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Category Archives: mixed martial arts
FAN-FAVORITE DREAM MATCH MORE THAN JUST FANTASY
Lewiston, Maine (May 19, 2016) – Since long before the dawn of the internet, sports fans have debated the outcome of fantasy meetings between beloved teams and athletes. What would happen if Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali met in their respective prime? Could the ’96 Bulls beat the ’86 Lakers? How would the bats of the ’27 Yankees fare against the starting rotation of the ’98 Braves? In mixed-martial-arts (MMA), presumably because the sport is so young, fantasy matchups are usually separated by weight classes as opposed to time.
Such is the case with the professional middleweight bout recently signed by New England Fights (NEF) for the fight promotion’s June 18 event, “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND,” in Lewiston. Jesse “The Viking” Erickson (6-5) will move up two weight classes to face Crowsneck Boutin (2-2) at 185-pounds. It is a fight that fans of both popular athletes never imagined they would see, and now it is happening.
Jesse Erickson was unsuccessful in his attempt to capture the vacant NEF MMA Pro Lightweight Title last month at “NEF22.” The loss to Devin Powell (6-1) put a halt to Erickson’s three-fight win streak. The upcoming bout with Boutin offers not only a chance for redemption, but a chance for Erickson to fight without going through the rigors of a strenuous weight cut.
“Crowsneck is someone who always puts on a good show,” said Erickson. “I’m excited for the challenge and look forward to the cage door being locked with us inside. I truly enjoy getting in that cage and this show I’ll be doing it without the misery of cutting weight. Don’t miss this fight!”
After losing two-in-a-row in the MMA cage and coming up with a draw in a pro boxing bout, Crowsneck Boutin scored a big victory last weekend over Ruben Redman (0-1) in Hyannis, Massachusetts. The win brought Boutin’s record back up to the .500 mark. On June 18, he will have the opportunity to add another notch to the win column.
“The fight fever is aboard me,” said Boutin. “I’ll be ready to battle. Erickson is a bad ass, so I love this fight. From my perspective, it appears that our dark towers is one in the same.”
NEF returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.” Tickets for “NEF 24” 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 events 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.”
MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL HIGHLIGHTS & DIGITAL VIDEO RECAP FOR ‘BELLATOR 155’
CARVALHO AND MANHOEF MEET WITH MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE ON THE LINE THIS FRIDAY AT ‘BELLATOR 155’ – LIVE AND FREE ON SPIKE
CONFERENCE CALL HIGHLIGHTS
Bellator President Scott Coker, along with “Bellator 155: Carvalho vs. Manhoef” main and co-main event fighters Rafael Carvalho (12-1), Melvin Manhoef (30-12-1), Pat Curran(21-7) and Georgi Karakhanyan (24-5-1) all joined this afternoon’s official media conference call to promote this Friday’s event.
Scott Coker
“We’re excited to be in Boise, fighting at the Century Link Arena. I think this is a fight town that has been hungry for a big MMA promotion and we’re proud to be the first to do it. We’ve got a great middleweight world title fight between Carvalho and Manhoef… Carvalho is coming off of a big win with a KO over Brandon Halsey and undoubtedly this fight is going to have a bunch of fireworks between both of these guys.”
On the fight between Curran and Karakhanyan…
“I definitely think that this fight has some title implications but we always like to see how the fight pans out…honestly if this is something that’s exciting and a barn burner and if this fight can stand on its own feet, it very well could be.”
On if a Bellator bonus structure is going to come to fruition in the future…
“It is something we’re working on but we’re just a little bit different, because we’re a premium TV model so it’s something that has been considered, but right now it’s something that is still just in dialogue.”
Rafael Carvalho
“I am excited and really think this could be historical. It’s going to be a lot of strikes and it’s going to be a kickboxing fight with MMA gloves.”
“Every fight you’ve got to show what you got. In this fight, it’s going to be no different [now that I’m a champ]. I’m going to show everything I’ve got and I am always looking forward to the next fight.
