Category Archives: MMA

Bellator, boxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, Paramount Network, Rich Bergeron, Tom Padgett, Tony Penecale, UFC

FNU Combat Sports Show: Is UFC Using Boxing as a Lifeline; CM Punk vs. Floyd?; Event Recaps and Previews

Leave a comment

This week, Tom, Tony and Rich start our weekly broadcast with a discussion on the latest news on Floyd Mayweather Jr. teasing the idea of fighting in the cage. Even though Rich has been talking about this match-up on our show for weeks now, a recent article described the idea of CM Punk facing Mayweather as a rumor started by the
“Money Team.” Either Mayweather’s listening to our show or great minds think alike. We also touch on the subject of why the UFC may need to diversify with the addition of boxing cards and special events. We also recap last week’s boxing action and a spectacular UFC 221 card headlined by Yoel Romero’s TKO of Luke Rockhold. We then look forward to Roy Nelson’s fight with Matt Mitrione, set to go down later tonight on the Paramount Network. Finally, we preview UFC Fight Night 126, with a main event of Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone facing Yancy Medeiros.

Listen to the show below:

 

LFA, mixed martial arts, MMA

LFA BRINGS BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD TITLE FIGHT  TO THE COACHELLA VALLEY WITH LFA 36 – SIMON vs. ZANI

Leave a comment

MAIN EVENT:
LFA BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPION
 RICKY SIMON
vs.
LFA #1 BANTAMWEIGHT CONTENDER
VINICIUS ZANI
BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD TITLE FIGHT
CO-MAIN EVENT:
“PRETTY BOY”
JAMALL EMMERS
vs.
BJJ BLACK BELT
TALISON SOARES
FEATHERWEIGHT WAR
FRIDAY, MARCH 23rd LIVE on AXS TV
LIVE at the MORONGO OUTDOOR PAVILION
in CABAZON, CALIFORNIA
 
Tickets are on sale NOW through Ticketmaster.com
HOUSTON, Texas – Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) CEO Ed Soares announced today that the LFA will return to California in March with a bantamweight world title fight and a high-stakes featherweight war.
The main event of LFA 36 will feature the return of LFA bantamweight champion Ricky Simon when he defends his title against LFA #1 bantamweight contender Vinicius “Don” Zani. LFA 36 – Simon vs. Zani takes place Friday, March 23rd at the Morongo Outdoor Pavilion at the Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa in Cabazon, California. The entire main card will be televised live and nationwide on AXS TV at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.
“I’m excited to bring an LFA title fight to Coachella Valley at LFA 36”, stated Soares. “This will be our third show in my home state of California. Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa is a beautiful 4-diamond establishment and we look forward to featuring our bantamweight world title fight at the world-class Morongo Outdoor Pavillion on March 23rd.”
Tickets for LFA 36 – Simon vs. Zani are available for purchase NOW at Ticketmaster.com.
Simon (11-1) returns tot he LFA Octagon after winning the vacant LFA bantamweight title in December in the main event of LFA 29. The fight served as the LFA’s final fight of 2017 and left fight fans and MMA pundits anxiously awaiting the next move of the wildly popular Pacific Northwesterner. Simon took home LFA gold by shutting down eight-time UFC vet Chico Camus with a bloody and dominant 5-round decision win. The title win stamped a career-year for the 25-year-old, which also saw him pick up a win a fight in front of UFC President Dana White on Week 5 of Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series. Simon is now eager to defend his title instead of basking in the glow of 2017. He also wants to up the ante by taking on the clear cut #1 contender Vincius Zani.
Zani (11-4) will challenge the champion in one of the most anticipated title fights of 2018. Zani has been perfect since competing for the promotion. This started before the merger of RFA and Legacy FC, when he showcased his world-class Muay Thai skills in the co-main event of RFA 38. The Brazilian known as “Don Zani” defeated Joe Murphy that night with UFC President Dana White sitting cageside. Zani unleashed a barrage of leg kicks and other violent techniques that excited the crowd, while putting the division on notice. He would win his next two fights in LFA after the merger and has shown no signs of taking his foot off the pedal. In his last appearance in October, Zani defeated former RFA title challenger Joey Miolla via Unanimous Decision in the co-main event of LFA 24.
The co-main event of LFA 36 will feature the return of Jamall “Pretty Boy” Emmers (12-3). The powerful 28-year-old is one of the only people to have fought for LFA, RFA, and Legacy FC. He became the third fighter to complete this rare hat trick of promotional appearances when he co-headlined LFA 5 last year. That night, Emmers lived up to the hype surrounding him after the praise he received from UFC President Dana White on Episode 7 of Dana White: Lookin’ for a Fight just a few months earlier. Emmers traveled to the high-altitude of Colorado and defeated the highly-touted Cory Sandhagen, who is now making waves in the UFC. Emmers hopes to shine once again and perhaps punch his own ticket to the UFC with a breakthrough performance at LFA 36.
Emmers will face Talison Soares (10-2), who is coming off a breakthrough performance of his own last month in the co-main event of LFA 30. The 29-year-old Brazilian prospect, who is a decorated BJJ black belt from the prestigious Checkmat academy, made his international debut against fellow top prospect and BJJ ace Fernando Padilla that night. He took full advantage of the opportunity and wowed the crowd by thoroughly out-grappling his heavily favored Mexican opponent. Soares now looks to keep the momentum moving in the right direction by defeating Emmers, who has won three straight fights since impressing the UFC boss at RFA 38. Soares knows a second straight impressive showing will catapult him to the top of what many consider LFA’s deepest division.
Currently Announced Main Card (Televised on AXS TV at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT):
Main Event | Bantamweight Title Bout (135 lb)
– Ricky Simon (11-1) vs. Vinicius Zani (11-4)
Co-Main Event | Featherweight Bout (145 lb)
– Jamall Emmers (12-3) vs. Talison Soares (10-2)
Featherweight Bout (145 lb)
– Tommy Aaron (5-3) vs. Troy Guerrero (5-1)
Light-Heavyweight Bout (205 lb)
– Herdem Alacabek (3-0) vs. Jonathan Noriega (3-0)
In September 2016, RFA and Legacy FC officials announced that they would be merging to form the premier developmental organization in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) starting in January 2017. RFA and Legacy FC have launched the careers of over 150 athletes that have reached the pinnacle of MMA by competing in the UFC.
LFA 36 will be the third LFA event to take place in the state of California. RFA hosted eight events inside “The Golden State” before the merger. The entire main card of LFA 36 will be televised live and nationwide on AXS TV at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.
Please visit LFAfighting.com for bout updates and information. LFA is on Facebook at Legacy Fighting Alliance. LFA is also on Instagram at @LFAfighting and Twitter at @LFAfighting.
mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

