Category Archives: MMA

whakauru toi hōia, MMA, New Ingarangi whawhai

BERMUDEZ VICTORIOUS, ERICKSON PUTS ON A CLINIC AS NEF BRINGS A SYMPHONY OF DESTRUCTION TO THE MERRILL AUDITORIUM STAGE

February 11, 2020 FNU47 Waiho he tākupu

Kia tukuna tonutia atu: Portland, Maine (February 10, 2020) – More than 2000 braved frigid temperatures on Saturday night as New England Fights (Nef) brought its most recent mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event to the stage of Merrill Auditorium in Portland. 22 fights took place under the shadow of the world-famous 1911 Kotzschmar Memorial Organ. It was NEF’s debut at the century-old venue, and the event opened the venerable fight promotion’s ninth season of MMA competition.

I roto i te hui matua o te ahiahi, UFC hōiaManny “The Bermudez Triangle” Bermudez(15-2) tukuBruce Boyington "Boy Pretty" (19-12) with a guillotine choke in the first round. The bout was originally scheduled to be contested for the NEF Professional Lightweight Title, but with Bermudez missing championship weight, he was not eligible to win the belt. The title currently remains vacant.

Bermudez’s victory capped a perfect night for the South Shore Sportfighting team of Rockland, Massachusetts. Teammates Darryl Andrews (1-0) a Tim Birkenhead (2-0) were both successful in their respective fights to lift their gym to a 3-0 record on the event.

Also going 3-0 on the evening was the team of Evolution Athletix based in Saco, Maine.Teddy Politis (1-0), Ben Grady (1-0), aTyler Smythe (1-0) all stopped their opponents within the first minute of the first round of their respective fights to win their respective amateur debuts.

The biggest story of the night, undoubtedly, came in the co-main event as longtime NEF veteranJesse “The Viking” Erickson(10-8) ringaJosh “Hook On” Harvey(7-1-1) the first loss of his professional career. Erickson, who represents both Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Recon Fitness, put on a brilliant jiu-jitsu clinic that will be remembered for years to come. Trapped against the cage by Harvey early-on in the first round, Erickson pulled guard and transitioned through a chain of submissions before finally settling in with an armbar to force the tapout, sending the Portland crowd into an absolute frenzy.

In a wild heavyweight slugfest that also took place on the professional portion of the card, Ras “Rasquatch” Hylton (5-3) downedBrad Lee(0-1) via technical knockout in the second round. After several minutes of feeling each other out, the pair exchanged in a back-and-forth slobber-knocker in the closing moments of the first round. A little over a minute into the second round, the referee called a halt to the action after several unanswered strikes from the 6’6” Hylton.

Hylton’s First Class MMA teammateJacob Deppmeyer(1-0) had a successful pro debut, hingaCarl Langston(0-5) via first-round technical knockout. Deppmeyer, trapped Langston in a reverse triangle and rained down a series of unanswered elbows, giving the referee no option but to stop the bout at that point.

On the amateur card, top prospectMike Bezanson (5-0) of Kaze Dojo remained undefeated with a technical knockout win overGreg Ishihara(2-2) i roto i te taka noa tuatahi.

Also remaining undefeated in the amateur ranks wereNate “The Mule” White(5-0) aCaleb “Dr. Feelgood” Austin (4-0), both fighting out of CMBJJ, who finished their respective opponents in the first round.

Another CMBJJ product, Garry Carr (3-1), broke his own record for a second consecutive time when he became, yet again, the oldest athlete to win a fight in the NEF cage. At 58-years-young, Carr took a unanimous decision victory over 23-year-old Austin Hamilton (0-2) in a catchweight amateur fight.

NEF also announced that its next event would see the promotion return to the campus of UMaine Orono at the Collins Center for the Arts on April 18 with “NEF 43: Rampage.” Already confirmed for the event, Zac “Rocky” Richard(6-2-1) will defend the NEF Amateur Lightweight Title againstDevin Corson(3-1), iaChelsea Tucker(3-3) is scheduled to meet Oregon’sCaree Hill(6-2) for the NEF Amateur Women’s Flyweight Championship, and Caleb Austin facesJames Ploss (1-2) in a long-awaited rematch of their controversial 2017 mutunga.