“People recognize me more now and I have gained more respect now as the champion…Winning the belt for the first time is one thing, but the real deal is when you defend the belt and keep the belt. That’s when you become the real champion.
On overcoming challenges of living in Rio…
“There are good people as well as bad but the only thing that is going to dictate your future is you and how hard you work for it. It doesn’t matter where you live or what kind of clothing you wear, if you put your mind into it and are willing to work hard for it.
Melvin Manhoef
“I look forward to making a kickboxing with small gloves. I am prepared for anything so it doesn’t matter what’s going to happen. I am looking forward to being there and doing what I do best, which is the striking, so for me it’s very nice that he wants to do the kickboxing in the cage with me.
Do you feel like people are counting you out heading into this fight?
“I don’t know what people are thinking but it all depends on what me and my team think and the fans who are supporting me think. I feel like the fight is still in me and I showed it at my last fight. I trained real hard for this fight and my goal is to show it again that you cannot count me out… You know my fight style; I do everything to knock people out so I am glad if [Carvalho] wants to make a kick boxing fight out of it.”
What would winning the Bellator title mean to you?
“It means a lot, with all of the hard work and a lot of people writing me off, but I think this is like a new era or new beginning for me and I could become a world champion. I think that being a fighter that’s been in the business so long, it has been an achievement already.”
Pat Curran
“I am really excited to step in there on Friday and put on a dominant performance. I have made a lot of changes in my life, in my camp and everything is falling into place right now and I’m excited to showcase that on Friday.”
Do the stakes of this fight change for you as they would for a title?
“I feel like every fight at this point in your career, especially in this division is do-or-die and if you win you’re going to get that much pull-through coming or having the chance to fight for the title again and I feel like over and over George and I have been that much closer to another title shot.”
Georgi Karakhanyan
“I can’t wait for Friday night. I am going out there with nothing to lose, just going 100 percent and fighting my fight and come out with a victory.”
On this being a potential title eliminator and going up against two-time champ Curran…
“I know everybody is talking about the title but to me I don’t think about that, right now I have a good opponent in front of me with Pat Curran, a former champion and I can’t ask for a better opponent than him. I am very excited, I cannot wait and I am ready to put on a great show and I’m for sure coming out with my hands right.”
On coming back from surgery and making adjustments…
“I treat everything the same, I got about five surgeries last year and the last surgery was just a meniscus tear but after that, Bellator took good care of me. They put me in a very good rehab place and I’ve started my training and feel 100 percent.”
DIGITAL RECAP
“Bellator 155: Carvalho vs. Manhoef” emanates from CenturyLink Arena in Boise, Idaho airs LIVE and FREE on SPIKE at 9e/8c. In preparation for the event, Bellator’s digital team has put together captivating new content, which you can view by clicking on the images below. Tune in to Bellator’s YouTube page for an inside look and more exclusive footage at what’s still to come.
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Champions: Rafael Carvalho – The middleweight champion does NOT listen to the naysayers; he finds a way to win. Jimmy Smith breaks it down. |
Foundations: Melvin Manhoef – Melvin Manhoef only knows one way to fight…All in! Either way somebody is going lights out. Jimmy Smith breaks it down. |
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Foundations: Marloes Coenen – Marloes Coenen is a level above her competition, the MMA Pioneer show it every time she steps into the cage. Jimmy Smith explains. |
What to Watch: Carvalho vs. Manhoef – This is for the Middleweight Championship! Rafael Carvalho and Melvin Manhoef will be a battle between masters of two opposing disciplines. Jimmy Smith and Manny Rodriguez break it all down. |
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What to Watch: Held vs. Jansen – Marcin Heldis a monster on the mat and Dave Jansen will have to find a way to negate that submission game. Jimmy Smith breaks it down. |
What to Watch: Curran vs. Karakhanyan – There is a special energy in the Featherweight division. The competition is stiff and the winner will be in title contention while the loser may be put in the back of a long line of contenders. Jimmy Smith and Manny Rodriguez explain. |
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Rolling With Jimmy – The Bellator Featherweight takes a ride in Jimmy Smith’s 1969 Plymouth Barracuda. He shares how it feels to be in a stacked division and his desire to fight the best in the world. |
FIGHT INFO: A middleweight championship matchup between Rafael Carvalho (12-1) and Melvin Manhoef (30-12-1) will serve as the evening’s main event of “Bellator 155: Carvalho vs. Manhoef” at CenturyLink Arena in Boise, Idaho, Friday, May 20.
