Qeb Archives: MMA

FNU qhia tias txhua qhov kev ua si: Fighter Uprising in the UFC Continues; GSP vs Bisping Cancelled; Canelo vs. GGG takes spotlight From Floyd vs. Conor

This week Tom, Tony and Rich discuss how boxing is winning the combat sports battle for market share. We recap Canelo Alvarez vs. Julio Cesar Chavez, ❏ Jr ❏. and preview UFC 211. We also talk about the planned superfight between Canelo and Triple G, Gennady Golovkin. We break in with the news of GSP vs. Bisping getting cancelled and go on to explore multiple UFC fighter complaints from Tom Lawlor to Luke Rockhold to Anderson Silva. We will be moving the show to rantsports.com next week so stay tuned on the transition details.

 

We also touch on our interview from last year withTHEJames Krause, who just won his first fight in The Ultimate Fighter house on the current season of the reality TV tournament. This interview is from just prior to the UFC sale to WME/IMG and company, and it’s very eye opening:

 

Strong M-1 Challenge 77 main card set Viktor Nemkov takes on Ronny Markes In light heavyweight showdown

Viktor Nemkov (L) is an MMA warrior and one of the top M-1 Global pound-for-pound fighters
ST. PETERSBURG, Zog ntawm Guj kuj (Tej zaum 10, 2017) – Former two-time M-1 Challenge light heavyweight champion Viktor Nemkov will take on M-1 Global-debuting Ronny Markes, Tej zaum 19, in the M 1 sib tw 77 main event at Sochi, Zog ntawm Guj kuj.
M 1 sib tw 77 will be streamed in high definition on www.M1Global.TVlive from Sochi, Zog ntawm Guj kuj. Viewers will be able to watch the preliminary fights and main card by logging on to register at www.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all the action on their computers, as well as on Android and Apple smart phones and tablets.
A native of Kazakhstan fighting out of Russia, Nemkov (24-6-0, M-1: 17-5-0) has once again fought his way back to the top of the M-1 light heavyweight class. Nyob rau hauv 2013, Nemkov defeated Vasily Babich (11-8-0), by way of a second-round submission (arm-lock), tom M 1 sib tw 66, for the vacant M-1 Challenge light heavyweight title.
Nemkov lost his first title defense by a five-round split decision to German Stephan Puetz, who Nemkov gained revenge from four fights later, taking a five-round majority decision in the M 1 sib tw 63 Fight of the Night to regain the coveted M-1 crown.
In his first title defense of his second reign, Nemkov lost his title via a five-round split decision to Rashid Yusupov (8-0), a year ago at M 1 sib tw 68. The resilient Nemkov will position himself for yet another title shot with an impressive victory against Markes.
Markes (16-4-0, M-1: 0-0-0), of Brazil, will be making his M-1 Global debut against Nemkov. In his last fight this past February, Markes choked out 15-4-0 Tony Lopez in the opening round of their King of the Cage super heavyweight championship match. Markes is a UFC and World Series of Fighting veteran
Tus M 1 sib tw 77 main card is stacked with entertaining, evenly-matched fights, including a potentially explosive throw-down between undefeated Russian middleweight prospect Artiom Frolov (8-0-0, M-1: 5-0-0) and always dangerous TalekhThe Azerbaijan TerminatorNadzhafzade (5-1-1 (M-1: 2-0-1).
Russian featherweight Viktor Kolesnik (9-2-1, M-1: 0-0-1) vs. Brazlian Felipe Rego (10-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Ukrainian welterweight AudreyIronLezhnev(15-7-0, M-1: 3-3-0) vs. Russian Kurbanali Abdusalamov, and Georgian lightweight Raul Tutarauli (9-3-0, M-1: 4-1-0) vs. M-1 Global pro-debuting Artur Lemos (8-2-0), of Portugal, are also scheduled to be in main-card action.
INFORMATION:

www.M1Global.tv

Twitter & Instagram:
@M1GlobalNews
@VFinkelchtein
@M1Global
Facebook:
M-1 CHALLENGE EVENT CALENDAR:
M 1 sib tw 77: Nemkov vs. MarkesTej zaum 19, 2017 Sochi, Zog ntawm Guj kuj
M 1 sib tw 78: Divnich vs. IsmagulovTej zaum 26, 2017 in Orenburg, Zog ntawm Guj kuj
M 1 sib tw 79: Shlemenko vs. HalseyRau hli ntuj 1, 2017 in St. Petersburg, Zog ntawm Guj kuj
M 1 sib tw 80: Kharitonov vs. LopesRau hli ntuj 15, 2017 in Harbin, China
Tej zaum 19 in Sochi, Zog ntawm Guj kuj