TURN THE PAGE: JONES & DENNING WILL WRITE NEXT CHAPTER IN STORIED CAREERS AT NEF 33

Leave a comment

Portland, Maine (February 9, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to Aura in Portland onApril 14, 2018 with the fight promotion’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 33: Riptide.”  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional lightweight bout to the card.  Bill Jones (12-10) is scheduled to meet Matt Denning (5-7) at a fight weight of 155-pounds.

 

 

 

Having begun competing in MMA back in 2007, Bill Jones is one of the longest-active fighters on the New England regional scene. His list of opponents over the years reads like a “who’s who” of local featherweights and lightweights.  He holds wins over some of the best the region has to offer like UFC veteran Tateki Matsuda (13-8) and current UFC competitor Matt Bessette (22-8).  Most recently, Jones competed on the national stage at World Series of Fighting (WSOF) 35 last spring in New York.  Jones is currently a member of Nostos MMA based in Somersworth, New Hampshire.  “NEF 33″ will be Jones’ long-awaited first appearance in the NEF cage.

 

 

 

“I’m excited to finally make my NEF debut and face Matt Denning, a fight I’ve been looking forward to for a long time,” said Jones.  “My health is at a new level since I stopped smoking. I feel refreshed and ready to put on my best performance to date against an opponent that I’m looking to dismantle in impressive fashion. Everyone knows not to sleep on me. I made my mark in the regional scene a long time age – and April 14th will be the next chapter in that story. Let’s get after it!”

 

 

 

Including his amateur career, Matt “Ken Doll” Denning is a fifteen-fight veteran of the NEF cage.  He is on a two-fight win-streak in that cage with first-round submission victories over Josh Parker (6-10) at “NEF 28” and Dom Jones (1-1) at “NEF 29.”  Like Jones, Denning is a veteran of the WSOF cage, having competed for the national promotion at Madison Square Garden in New York City.  Most recently, Denning fought for national promotion Bellator in Connecticut.  He is a member of Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) based in Lewiston, Maine.

