Category Archives: mixed martial arts

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, UFC

BELLATOR SIGNS LIZ CARMOUCHE TO EXCLUSIVE MULTI-YEAR, MULTI-FIGHT CONTRACT

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HONOLULU – On the same night as Bellator and the USO Present: Salute the Troops, Bellator is proud to announce the signing of United States Marine Corps veteran and established flyweight competitor Liz Carmouche (13-7) to an exclusive multi-year, multi-fight contract.


 
Carmouche joins Bellator’s women’s flyweight division following a six-year run in UFC – a tenure that includes world title bouts in both the bantamweight and flyweight divisions, as well as notable wins over Katlyn Chookagian and Jessica Andrade.


 
Fighting out of San Diego, the 35-year-old Team Hurricane Awesome-product also formerly competed for Strikeforce, notching a pair of victories with the promotion. She earned an additional win over Valentina Shevchenko earlier in her career.


 
Prior to her days as a professional athlete, the Lafayette, Louisiana-native spent five years serving as an aviation electrician in the United Stated Marine Corps, where she completed three tours of duty in the Middle East. A longtime friend and teammate of Hawaii’s own Ilima-Lei Macfarlane, “Girl-Rilla” finally has the opportunity to compete alongside Bellator women’s flyweight world champion in an already-stacked 125-pound division.


 
Carmouche’s promotional debut will take place early 2020 in the flyweight division, which is championed by her training partner, Ilima-lei Macfarlane, who headlines Bellator 236on DAZN tomorrow night in Honolulu, Hawaii. The division also features Macfarlane’s opponent Kate Jackson, as well as other top athletes competing this weekend in Hawaii, including Juliana Velasquez, Veta Arteaga, Bruna Ellen and Alejandra Lara.
boxing, Comedy, mixed martial arts

MUST SEE FIGHT-THEMED TV: LETTERKENNY (Made in Canada)

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(Left to right: Wayne, “Darry,” Katie, and “Squirrely” Dan enjoying some chit chat on the back deck in a very funny show called “Letterkenny”)

By: Rich Bergeron

If you ever want to laugh harder than you’ve ever laughed in your life, Letterkenny is the new, hip show for you. Elevation Pictures and Universal Studios have joined forces to bring you this quick-witted comedic gem that follows the residents of a small town North of the Canadian border called Letterkenny. The residents of Letterkenny belong to one of three groups: the Hicks, the Skids, and the Hockey Players, who are constantly feuding with each other over seemingly trivial matters that often end with someone getting their ass kicked. 

Wayne, the toughest guy in Letterkenny, is our unsung hero. He waits a few episodes to display his fiercest skills in season 1 since he’s recovering from a breakup with his girlfriend (fodder for a future episode). When he does go toe to toe, the opponents he faces are coming for his unofficial title, and word travels fast. Between these raucous and exciting slugfests are the escapades of the rest of the crew and Wayne as they deal with small town obstacles like dirty politics at the agricultural hall and the kind of “kissin’ and tellin'” you think you want to hear until you really don’t.

Darryl, Squirrely Dan, Katie and Stuart are the main characters in support of Wayne. Katie is a typical teenage girl getting frisky with the boys, making her brother Wayne always feel the need to tell her to put more clothes on. Squirrely Dan has a distinct “ways” of speaking to “peoples” in the show that makes for some funny moments every epsidoe. Darryl goes by “Darry” and is the most inquisitive of whole bunch, always asking the right questions and having to get things explained that the audience would like to hear explained, too. One of the highlights of the first season is “the softest birthday party ever” that the gang attempts to put on for Darry. Stuart is the local meth addict who can’t seem to “figure it out” as far as how to straighten up and fly right.