The full “NEF 42” results from Portland, Maine:

NGAIO

Manny Bermudez def. Bruce Boyington via tap to guillotine, tawhio 1

Hehe Erickson def. Josh Harvey via tap to armbar, tawhio 1

Ras Hylton def. Brad Lee via technical knockout, tawhio 2

Chris Caterino def. Nate Boucher via tap to armbar, tawhio 1

Jacob Deppmeyer def. Carl Langston via technical knockout, tawhio 1

AMATEUR

Tim Birkenhead def. Mike Murray via tap to kneebar, tawhio 2

Joe Howard def. Justin Kangas via KO, tawhio 1

Mike Bezanson def. Greg Ishihara via technical knockout, tawhio 1

Felipe Gunter def. Hannon Sanford via unanimous decision

Nate White def. Brian Cosco via technical knockout, tawhio 1

Darryl Andrews def. Titus Pannell via unanimous decision

Jason Landry def. Dustin Carrier via technical knockout, tawhio 2

Tyler Smythe def. Clifford Redman via technical submission, tawhio 1

Garry Carr def. Austin Hamilton via unanimous decision

Ryan Fogg def. Giuliano Rossi via doctor stoppage, tawhio 2

Ben Grady def. Jon Assam via KO, tawhio 1

Tim Bergeron def. Henry Jeffs via technical knockout, tawhio 1

Caleb Austin def. Dillon Henry via tap to rear-naked choke, tawhio 1

Dylan Williams def. Wyatt Sochin via split decision

Randall Hathorn def. Tim Murray via technical knockout, tawhio 1

Henry Clark def. Taylor Bartlett via technical submission, tawhio 1

Teddy Politis def. Kevin Lamay via tap to Kimura, tawhio 1

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

Mō New Ingarangi whawhai

New Ingarangi whawhai ("Nef") Ko te whawhai whakatairanga ngā kaupapa kamupene. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for fighters and fans alike. Whānui wheako i roto i te whakahaere hākinakina whawhai he kapa whakahaere o nef, production ngā kaupapa, whanaungatanga pāpāho, marketing, ture me te pānuitanga.

Bellator, whakauru toi hōia, MMA

BELLATOR MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION RAFAEL LOVATO JR. RELINQUISHES TITLE DUE TO ONGOING MEDICAL ISSUES

February 11, 2020 FNU47 Waiho he tākupu

**Los Angeles** – Following the medical complications that were publicly disclosed by **Rafael Lovato Jr.** (10-0) late last month, the Bellator middleweight champion has decided to relinquish his 185-lb world title. The unbeaten Lovato Jr. defeated former champ Gegard Mousasi to win the title at *Bellator 223* in London on June 22, 2019.

“My journey with my team and family to become the Bellator middleweight world champion was incredible and something I will cherish forever,” said Lovato Jr. “I dreamed of having a long reign as champion, but sometimes life has another plan. Bellator has been very supportive during this difficult process, a situation that has never really happened before in our sport. I know the division must move on while I am on the sidelines and I wish everyone great fights on their way to that belt. I will be working to come back if it is possible – and if not, life will continue to be amazing for me and I look forward to working with Bellator in another fashion.”

“This has been an incredibly challenging time for Lovato Jr., his team and his family at home,” said Bellator President Scott Coker. “He is a true warrior of the sport and I cannot say enough about him for making such a difficult decision. His health is the priority for us and we will continue to work with him on addressing the next steps in his career.”

Bellator will announce plans for the vacant middleweight title in the coming days.

Haere ki Bellator.com hoki ētahi atu mōhiohio.

whakauru toi hōia, MMA, New Ingarangi whawhai

25TH BOUT ADDED TO NEF 42 FIGHT KĀRI; CATERINO STEPS IN TO FACE BOUCHER

February 1, 2020 FNU47 Waiho he tākupu

Kia tukuna tonutia atu: Portland, Maine (January 27, 2020) – New Ingarangi whawhai (Nef) will hold its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) takahanga, “Nef 42: Symphony of Destruction,” i runga i Rāhoroi, February 8, 2020, at Merrill Auditorium in Portland. Last Friday, NEF announced the full fight card for the event with 24 bouts scheduled to take place. Earlier today, the fight promotion confirmed a 25^th fight for the card.Nate “Backpack” Boucher(0-0) ka tutakiChris Caterino (3-3) at a catchweight of 140 pauna.