In addition, the main card features two of Bellator MMA’s top featherweights, with Pat “Paddy Mike” Curran (21-7) and Georgi “Insane” Karakhanyan (24-5-1) squaring off in the co-main event.Alexis “Sneaky Zebra” Dufresne (21-4) will make her promotional debut after agreeing to a late addition bout against Dutch submission specialist Marloes “Rumina” Coenen (23-6) in female featherweight action. There will also be multiple heavyweight bouts featured on the main card, with Dan Charles (10-3) taking on undefeated Augusto Sakai (9-0) and Joey Beltran (17-12) facing off against Chase Gormley (12-5).
Tickets for “Bellator 155: Carvalho vs. Manhoef” are going fast and can be purchased at the CenturyLink Arena Box Office or CenturyLinkArenaBoise.com, as well as Bellator.com. The event airs live and free on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while the can’t-misspreliminary card airs live on Bellator.com and The Bellator Mobile App.
FAMILY AND THE PASSION TO ENTERTAIN DRIVE MMA WELTERWEIGHTS
Lewiston, Maine (May 18, 2016) – On June 18, 2016 New England Fights (NEF) will return to Lewiston with the fight promotion’s latest fight card, “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.” A full slate of professional and amateur mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing is planned for the event. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur MMA welterweight bout to the fight card. Shawn Bang (1-1) will return to take on Mike Bezanson (1-0) at a fight weight of 170-pounds.
Shawn Bang is a member of the famous Bang family of fighters from nearby Auburn, Maine. Along with his father and brothers, Bang is a member of Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ). It has been nearly three years since he last competed in the NEF MMA cage. Bang has spent the last two years serving as a missionary in accordance with his Mormon faith. Finally back home and reunited with both his natural family and gym family, Bang is ready for his return to the cage.
“After two years of amazing missionary service, I cannot begin to express how excited I am to reunite with my CMBJJ brothers,” said Bang. “I have only spoken with my own family on Christmas and Mother’s Day, and to have the opportunity to rejoin the ‘Bang Clan’ in battle on June 18th is a fitting reunion. Since childhood our father has always told us, ‘The first rule of brothers is to stick together.’ Ultimately, it will be me alone in the cage to battle my opponent but it is family, both immediate and extended, that gets me there and beyond.”
Lancaster, New Hampshire’s Mike Bezanson debuted in the NEF MMA cage one year ago at “NEF 18.” Early in the fight, it became evident that his opponent that evening, Jeff Dustin (0-1), was outmatched against the Team Kaze product. Although Dustin hung in there for almost two full rounds before the referee stopped the fight, Bezanson put on a striking clinic that left his opponent bloodied. Bezanson took his time and looked like a cat toying with its prey. Some in attendance saw his performance as showboating, while others were impressed by his pinpoint striking. Like it or not, no one could deny that Bezanson provided the entertainment that night.
“I received a lot of mixed reviews from my debut fight at NEF,” recalled Bezanson. “Staying true to myself, I am who I am – in and out of the cage. I love to entertain, keep people on their toes. Some might say my style of fighting is cocky and unorthodox, but it’s who I am, what I do – and I’m comfortable fighting that way. It is in no way meant to belittle or disrespect my opponent, it’s merely a technique. I have a great deal of respect for all fighters, trainers and fans. One of the reasons I train to fight is the self discipline. I push myself to be the best I can be and I love to compete! Win or lose, I take away whatever I can from the experience to better myself and grow. You know what they say, ‘There’s no losing, you either win or learn.’ I’m excited to get in the cage in June, and put all my hard work to the test! It’s going to be an entertaining show!”