Anthem’s FNTSY Sports Network and Fight Network Launch on go90™

Partnership Expands Anthem’s Mobile Footprint with Clips from FNTSY Sports Network’s Daily Shows, Fight Network’s Extensive Content Library

NEW YORK | TORONTO – Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp. announced today that FNTSY Sports Network, the world’s first and only channel dedicated to fantasy sports, thiab Tua Network, the world’s premier multi-platform combat sports channel, have launched on go90.

“The launch of Anthem’s flagship properties FNTSY Sports Network and Fight Network on the go90 platform is an important step in our mobile expansion strategy,” said Leonard Asper, CEO of Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp. “The service reaches mobile phone users across the U.S., creating a new national platform for viewer consumption and conversation. Our original and timely premium content is a perfect fit for the service, fueling combat sports fans with exclusive fights and digital features, while giving fantasy sports players an edge with the latest picks, rankings, projections and much more.”

Anthem on go90 includes daily clips from FNTSY Sports Network’s staple shows, including HotRoster Todayhosted by Garion Thorne and Cam Stewart, the Pat Mayo Hour featuring award-winning fantasy sports expert Pat Mayo, Morency Unfiltered thiab Game Time Decisions, hosted by the outspoken Gabriel Morency, Home Ice Advantage with Chris Meaney, plus FNTSY Mixtape, highlighting the best short-form content featuring Corey Parson, Tim Gilbert, Ashley Docking and more. Fight Network will feature coverage all the biggest events in the combat sports world, exclusive interviews with top personalities and fighters, original productions such as Retrospective thiab Tristar Stories, plus fights and events from its extensive programming line-up. Watch Anthem’s FNTSY Sports Network and Fight Network on go90.com or the go90 app available on iOS los sis Android.

Available across all U.S. wireless carriers, go90 is currently delivering over 25,000 hours of live and on-demand sports from the top leagues in football, basketball, soccer and more.

FNTSY Sports Network is the world’s first and only 24/7 television network designed from the ground up toinform, engage and entertain the more than 60 million enthusiasts who play fantasy sports annually and on adaily basis. The destination channel for fantasy sports players, its schedule includes exciting live studioprogramming, call-in shows, expert panels, celebrity and expert drafts, reality programming and on-sitecommentary from sports venues, as well as short-form programming from the experts around the continent,providing fantasy sports discussion and analysis for football, baseball, basketball, soccer, golf, hockey,NASCAR and other sports. It also includes a fantasy sports “ticker” that features the most information available on a single screen. It airs on over 20 cable, satellite and IPTV platforms in the U.S. and Canada and onstreaming services including Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire, Xbox, Pluto TV and Smart TV platforms such as Xumo, as well as globally on digital and social platforms.

Fight Network is a 24/7 HD multi-platform channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports. It airsprograms focused on the entire scope of the combat sports genre, including mixed martial arts, boxing,kickboxing, professional wrestling, traditional martial arts, fight news and analysis, as well as fight-themeddrama, reality series, documentaries and feature films. Fight Network’s dynamic programming lineup includeslive events from around the world and extensive news coverage. Fight Network is distributed on cable, satelliteand IPTV systems in the U.S., Canada and over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East, aswell as globally on streaming services including Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire and Pluto TV, as well as globally on digital and social platforms.

FNTSY Sports Network and Fight Network are subsidiaries of Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp.

For More Information Contact:

Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp.
Ariel Shnerer

Director, Programming & Communications

ashnerer@anthemse.com

SCORECARDS WILL NOT BE NEEDED FOR NEF 29 FEATHERWEIGHT BATTLE

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (Tej zaum 10, 2017) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on Hnub vas xaum, Rau hli ntuj 17, 2017 with the fight promotion’s next event, “NEF 29: STARS & STRIPES.The event will feature a full slate of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing bouts. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional featherweight contest to the fight card. Josh Parker (5-9) will meet AndreThe FinisherBelcarris (0-1) at a fight weight of 145-pounds. Both athletes have earned a reputation for finishing fights andnot letting it go to the judgesscorecards.Both will also be looking to bounce back from losses atNEF 28last month.