Boucher was originally scheduled to face Norman Fox (0-1) in his pro debut. Fox, after initially calling out Boucher on social media to accept a fight with him in the professional ranks, pulled out of the contest in the days leading up to the fight card announcement. Boucher, who most recently held the NEF Amateur Flyweight Championship with an amateur record of 6-3, was determined to make his pro debut at “NEF 42” despite the Fox pullout. NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson was able to quickly confirm a replacement opponent in the form of Caterino.

“I was incredibly disappointed when Norman pulled out against me—especially considering all the smack he talked to get the fight in the first place—but what a relief that I’ll still be able to be part of such a groundbreaking, historic NEF card,” said Boucher. “I’m so grateful that I get to make my pro debut in such a beautiful venue as the Merrill Auditorium. Respect to Chris for stepping up on short notice to take this bout. I will be doubling down in my preparation efforts during the next two weeks to make a statement on February 8th and leave no doubts that I belong in the pro ranks with the best in the region.”

Chris Caterino is a longtime veteran of the New England MMA scene, having made his amateur debut in 2010. Although he is taking the fight on short notice, Caterino has been very active of late and will, e kore feaa, be prepared for Boucher. One week ago, Caterino submitted Joey Sanchez (0-4) in the first round of a bout in New Hampshire. It was his third fight in a nine-month stretch. Caterino represents Gate City MMA of Nashua, New Hampshire where he trains with New England MMA legend Nuri Shakir (18-21).

“I’m excited to make my NEF debut,” said Caterino. “I look forward to a great night and plan on getting the ‘W.’”

New Ingarangi whawhai’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “Nef 42: Symphony of Destruction,” will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine. He tīkiti i runga i te hoko inaianei iwww.PortTix.com.

Mō New Ingarangi whawhai

Bellator, DAZN, whakauru toi hōia, MMA, Paramount Whatunga

BELLATOR DOUBLE CHAMP RYAN BADER DEFENDS LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD TITLE AGAINST VADIM NEMKOV ON SATURDAY, MAY 9 – LIVE ON PARAMOUNT NETWORK

February 1, 2020 FNU47 Waiho he tākupu

**TICKETS ON SALE FEB. 14 FOR CARD SET INSIDE SAP CENTER AT SAN JOSE**

**Los Angeles** – On Saturday, Kia 9, SAP Center at San Jose will host Bellator with an event headlined by a light heavyweight world championship bout featuring two-division Bellator champion **Ryan Bader** (27-5, 1 NC) defending his 205-pound title against Russia’s **Vadim Nemkov** (11-2).

*Bellator San Jose: Bader vs. Nemkov* airs on Paramount Network and DAZN on Saturday, Kia 9 i 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. Preliminary action will stream on DAZN, Bellator.com and globally on the Bellator Mobile App. Ka pāngia atu kia kauwhautia i roto i ngā wiki mai.

Tikiti hoki *Bellator San Jose: Bader vs. Nemkov* are available early through an exclusive Bellator Nation pre-sale beginning Wednesday, Feb. 12 through Thursday, Feb. 13. Tickets will go on sale to the general public Friday, Feb. 14. Tickets can be purchased at the LexisNexis Risk Solutions Ticket Office at SAP Center, through Ticketmaster and Bellator.com.

A winner of seven out of his last eight fights at both heavyweight and light heavyweight, Bellator’s two-division champion Ryan Bader will make his first light heavyweight title defense since defeating"King Mo" Lawal, **Matt Mitrione** a **Fedor Emelianenko** en route to winning Bellator’s 2018 Heavyweight World Grand Prix and becoming world heavyweight champ. Fighting out of Chandler, Ariz., the former two-time NCAA Division I All-American wrestler from Arizona State University began his professional career by winning season eight of *Ko te Ultimate Fighter*. “Darth” continued his path of dominance by collecting victories over some of the 205-pound division’s top talent, including wins over former world champions **“Rampage” Jackson**, Rashad Evans, **Phil Davis** (x2) and Rafael “Feijão” Cavalcante, as well as Ovince Saint Preux and Vinny Magalhães, before signing with Bellator in 2017.

Vadim Nemkov, who is undefeated over his last six fights and a perfect 4-0 in Bellator since signing in 2017, will come into his first-ever title shot in MMA fresh off a submission win against former middleweight champion **Rafael Carvalho**. Ki te te wikitoria, Nemkov has unequivocally defeated some of the best athletes Bellator has to offer, including three former champions in Carvalho, **Phil Davis** a **Liam McGeary**. A three-time Russian national sambo champion, Nemkov trains alongside Fedor Emelianenko in Stary Oskol, Russia.