 

 

 

“I’m excited to fight for NEF again,” said Denning. “The last two times I fought for them, I had first round submission wins. Bill is a veteran and someone that I’ve tried to fight for a while. After this fight, I don’t expect to be as active as I have been in the past. I want to focus on my job, Hollie and Becca. I look forward to a great showing and seeing all my fans.”

 

 

 

NEF returns to Portland, Maine, at Aura on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Tickets are on sale now at www.AuraMaine.com.  For more information on the event, please visit www.NewEnglandFights.com.

boxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, Rich Bergeron, Tom Padgett, Tony Penecale, UFC

Phight News Unlimited Combat Sports Show, Post SuperBowl Special

Leave a comment

Tom, Tony and Rich are back this week to chat a bit about the Philadelphia Eagles winning their first SuperBowl and eventually the latest happenings in Combat Sports. We go through the boxing schedule for this week first, then recap the last week’s biggest match-ups. Then we dive into the MMA scene and look back on another UFC Fight Night event and ahead to UFC 221. Listen to the whole broadcast below:

 

M-1, M-1 Challenge, mixed martial arts, MMA, Russia

M-1 CHALLENGE 87 WEIGHTS & PICTURES 

Leave a comment
SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (February 8, 2018) — The official weigh in was held todau fpor tomorrow’s M-1 Challenge 87, highlighted by the grand opening of M1 Arena in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
 
MAIN CARD

MAIN EVENT – M-1 CHALLENGE INTERIM FLYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP – 5 X 5
 (L) Mikael “Hulk” Silander

(Finland) 124.56 LB. (56,5 kg.)

vs.
(R) Arman Ashimov (Kazakhstan) – 124.78 LB. (56,6 kg.)

CO-FEATURE – LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
(L) Kleber Raimundo “Orgulho” Silva (Brazil) – 204.37 LB. (92,7 kg.)
vs.
(R) Dimitry Mikutsa (Ukraine) – 205 LB. (93 kg.)
FEATHERWEIGHTS — 3 X 5
Timur Nagibin (Russia) – 144.62 LB. (65,6 kg.)
vs.
Jadison Dimitry “Tita” Silva (Brazil) – 144.84 LB. (65,7 kg.)
WELTERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
(R) Shavkat Rakhmonov (Kazakhstan) – 169.76 LB. (77 kg.)
vs.
(L) Levan Solodovnik (Russia) – 168.87 LB. (76.6 kg.)
(L) Pablo Ortmann (Switzerland) – 169.76 LB. (77 kg.)
vs.
(R) Ingiskhan Ozdoev (Russia) – 170 LB. (77.1 kg.)
PRELIMINARY CARD
HEAVYWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
Jose “Agus” Augustin Jimenez Garcia (Spain) – 263.23 LB. (119,4 kg.)
vs.
Adam Bogatyrev (Russia) – 255.74 LB. (116 kg.)
WELTERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
Charles-Henri Tchoungui (France) – 170 LB. (77.1 kg.)
vs.
Artem Nenakhov (Russia) – 169.54 LB. (76.9 kg.)
Amiran Gogoladze (Georgia) – 170 LB. (77.1 kg.)
vs.
Stanislav “Stas” Podolsky (Russia) – 167.33 LB. (75.9 kg.)
Anderson “Fala Mansa” De Queiroz Diniz (Brazil) – 168.43 LB. (76,4 kg.)
vs.
Danila Prikaza (Russia) – 170 LB. (77.1 kg.)
LIGHTWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
Pavel Gordeev (Russia) – 158.07 LB. (71,7 kg.)
vs.
Bobur “Karshinskiy” Kurbonov (Uzbekistan) – 158.51 LB. (71,9 kg.)
Jani Salmi (Finland) – 154.76 LB. (70,2 kg.)
vs.
Nikolay Goncharov (Russia) – 154.76 LB. (70,2 kg.)
Aleksandar Rakas (Croatia) – 154.54 LB. (70,1 kg.)
vs.
Anatoly Lyagu (Ukraine) – 155 LB. (70,3 kg.)
 
PRE-UNDERCARD
Tino Gilaranz (Spain) – 154.1 LB. (69,9 kg.)
vs.
Valentin Kryzhanovsky (Russia) – 151.46 LB. (68,7 kg.)
 