 

Josh Parker was riding high off a win over Derek Shorey (4-9) when he signed to face Matt Denning (4-6) on April 29. Unfortunately for Parker, Denning was able to work his jiu-jitsu effectively and submit Parker in the first round. Like all Josh Parker bouts, however, the action was fast and furious and the head of Ruthless MMA & Boxing predicts much of the same excitement for his fight with Belcarris.

 

I want to thank NEF for the opportunity, and I want to thank my opponent for taking the fight,” said Parker. “I’m excited for the challenge. Andre has a lot of experience in the cage and with 11 knockouts on his record, I’d say our fighting styles are going to make one hell of an exciting fight. The fans are going love this one. See you June 17th!”

 

Andre Belcarris entered the NEF cage for the first time atNEF 28,making his professional debut after an amateur career spanning more than three-dozen fights. In the opposite corner stood veteran Walter Smith-Cotito (5-5). Belcarris held his own against the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt for two rounds before Smith-Cotito was able to submit him. While the fight did take place at featherweight, Belcarris had spent the majority of his camp training for a bantamweight bout with Elias Leland (3-2) until Leland had to pull out due to injury. Now with a full camp to prepare for a fight at featherweight, Belcarris promises improvements in his game.

 

I’m working hard to improve upon my last performance,” said Belcarris between training sessions at NorthEast Assassins in Vermont. “A full camp with 145 as the target is a different setup. I will be ready!”

 

New England Fights returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine with its next event, “NEF 29: STARS & STRIPES,” Rau hnub Saturday, Rau hli ntuj 17, 2017. Tickets are on sale now at the Colisee box office 207-783-2009 x 525 and online at www.TheColisee.com.

 

For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com. tsis tas li ntawd, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New hais Fights.

 

About New England Fights

New hais Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

WOMEN’S FIGHT AT NEF 29 IS A MATTER OF RESPECT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (Tej zaum 9, 2017) I wanna knock her out!” Those were the emphatic words of Alex Walker (3-1) when asked last weekend atNEF 28for her prediction on her upcoming fight with Sarah Ziehm (1-0). The crowd at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee erupted in response.

 

Walker and Ziehm are scheduled to face off when New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Colisee onHnub vas xaum, Rau hli ntuj 17, 2017 with the fight promotion’s next event, “NEF 29: STARS & STRIPES.Walker, a two-fight veteran of the NEF cage and a member of Lancaster, New Hampshire’s Team Kaze, has made it her mission to teach Ziehm a lesson in respect for what Walker viewed as acockyperformance in Ziehm’s debut earlier this year.

 

I have respect for 99% of the females I do battle with, but I do not respect her,” said Walker when reached for comment. “I don’t like the way she handled herself in her first fight, I think she needs to be humbled and I will do that in Juneif she even shows up! My manager told (NEF matchmaker) Matt Peterson to have a backup because she will come up with an excuse not to get a beating.

 

Ziehm made her MMA debut last February with a win over Nicole Burgess (0-2). She submitted Burgess in the third round after a dominant performance. (Of note, Walker also submitted Burgess in the third round just a few months earlier.) Ziehm trains with Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) in Lewiston.

 

This will be a good battle,” predicted Ziehm. “Alex is a seasoned and skilled warrior. I’m not underestimating her at all. I’m excited to get back into cage and do some work.

 

New England Fights returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine with its next event, “NEF 29: STARS & STRIPES,” Rau hnub Saturday, Rau hli ntuj 17, 2017. Tickets are on sale now at the Colisee box office 207-783-2009 x 525 and online at www.TheColisee.com.

 

For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com. tsis tas li ntawd, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New hais Fights.

