno (2-2-2) for the interim Featherweight crown.
 
“We are definitely glad to be back. And back with such an amazing fight card,” 559 Fights President Jeremy Luchau said. “It’s been a long time and we are excited to see some of the veterans back and a great mix of new local talent.”
 
For ticket information visit www.559fights.com
 
The fight card also features a grappling tournament featuring many of the Valley’s top talent, both on the mat and in the cage, including Bellator veteran Nick Bustamante, Tachi Palace Fights vet Christian Avalos, and Visalia black belt Marc De La Cruz.
 
“Really excited to see some pretty good grappling,” Luchau said. “There are a ton of great grappling events in the state and beyond and the Valley always has some great athletes. We are blessed to be able to put some great matches together.”
amateur boxing, Amateur MMA, boxing, fitness, martial arts, mixed martial arts, MMA

Taking Fitness to the Digital Age

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by: Kas Andz

WhatsApp pings 10am …”Hi, this is your gym, due to coronavirus the gym has been shut down until further notice”.

If you’re like me, and you need that runner’s high to keep your body and mind in check, then the above message was the doomsday scenario. Forget the toilet paper, I need my weights!

That’s for me, a gym goer…what about the personal trainers, the MMA fighters, the wrestlers, the boxers that earn their livelihoods on everything that Covid-19 forces us not to?

These professions may not be an “essential service” like ambulance drivers and supermarkets, but these professionals are an essential service for the days to come for the mind, body, and soul of everyone, especially during an epidemic are becoming more and more essential by the day, even by the hour.

The good news is…digital communication of physical arts is NOT a new thing. Workout videos, wrestling and MMA fighting have all been digitized starting from TV spots, YouTube and just about anywhere you can find a screen.

First step is to ask yourself, how have you been offering your services until now?

Now, can you replicate that in front of a camera? 

Now, can you use a computer and put things on a membership site?
(check this out https://www.capterra.com/sem-compare/membership-management-software)

Hey! You got a business!

Almost any educational based service, even physical can be digitized and presented. No, it’s not going to be AS good as the real stuff and no, you can’t expect your clients to have the equipment that the gym does…

…But here’s the tricky part and here’s the difference between a successful campaign and one that isn’t…

First thing to understand is, people will pay for value, especially in this era when spending has to be done well. So let’s do it well

Option A: The tone down. Equipment is mostly inaccessible, so change up your training program to not need those fancy pieces. Ask yourself, what can you swap in or out of the routine and still get the impact you’re looking for?

A stairmaster can be replaced by stairs, weights can be replaced by stones (carefully).

If you make your training videos with these toned down equipment, making it something that everyone can do, on any budget, you got yourself a winner.

This is also the opportunity to combine in other services that work together such as nutrition during isolation. An endless level of opportunity, perhaps even more than normal.

Option B: The Upsell – People don’t have these equipment, why not get it to them. All stores are suffering. Reach out to these stores and factories and strike a deal that you will help facilitate sales for them.

In turn, you advertise a special discounted deal on the best equipment. All the while you begin earning commission points on these sales. A true win-win for everyone. If you need help with your digital marketing, chat with these guys.

Keep in mind your audience, its demographic and how it’s marketed. 

I know these are new-age types of marketing tactics for the down to earth gym goer, these are the times we have to learn to adapt and change…or disappear.


Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights, women's MMA

WOMEN’S FLYWEIGHT TITLE WILL BE UP FOR GRABS AT NEF 43 IN ORONO

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Orono, Maine (February 26, 2020) – New England Fights (NEF) will present its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event at the Collins Center for the Arts on the University of Maine’s flagship Orono campus.  The event, titled “NEF 43: Rampage,” will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2020, with a bell-time of 7 pm EDT.  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of an amateur women’s flyweight title bout to the card.  “Charming” Chelsea Tucker (3-3) will take on Caree Hill (6-2) for the vacant NEF Amateur Women’s Flyweight Championship.  The title was vacated by reigning champion Glory Watson (6-1) after her decision to turn pro on the “NEF 43” fight card was announced.

