Category Archives: New England Fights

MIKE HANSEN NO STRANGER TO TALL CHALLENGERS

 

By: Kalle Oakes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (February 7, 2017) – On paper, it’s a mismatch. OK, while we’re being brutally honest, maybe it’s even a little crazy.

Mike “The Mustache” Hansen of Rumford stands a typical 5-foot-10. He has spent most of his competitive and everyday life since his junior year at Mountain Valley High School at a window between 200 and 215 pounds.

When he hits the double-digit threshold of fights as a professional mixed martial artist on Saturday, February 11, Hansen (5-4) will take on a relative giant making his pro debut.

Ras Hylton stands 6-foot-6, probably even in bare feet. He entered the cage for the last of his three amateur fights, a second-round stoppage of Kevin Smith, at 248 pounds.

Hansen, 31, says “NEF 27: Resurgence” at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston is simply another day at the office for a fighter who’s a light heavyweight in body but a heavyweight in spirit.

“People don’t realize my background in high school. My sophomore year I weighed 185 pounds. I never went below that,” Hansen said. “When I turned 17, I went above 200 pounds and stayed there. After that I wrestled exclusively at 275. Guys that are 6-4 or taller, guys who weigh 270, I’ve been playing with them for about 16 years.”

Grit, determination and technique have served Hansen beautifully since his days at that level, when he was a state champion.

In addition to a stint in the U.S. Army, Hansen spent the early years of his adult life dabbling in what was the relatively new discipline of MMA.

Not only were the opponents bigger than Hansen, they were chosen essentially at random. He rarely ventured into the cage with the benefit of a scouting report.

“There would be a place set up in a bar, it would be $25 at the door, and you wouldn’t know who you were going to fight until you got there. But I needed the experience,” Hansen said. “I had a lot of unsanctioned fights, and that makes for a lot of unsanctioned experience. Now I know the rules and mechanisms are set up to give me the best chance not to get injured. I feel like I’ve already experienced the worst that can happen to me.”

Hansen’s propensity for fighting anyone, anytime, anywhere has followed him to the more structured environment of NEF.

He was still admittedly getting back into fighting shape when he accepted the challenge against veteran super heavyweight Artie Mullen (265 pounds) on Feb. 7, 2015. Hansen took the battle to the canvas quickly and outdueled Mullen in 57 seconds.

Brendan Battles checked in at nearly 260 pounds when he dealt Hansen a first-round TKO. Even at his more natural 205-pound limit, Hansen hasn’t shied away from the best or the biggest. He owns victories over past NEF fighter of the year Crowsneck Boutin and the 6-foot-3 Matt Andrikut.

Hansen said that the ingredients to that success are no secret: Stay aggressive, push the issue early and stick to the game plan. Win or lose, he has never sat on the stool in the corner during a pro fight. Each has ended in the first round.

“I’m a first-round fighter. If this one gets to the second round, it’s because I changed my game plan for some reason,” Hansen said. “If you look at my Artie Mullen and Jesse Baughman (Hansen won by triangle choke in 4:21) fights, you could say, ‘Act 1, Scene 1,’ and it played out exactly the way I choreographed it. I was that meticulous.”

That’s the voice of experience, another element that is squarely in Hansen’s corner heading into the Hylton showdown.

The 28-year-old Hylton’s three amateur scraps – he also knocked out Zak Bergeron in the first round and Hansen’s teammate at Berserkers MMA, Matt Glover, in the second stanza – have required him to fight for a total of 9 minutes, 41 seconds.

“He’s a black belt in taekwondo, so he’s no joke. He’s had three fights. I know he wanted to go pro and find better competition,” Hansen said. “I welcome it, just like when I fought Brendan Battles. They’re both really talented, really skilled guys, but you can’t get that experience from three or four amateur fights.

”I think my number one advantage is my experience, if you add up all my time spent in the cage. You can’t get that from training. You just have to do it.”