**Whakahōutia *Bellator San Jose: Bader vs. Nemkov* Kāri Main:**

**DAZN/Paramount Network**

10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT

*Light Heavyweight World Title Bout:* **Ryan Bader** (27-5, 1 NC) vs. **Vadim Nemkov** (11-2)

*Ka whakarerekehia te kaari

Haere ki Bellator.com hoki ētahi atu mōhiohio.

whakauru toi hōia, MMA, New Ingarangi whawhai

HEAVYWEIGHT FIGHTS AND HARDCORE MUSIC ALL IN A WEEKEND’S WORK FOR BRAD LEE

January 26, 2020 FNU47 Waiho he tākupu

Kia tukuna tonutia atu: Portland, Maine (January 22, 2020)

Rāmere, February 7 and Saturday, February 8 promise to be a heavyweight weekend in Portland, Maine for Brad Lee.

On the opening night, Lee will put his lungs to the test as lead vocalist for a hardcore band known as Instigate, which will hold a CD release party in conjunction with its performance at Geno’s Rock Club.

Then he’ll exchange the microphone for a pair of gloves and attempt to play a two-fisted tune on Ras Hylton in the New England Fights mixed martial arts cage.

Lee will make his MMA debut against the veteran Ras “Rasquatch” “The Jamaican Shamrock” Hylton (4-3) in a professional bout at NEF 42: “Symphony of Destruction” inside another renowned concert venue, Merrill Auditorium.

“I absolutely want to make a living out of it,” Lee said of his immediate jump to the pro ranks after a diverse combat sports upbringing. “I feel that I’m fairly marketable. I think I can make a bit of a splash in this corner of the world. I would say I have humble confidence.”

He’s more understated about the musical exploits. Lee characterizes that side of his performance artistry as the typical garage band with small dreams.

“It’s been a huge part of my life. If you’re a big kid with a skateboard, it’s probably going to lead to music and fighting eventually,"Ka mea a Lee.

“But it’s definitely not about the money,"Ka tapiritia e ia. “It’s literally a band of friends doing it to hang out with our other friends on the weekend. We couldn’t (care less) about stadiums. We’re not Metallica. It’s just a hobby. It’s an outlet for me to get out the (stuff) that’s in my head. It’s just a hobby.”

In the same way that new fighters are required to earn their way upward on fight posters, Lee, who said he “dabbles” with guitar, sounds most excited about the New England-based bands with whom Instigate gets to share the stage.

“Death Before Dishonor and Cruel Hand, if you know anything about that scene, those are big names,"Ka mea a Lee. “It would have been a great show regardless of whether we were there or not.”

Turning pro in the NEF hexagon without any amateur background isn’t the typical journey, but Lee saw it as the wisest path after a frustrating year of trying to locate willing opponents.

Most potential foes, ka mea ia, were intimidated by his 6-foot-4 frame and what was then a walking-around weight of more than 300 pauna. The heavyweight limit is 265.

“I had five different opponents with three different promotions, including NEF, cancel on me. I had fights where the opponent took the fight with me, backed out, and then took a heavyweight fight on the same card,"Ka mea a Lee. “I don’t want to mention names, but one guy in Ras’ circle (did that). I just got fed up and annoyed with guys holding back my career.”

Lee said he eventually contacted NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson to inquire about the pro landscape within his promotion.

Hylton, who casts a similarly imposing shadow at 6-6, is coming off a sequence of two losses in his past three appearances, including a knockout loss to Chris Sarro – another fighter making his pro debut – last September.

“Matt put Ras out there. I watched the videos and talked to my coaches and went ahead with it,"Ka mea a Lee. “He’s coming off two hard fights. He seems like a respectful guy. I’m sure some people in his camp think I’m a (jerk). The thing about me in the social media world is I only release what I want people to see. People can talk (crap) all they want.”

In one of his videos, which Lee entitled, “What Makes a Pro a Pro?,” he breaks down what he considers the misconception that an amateur career is a necessity for MMA success.

“Look at Jon Jones. Na, I’m not saying I’m Jon Jones, but he became a world champion without any (toi hōia) belts at all,"Ka mea a Lee. “So what is it? Is it that he can knock guys out? I’ve knocked out a bunch of guys in my life. Is it his cardio? My cardio is pretty good.