The shenanigans and fast and furious banter of the show make it worth watching some scenes over and over again. It is a unique, “full tilt like a Peterbilt” comedy that pushes the envelope and hits the nail on the head when it comes to some stereotypical boondocks teenager behavior. The only critique it gets from me is it takes a bit of time to pick up on what all the colloquialisms really mean if you’re not from Canada. Watch enough episodes, though, and you’ll be speaking like a Letterkenny native and bringing their lingo to the USA. Well, as Wayne and the crew often say, “Pitter patter, let’s get at ‘er.” Here’s some more info from the peoples in charge on how to watch and purchase DVDs and such:

The series was picked up in the United States by Hulu for its 7th season as a Hulu Original series, with the other seasons also being available exclusively on the streaming platform. It’s a goofy Canadian hangout comedy that combines the eccentricities of “Schitt’s Creek” with wry and wacky wordplay. In case you’re not familiar with the show, you can check out the introduction to the series here –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pb0JdutNULs

Official Twitter & Instagram – @LetterkennyProb

Get the first two seasons here while supplies last:

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/letterkenny-seasons-1-and-2-dvd/34764334.p?skuId=34764334

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

2019 NEF YEAR END AWARDS “FIGHTER OF THE YEAR” NOMINEES ANNOUNCED

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (December 20, 2019) – New England Fights (NEF) today announced the nominees for their annual Year End Awards for 2019’s “Fighter of the Year.” The four nominated fighters who earned top honors in 2019 were: Josh “Hook On” Harvey (7-0-1) from Vision Quest Muay Thai; Glory “The Fury” Watson (6-1) from Young’s MMA;Nate “Backpack” Boucher (6-3) from Central Maine Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (CMBJJ); and Tom “The Phenom” Pagliarulo (5-1)from Burgess/Lauzon’s MMA.

Glory “The Fury” Watson was more active than any other fighter on the NEF roster in 2019. Watson began her winning year at “NEF 37: SUBZERO” back in February when she stopped Wisconsin’s Rachael Lippert (4-4) with a guillotine choke in the third round. A little over a month later, Watson earned a unanimous decision victory over Alyssa Marini (2-2) at a show in Massachusetts. In June, Watson won her first title when she decisioned Oregon’s Caree Hill (5-2) for the NEF Flyweight Championship. In September, Watson dropped down to strawweight for the first time and battered Canada’s Lin MacMillan (0-2) via first round TKO at 1:23. Watson’s only defeat in 2019 came at the hands of Cara Greenwell (10-4) in November at “NEF 41: COLLISON COURSE” when she fell short of securing her second title, dropping a decision loss in the five-round championship bout. Watson went 4-1 in 2019 and secured the NEF Flyweight Championship, which she still holds today.

Nate “Backpack” Boucher had a long road back to contending for a title (two full years, to be exact), but he made good on his goals and went undefeated and secured his first championship in 2019. Boucher began his MMA year back in February when he submitted newcomer Dillon Henry (0-3) in under a minute via rear naked choke (RNC) at “NEF 37.” Boucher returned to the cage in June at “NEF 39: ALL AMERICAN” when he was scheduled to face Ohio’s Robert Presley (6-5) for the NEF Flyweight Championship, but a botched weight cut resulted in Boucher missing weight and the bout becoming a non-title affair. Boucher finished Presley, again with a rear naked choke, at 1:46 of the first round. In November, Boucher made championship weight of 125.0 and faced Steve Desjardins (5-4) for the NEF 125-pound title that he had first fought and lost a split decision to Justin Witham (4-4) for back in November 2017. Boucher left nothing to chance this time and he finished Desjardins at 1:16 of round one thus becoming the NEF Flyweight Champion. In 2019, Boucher went 3-0 with three first-round RNC finishes and won the NEF title.

Josh “Hook On” Harvey didn’t achieve the level of activity that he had hoped for going into 2019, but he still managed to secure the NEF professional Featherweight Championship and remain undefeated. Harvey began his year in front of his hometown fans in Bangor at “NEF 37” when he took out veteran Bill “Jonesi” Jones (13-12) with a first round armlock submission-of-the-year candidate. With the win over Jones, Harvey became the NEF Featherweight Champion. Harvey was scheduled to return in June at “NEF 39” against Indiana’s Jordan Downey (6-4), but an incorrect weight cut forced Harvey to seek medical attention and bow out of the bout at the last minute. In September at “NEF 40,” Harvey was originally scheduled to face his old training partner, Ricky Dexter (1-0), but when Dexter had to withdraw from the bout due to medical reasons,Dom “Domnation” Jones (2-3) stepped up on short notice to face Harvey. Harvey finished Jones in the first round, maintaining his perfect, undefeated record of first-round finishes. Harvey was scheduled to fight in November, but his opponent broke his contract in the final days leading up to the event and Harvey was left without a dance partner for “NEF 41.” All-in-all, Harvey went 2-0 in 2019 and became the NEF 145-pound Champion.