 

About New England Fights

New hais Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

Fast & furious 4-week period, Tej zaum 19 & Rau hli ntuj 15 M-1 Global to promote four M-1 Challenge events

M-1 GLOBAL NOTEBOOK

Alexander Shlemenko Sergei Kharitonov
ST. PETERSBURG, Zog ntawm Guj kuj (Tej zaum 5, 2017) – M-1 Global action will be fast and furious as the Russia-based MMA promotional company will present four major M-1 Challenge events, starting May 19. in less than a four-week period.
All four events will be streamed live in high definition on www.M1Global.TV. Viewers will be able to watch the preliminary fights and main card by logging on to register at www.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all the action on their computers, as well as on Android and Apple smart phones and tablets.
M 1 sib tw 77 – Tej zaum 19Sochi, Zog ntawm Guj kuj
Former two-time M-1 Challenge light heavyweight champion Viktor Nemkov(24-6-0, M-1: 17-5-0) will take on M-1 Global-debuting Ronny Markes (16-4-0, M-1: 0-0-0), of Brazil, in the main event.
Undefeated Russian middleweight prospect Artiom Frolov (8-0-0, M-1: 5-0-0) vs. TalekhThe Azerbaijan TerminatorNadzhafzade (4-1-1 (M-1: 2-1-0), Russian featherweight Viktor Kolesnik (9-2-1, M-1: 0-0-0) vs. Brazlian Felipe Rego (8-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), and Ukrainian welterweight AudreyIronLezhnev(11-7-0, M-1: 3-3-0) vs. Russian Kurbanali Abdusalamov are also scheduled to be in action.
M 1 sib tw 78 – Tej zaum 26Orenburg, Zog ntawm Guj kuj
Former M-1 Challenge lightweight champion Maxim Divnich (13-2-0, M-1: 7-2-0), of Ukraine, and Kazakhstan native Damir Ismagulov (10-2-0, M-1: 6-1-0), fighting out of Russia, will square off in the main event for the vacant M-1 Challenge lightweight title.
German heavyweight FrankTattooKortz (4-1-0, M-1: 0-0-0) faces Nikolay Savilov (4-2-0, M-1: 1-0-0).
M 1 sib tw 79 – Rau hli ntuj 1 – Me nyuam. Petersburg, Zog ntawm Guj kuj
Former Bellator champions, Russian great AlexanderStormShlemenko(55-7-0, M-1: 5-0-0) and M-1 Global debuting BrandonBullHalsey (9-2-0, M-1: 0-0-0) throw-down in the main event of a rematch originally won by the American.
Russian middleweight ValeryThe Russian HammerMyasnikon (11-1-2, M-1: 2-1-2) meets veteran Enoc Solves Torres (19-9-1, M-1: 5-6-1), of Spain.
M 1 sib tw 80 – Rau hli ntuj 15 – Harbin, China

Russian heavyweight star SergeiThe ParatrooperKharitonov (23-6-0, M-1: 3-0-0) returns to M-1 Global against Brazilian invader Marcus ViniciusMontanhaLopes (11-5-0, M-1: 2-1-0). Nyob rau hauv cov kev tshwm sim loj.

M-1 Challenge featherweight champion IvanBukiBuchinger (31-5-0, M-1:6-1-0), of Slovania, will defend his crown against Russian challenger Timur Nagibin (9-2-0, M-1: 5-1-0).
INFORMATION:

www.M1Global.tv

Twitter & Instagram:
@M1GlobalNews
@VFinkelchtein
@M1Global
Facebook:
M-1 CHALLENGE EVENT CALENDAR:
M 1 sib tw 77: Nemkov vs. MarkesTej zaum 19, 2017 Sochi, Zog ntawm Guj kuj
M 1 sib tw 78: Divnich vs. IsmagulovTej zaum 26, 2017 in Orenburg, Zog ntawm Guj kuj
M 1 sib tw 79: Shlemenko vs. HalseyRau hli ntuj 1, 2017 in St. Petersburg, Zog ntawm Guj kuj
M 1 sib tw 80: Kharitonov vs/ LopesRau hli ntuj 15, 2017 in Harbin, China

ONLY ONE CAN MAKE IT TWO-IN-A-ROW AT NEF 29

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (Tej zaum 5, 2017) –New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on Hnub vas xaum, Rau hli ntuj 17, 2017 with the fight promotion’s next event, “NEF 29: STARS & STRIPES.The event will feature a full slate of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing bouts. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional featherweight bout to the fight card. MattKen DollDenning (4-6) yuav siv tau DominicDominationJones (1-0) at a weight of 145-pounds. Both athletes are coming off wins last weekend atNEF 28.

