Category Archives: mixed martial arts

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

ASSAM VS KANGAS SET TO STRIKE AT NEF 46 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY EVENT

December 2, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (November 24, 2021) – New England Fights (NEF) returns with its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 46: Decade of Dominance,” on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Aura in Portland, Maine. The event will commemorate NEF’s ten-year anniversary. The leading regional promotion launched on February 11, 2012. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur welterweight bout to the fight card. Jon Assam (2-3) is scheduled to take on former lightweight Justin Kangas (0-3) at a fight weight of 170-pounds.

Jon Assam will have fought for NEF for four straight years when he steps in the cage on February 12^th. The Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) staple most recently made Austin Hamilton (0-3) retire on the stool in between rounds when they faced-off at the Hampshire Dome last August at “NEF 44: Back in Black” in New Hampshire. Assam will be looking to extend his win streak to two when he shares the cage with Kangas in February.

“I’m very excited to be part of another NEF event, always good cards and good fights,” Assam stated. “I don’t like to do much talking outside of the cage, but my opponent can expect the same thing I expect from him—the best version of ourselves—and we’ll see whose best is better.”

Justin Kangas has struggled to find his first win in NEF, having dropped losses to a who’s who of young up and coming talent including Nate “The Mule White (5-0) and former NEF Featherweight Champion Nathaniel Grimard (4-1). Standing 6’3”, the cut to 155-pounds has always been a struggle for the moonlighting mixed martial artist who spends his days working as a school principal. Having finally found the rhythm between his professional life and passion for training, Kangas is confident that the move up in weight class will help him secure that elusive first win in the NEF hexagon.

“I am extremely excited to step back into the NEF cage. It has been far too long. Covid has been rough on us all in a variety of ways, but if there is a silver lining, it’s that it gave me a ton of time to work on my deficits. When I first started fighting for NEF, I was only nine months into my training, and I was a fish out of water on the ground. Each fight gave me a lot to reflect on and gave me a full picture of what needed to change. Covid may have stopped a lot of things in our country, but it didn’t stop me from training and growing as a fighter.

“My weaknesses have become new passions and strengths for me. Losing and identifying faults doesn’t break me down. It excites me. Nothing is more rewarding than improving yourself. Have no doubt, I have done just that.

“After all the time off, I made the decision to jump up a weight class. I have been working hard to put on weight the right way over the last year and a half and have come leaps and bounds in my confidence and technique on the feet, the cage and the ground. I am a far more well-rounded and skilled fighter. I look forward to showing off that work.

“Jon Assam is a veteran in the NEF cage and he always goes to war. I am excited to share the cage with him and I know the fans won’t be disappointed. I took this fight because I knew it would push me to my limits and that’s how exciting fights are made. I don’t take fights looking for an easy win to pad my record. I’m here to push and challenge myself. My past three opponents have a combined record of 12-4. Expect nothing less than a battle in that cage.”

“NEF 46: Decade of Dominance” takes place on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Aura in Portland, Maine. The event will commemorate NEF’s ten-year anniversary. Doors open at 6 pm with first fight at 7 pm. Tickets are on sale now at www.Ticketmaster.com.

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

MURRAY VS FAULKNER SET TO CLASH FOR WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

December 2, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (November 23, 2021) – New England Fights (NEF) returns with its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 46: Decade of Dominance,” on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Aura in Portland, Maine. The event will commemorate NEF’s ten-year anniversary. The leading regional promotion launched on February 11, 2012. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur championship bout to the fight card. Former NEF Lightweight Contender “Magic” Mike Murray (3-2) is scheduled to move up in weight to face Zach Faulkner (4-1) for the currently vacant NEF Welterweight Championship at a fight weight of 170 pounds. The Championship was recently vacated when former title holder Mike Bezanson (5-0) publicly stated that he will be turning professional in his next bout.

Mike Murray has dazzled fans since he made his NEF debut in June 2019. After rattling off impressive back-to-back first-round rear-naked-choke submission victories in his first two fights, Murray faced off against Zac Richard (1-0) for the then vacant NEF Lightweight Championship. After a lively five-round fight, Murray lost a decision to Richard. Murray rebounded with a win in Florida. Murray recently retired from a successful service career in the US Marine Corps.