Tom “The Phenom” Pagliarulo was a new face that made a big impact in the Maine mixed martial arts scene in 2019. Pagliarulo made his first appearance in NEF when he showed up at “NEF 38: STORMBORN” to face Zac “Rocky” Richard (5-2-1) for the vacant NEF Featherweight Championship. Outwrestling the wrestler, Pagliarulo displayed a deft takedown game against Richard in route to earning the unanimous decision victory and becoming the NEF Featherweight Champion. Pagliarulo returned to defend his title for NEF’s first stop in Orono, Maine last September at “NEF 40.” Pagliarulo faced challenger Jimmy Jackson in front of Jackson’s northern hometown crowd. In this outing, Pagliarulo, traditionally known for his wrestling, put on a tight, crisp striking display. He damaged Jackson’s face so badly with his strikes in the first round that the cage side doctor determined that Jackson couldn’t continue and the fight was waved off after one round. Overall, Pagliarulo went 2-0 in NEF 2019 and obtained the amateur NEF Featherweight Championship.

Fan voting to determine the winner of the 2019 NEF Year End Awards “Fighter of the Year” will officially open at 12:00pm on Friday, December 20, 2019 and run until 5:00pm on Thursday, December 26, 2019. Fans will determine the outcome of the contest so all are encouraged to participate to vote for their favorite fighter.

New England Fights’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine. Tickets are on sale now at www.PortTix.com.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

THE MULE TRAIN ROLLS INTO MERRILL AUDITORIUM IN PORTLAND ON FEBRUARY 8

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (December 20, 2019) – New England Fights (NEF) will hold its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at Merrill Auditorium in Portland.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur catchweight bout to the card.  Nate “The Mule” White (4-0) will meet Brian Cosco (5-8) at a fight weight of 158 pounds.

2019 could very well be termed the “Year of the Mule” in hindsight.  The MAGA-hat-wearing Nate White was a perfect 4-0 this past year, finishing all four of his opponents decisively.  White has become known for stepping in at the last minute to save fights.  In September, on just a few days’ notice, White took a fight with Ryan Savage (0-2).  Just hours before that fight, White was tased and pepper-sprayed as part of his National Guard training.  He would go on to defeat Savage that evening.  Last month, White was victorious over Austin Hamilton (0-1) at “NEF 41.”  During his post-fight interview, White famously uttered the phrase “(Jeffrey) Epstein didn’t kill himself” before walking away from the microphone.  White represents Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) of Lewiston, Maine.  He is a nominee for “Rookie of the Year” in NEF for 2019.

“Brian comes into this bout with a lot of fight maturity and with a lot of maturity period—the dude is literally more than double my age,” said White.  “He’s got the edge in experience, but I’ve got the good looks on my side in this one. The Mule Train doesn’t slow down for anyone—especially not for Brian Cosco. I’m sure he’s a nice guy, but he’s going to find out what hardworking, unskilled labor feels like on February 8th. God Bless the USA, and God Bless our President to reelection in 2020, the Honorable Donald J. Trump.”

Brian Cosco is a longtime veteran of the New England cage wars having begun his amateur career in 2011.  Like White, he is undefeated in the NEF cage.  Cosco defeated Garry Carr (2-1) by doctor stoppage last April at “NEF 38.”  He returned at “NEF 41” in November to submit Clifford Redman (0-11) in the first round.  Cosco’s Von Flue choke on Redman is a nominee for “Submission of the Year” in the NEF 2019 Year-End Awards.  He currently represents Redline Fight Sports based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

“I’m excited to come back up to Maine and fight for NEF again where I’ll be fighting a hometown guy with an undefeated record—and that provides some extra motivation for me,” said Cosco.  “Nate’s young and has the potential to do big things in MMA, but timing is everything in the fight game and this is just a bad time to fight me. 2020 is going to be my year and it starts February 8th.”