NEF returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.” Tickets for “NEF 24” 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 events 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.
CIVIL WAR IN THE UK AS NORTH VERSUS SOUTH IN A HEAVYWEIGHT CLASH BETWEEN MARK GODBEER & JAMES MULHERON AT ‘BELLATOR: LONDON’ AT THE O2 ARENA ON JULY 16!
MULTIPLE UNDERCARD BOUTS ANNOUNCED & SET TO SHOW OFF SOME OF UK’S TOP UP-AND-COMERS
TICKTES ON SALE NOW AT THEO2.CO.UK
LONDON (May 17, 2016) – A heavyweight match-up between Mark ‘The hand of’ Godbeer (11-2) and James Mulheron (8-1) will kick off the televised portion of the highly anticipated “Bellator: London” card when the promotion arrives at the O2 Arena in London on July 16. The collision course that the two big men are on will divide the British fans in attendance as the three-round attraction sees Northern UK go head to head with Southern UK, with both men looking for the big KO.
The newly-announced scrap joins a star-studded event that features Kimbo Slice (6-2) taking on James Thompson (20-16) and Josh Koscheck (17-10) against Paul “Semtex” Daley (38-13-2). Additional matchups include a light heavyweight pairing between Linton “The Swarm” Vassell (16-5) and Francis “Limitless” Carmont (24-11) and British welterweight highlight reel Michael “Venom” Page (9-0) versus Fernando Gonzalez (25-13).
Several preliminary matchups have been revealed, including former Big Brother winner Alex Reid (10-9-1-1), who has been scheduled to fight against an opponent to be announced later.
After scoring a TKO victory this past Saturday, Godbeer comes into this fight hot on a three-fight winning streak. The exciting heavyweight is known to leave it all on the line, as evidenced by the fact that he has never let a fight go to the judge’s scorecards. For Godbeer it is a welcome second chance with the Bellator promotion. “I personally think Bellator is one of the leading organisations there is today; it’s a great honour to fight for them once again. Last time I fought off of the back of an 18 month lay-off due to a big injury and feel I wasn’t myself, so I’m glad to get another chance to show them the real me.”
Both Godbeer and Mulheron are hard-hitting heavyweights with great cardio and athleticism and share a common fight strategy: knock the other guy out. Mulheron won a regional title with the M4TC promotion, and will be competing in Bellator for the first time. “I don’t really go into fights with a game plan,” said Mulheron. “I go in with an open mind. I think every fighter needs to be able to adapt in fights but everyone who watches me knows I come to fight and this fight will be no different.”
In the United Kingdom, the event will be broadcast free on SPIKE UK and Channel 5, while in America the card will air FREE on SPIKE. Exact broadcast details for “Bellator 158: London” will be revealed in the near future. Tickets for the event are on sale now and start at only £40.00. They are available at TheO2.co.uk or The O2 Box Office.