(all fights & fighters subject to change)

WHEN:           Friday, February 9, 2018
WHERE:         M-1 Arena, Saint Petersburg, Russia
 
PROMOTER:  M-1 Global
LIVE STREAM: www.m1global.tv (10.30 a.m. ET / 7:30 a.m. PT in USA)
INFORMATION:

Twitter & Instagram:
@M1GlobalNews
@Vadim_finkelchtein
@M1Global
Facebook:
 
UPCOMING EVENTS:
 
Feb. 9 – M-1 Challenge 87: Silander vs. Ashimov, M-1 Arena, Saint Petersburg, Russia
Feb. 22 – M-1 Challenge 88: Ismagulov vs. Tutarauli, Olympic Stadium, Moscow, Russia
Bellator, kickboxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, Paramount Network

UNDEFEATED PROSPECTS JAMES GALLAGHER & ADAM BORICS HEADLINE  BELLATOR 196 IN BUDAPEST, HUNGARY ON APRIL 6

Leave a comment

BOK HALL TO HOST BELLATOR MMA AND KICKBOXING EVENTS

 

 

 

LOS ANGELES – Bellator will hold its third event in Budapest, Hungary on Friday, April 6, bringing along a battle of young guns looking to remain undefeated early in their mixed martial arts careers. The pride of Strabane, Northern Ireland, James Gallagher (7-0) meets Budapest’s Adam Borics (10-0) in an exciting Bellator 196 featherweight main event matchup.

 

 

A women’s flyweight bout will serve as the co-main event of the card, when the Bellator women’s 125-pound kickboxing champion Denise Kielholtz (1-1) takes on Lena Ovchynnikova (12-5, 1 NC). In addition, the April 6 card at BOK Hall will also feature world-class kickboxing action, as Bellator Kickboxing returns for another great night of fights. A main event for the kickboxing portion of the card will be announced in the coming days.

 

 

 

Bellator 196: Gallagher vs. Borics will be broadcast Friday, April 6 free on Paramount Network (formerly Spike) at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary action will stream on Bellator.com and globally on the Bellator Mobile App. Bellator Kickboxing 9 will air immediately following at 11 p.m. ET/10 p.m. CT. Additional bouts will be announced in coming weeks.

 

 

 

Tickets for the event go on sale Friday, Feb. 9 and are available at www.Bellator.hu.

 

 

 

 

There are few mixed martial artists that invoke the type of polarizing reaction “The Strabanimal” does when entering the Bellator cage. A longtime training partner of Conor McGregor under the tutelage of world-renowned coach John Kavanagh at SBG Ireland, the 21-year-old has been on a tear since signing with Bellator in 2016, racking up four wins in four contests. With each victory, Gallagher has showcased a growing skillset, culminating in a first-round submission of Chinzo Machida at Bellator 180 last June. Now fully recovered from injury, Gallagher has a tough test ahead in the undefeated Hungarian.

 

 

 

Adam Borics made his Bellator debut at Bellator 177, finishing Anthony Taylor via submission in the opening frame. Known as “The Kid,” Borics has competed exclusively throughout his four-year career in Europe, and this time will be no different. Having won over plenty of fans over on the heels of his promotional debut in April of last year, Borics will definitely have the home field advantage on April 6.

 

 

 

 

Bellator women’s kickboxing flyweight champ Denise Kielholtz is riding high following her first MMA victory over Jessica Middleton earlier this year at Bellator 188, while Lena Ovchynnikova will enter the Bellator cage on April 6 looking to duplicate the success she had the last time she competed in Hungary, a TKO victory over Helen Harper. When the pair of flyweights compete at Bellator 196, look for both to keep the fight on their feet, making for an exciting standup battle.

 

 

 

Updated Bellator 196: Gallagher vs. Borics Fight Card:

 

 

Featherweight Main Event: James Gallagher (7-0) vs. Adam Borics (10-0)

 

 

Women’s Flyweight Co-Main Event: Denise Kielholtz (1-1) vs. Lena Ovchynnikova (12-5, 1 NC)

 

****

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

BOUCHER & SHEA LOOKING TO BOUNCE BACK FROM LOSSES AT NEF 33

Leave a comment

Portland, Maine (February 8, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to Aura in Portland on April 14, 2018 with the fight promotion’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 33: Riptide.”  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur catchweight bout to the card.  Nate Boucher (2-2) will face Walt Shea (2-1) at a fight weight of 130-pounds.