New England Fights’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine. Tickets are on sale now at www.PortTix.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.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights, Premier Boxing Champions

58-YEAR-OLD GARRY CARR IS BACK IN ACTION AGAINST AUSTIN HAMILTON AT NEF 42

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (December 19, 2019) – New England Fights (NEF) will hold its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at Merrill Auditorium in Portland.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur catchweight bout to the card.  Garry Carr (2-1) will faceAustin Hamilton (0-1) at a fight weight of 165 pounds.

Garry Carr currently holds the record for the oldest athlete to ever win a fight in the NEF cage.  It is a record Carr first set at the age of 56 in 2017, broke at age 57 in 2019, and will attempt to break again at age 58 on February 8.  Last summer, Carr defeated Clifford Redman (0-11) via first-round technical knockout at “NEF 39” in Lewiston, Maine.  Carr looks to pick up his third win in the MMA cage at “NEF 42” in Portland.  He currently represents Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) based in Lewiston.

“I cannot wait to get back in the NEF cage for the fourth time,” said Carr.  “This one will bring the house down or tear the roof clean off. It’s an honor to train and fight for team CMBJJ. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled – you’re going to see a lot of us on this card, including our fight team manager, Jesse “The Viking” Erickson. I’m looking to set another new NEF record by being the oldest man to win in the NEF cage at the age of 58. You’ve got to see this one, folks. Hit me up for tickets!”

Austin Hamilton made his cage debut at “NEF 41” last month in Portland.  He lost to Carr’s CMBJJ teammate Nate “The Mule” White (4-0) by first-round technical knockout.  He will now have the chance to avenge that loss when he meets Carr on February 8 in Portland.

“I’m really looking forward to getting a chance to redeem myself after the last fight,” said Hamilton. “I have nothing but respect for Garry, as so should anyone else in this game. I only hope that when I’m his age, I can still be doing this!”

New England Fights’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine. Tickets are on sale now at www.PortTix.com.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

JASON LANDRY LOOKS TO AVENGE FIRST LOSS WHEN NEF RETURNS TO PORTLAND

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (December 18, 2019) – New England Fights (NEF) will hold its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Merrill Auditorium in Portland.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur welterweight bout to the card.  Jason Landry (2-1) is scheduled to take on Dustin Carrier (0-0) at a fight weight of 170 pounds.

Jason Landry burst onto the NEF fight scene earlier this year making more noise than any rookie had in some time.  Landry dominated and submitted a much more experienced Justin Boraczek (4-3) in Landry’s debut at “NEF 38” last spring.  In his follow-up effort, Landry nearly took Dan Seigars’ (0-1) face off with a single punch knockout just seven seconds into the first round.

Landry’s momentum, however, would come to a screeching halt this past September when he met Mike “Boogaloo” Bezanson (4-0) in Orono, Maine.  After a wild opening exchange, Bezanson would stop Landry via technical knockout within the first minute of the first round.  Not one to let a loss get him down, Landry has used it as a learning experience and motivation to return to the cage in the New Year.

“Fighting has always been a passion of mine,” stated Landry. “Going into that cage where it’s just man-to-man—there’s no better adrenaline rush than that. Losing is learning and is great fuel for the fire. I can’t wait to get back out there and put on one hell of a show for the NEF fans. Expect action-packed chaos!”

Dustin Carrier will be making his amateur debut on February 8, but he his team at Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) will undoubtedly have him ready for the cage.  Carrier trains at the Lewiston, Maine-based gym alongside longtime NEF competitors like Jesse “The Viking” Erickson (9-8) and former amateur flyweight titleholder Dustin Veinott (5-4).