“I’m extremely grateful and excited to be back after two years outside of the cage, and to be given the opportunity to fight for the 170-pound title against an absolutely game opponent,” Murray stated. “I personally feel like we are each other’s best match up after seeing his striking and jiu jitsu in his last fight. I’ve been two years out of the cage, but not two years out of the fight. This past summer alone, I went undefeated in Muay Thai, and had 15 jiu jitsu matches, and placed increasingly higher in each tournament. My prediction for this fight is that it’ll be the most entertaining amateur fight on this card – if not this year. I’ve been putting in the work to be the most lethal version of myself, and I believe this is the best I’ve ever been coming into a fight. There’s no animosity going into this one, this is purely two dogs getting locked in a cage. I’m so thrilled to be a part of this incredibly special 10-year anniversary card. This will for sure be a night to remember.”

Zach Faulkner made his triumphant NEF debut in 2017 at “NEF 30: Rumble in Bangor” and has remained perfect inside the NEF hexagon ever since. He most recently won a unanimous decision victory over Curtis Ouellette (1-3) last August at “NEF 44” in New Hampshire. He trains with Jon Deupree (1-0) at Recon Fitness in Westbrook, Maine.

“I’m super excited to not only have the opportunity to fight for the NEF welterweight title, but also to be able to fight on such a big card against a tough, game opponent,” Faulkner stated. “Winning would mean a lot to me because it would show that my fight journey is moving in the right direction and show that I’m ready to start to think about moving up to the next level.”

mixed martial arts, MMA, UFC

UFC #1 Ranked Featherweight Max Holloway Becomes CHERRY BO2MB® Business Partner

November 18, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

LAS VEGAS, NV. – CHERRY BO2MB and UFC #1 Ranked Featherweight Max Holloway, fresh off his Saturday night main event victory, has joined the team as a business partner.

Holloway (23-6), who took care of Yair Rodriguez on Saturday night, will become one of the faces of CHERRY BO2MB®, the leading brand in cognitive enhancers that improves memory, creativity, motivation and enhances brain neuron oxygenation. CHERRY BO2MB®is a BSCG certified drug-free powder supplement that when added to water becomes a brain-stimulating nutritional beverage designed for all ages wanting to think smarter, react faster and perform better. Whether you are an elite athlete, a weekend warrior in any sport, a student immersed in studies or an employee who needs to have sharp focus to get the job done, this product is for you.

To be a champion and perform at the highest level, the mind must be incredibly sharp to make split-second decisions, process information and think ahead of the competition.

“CHERRY BO2MB®is a great supplement to my daily training program not only for getting me ready for my next test in the Octagon, but also for improving my reaction times for my gaming career,” said Holloway.

About CHERRY BO2MB®

CHERRY BO2MB® is more than just an average energy drink: it is a powerful and complete dietary supplement packed with essential vitamins, minerals amino acids and nutritional 27 extracts to promote a healthy mind and healthy body.

CHERRY BO2MB® provides amino acids, minerals, botanicals and essential nutrients to maintain your brain and body at optimum performance. We use ingredients that have been clinically proven in independent studies to increase your mental alertness, clarity and focus; to give you give you more energy; and to last longer than most other energy drinks.

CHERRY BO2MB® helps the body and the brain work together smoothly. The amino acids in CHERRY BO2MB® contribute directly to the proper functioning of the brain’s neurotransmitters, which are responsible for sending signals to the rest of the body. The vitamins and minerals in CHERRY BO2MB® keep muscles and organs functioning properly.