Chelsea Tucker is on a three-fight win-streak since starting her amateur MMA career with three straight losses.  It is a streak that began with her last NEF appearance in November 2018 that saw Tucker defeat BJ Garceau (1-1) via technical knockout in the third round.  She has gone on to win fights in New Hampshire and Vermont since that time.  Tucker proudly serves in the United States Coast Guard, stationed in Boothbay, Maine.  She currently represents First Class MMA based in Brunswick, Maine.

“I really look forward to fighting Caree,” said Tucker.  “This is a very good matchup. She’s a tough girl and so am I. I’m looking forward to putting on my best performance and having that belt around my waist.”

This will be the second time in less than a year that Caree Hill has ventured cross-country from her home in Oregon to challenge for NEF’s 125-pound amateur women’s strap.  She took on Glory Watson for the belt at “NEF 39” last June and lost an extremely close split decision.  Hill has gone on to win her next two fights, including capturing a regional title in Oregon.  She represents Team Quest based in Gresham, Oregon and founded by UFC legends Randy Couture (19-11) and Dan Henderson (32-15).  The gym has produced top names like Chael Sonnen (31-17), Nate Quarry (12-4), and the late Evan Tanner (32-8) just to name a few.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to come back and fight for New England Fights again,” said Hill when reached for comment.  “I have been training hard and am ready for wherever the fight goes. I look forward to putting on an exciting fight for the fight fans in Maine.”

New England Fights’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 43: Rampage,” will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2020, at the Collins Center for the Arts at UMaine Orono. Tickets are on sale now at www.CollinsCenterfortheArts.com.  

About New England Fights

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

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

RICHARD TO PUT LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE ON THE LINE AGAINST CORSON AT NEF 43

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Orono, Maine (February 19, 2020) – New England Fights (NEF) will present its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) at the Collins Center for the Arts on the University of Maine’s flagship Orono campus.  The event, titled “NEF 43: Rampage,” will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2020, with a bell-time of 7 pm EDT.  Zac “Rocky” Richard (6-2-1) is scheduled to defend the NEF Amateur Lightweight Title that evening against the challenge of Devin Corson (3-1).  They will meet at the lightweight championship limit of 155 pounds in a bout scheduled for five three-minute rounds.

Richard won the then-vacant championship last November in Portland, Maine with a unanimous decision victory over “Magic” Mike Murray (3-2).  He is no stranger to titles, having won a Maine State Championship wrestling for Massabesic High School in Waterboro in 2015.  The win capped a tremendous sophomore year in the cage for Richard as the follow-up to his 2018 “Rookie of the Year” season.  The last time Richard fought on the stage of the Collins Center, in September 2019, he scored a vicious slam knockout of Erik Tainter (0-2).  The slam has become a signature move for Richard over the course of his young career.  He is a product of Nostos MMA of Somersworth, New Hampshire where he trains under UFC veteran and former NEF Professional Lightweight Champion Devin Powell (10-4).

“Devin can say whatever he wants about me winning my title ‘at the right time,’” said Richard. “He’s had his offers. He’s got it.  Unluckily for him, he’s got the most motivated Zac there has ever been. I do predict this fight, though, to be a great one.”

Speaking of slams, there may be no athlete who has ever delivered more highlight-reel slams in the NEF cage than the challenger Devin Corson.  Like Richard, Corson brings a strong wrestling base with him to the MMA game, having been a standout competitor on the mats for Foxcroft Academy in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine.  Corson is currently riding a two-fight win-streak with unanimous decision wins over both Jacob Deppmeyer (now 1-0 as a pro) and Taylor Bartlett (2-3-1) in 2019.  He represents the Outlet based in Dexter, Maine.