New England Fights’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine. Tickets are on sale now at www.PortTix.com.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA

FULL FIGHT CARDS AND BROADCAST DETAILS FOR THIS WEEKEND’S BELLATOR DOUBLEHEADER ON PARAMOUNT NETWORK & DAZN

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JOSH BARNETT AND RONNY MARKES HEADLINE BELLATOR & THE USO PRESENT: SALUTE THE TROOPS ON FRIDAY, DEC. 20

 

BELLATOR 236 ON SATURDAY, DEC. 21 SEES ILIMA-LEI MACFARLANE DEFEND HER WORLD TITLE AGAINST KATE JACKSON

 

LOS ANGELES – The full slate of bouts for Bellator’s return to Neal S. Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, Hawaii this Friday, Dec. 20 and Saturday, Dec. 21 is official with a stacked doubleheader featuring something for every mixed martial arts fan.

 

Bellator and the USO Present: Salute the Troops will air on Paramount Network on Friday, December 20 at 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT. The entire event will also stream on DAZN, while preliminary bouts will stream on Bellator.com, DAZN and globally on the Bellator Mobile App.

 

Bellator 236: Macfarlane vs. Jackson – one of the star-powered, year-end highlights of fight season on DAZN – will stream Saturday, December 21 live exclusively on DAZN at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, while preliminary action will stream on Bellator.com, DAZN and globally on the Bellator Mobile App.

 

The main event of Friday’s card on Paramount Network will see a heavyweight headliner, featuring the Bellator debuts of former world champion Josh Barnett (35-8) and Ronny Markes (19-7). Rounding out the stacked main card will see another Bellator debut, as Erik Perez (19-6) enters the cage to meet Hawaii’s own Toby Misech (11-7), former flyweight No. 1 contenders Alejandra Lara (8-3) and Veta Arteaga (5-3) return to action and Bellator Welterweight World Grand Prix participant Tywan Claxton (5-1) takes on the undefeated prospect out of Maili, Hawaii, Braydon Akeo (3-0). Also, undefeated teammate of A.J. McKee Joey Davis (6-0) returns to the Bellator cage when he faces the “Big Island’s” 29-fight MMA veteran, Chris Cisneros (19-10).

 

The prelims for Bellator and the USO Present: Salute the Troops will feature an appearance from undefeated Bay Area-fighter fighter Cass Bell (4-0), as well as undefeated Hawaiian prospect Ty Gwerder (4-0).

 

A mere 24-hours later, Bellator 236 will take place exclusively on DAZN and will be headlined by a flyweight world title bout between Honolulu’s Ilima-Lei Macfarlane (10-0) and England’s Kate Jackson (11-3-1). The co-main event is a quarterfinal matchup of the Bellator Featherweight World Grand Prix with A.J. McKee (15-0) taking on Derek Campos (20-9.).

 

In addition, recently signed Bellator welterweight Jason Jackson (10-4) of Hollywood, Fla. returns to the Bellator cage on short notice to take on Kiichi Kunimoto of Osaka, Japan. Juliana Velasquez (9-0) looks to remain undefeated with Bellator when she meets Bruna Ellen (10-6) at flyweight, while local Hawaiian standouts Cheyden Leialoha(7-1) and Nainoa Dung (3-0) go to battle against Raufeon Stots (12-1) and Zach Zane (13-9), respectively, to complete the main card.

  

Bellator and the USO Present: Salute the Troops Main Card:

Paramount Network & DAZN

10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT/5 p.m. HST

 

Heavyweight Main Event: Josh Barnett (35-8) vs. Ronny Markes (19-7)

Bantamweight Main Card Bout: Toby Misech (11-7) vs. Erik Perez (19-6)

Flyweight Main Card Bout: Alejandra Lara (8-3) vs. Veta Artega (5-3)

Featherweight Main Card Bout: Tywan Claxton (5-1) vs. Braydon Akeo (3-0)

Welterweight Main Card Bout: Joey Davis (6-0) vs. Chris Cisneros (19-10)

 

Preliminary Card:

DAZN, Bellator.com & the Bellator Mobile App

8:45 p.m. ET/7:45 p.m. CT/3:45 p.m. HST

 

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Cass Bell (4-0) vs. Pierre Daguzan (5-3, 1 NC)

Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Ty Gwerder (4-0) vs. Joseph Creer (6-1-1)

180-Pound Contract Weight Preliminary Bout: Hunter Ewald (Pro Debut) vs. Brysen Bolohao (0-1)