CHERRY BO2MB® is the first, and ONLY, energy shot featuring an oxygen-charged component to help promote energy production. Oxygen is the key to all metabolic energy. And with the brain demanding more than 25% of the oxygen we breathe, oxygen is at the heart of memory and mental acuity (sharpness) and alertness. Our powerful blend of nutritional ingredients assists in the breakdown of the magnesium oxide blend which releases oxygen to be absorbed into the bloodstream. No other energy drink contains our powerful nutritional blend for complete body and mind health and wellness. Because it’s in a water-soluble powered blend, we’ve eliminated unhealthy preservatives, stabilizers and coloring chemicals. We deliver pure nutrition in a delicious formula.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherrybo2mb/

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime

Full Fight Night Results, Quotes & Photos For BELLATOR MMA 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh

November 17, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

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Description automatically generated — **Complete Fight Night Photos Here** **– Please Credit: Lucas Noonan / BELLATOR MMA**

*BELLATOR MMA 271: CYBORG VS. KAVANAGH* MAIN CARD:

C-**Cris “Cyborg”** (25-2, 1 NC) defeated #5-**Sinead Kavanagh** (7-5) via KO (strikes) at 1:32 of round one

**Cris “Cyborg:”**

*“I didn’t do anything we planned. You never know. I had a feeling about the fight. I feel great. I am happy with the win.”*

*“I knew she was more of a striker, so I went to the ground game. The right hand did it fast and was the key. I was very excited for the count.”*

*“I really appreciate Kayla Harrison coming to the fight. If she wants to fight me one day, that would be great.”*

#6-**Linton Vassell** (22-8, 1 NC) defeated #5-**Tyrell Fortune** (11-2, 1 NC) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

**Linton Vassell:**

*“I am happy that I was able to out grapple a wrestler considering I’m from the U.K. and I have no wrestling background”*

*“I give myself a good 7. I am not 100 percent happy with my performance, but I am super happy with the outcome.”*

*“I was able to reverse him (Tyrell Fortune), get on top of him, and add some damage.”*

*“I used to watch WWE. When I first started to train, I did wrestling moves like that.”*

*“I always feel like we’re our own worst enemies. I wanted a knockout.”*

*“Tyrell was so strong and powerful. There were a few times where he just stood up and shook me off.”*

*“I went for the submission. I just carried on and tried to wear him down but couldn’t do it.”*

#6-**Aaron Pico** (9-3) defeated #8-**Justin Gonzales** (12-1) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)

**Aaron Pico:**
“I knew going into the fight that he (Justin Gonzales) was going to be a tough fighter. He is a former wrestler. One thing about us wrestlers is we don’t quit. All my coaches knew he was going to be tough.”

*“He was just holding on to me and is really strong. When people hold on to you, it’s kind of hard to get strikes.”*

*“Thank God I walked out of here relatively healthy. I’m just happy I got my full paycheck.”*

*“It is the first time I’ve gone three rounds. It’s my first decision. I need the experience. I’m happy I got the win.”*

*“I knew I was the dominant performer, but I have to get better. I am just so hard on myself. I want to finish guys.”*

*“Let’s go back to the drawing board. Once I step out of this cage, it’s going to be a whole different ballgame. I have to get prepared for the next opponent, so let’s get to work.”*

#1-**Arlene Blencowe** (15-8)defeated #7-**Pam Sorenson** (9-4) via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
**Arlene Blencowe:**

*“I am my own worst critic. It wasn’t the performance that we trained for, or that I was hoping for.”*

*“I felt my first right hand land and then just went head hunting with my hands. I was respecting her take downs.”*

*“I feel like I’m such a well-rounded fighter now. I didn’t showcase any of that. I didn’t hit the ground though.”*

*“You know what is not next? Retirement. I’m 38. Old girls rule. Retirement is nowhere near on the horizon. I’m No. 1 in the division. It is only up from here.”*

“I’m heading home to Australia. I haven’t been home in six months. I haven’t seen my kids, my partner, my family, my friends. I’m just going to go home and enjoy the rest of the year. I’ll just enjoy some family time.”

*“Pam Sorenson is a tough girl. She tried to take me down. I went head hunting and really wanted the knockout. I am convinced that I did enough to win the fight.”*

**PRELIMINARY CARD:**
*#7-***Steve Mowry** (10-0)defeated **Rakim Cleveland** (22-14-1, 1 NC) via submission (kimura) at 3:28 of round one
**Bruna Ellen** (6-3) defeated **Desiree Yanez** (5-4) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
**Roman Faraldo** (6-0) defeated **Robert Turnquest** (11-8) via KO (flying knee) at 1:17 of round one
**Cody Law** (6-0) defeated **Colton Hamm** (4-4) via knockout (elbows) at 4:21 of round one
**Valerie Loureda** (4-1) defeated **Taylor Turner** (5-7) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
**Waldo Cortes-Acosta** (4-0) defeated **Muhammed DeReese** (9-5) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
**Ethan Hughes** (3-0) defeated **Mahmoud Sebie** (3-1) via TKO (punches) at 4:05 of round three