Updated “Bellator 158: London” Fight Card
Bellator MMA Heavyweight Main Event: Kimbo Slice (6-2) vs. James Thompson (20-16)
Bellator MMA Welterweight Co-Main Event: Josh Koscheck (17-10) vs. Paul Daley (38-13-2)
Bellator MMA Welterweight Bout: Michael Page (9-0) vs. Fernando Gonzalez (25-13)
Bellator MMA Light Heavyweight Bout: Linton Vassell (16-5) vs. Francis Carmont (24-11)
Bellator MMA Heavyweight Bout: Mark Godbeer (11-2) vs. James Mulheron (8-1)
Preliminary Card:
Bellator MMA Prelim Middleweight Bout: Michael Shipman (8-1) vs. Chris Widmer (5-1)
Bellator MMA Prelim Flyweight Bout: Pietro Menga (12-0) vs. Spencer Hewitt (12-10)
Bellator MMA Prelim Bantamweight Bout: Luiz Tosta (9-2) vs. Dean Garnett (7-0)
Bellator MMA Prelim Middleweight Bout: Jason Radcliffe (8-2) vs. Jack Mason (29-15)
Bellator MMA Prelim Featherweight Bout: Chase Morton (6-2) vs. Nathaniel Wood (8-3)
Bellator MMA Prelim Middleweight Bout: Alex Reid (11-9-1) vs. TBD
Bellator MMA Prelim Middleweight Bout: Bola Omoyele (8-4) vs. Lee Chadwick (21-12-1)
Bellator MMA Prelim Middleweight Bout: C.J. Meeks (4-1) vs. Danny Mitchell (17-7-1)
Vyacheslav Vasilevsky replaces injured Ramazan Emeev vs. Alexander Shlemenko
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M-1 Grand Prix Middleweight Championship
M-1 Challenge 68, June 16 in St. Petersburg, Russia
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 (L-R) – Vyacheslav Vasilevsky & Alexander Shlemenko
ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (May 17, 2016) – Former M-1 Challenge light heavyweight and middleweight champion Vyacheslav Vasilevsky (28-4-0, M-1: 10-2-0) has stepped up to replace injured Ramazan Emeev against Alexander “Storm” Shlemenko (52-9-0, M-1: 3-0-0) in the final of the M-1 Grand Prix Middleweight Tournament, headlining
M-1 Challenge 68, June 16 at Yubileyny Sports Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Emeev (14-3-0, M-1: 8-1-0) suffered a torn ligament in his elbow during training camp. In a M-1 Challenge Grand Prix Middleweight Tournament semifinals match last February, Vasilevsky lost a majority decision to Shlemenko in the M-1 Challenge 64 Fight of the Night.
“We were in a very difficult situation after Ramazan Emeev got injured,” M-1 Global president Vadim Finkelchtein explained. “The whole event was in jeopardy. So, now, we’re grateful to Vyacheslav Vasilevsky for agreeing to step in and face Shlemenko in our M-1 Grand Prix finals being held on his (Vasilevsky) birthday.
“Due to our contract obligations, we were unable to postpone the event because it is officially included in the St. Petersburg Economic Forum, which is something every one of our fighters knew from the very beginning. There’s a paragraph in the Grand Prix fighters’ contract stating we can use one of the guys who fought in the semifinals of the tournament in case someone gets injured. Now we’re making one of the most anticipated rematches in the history of Russian MMA.”
M-1 Challenge heavyweight champion Alexander “Drago” Volkov (25-6-0, M-1: 9-3-0) will make his first title defense against Attila “Pumuklo” Vegh (29-6-2, M-1: 0-0-0) at M-1 Challenge 68. A match between Russian middleweight Valery “The Russian Hammer” Myasnikov (10-1-1, M-1: 1-1-1) and Spanish veteran Enoc Solves Torres (18-9-0, M-1: 5-6-0) has also been announced for the June 16th card.
“The M-1 Challenge 68 event is going to be huge,” Finkelchtein added. “We’re stacking the card with Alexander Volkov vs Attila Vegh fighting in an M-1 Challenge heavyweight title fight. The Grand Prix winner, Shlemenko still gets $50,000. As for Ramazan Emeev, we will put efforts into arranging his fight with Alexander Shlemenko this fall, if Shlemenko is still fighting in Russia. Emeev versus Shlemenko will provide the answer to all of the questions MMA fans still arguing about.”
M-1 Challenge 68 will be streamed live from St. Petersburg in high definition onwww.M1Global.TV. Viewers will be able to watch the preliminary fights and main card by logging on to register at www.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all of the action on their computers, as well as on Android and Apple smart phones and tablets.