“I don’t think much about Zac besides he is in my way,” stated Corson. “He’s the man I have to defeat to get the 155 belt. After all is said and done, I will be the one with my hand raised.”

New England Fights’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 43: Rampage,” will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2020, at the Collins Center for the Arts at UMaine Orono. Tickets will be on sale this week at www.CollinsCenterfortheArts.com.  

About New England Fights

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

559 Fights, Amateur MMA, Grappling, mixed martial arts, MMA

McCottrell and Gomez battle for featherweight supremacy at 559 Fights

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SELMA, CALIF. – Two of the hottest young featherweight prospects in California will square off Saturday, May 18th in Fresno at the Rainbow Ballroom with 559 Fights gold on the line.


Coalinga 145-pound mixed martial artist Enoch McCottrell puts his 3-0 record on the line against Bakersfield’s Vince Gomez (3-0) in the main event of 559 Fights 72.

“I can’t think of two hotter fighters in the Valley right now,” 559 Fights president Jeremy Luchau said. “Both have an exciting style, like to finish fights and were easy choices to fight for our vacant title.”


In the co-main event, 559 Fights women’s Bantamweight champ Maritza Sanchez (5-6) puts her title on the line against Oakland’s Lindsay Scaturro (1-1).


Also featured on the card is a California Amateur Mixed Martial Arts Light Heavyweight State Title fight between Ceres’ Gregory Morales (4-1) and Lancaster’s Chadricc Kindle (3-2).


“We have a lot of great fights on the top of this card. Everyone has enjoyed watching Maritza’s rise in MMA and it’s great to have both Gregory Morales and Chadricc back to fight for us as well,” Luchau said.


In total 17 bouts will be contested, including three grappling super fights. “This is a loaded fight card, with 14 MMA and 3 grappling bouts,” Luchau said. “It’s been a real pleasure getting back to our roots and working with all the schools
in the Valley for both grappling and MMA bouts.”

Also, back in action is Arroyo Grande middleweight Isaiah Hughes (5-1) who takes on Ridgecrest’s Joseph Gaceta and Merced middleweight Jaime Llamas- Trevino (1-0) takes on Kerman’s David Marquez (0-2).

“Hughes has been a long-time fan-favorite at 559 Fights, as well as Gaceta. I’m really looking forward to seeing them get back in the cage,” Luchau said. “Also, Llamas-Trevino is someone to keep an eye on”


In other bouts; Del Rey strawweight Angelic Pimentel makes her debut against Sacrament’s Oksana Ball (0-0), Sacramento middleweight Daniel Zaragoza (2-2) fights Bakersfield’s Adrian Silva (1-1-1), Wasco welterweight Troy Butler (3-2) takes on San Jose’s Aaron Armijo (2-0-1), Merced bantamweight Michael Gomez (0-2) battles Porterville’s Liovardo Garfias (1-0), Clovis lightweight Xavier Moreno (2-0) fights Kerman’s Hipolito Leon (1-3), Grover Beach featherweight Marvin Garcia (1-0) takes on Tracy’s Pedro Juarez (1-1), Fresno welterweight David Chacon (1-0) fights Los Angeles’ Eric Rush (0-0), Paso Robles, lightweight Jeremy Covert makes his debut against Bakersfield’s Denny Stout (0-0), and Fresno heavyweight Larry Gonzales fights Kettleman City’s Juan Espinoza (0-0).


In grappling bouts; Adan Lozano of Parlier will meet up with Madera’s Kyle Mask, Parlier’s Alexzander Alvarado will grapple Madera’s Jorge Melchor and Selma’s Damian Gomez faces Porterville’s Brandon Cohea.

For more information visit www.559fights.com

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

TOP AMATEUR PROSPECTS WILL MEET IN WOMEN’S FIGHT AT NEF 37

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Bangor, Maine (January 10, 2019) – New England Fights (NEF) will hold its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 37: Sub Zero,” on Friday, February 1, 2019 at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine.  Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of an amateur women’s flyweight fight to the card.  Glory Watson (2-0) will take on Rachael Lippert (4-2) at a fight weight of 125-pounds.