 

Bellator 236: Macfarlane vs. Jackson Main Card:

DAZN

10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT/5 p.m. HST

 

Flyweight World Title Bout: Ilima-Lei Macfarlane (10-0) vs. Kate Jackson (11-3-1)

Featherweight World Grand Prix Quarterfinal Bout: A.J. McKee (15-0) vs. Derek Campos (20-9) 

Welterweight Main Card Bout: Jason Jackson (10-4) vs. Kiichi Kunimoto (20-8-2, 1 NC)

Flyweight Main Card Bout: Julianna Velasquez (9-0) vs. Bruna Ellen (5-2)

Bantamweight Main Card Bout: Raufeon Stots (12-1) vs. Cheyden Leialoha (7-1)

Lightweight Main Card Bout: Nainoa Dung (3-0) vs. Zach Zane (13-9)

 

Preliminary Card:

DAZN, Bellator.com & the Bellator Mobile App

8:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. CT/3:30 p.m. HST

 

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Keoni Diggs (7-0) vs. Scotty Hao (4-2)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Kai Kamaka III (5-2) vs. Spencer Higa (7-10)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Dustin Barca (3-0) vs. Brandon Pieper (11-13)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Ben Wilhelm (3-0) vs. Keali’i Kanekoa (2-2)

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Swayne Makana Lunasco (Pro Debut) vs. Kaylan Gorospe (Pro Debut)

Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Nate Yoshimura (Pro Debut) vs. Chas Dunhour (0-1)

 

*Card subject to change

 

Please visit Bellator.com for more information.

 
mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

SURGING WELTERWEIGHTS WILL MEET AT NEF 42 IN PORTLAND

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (December 16, 2019) – New England Fights (NEF) will hold its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Merrill Auditorium in Portland.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur welterweight fight to the card.  Mike “Boogaloo” Bezanson (4-0) is scheduled to face Greg Ishihara (2-1) at a fight weight of 170 pounds.

Undefeated Mike Bezanson returned to NEF this past September after more than a three-year absence from cage competition.  Bezanson, known for his flashy striking style and showmanship during fights, handed Jason Landry (2-1) his first loss at “NEF 40” in Orono, Maine.  It took Bezanson only 41-seconds to pick up the technical knockout victory.  He went on to capture a title in New Hampshire with a fourth-round knockout just weeks later.  Bezanson has finished all four of his previous opponents with his striking prowess.  He represents Team Kaze based in Lancaster, New Hampshire.

“In 2020, I have to do some belt shopping—the one I currently hold is getting lonely and needs some friends,” said Bezanson.  “I’ll make sure the tickets are worth buying!”

Since losing his debut to Jordan Norman (2-1) last April, Greg Ishihara has been on a roll, winning his last two MMA bouts in the NEF cage and a Muay Thai Kickboxing fight in Vermont.  Last month, Ishihara picked up his most recent win against Dylan Williams (0-3) with a knee to the body just over a minute into the first round at “NEF 41” in Portland.  Ishihara represents Recon Fitness based in Westbrook, Maine.

“NEF has always treated me well,” noted Ishihara. “It means a lot to me – to be able to compete here in Maine. The NEF staff is always professional making for a great experience. I look forward to competing inside the NEF cage in 2020. I’m excited for this upcoming fight with Mike. He’s flashy and his movement is impressive. This fight will give me the opportunity to display the full range of my skill set. I’m diligent in my preparation and I take pride in my work and performance. My goal is to hold the NEF title at 170-pounds and defend it.”

New England Fights’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine. Tickets are on sale now at www.PortTix.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.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

CALEB AUSTIN AND DILLON HENRY TO MEET IN FLYWEIGHT MATCHUP AT NEF 42

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (December 13, 2019) – New England Fights (NEF) will hold its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Merrill Auditorium in Portland.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur flyweight fight to the card.  Caleb “Dr. Feelgood” Austin(3-0) will meet Dillon Henry (0-3) at a fight weight of 125 pounds.