Upcoming M-1 Global Events:
May 27 – M-1 Challenge 66: Nemkov vs. Yusopov, Orenburg City, Russia
June 4 – M-1 Challenge 67: Buchinger vs. Idrisov, Baku, Azerbaijan
Information
Twitter & Instagram:
@M1GlobalNews
@VFinkelchtein
@M1Global
Facebook:
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WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING LAUNCHES ‘WHO’S THE TOUGHEST?’ TO SUPPORT MILITARY VETERAN MMA FIGHTERS
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WOMEN CONTINUE TO EXCEL IN THE NEF MMA CAGE
Lewiston, Maine (May 17, 2016) – Just days removed from hosting a “Fight of the Year” candidate in Hyannis, Massachusetts between Kylie O’Hearn (1-0) and Angela Young (1-2), New England Fights (NEF) announced that the fight promotion’s cage would host another women’s amateur bout in Lewiston on June 18, 2016. At “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND,” NEF veteran Alex Walker (0-1) returns to the cage to meet newcomer Nicole Burgess (0-0) in an amateur strawweight bout.
Walker arrived in NEF in the spring of 2015 to face Randi Beth Boyington (1-3) in what was the cage debut for both women. Just like O’Hearn and Young did this past weekend in Hyannis, Walker and Boyington stole the show at “NEF 17.” They battled tooth-and-nail for three rounds before Boyington took a unanimous decision on the judges’ scorecards.
Walker is expected to give another “Fight of the Night” performance at “NEF 24” after an injury forced her out of competition for the past year. Those who know her, including her coach and teammates at Team Kaze in Lancaster, New Hampshire, say that Walker lives to fight. Being unable to climb into the cage for so long has made Walker more determined than ever.
“I can’t wait to fight in Maine again,” exclaimed Walker when reached for comment. “I had an injury last year, a month after my fight with Randi Beth. I am recovered and ready to go. It killed me to be on the sidelines. I feel like I earned some respect and some fans in Maine and I don’t want to lose that. I am sure this girl will be ready, but she won’t be ready for me! Between life’s hardships, surgery, losses, and whatever else, I will not quit until I am successful! It would mean a lot to me to get my first W in front of the Maine fans on June 18th!”
Standing opposite Walker on June 18 will be Nicole Burgess. If the name sounds familiar to NEF fans, it should. She is the sister of NEF MMA fighter Ryan Burgess (2-0). Ryan is the reigning NEF MMA Amateur Flyweight Champion. The undefeated streak of the Burgess family in the NEF cage will be on her shoulders at “NEF 24.”
Burgess, a native of Mexico, Maine, wrestled and played field hockey for Mountain Valley High School in Rumford, Maine prior to attending Plymouth State University in Plymouth, New Hampshire. While at Mountain Valley, she placed three times at states in wrestling. She currently trains with Berserkers MMA.
“I’m excited about this opportunity to finally get in the cage,” said Burgess. “After seeing my brother win the title at 125, it really amped me up to take this on since I’ve been wrestling with him for years. This will be an opportunity to show people what I’m made of. I’m ready for a fight.”
“Women’s fights have stolen the show at three different NEF events in the past year,” stated NEF matchmaker and co-owner Matt Peterson. “This one will be no different. Women’s fights in MMA are not a novelty. From the regional level right up to the UFC, female athletes are excelling to heights unseen in other sports. The sky is the limit for Nicole and Alex. I can’t wait for this one!”
NEF returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.” Tickets for “NEF 24” 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 events 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 MMA EXTENDS CONTRACT OF STANDOUT BANTAMWEIGHT SUPERSTAR DARRION ‘THE WOLF’ CALDWELL
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (May 16, 2016) – Bellator MMA is proud to announce the contract extension of undefeated bantamweight superstar Darrion “The Wolf” Caldwell (9-0) to an exclusive multi-year, multi-fight contract.
“Darrion is a fighter who I really think has that x-factor,” said President Scott Coker. “After his last fight, I looked at our matchmaker and I just said, ‘Wow, this is kid is exploding with talent.’ I’m very happy we were able to get this deal done and I look forward to seeing this star rise for years to come.”