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

****

**About BELLATOR**
BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. BELLATOR is based in Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant ViacomCBS, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

**About** **SHOWTIME**
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc., owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME^®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ and FLIX^®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV^®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime

Five New Preliminary Matchups Added to BELLATOR MMA 271 on Friday, Nov. 12, Live on SHOWTIME

October 30, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

FIVE FRESH PRELIMINARY MATCHUPS ADDED TO BELLATOR MMA 271: CYBORG VS. KAVANAGH ON FRIDAY, NOV. 12, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

TONS OF SOUTH FLORIDA TALENT SET TO THRILL HOMETOWN CROWD AT HARD ROCK LIVE AT SEMINOLE HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO IN HOLLYWOOD, FLA., AS BELLATOR™ RETURNS TO THE SUNSHINE STATE FOR FIRST TIME IN EIGHT YEARS

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LOS ANGELES – In addition to the Featherweight World Title main event pitting current 145-pound champion Cris “Cyborg” (24-2, 1 NC) against No. 5-ranked Sinead Kavanagh (7-4), BELLATOR MMA has added several star-studded matchups to the preliminary portion of BELLATOR MMA 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh on Friday, Nov. 12, at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla.

SHOWTIME will televise the fantastic five-fight main card live at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Additionally, the must-watch preliminary fights will stream live three hours earlier at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV.

Tickets for BELLATOR MMA 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh are currently on sale at Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com. Additional bouts will be announced shortly.

In female flyweight action, Miami’s “Master” Valerie Loureda (3-1) hopes to steal the show yet again, as the 23-year-old star prepares for Knoxville’s Taylor Turner (5-7), while Brazilian sensation Bruna Ellen (5-3) challenges the heavy-handed Desiree “Dirty Dez” Yanez (5-3).

Fighting out of Key West, Fla., the undefeated knockout artist Roman Faraldo (5-0) returns to the BELLATOR cage to face fellow Floridian and Pensacola-native Robert Turnquest (11-7) in a 170-pound contest. Additionally, Roufusport product Jordan Newman (3-0) hopes to keep his perfect record intact in a middleweight showdown against Palm Beach, Florida’s Shane O’Shea (4-2).

Lastly, former Penn State wrestler and current American Top Team standout Cody Law (4-0) puts his unblemished professional mark on the line in a featherweight clash with Fort Smith, Arkansas’ Colton Hamm (4-3).

In the co-main event., top-10 heavyweights will go toe-to-toe as No. 5-ranked Tyrell Fortune (11-1, 1 NC) squares up with No. 8 Linton Vassell (20-8, 1 NC).

Rounding out the five-bout SHOWTIME telecast, the always electric and No. 5-ranked Aaron Pico (8-3) will square off against undefeated No. 8 Justin Gonzales (12-0), while No. 1-ranked Arlene Blencowe (14-8) attempts to cement her place as the next in line for a shot at the 145-pound crown against No. 7 Pam Sorenson (9-3). Kicking off the main card, undefeated No. 7-ranked Boca Raton, Fla., resident Steve Mowry (9-0) will continue his quest toward the top of the heavyweight ranks as he takes on veteran Rakim Cleveland (22-13-1, 1 NC).

Updated BELLATOR MMA 271: CYBORG VS. KAVANAGH MAIN CARD:

Friday, Nov. 12 – live on SHOWTIME

10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT 

Featherweight World Title Bout: C-Cris “Cyborg” (24-2, 1 NC) vs. #5-Sinead Kavanagh (7-4)

Heavyweight Co-Main Event: #5-Tyrell Fortune (11-1, 1 NC) vs. #8-Linton Vassell (20-8, 1 NC)

Featherweight Bout: #5-Aaron Pico (8-3) vs. No. 8-Justin Gonzales (12-0)

Featherweight Bout: #1-Arlene Blencowe (14-8)vs. #7-Pam Sorenson (9-3)