 

 

 

 

Nate Boucher will be looking to bounce back from back-to-back losses in the NEF cage.  The former wrestler from Mountain Valley High School in Rumford, Maine lost very close split decisions at both “NEF 31” and “NEF 32″ recently.  The first was an amateur flyweight title fight against Justin Witham (4-4) in Portland.  Last weekend, Boucher dropped his second split decision in as many events to Ryan Burgess (3-2) in a number-one-contender’s fight.  Prior to those two losses, Boucher had been undefeated in the NEF cage.  He currently trains with Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) in Lewiston, Maine.

 

 

 

 

“I’m coming off of two close back-to-back losses, but I’m still committed to my goal of one day winning the NEF championship belt,” said Boucher. “Rather than sit on the sidelines, I’m getting right back in there in April. Walt Shea is coming off of his title fight loss to Fred Lear last August, so I know he will be motivated to get back in the win column too. Two motivated guys that are hungry to get back to their winning ways are the ingredients for an awesome battle. I can’t wait!”

 

 

 

 

Like Boucher, Walt Shea was undefeated prior to his last loss in the NEF cage.  Shea had defeated Joel Downing (0-1) at “NEF 25” and then Alan Bustamante (0-1) at “NEF 27.”  Both victories came by way of unanimous decision.  Shea earned himself a shot at the NEF amateur bantamweight strap, but lost to Fred Lear (6-2) by TKO in the second round at “NEF 30” last summer.  Shea is a member of First Class MMA in Brunswick, Maine.

 

 

 

 

“I’m excited to be finally making my return to the cage at ‘NEF 33,'” said Shea. “I was live for my opponent Nate’s last two fights – both razor close decisions that could have gone his way, but didn’t. I’m expecting a technical battle with a chance for some exciting grappling exchanges. I’m hoping to put on a show for the fans.”

 

 

 

 

NEF returns to Portland, Maine, at Aura on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Tickets are on sale now at www.AuraMaine.com.  For more information on the event, please visit www.NewEnglandFights.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

AMATEUR GOLD WILL BE UP FOR GRABS AT NEF 33 IN PORTLAND

Leave a comment

Portland, Maine (February 7, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to Aura in Portland onApril 14, 2018 with the fight promotion’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 33: Riptide.”  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur featherweight title bout to the card.  Taylor Costantino (3-3) will meet Shawn Lunghi (4-0) for the vacant 145-pound championship.

 

 

 

Taylor Costantino is a native of Long Island, New York where he began his MMA career in 2011 after being crowned a USA and Pan American Sambo champion.  After moving to Maine, Costantino continued training and made his NEF debut in early 2016 with a 25-second TKO victory over Frank Johanson (2-2).  Currently, he is a member of Evolution Athletix based in Saco.

 

 

 

“I’m very excited to fight in Portland against a tough opponent,” said Costantino. “I’ve never taken an easy opponent, and this fight is no different. I have a lot to prove to my coaches, my teammates and myself – and a man with something to prove is a dangerous man.”

 

 

 

Undefeated Shawn Lunghi has been dominant in two previous NEF cage appearances.  The Florida native first traveled north in the fall of 2016, scoring a second round submission of Alex Clark (4-2).  Last weekend, Lunghi returned to take on Devin Corson (1-1).  It took just over a minute for Lunghi to pull out another submission win on Maine soil.  He will have little time to rest after the upcoming battle at “NEF 33.”  In late April, Lunghi will leave for Fort Bliss, and from there will travel to Afghanistan in May as part of his service in the Army National Guard.

 

 

 

“I couldn’t be more excited to return to the NEF cage for NEF 33 and take a shot at the featherweight title,” said Lunghi. “Taylor is an experienced, game opponent and I expect he will be ready for a war. This will be my last fight for awhile as I will be deploying with the Army National Guard for the next year, but I can’t think of a better send off then to win the 145-pound title and celebrate with my RMNU team in Portland, Maine.”

 

 

 

NEF returns to Portland, Maine, at Aura on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Tickets are on sale now at www.AuraMaine.com.  For more information on the event, please visit www.NewEnglandFights.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

STRIKERS WILL BE THROWING BOMBS AT NEF 33 IN PORTLAND

Leave a comment

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (February 6, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to Aura in Portland onApril 14, 2018 with the fight promotion’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 33: Riptide.”  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional bantamweight bout to the card.  Carl Langston (0-0) is scheduled to make his professional debut against Ernesto Ornelas (2-7) at a fight weight of 135-pounds.