Glory Watson made her mark in the NEF cage in 2018 with wins over Chelsea Tucker and Megan Rosado.  It earned her a nomination in the “Rookie of the Year” category.  She was the runner-up to fellow undefeated amateur rookie Zac Richard (3-0) in fan voting last month.  Watson trains with Young’s MMA in Bangor.  The fight with Lippert will be her first in her hometown.

“I’ve continued to train and challenge myself since my victory in Portland this past November,” said Watson.  “I’m really excited to finally make my debut in my hometown to kickstart 2019 with a three-fight run streak over the next three months! I’m looking forward to my return to the cage and to show my supporters the hard work that I’ve been putting in to maintain my career with zero losses!” 

Rachael Lippert is also riding a two-fight win-streak into this bout.  Last month, she was victorious on a card in Minnesota put on by national promotion Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA).  She is a 25-year-old with a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu representing Fearless MMA of Janesville, Wisconsin. 

“I am happy to have the opportunity to travel and fight,” said Lippert. “At this point, we decided we weren’t going to accept higher weight or lower record fights. This fight is both of those things, but I looked up Glory and she looked like a banger of an opponent. I know how it is to work hard and not get to fight, so I am happy to fill the spot. I am looking forward to a great fight.”         

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 37: SUB ZERO,” will take place on Friday, February 1, 2019 at Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine with a bell time of 8 pm.  Tickets are on-sale now at www.CrossInsuranceCenter.com.

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights, women's MMA

WOMEN’S FIGHT IS FIRST ANNOUNCED FOR NEF 36 IN PORTLAND, MAINE

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Portland, Maine (September 10, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) will hold its final mixed-martial-arts event of 2018, “NEF 36: Battle for the Gold,” on Saturday, November 17 at Aura in Portland, Maine. Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the first fight scheduled for the event.  Catie Denning (1-0) will take on Taylor Thompson (2-0) in an amateur women’s bantamweight contest.

 

 

 

Catie Denning made her amateur MMA debut last February at “NEF 32” in Lewiston, Maine.  She dominated Chelsea Tucker (0-3) for three rounds on her way to a unanimous decision victory on the judges’ scorecards.  Denning is a member of Young’s MMA based in Bangor, Maine where she will once again train for her sophomore cage bout.

 

 

 

“I’m excited to step back into the cage,” said Denning.  “It’s been far too long and I’m hungrier than ever. I fully understand I’m stepping up to take on a tough opponent, but I’m up for the challenge and hope I can showcase all of my hard work since my amateur debut back in February.”

 

 

 

Denning’s opponent, Taylor Thompson, will be making her NEF debut on November 17, but she is no stranger to the New England MMA scene.  Thompson is undefeated with two fights under her belt in Massachusetts.  Both wins came by way of stoppage, including a first-round submission of Tiffany McCoy (2-2) last January.  Thompson trains with BST MMA & Fitness based in Mendon, Massachusetts.

 

 

 

“I am very excited to be able to fight Catie Denning of Young’s MMA on November 17 at the beautiful Aura arena in Portland, Maine,” said Thompson when reached for comment.  “She trains with tough people at a well-respected gym, and I am so grateful that she and I will have the opportunity to throw down for the fantastic fight fans of Maine. I have wanted to fight for NEF ever since I met Coach Eddie (Benjamin) and his team at Titan Athletics in Bangor and heard about the amazing fight scene that exists in Maine. I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

 

 

 

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 36: Battle for the Gold,” will see the company make its return to Aura in Portland, Maine.  The event is scheduled to take place Saturday, November 17, 2018 with a bell time of 7 pm.  The ticket pre-sale is happening now at www.AuraMaine.com with promo code “NEF.”  Tickets will be on-sale to the general public on Monday, September 10 at 9:00 a.m. EDT.