 

Denning entered the cage six days ago looking to break a four-fight skid. The Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) featherweight worked his ground game and submitted Josh Parker (5-9) with a Guillotine Choke in the first round. He donated a portion of his earnings for the fight to Derek Shorey’s (4-9) family members recently left homeless by a fire in Somersworth, New Hampshire. Denning has now vowed revenge for his teammate, Tollison Lewis (1-6), who fell to Jones last weekend, and he has committed to going undefeated for the remainder of the year.

 

I’m excited to continue my fighting career with New England Fights,” said Denning. “I’m coming for another win against someone who just TKO’d my teammate. He seems like a nice kid and a solid wrestler, but I’m a better striker and have far superior jiu-jitsu! I’m not losing again this year! See you guys June 17th.”

 

After a takedown early in the first round, Dom Jones was able to do exactly what his nickname saysdominateagainst Tollison Lewis last Saturday night atNEF 28.Jones used his wrestling to smother Lewis, defending submission attempts in the process, and pounding a TKO win out of Lewis in the final minute of the first round. The bout was Jonesfirst in Maine after a lengthy amateur career in his previous home state of Florida. Jones predicts that he will be the one walking away with a two-fight win streak on Rau hli ntuj 17.

 

I’m excited for this match up,” stated Jones. “Wrestling versus jiu-jitsu! Once again, our gyms clash! It’s a good fight for me. Denning has worked to get where he is now, and I respect his work he has put in. I have to fight smart and not get caught. Come June 17th, when that cage door closes, I’m walking out 2-0! Thank you NEF for having me again.

 

New England Fights returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine with its next event, “NEF 29: STARS & STRIPES,” Rau hnub Saturday, Rau hli ntuj 17, 2017. Tickets are on sale now at the Colisee box office 207-783-2009 x 525 and online atwww.TheColisee.com.

 

For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com. tsis tas li ntawd, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New hais Fights.

FNU qhia tias txhua qhov kev ua si: Joshua vs. Klitschko Recap, Anderson Silva Threatens UFC Retirement

The FNU Combat Sports show concentrates heavily on boxing this week with the big heavyweight bout between Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko to review and discuss first. Then we move on to preview Cinco De Mayo weekend in The Sweet Science, which is headlined by a Saturday night fight between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Julio Cesar Chavez Junior. Additionally, we discuss some additions to UFC 213, Anderson Silva’s retirement threat, the creation of a women’s featherweight division in the UFC for the next season of The Ultimate Fighter, and the viral video featuring the demolition of a Tai ChiMasterby an MMA fighter. Listen to the broadcast below.

 

PAUL GORMAN RETURNING TO CAGE AFTER THREE-YEAR ABSENCE

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (Tej zaum 4, 2017) –New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on Hnub vas xaum, Rau hli ntuj 17, 2017 with the fight promotion’s next event, “NEF 29: STARS & STRIPES.The event will feature a full slate of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing bouts. The professional portion of the card will feature a high-level catchweight bout between Paul Gorman (10-9) thiab JamesThe FlyinHawaiianBlair (5-0) at 130-pounds.

 

Paul Gorman is a twelve-year veteran of the New England MMA circuit. He captured the NEF Bantamweight Title atNEF 5.Gorman would go on to successfully defend that title against Tateki Matsuda (12-8) in a five-round split decision victory that is to this day considered one of the greatest battles to ever take place in the NEF cage. Months later, Matsuda would sign with the UFC. Gorman finally dropped the title in the summer of 2014 to Tim Goodwin (10-6) in a hard-fought, five-round decision loss. He has not competed in the MMA cage since.

 

Gorman received his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from Maine MMA pioneer, and head coach of the Academy of MMA in Portland, Jay Jack. He has spent the last month training on the Indonesian island of Bali at Anthony Leone’s gym known asBali MMA.Longtime NEF fans will recall that Leone (15-7) and Gorman were the co-main event ofNEF I.

 

I’m happy to be returning to the NEF cage on Rau hli ntuj 17,” said Gorman when reached for comment in Bali. “It’s been what feels like forever since I’ve been under the lights, and I can’t wait to get in there and compete again.