Heavyweight Bout: #7-Steve Mowry (9-0)vs. Rakim Cleveland (22-13-1, 1 NC)

PRELIMINARY CARD:

BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel | Pluto TV

7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT 

Flyweight Bout: Bruna Ellen (5-3) vs. Desiree Yanez (5-3)

Welterweight Bout: Roman Faraldo (5-0) vs. Robert Turnquest (11-7)

Featherweight Bout: Cody Law (4-0) vs. Colton Hamm (4-3)

Flyweight Bout: Valerie Loureda (3-1) vs. Taylor Turner (5-7)

Middleweight Bout: Jordan Newman (3-0) vs. Shane O’Shea (4-2)

For more information on upcoming BELLATOR MMA events, please visit BELLATOR.com. 

** Card subject to change **

Updated schedule of BELLATOR events

Fri. Nov. 5 // BELLATOR 270: Queally vs. Pitbull 2 // 3Arena // Dublin, Ireland

Fri. Nov. 12 // BELLATOR 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh // Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino // Hollywood, FL

Fri. Dec. 3 // BELLATOR 272: Pettis vs. Horiguchi // Mohegan Sun Arena // Uncasville, Conn.

****

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime

Complete Fight Night Results, Quotes & Photos For BELLATOR MMA 269: Fedor vs. Johnson

October 26, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

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

NEF RETURNS TO MAINE WITH STACKED FIGHT CARD FEATURING FOUR TITLE FIGHTS

October 26, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

NEF RETURNS TO MAINE WITH STACKED FIGHT CARD FEATURING FOUR TITLE FIGHTS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (October 22, 2021) – When the bell rings at 7 pm EST to start the show on Friday, November 5, it will be the first time New England Fights (NEF) has presented a mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event in its home state of Maine in 21 months. Shortly after the venerable fight promotion held “NEF 42” at Merrill Auditorium in Portland on February 8, 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic gripped the state and the nation. The resulting shutdown forced the indefinite postponement of “NEF 43” which was scheduled to take place in Orono, Maine later that spring. With the state not fully opening for combat sports events until well into 2021, NEF decided to turn to neighboring New Hampshire to hold “NEF 44” last summer. “NEF 45: Uprising” on November 5 will see the fight promotion make its long-awaited return to action in Maine, as well as close out its first decade of business. The event will originate from Aura in Portland.

Earlier today, NEF announced the full fight card for “NEF 45.” It is scheduled to feature a total of 21 bouts with four championships to be decided.

In the main event of the evening, Josh “Hook On” Harvey (7-1-1) will defend the NEF Professional Featherweight Title against the challenge of Aguilando Brandao (9-8). Harvey has held the championship since February 2019. Brandao is a tough veteran with more than 15 years of cage experience.

The co-main event will see Mark “Pockets” Gardner (1-2)take on Nick Alley (7-4) in a professional welterweight contest. Both competitors are veterans of global promotion Bellator’s cage. Both will be looking to bounce back from losses in their respective previous bouts.

Zac “Rocky” Richard (0-0) will make his professional debut against Carl Langston (0-5) after a successful amateur career that saw Richard capture the NEF 155-pound title. Langston seeks his first win as a professional fighter.

In other pro bouts, Matt “Ken Doll” Denning (5-10) meets former University of Southern Maine wrestling standout Jon Deupree (0-0) in Deupree’s pro debut, while former NEF Professional Middleweight Champion CJ Ewer (3-3) battles Shaun Ray (2-1) in the welterweight division.

The amateur portion of the fight card will be headlined by three title fights: Caleb Austin (5-0) faces Tyler Smythe (2-1) for the vacant flyweight belt; Felipe Günter (3-0) is scheduled to square off with Teddy Politis (2-0) for the vacant bantamweight championship; and Nathaniel Grimard (4-0) will defend his newly-won featherweight strap against Billy Wilson (6-1).

The sole women’s fight of the evening will also take place on the amateur card as BJ Garceau (1-1) meets the debuting Hayley Martin (0-0) in a strawweight bout. Garceau last appeared in the NEF cage three years earlier at “NEF 36.”