“You know, I just got tired of waiting around for other people. When I was getting ready to fight about a year ago, I realize I was right at the top of the weight class, but it’s like people were scared. Te tikanga e ahau, if you don’t want to be a heavyweight then get down to 205 or whatever. I’m a lot lighter and in better shape now. People probably would have been better off fighting me last year.”

Boxing and judo are the primary skills in Lee’s tool kit, although he describes himself as a voracious cross-trainer.

“I think the MMA world sleeps on boxing quite a bit,"Ka mea a Lee. “Muay Thai seems to be the thing, but the Muay Thai guys get their faces hit a lot. But I train anything and everything. I’ll do Tai chi in a park with somebody if it helps me get better, I don’t care.”

Lee, 29, is based out of Paladin Combat Sports in Clinton, Massachusetts, where he said he will stack up his schedule and intensity level against almost anyone his size in the combat sports game.

“Win or lose, I’ll be back in the gym on Monday. Compared to what I’ve seen from most UFC and Bellator heavyweights, I work out harder than most of them,"Ka mea a Lee. “I was 316 pounds less than a year ago. If anyone wants to check me on my motivation or dedication, tell them to check the scale (at weigh-ins) on February 7.”

I muri i taua, fans are invited to follow Lee down the street to Geno’s and listen to him pursue his other passion the night before he makes his debut in the NEF cage.

Mō New Ingarangi whawhai

whakauru toi hōia, MMA, New Ingarangi whawhai

HOWARD AND KANGAS SCHEDULED FOR LIGHTWEIGHT TUSSLE AT NEF 42

January 26, 2020 FNU47 Waiho he tākupu

Kia tukuna tonutia atu: Portland, Maine (January 20, 2020) - New Ingarangi whawhai (Nef) will hold its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) takahanga, “Nef 42: Symphony of Destruction,” i runga i Rāhoroi, February 8, 2020, at Merrill Auditorium in Portland. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur lightweight bout to the fight card.Joe Howard(2-3) ka tutakiJustin Kangas(0-2) at a fight weight of 155 pauna.

Joe Howard is coming off a win over Jesse Fitzsimmons (0-2) at “NEF 41” last November. The fight was stopped by the referee on advice from the ringside physician between the first and second rounds when a cut on Fitzsimmons’ forehead could not be closed. It marked the end of a three-fight losing streak for Howard. Howard currently represents Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu based in Lewiston, Maine, and has recently moved back to his home state of Georgia.

“I’m not in this for fortune and fame—this is business and I want that gold and I’ll keep mining the NEF until I get it,” exclaimed Howard. “Thank you to Justin for taking this fight. I applaud Justin—I’ve been on a two-fight losing streak and I know what that feels like, so I know that he’s going to be a real challenge. But I’m the principal of this cage, and I’m about to school his ass with Southern class. Pack your lunch pail—New England is about to learn who the peach is.”

As Howard alluded to, Justin Kangas is by day the principal of Warren Community School in Warren, Maine. Kangas has competed twice previously in the NEF cage, losing to Nate White (4-0) and Nathaniel Grimard (1-0) respectively. He seeks his first win as an amateur at “NEF 42.” Kangas represents First Class MMA of Brunswick, Maine.

“I am excited to have another opportunity to fight for NEF and am grateful to Joe for taking the fight,” said Kangas. “Joe is a warrior and it will undoubtedly be a tough bout for sure. I look forward to the challenge and opportunity in front of me.”

Mō New Ingarangi whawhai

whakauru toi hōia, MMA, New Ingarangi whawhai

GRISPI OUT, BERMUDEZ IN TO FACE BOYINGTON FOR LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE AT NEF 42

January 26, 2020 FNU47 Waiho he tākupu

Kia tukuna tonutia atu: Portland, Maine (January 19, 2020) - New Ingarangi whawhai (Nef) will hold its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) takahanga, “Nef 42: Symphony of Destruction,” i runga i Rāhoroi, February 8, 2020, at Merrill Auditorium in Portland. Earlier today, NEF announced a change to one-half of the card’s main event.Manny “The Bermudez Triangle” Bermudez(14-2) e teie nei fehangahangaiBruce Boyington "Boy Pretty"(17-11) for the vacant NEF Professional Lightweight Championship in the night’s headline fight.