Undefeated Caleb Austin returned to NEF this past fall after more than two years.  It took Austin just over a minute to pound out a victory over Cory Richards (0-1) at “NEF 40” in September.  In November, Austin went into the second round with Ryan Fogg (0-1) before picking up another technical knockout win.  With current amateur flyweight champion Nate Boucher (6-3) turning pro at “NEF 42,” Austin will be considered one of the top contenders to the vacant strap should he get past Henry.

Success in athletics is nothing new to Caleb Austin.  He put together an impressive record of 208-11 wrestling for Mountain Valley High School in Rumford, Maine and won state titles at 126 pounds his junior and senior years.  The Lewiston Sun Journal named Austin the “Wrestler of the Year” in 2017.  After graduation, Austin continued wrestling while attending the University of Southern Maine.  He currently represents Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) of Lewiston, Maine.

“The amount of support that I’ve received since September when I made my return to the MMA cage has been humbling,” said Austin. “I’m in the gym and running every single day with February on my mind. Going 2-0 this fall season was great, but I’ve got bigger things in front of me for 2020. I will win the NEF Flyweight Championship next year and Dillon Henry is just the next obstacle in front of me on my way toward that goal. I want to win more quickly and more cleanly every time I get in the cage. It’s an honor every time I get to fight in front of the NEF fans—and I can’t wait to do it again at the Merrill Auditorium on February 8th.”

Dillon Henry comes to the cage on February 8 looking for the first win of his amateur career.  Henry debuted last February against the aforementioned Nate Boucher who already had six fights under his belt at the time.  This past September Henry competed against Stephen Desjardins who came into that bout as a seven-fight veteran.  Henry was getting the upper hand against Desjardins until he dislocated his own shoulder throwing a punch in the first round.  He currently represents First Class MMA of Brunswick, Maine.

“I was going say a lot, but life can take unexpected turns and you start fighting for new reasons,” said Henry.  “I look forward to February 8th, enough said.”

“A fighter is more than his record and Dillon Henry is a great example of that,” noted NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson.  “Dillon is always taking tough fights with the goal of getting better as an amateur so that he can eventually make his mark as a pro. Caleb is his next challenge and I’m certain that Dillon will bring the fight and make this a fun one for us as fans. Caleb came in quickly made an impact over the fall season. Can he continue his undefeated streak to start off a new year and a new decade? We’ll find out February 8th.”

New England Fights’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine. Tickets are on sale now at www.PortTix.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.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

TOP RANKED LIGHTWEIGHT RETURNS TO NEF CAGE AGAINST DECORATED ARMY RANGER

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (December 12, 2019) – New England Fights (NEF) will hold its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Merrill Auditorium in Portland.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur lightweight fight to the card.  Mohammad Al Kinani (7-1) will take on Justin Middleton (1-0) at a fight weight of 155 pounds.

Mohammad Al Kinani is currently the number-one-ranked lightweight amateur in all of New England MMA.  He last appeared in the NEF cage in November 2018.  Al Kinani holds a perfect record of 3-0 with the promotion and has finished all three opponents in the first round via technical knockout.  One of the top prospects in the region, Al Kinani represents Evolution Athletix based in Saco, Maine.

“I’m excited as always to fight in Portland,” noted Al Kinani.  “It’s different fighting in Portland.  I have a lot to prove against Justin Middleton February 8th at Merrill Auditorium. Be ready to see a different animal to start up the New Year. Portland is my town – my territory.”

Justin Middleton burst onto the NEF fight scene with an upset victory over Jon Assam (1-2) last month at “NEF 41” in Portland.  Middleton came into the bout as the underdog as it was both his debut against the more experienced Assam and Assam represented an established fight team while Middleton was an independent competitor.  He submitted Assam via rear-naked choke in the first round.  Middleton is a longtime, distinguished, and heavily-decorated Army Ranger that served the United States proudly in Iraq.

“I’m honored to have such a seasoned and accomplished opponent so early in my career,” said Middleton.  “I know that it’s going to be a challenge, and I will be training accordingly. 155 is the optimum performance weight for me, and I will be coming with everything I’ve got. I’m sure Mo and I will give the fans a war.”

New England Fights’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine. Tickets are on sale now at www.PortTix.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.