 

 

 

 

Carl Langston is one of the longest-active members of the NEF roster, having made his debut with the promotion as an amateur in the fall of 2013.  Langston brought an extensive background in Taekwondo with him to the cage, resulting in many exciting striking battles over the years.  Langston finished his amateur career with a record of 7-9 and a win over Ornelas’ Choi Institute teammate Henry Clark (3-4) at “NEF 31″ in Portland last fall.  Langston is currently a member of Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine.

 

 

 

 

“I couldn’t be more pumped to be making my pro debut in the city of Portland where I grew up,” said Langston when reached for comment. “I’ve been waiting four years for this moment, and I’m going to capitalize on it by finishing this guy, beating him just like I beat his teammate.”

 

 

 

 

There are very few MMA competitors with hands as fast as Ernesto Ornelas.  Now residing in Portland, Ornelas was a multi-time Golden Gloves champion during his amateur boxing days in his home state of California.  He is currently 1-1 as a professional boxer.  Ornelas will return to the cage after more than a year-and-a-half absence from MMA competition.

 

 

 

 

“I’m excited to be fighting in Portland, especially under the NEF banner this time,” said Ornelas.  “I’ve lived in Portland for about six years and have adopted the city, working and training out of the Portland downtown. I’ve come to know everyone and the city so well, and I’m excited to give Portland a show and show them what’s brewing in downtown at the Portland Choi Institute. As for welcoming Carl into the pro ranks, I know it’s going to an exciting fight. I’ve coached against Carl three times and seen the opportunities he presents stylistically. That being said, I’ll be two steps ahead of Carl on this one. It’s going to be some thunder and lightning in Portland that night, but everyone knows lightning strikes first and thunder just makes noise. And April 14 lightning is going to strike—and I’m the one bringing the lighting.”

 

 

 

 

NEF returns to Portland, Maine, at Aura on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Tickets are on sale now at www.AuraMaine.com.  For more information on the event, please visit www.NewEnglandFights.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

A PRO DEBUT AND THE RETURN OF A POPULAR ATHLETE AT NEF 33

Leave a comment

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (February 5, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to Aura in Portland on April 14, 2018 with the fight promotion’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 33: Riptide.”  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional lightweight bout to the card.  John Ortolani (8-11) will meet Caleb Hall (0-0) at a fight weight of 155-pounds.

 

 

 

 

John Ortolani, a native New Englander now residing in Florida, is one of the most popular athletes to ever step into the NEF cage. Ortolani has made his mark both in MMA and on the lacrosse field where he has played for several teams in the Major League Lacrosse circuit over the years.  Having competed regionally in MMA since 2009, Ortolani made his NEF debut in the fall of 2012 with a submission win over Bruce Boyington (14-11).  The upcoming fight with Hall will be Ortolani’s fifth trip to the NEF cage, not counting one further appearance in the NEF boxing ring.  He currently trains with Robson Moura Nations United (RMNU) in Tampa, Florida.

 

 

 

 

“I’m excited for the fight with Caleb,” said Ortolani. “He’s had a great amateur career and has a lot of experience. I can’t wait to perform in front of the NEF fans again and welcome Caleb to the pro ranks the hard way!”

 

 

 

 

Caleb Hall has had a prolific amateur MMA career with an impressive record of 8-3.  Prior to entering the MMA ranks, he was a two-time Maine state champion wrestling for Dirigo High School in Dixfield.  Hall later wrestled for both Plymouth State University (PSU) in New Hampshire and the University of Southern Maine (USM).  He captured the NEF Amateur Featherweight Title in the spring of 2016 with a submission of Erik Nelson (2-3).  He later successfully defended that title against Johnny Crafts (4-1) at “NEF 25” in the fall of that year.  Hall is a member of the Choi Institute in Portland, Maine.

 

 

 

 

“Every fighter’s goal is to get to the UFC,” said Hall.  “To get there, you have to beat the toughest guys you can find on the regional circuit. Beating Ortolani, a 20-fight pro veteran, is a step towards my goal of where I want to go in this sport.”

 

 

 

 

NEF returns to Portland, Maine, at Aura on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Tickets are on sale now at www.AuraMaine.com.  For more information on the event, please visit www.NewEnglandFights.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.