“It feels like forever since we had a fight in Maine—and what a card to come back with,” said NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson. “So many prospects in this lineup, so many undefeated fighters putting their perfect records on the line, so much at stake for so many impressive athletes putting themselves to the test on November 5th. Four title fights. For headliner Josh Harvey, his next fight could be the last chance to see him compete before he gets the call to the UFC —he’s that close. Leading up to the main event we have several undefeated amateur athletes that are on the cusp of turning pro and trying to follow in Harvey’s footsteps. AURA is the place to be November 5th!”

The full “NEF 45” fight card (subject to change):

PROFESSIONAL MMA

145 POUND TITLE: Josh Harvey (c) vs. Aguilando Brandao

170 POUNDS: Nick Alley vs. Mark Gardner

140 POUNDS: Carl Langston vs. Zac Richard

170 POUNDS: Jon Deupree vs. Matt Denning

160 POUNDS: Jay Ellis vs. Rodrigo Almeida

170 POUNDS: CJ Ewer vs. Shaun Ray

AMATEUR MMA

125 POUND TITLE: Caleb Austin vs. Tyler Smythe

145 POUND TITLE: Billy Wilson vs. Nathaniel Grimard (c)

135 POUND TITLE: Felipe Günter vs. Teddy Politis

115 POUNDS: BJ Garceau vs. Hayley Martin

200 POUNDS: David McCarthy vs. Danny Dray

170 POUNDS: Brian Cosco vs. Tyler Kingsbury

265 POUNDS: Tucker Olinsky vs. George Pissimissis

170 POUNDS: Curtis Ouellette vs. Derek Lambert

185 POUNDS: Bryant Wade vs. Brandon Oldenberg

185 POUNDS: Brett Martin vs. Justin Philbrook

155 POUNDS: Jonas Ryerson vs. RJ Janeczek

165 POUNDS: Austin Hamilton vs. David Hart

115 POUNDS: Julian Menjivar vs. Matt Miles

155 POUNDS: Jacob Routon vs. Emmett Huber

135 POUNDS: Tyler Parent vs. Randall Hathorn

“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. The event will also be live streamed on pay-per-view for the price of $29.99 at www.CombatSportsNow.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, women's MMA

BJ GARCEAU WILL RETURN TO THE CAGE AT NEF 45 AGAINST HAYLEY MARTIN

October 16, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (October 7, 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 women’s strawweight bout to the fight card. BJ Garceau will meet Hayley Martin at a fight weight of 115 pounds.

The fight will see Garceau (1-1) return to the NEF cage after a three-year absence. She made her debut at “NEF 32” in February 2018 with a split decision win over Sarah Ziehm (1-2). Garceau then lost via technical knockout to Chelsea Tucker (3-3) in the third round of their bout at “NEF 36” in the fall of that year. She had been scheduled to make her return to action at “NEF 43” in 2020 until the COVID-19 pandemic forced the postponement of the event. Garceau represents Young’s MMA of Bangor, Maine.

“I can’t believe I’m stepping back into the cage again this November,” exclaimed Garceau. “When we had to stop training last year, I felt like I lost my family, my health, and that hit me hard mentally and physically. I was a mess. So once (Young’s MMA head coach) Chris Young and so many other amazing coaches from other gyms said ‘come home’ a/k/a ‘get back into the gym,’ I finally felt whole again once we were on the mats. I didn’t think it would happen again, but honestly after everything that’s been going on in the world and personally the past 18-months, I’ve never wanted to fight this bad. I’m thankful for the opportunity and honestly it could have been anyone standing across from me at this point. I am happy to throw down with Hayley, and promise I will not let anyone down in that cage! I would say more, but I gotta go train. Let’s do this!”

Hayley Martin will be making her in-cage debut in the fight with Garceau at “NEF 45” – just a few weeks after celebrating her 50^th birthday. Martin is an independent fighter whose dream it has been to actively compete in MMA.

“I’m beyond excited to step into the cage, test my skills and show what hard work and dedication looks like,” said Martin. “I’m on this journey because I have never felt anything that makes me feel more alive, strong and confident. And when that moment happens on November 5th, I will leave it all in the cage and fight my ass off for every woman that thought dreams can’t come true.”

“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