Category Archives: MMA

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (January 19, 2020) – 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 a change to one-half of the card’s main event.  Manny “The Bermudez Triangle” Bermudez(14-2) will now face Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington (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, as they say, 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.”

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

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (January 17, 2020) – 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 a professional catchweight bout to the card.  Keegan “The Flu” Hornstra (4-11) will take on Ryan “The Roosta” Cushing (0-0) at a fight weight of 160 pounds.

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.”

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.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA

RESULTS & PHOTOS FOR BELLATOR AND THE USO PRESENT: SALUTE THE TROOPS

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COMPLETE FIGHT PHOTOS

 

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

Josh Barnett (35-8) vs. Ronny Markes (19-7) was cancelled by the Hawaii State Boxing Commission deeming Barnett unable to compete tonight due to severe illness

Toby Misech (12-7) defeated Erik Perez (19-7) via KO (punches) at 0:54 of round one

Alejandra Lara (9-3) defeated Veta Artega (5-3) via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)

Tywan Claxton (6-1) defeated Braydon Akeo (3-1) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Joey Davis (7-0) defeated Chris Cisneros (19-11) via TKO (punches) at 3:55 of round one

 

Preliminary Card:

Hunter Ewald (1-0) defeated Brysen Bolohao (0-2)via submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:42 of round one

Joseph Creer (7-1-1) defeated Ty Gwerder (4-1) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-26)

Cass Bell (5-0) defeated Pierre Daguzan (5-4, 1 NC) via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)

  

Please visit Bellator.com for more information.

 
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.
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.