 

A native of Hawaii now based in Florida, undefeated James Blair represents the world-renowned American Top Team (ATT) of Coconut Creek. After an amateur career of 7-1, Blair turned pro in 2014. He captured the Island Fights Flyweight Title late last year. Blair will make his NEF debut on Rau hli ntuj 17 against Gorman. Recently, Blair has trained with former NEF Lightweight Champion, and current UFC signee, Devin Powell (8-2) at ATT. He even travelled north with Powell to make an in-cage appearance announcing the Gorman fight atNEF 28last weekend in Lewiston.

 

I want to thank Matt Peterson and the NEF crew for offering this opportunity,” stated Blair. “It is an honor to be stepping into competition with a veteran and pioneer of the sport.

 

New England Fights returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine with its next event, “NEF 29: STARS & STRIPES,” Rau hnub Saturday, Rau hli ntuj 17, 2017. Tickets are on sale now at the Colisee box office 207-783-2009 x 525 and online atwww.TheColisee.com.

 

For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com. tsis tas li ntawd, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New hais Fights.

 

About New England Fights

New hais Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

AMATEUR TITLE FIGHT PROMISES TO BE AN ALL-OUT WAR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (Tej zaum 3, 2017) –New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on Hnub vas xaum, Rau hli ntuj 17, 2017 with the fight promotion’s next event, “NEF 29: STARS & STRIPES.The event will feature a full slate of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing bouts. The amateur portion of the card will be headlined by a lightweight title fight that will see RafaelDeez NutsVelado (4-0) defend against Pat Kelly (3-0).

 

A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, Velado made his NEF debut in the fall of 2015. He submitted Kelly’s Young’s MMA teammate Jimmy Jackson (3-3) tom “NEF 25to claim the amateur lightweight title. To date, only Mike Peitersen (3-1), another member of Young’s, has gone the distance with Velado who has established himself as a master of arm bars and Kimuras. Velado is a member of First Class MMA in Brunswick, Maine.

 

Here we go again,” exclaimed Velado. “We’ve got a friendly rivalry going between First Class MMA and Young’s MMA. They throw a badass at me and I answer the call. PK (Pat Kelly) is a legend of sorts. If you wrestle in Maine and you don’t know who he is, you’re out of touch. I think PK a different kind of challenge for me than my previous four fights. I’ve shown that I can get the fight to the ground and that I’m dangerous when I get there, but that’s a wildcard with Pat. This fight is very exciting to me because we are both undefeated and the winner is going to have to prove that they are ready for the next level by bringing a well-rounded game. I have no doubt as to whether PK is capable of taking me down. The question is; will he regret his decision to take me there? We will see on June 17th.”

 

Pat Kelly is, as Velado noted, a legend in the Maine wrestling world. He put together an impressive 116-20 career record at the University of Maine, captured a New England title and wrestled in the NCAA Championships in 1986. The 52-year-old is no stranger to the championship circle as a coach either, having led the Camden Hills team to several state titles over the years, earning himself an induction into the Maine Amateur Wrestling Alliance Hall of Fame in the process. Kelly famously coached current UFC star Tim Boetsch (20-11) to four state wrestling titles during Boetsch’s time at Camden Hills.

 

As a member of Young’s MMA, Kelly made his MMA debut atNEF 14.Known for his intense in-cage performances, Kelly has finished all three of his opponents. A knee injury has forced him to the sidelines since his last victory in the summer of 2015.

 

First, my sincere thanks to NEF for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and to Coach Chris Young and Ernie Fitch along with all my teammates at Young’s MMA,” said Kelly. “I am so pumped-up to get back into the NEF cage. I am now fully recovered from a serious knee injury and am felling better than ever. This fight makes perfect sense in that you have two undefeated fighters that are willing to wage war for the belt.

 

I am honored to share the cage with a fighter of Raf’s caliber,” Kelly continued. “I respect the fact he is currently the undefeated champ. To fight him means that my time has come to offer him a challenge worthy of title contention. I have been training for an opportunity like this for the past four years. I will bring to the cage a sense of unpredictability and true grit. In essence, Raf will do what he has to do and I will do what I have to do. Whatever happens, happens.

 

New England Fights returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine with its next event, “NEF 29: STARS & STRIPES,” Rau hnub Saturday, Rau hli ntuj 17, 2017. Tickets are on sale now at the Colisee box office 207-783-2009 x 525 and online atwww.TheColisee.com.

 

For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com. tsis tas li ntawd, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New hais Fights.

 

About New England Fights

New hais Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.