Growing up in New Jersey, Caldwell was a talented, multi-sport athlete who shined the brightest on the wrestling mats. After becoming a three-time high school state champion in New Jersey, “The Wolf” naturally joined “The Wolfpack,” earning a spot on the North Carolina State University wrestling squad. With the Wolfpack, he continued dominate his opponents, winning the NCAA national wrestling championship in 2009.
Making his professional MMA debut in 2012, the 28-year-old has looked seemingly unstoppable at times throughout his first nine fights. In his last outing, the six-fight Bellator MMA veteran Caldwell convincingly defeated former two-division Bellator champion, and Greco-Roman world champion wrestler Joe Warren. You can watch the video by clicking on the photo’s below.
“Bellator has been nothing but good to me,” Caldwell shared with the MMA Hour this morning. “They saw my talent early on in my career and they came after me… I’m here to let everyone know I’m going to continue my talents at Bellator MMA… With Bellator Jumping on board, it’s time to get married. I’m in it for the long run.”
Caldwell is nothing if not confident in himself, continuing with host Ariel Helwani: “I’ve always been a star, but it’s just been about getting on that platform and Bellator is giving me that opportunity… I don’t think any 135-pounder can see me, ya feel me? Whether its UFC, Bellator, anywhere in the world there isn’t a 135-pounder that can beat me.”
FORMER STATE CHAMPION RETURNS TO BATTLE THE KEN DOLL
Lewiston, Maine (May 16, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with the fight promotion’s next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing extravaganza, “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.” NEF executives have announced the signing of a professional featherweight MMA bout to the card featuring Matt “Ken Doll” Denning (3-2) and Brandon Bushaw (1-2).
Denning is coming off a huge submission victory over Derek Shorey (3-7) this past weekend at “NEF 23” in Hyannis, Massachusetts. The first time the pair met in 2014, it took Denning a mere 2:28 to submit Shorey. Denning topped that performance in the rematch by finishing Shorey in just 37-seconds. The win was a rebound for Denning after back-to-back losses in the NEF MMA cage. Just last month in Lewiston, he was stopped in the first round by Josh Harvey (1-0). Now, he will look to make it two wins in a row when he takes on Bushaw on June18.
“I’d like to thank New England fights for giving me another opportunity to show my skills and how hard I have been working,” said Denning. “This is my third fight in eight weeks. After fighting someone as tough as Josh Harvey, I’m prepared to battle with anyone. I’m going to keep the fight in my hands and dominate on the feet, wrestling, or if it hits the ground. Bushaw is an experienced fighter and is going to bring it fast. I’m looking forward to it and extremely confident with staying in the win column.”
Brandon Bushaw won state championships in wrestling for Westbrook High School in 1998 and 1999 with a combined record of 73-3 for those two seasons. He went on to wrestle at Michigan State with former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Light Heavyweight Title Holder Rashad Evans (24-5-1) as a teammate.
Recent years have seen Bushaw relocate from Maine to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina where he trains at Fitness Edge MMA. He has made the trip back home to the Pine Tree State to compete for NEF on four separate occasions. Bushaw’s last appearance on an NEF card was in the fall of 2014 against Elias Leland (2-1). It was Bushaw’s only loss to date in his home state of Maine. The upcoming fight with Denning will see Bushaw move up in weight from the 135-pound bantamweight division to the 145-pound featherweight division.
“I am beyond excited to return to my home state of Maine and fight under the NEF banner for the fifth time,” exclaimed Bushaw. “I am making the move up to 145, where I intend to stay for the rest of my career. That is, of course, if my sole loss in Maine will accept a rematch – I would gladly make the cut to fight Eli Leland again at 135! I am making this trip with ‘The Fearless One,’ ‘The Titanium Warrior,’ Amos Collins! I look up to Amos as a mentor, a friend, and one ballsy motherf$%ker! I can’t wait to put my fist on ‘Ken Doll’s’ face, and blow him a kiss when he wakes up!”
NEF returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.” Tickets for “NEF 24” 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 events 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.