Bermudez stepped in to replace his teammate and training partner Josh Grispi (14-5) who was originally scheduled to meet Boyington. Grispi was forced to bow out of the main event due to legal complications unforeseen at the time of the bout’s signing. Mere hours after losing Grispi, NEF executives were notified that Bermudez would accept the fight with Boyington.

Like Grispi, Bermudez is a veteran of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) – the pinnacle of the sport. He put together a record of 3-2 while competing in the promotion before being released this past October. All three of Bermudez’s wins in the UFC came by way of submission. The fight with Boyington will be Bermudez’s first since his release.

“I’m looking forward to coming up to Bruce’s home turf and showing where it is I belong on the regional circuit,” stated Bermudez. “I have experience at various levels in the sport and Bruce does too, so it’ll be interesting to see how the matchup unfolds on fight night.”

Bruce Boyington has never been one to back down from a challenge. The Taekwondo black belt and US Marine Corp veteran has made a career of fighting the “best of the best” whether it be in the NEF cage, at Madison Square Garden fighting for the World Series of Fighting (WSOF) on national television, or halfway across the world competing on a global event in Russia. Boyington, a member of Titan Athletics based in Brewer, Maine, looks to capture the lightweight strap for the second time on February 8.

“There is no easy fight and this makes for the same scenario – a main event worthy of any card,” said Boyington. “Two high caliber fighters – that’s the kind of fight I like to be in.”

Adding to the high-caliber aspect of the fight, two streaks held by Boyington and Bermudez respectively make the fight even that much more intriguing. Boyington has never lost a title fight. He is a perfect 7-0 when a championship strap is on the line. In the same breadth, Bermudez has never lost a regional fight as a professional. He was a perfect 11-0 on the regional scene prior to signing with the UFC. On February 8, someone’s “0” will have to go.

“I first met Manny Bermudez 11-years ago one random weekend while visiting his home gym, South Short Sportfighting,” noted NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson. “He was a young, gangling teenager at the time that was giving fits on the floor to men two and three times his age. Manny made the gym his second home and the rest, rite ki te mea ratou, is history—Manny went on to have a great run in the UFC. When Josh Grispi was forced to pull out of his fight with Bruce, Bruce gave me one directive for a replacement opponent—‘make sure they are good,’ he said. Bruce always wants to face the best and that’s what we were able to bring him in Bermudez. This is a main event fit for a symphony.”

Mō New Ingarangi whawhai

whakauru toi hōia, MMA, New Ingarangi whawhai

HORNSTRA ON FIGHT WITH CUSHING: “BRING UMBRELLAS, BECAUSE I’M SENDING TEETH INTO THE CROWD”

January 26, 2020 FNU47 Waiho he tākupu

Kia tukuna tonutia atu: Portland, Maine (January 17, 2020) - New Ingarangi whawhai (Nef) will hold its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) takahanga, “Nef 42: Symphony of Destruction,” i runga i Rāhoroi, February 8, 2020, at Merrill Auditorium in Portland. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional catchweight bout to the card.Keegan “The Flu” Hornstra(4-11) Ka tangohia i runga iRyan “The Roosta” Cushing(0-0) at a fight weight of 160 pauna.

Keegan Hornstra is a longtime veteran of the New England MMA fight scene, having made his amateur debut a decade ago. He returned to the cage last April after a three-year absence and defeated Zenon Herrera (1-8) by first-round submission at “NEF 38.” Hornstra had a quick turnaround for his next fight, taking on Dom Jones (2-3) just a few weeks later at “NEF 39.” Unfortunately for Hornstra, he was on the losing end of that contest. He will look to get back in the win column on February 8. Hornstra currently represents Evolution Athletix based in Saco, Maine.

“He won’t show,” predicted Hornstra of his opponent. “If he does, bring umbrellas, because I’m sending teeth into the crowd.”

Ryan Cushing will make his professional debut at “NEF 42.” He is an independent fighter based out of Massachusetts. Cushing was a perfect 2-0 as an amateur with both victories coming by way of first-round submission.

“Keegan is a fantastic person and a veteran that I really respect,” said Cushing. “He also has really turned himself around lately and looks better than ever, and he is someone I always got along with when I crossed paths and spoke with him, so it’s going to be pretty cool sharing the cage with him. I’m excited to test myself against him in the cage and in the ‘best facial hair’ battle at weigh-ins.”