Hansen points out that stamina is a question for bigger fighters, especially those making the transition from amateur to pro.

Rounds increase in length from three to five minutes. Fighters often believe that their training camp has prepared them for the change, until they hit the proverbial, invisible wall.

“In an amateur fight you go hard for three minutes, take a one-minute break, feel pretty good, go three more minutes and you’re just about done,” Hansen said. “In a pro fight, you go into that first round and three-and-a-half minutes in, you’re saying, ‘I’m good, let’s go.’ Then it gets to four minutes and you’re like, ‘Holy crap, I’m tired now.’”

Although he suspects that most observers expect Hylton to win on the merits of his size advantage and impressive amateur winning streak, Hansen said that being underestimated is as customary to him as being undersized.

“I’ve had people tell my striking coach, J.B. (Jason Eric Bell), before a fight that they felt sorry for me that their guy had such an advantage. They’ve told my wrestling coach, Gary Dolloff, the same thing,” Hansen said. “Then we get in there and it’s a different story.”

The opening bell for “NEF 27: Resurgence” on February 11 is set for 7 p.m. Tickets start at $25 and are available at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 525.

STACKED FIGHT CARD OPENS THE YEAR FOR NEF IN LEWISTON

Lewiston, Maine (January 11, 2017) –New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on February 11, 2017 with its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE.”  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the full card for the event.  The night will feature both amateur and professional MMA bouts.

 

Headlining the evening will be the semi-finals of the tournament to crown a new professional lightweight champion.  The title was vacated when previous champion Devin Powell (8-1) signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).  Ryan Sanders (12-8) will take on John Ortolani (8-10) while Jon Lemke (5-7) faces Jesse Erickson (9-5) in a rematch from Bellator 93.  The winners of those two bouts will meet in the finals tentatively scheduled for “NEF 28” later this year.

 

In a highly-anticipated heavyweight bout, Ras Hylton (0-0) will make his professional debut against Mike Hansen (5-4).  The 6’6″ Hylton, or “Rasquatch” as he is known amongst his fans, was voted the “2016 Rookie of the Year” by NEF fans after going 3-0 as an amateur.  Hansen was a Maine state wrestling champion for Mountain Valley High School (MVHS), and he has developed quite a reputation for downing larger opponents on both the mats and the MMA cage.  Hansen was the recipient of the “2016 Submission of the Year” award.

 

Speaking of 2016 award winners, the “Fighter of the Year,” featherweight prospect Aaron Lacey (4-0), will look for his fifth consecutive victory in less than a year when he meets Florida’s Chris Jacobs (1-0).  Jacobs put together an impressive 8-3 record as an amateur, winning regional titles along the way.

 

The amateur card will feature a bout for the light-heavyweight strap as Ryan Glover (3-1) defends against Victor Irwin (2-0).  Glover has held the title since last February.  Both Glover and Irwin were Maine state wrestling champions – Glover with MVHS and Irwin with Brewer High School.

 

Also scheduled on the amateur card are no less than three women’s bouts.  Angela Young (1-2), who put on multiple “Fight of the Night” performances in 2016, returns to face New Hampshire’s Christine Brothwell (0-2).  Young’s teammate, Katie Baker (0-0), will make her in-cage debut against another tough competitor from the Granite State in the form of Alex Walker (2-1), while Sarah Ziehm makes her debut against Nicole Burgess (0-1).

 

The full “NEF 27: RESURGENCE” fight card (subject to change):

 

PROFESSIONAL

235 Mike Hansen 5-4 (Berserkers MMA) vs Ras Hylton 0-0 (First Class MMA)

 

160 Matt Denning 3-5 (CMBJJ) vs Ricky Dexter 0-0 (Team Irish)

155  Ryan Sanders 12-8 (Young’s MMA) vs John Ortolani 8-10 (South Tampa Jiu-Jitsu & MMA)

 

155 Jesse Erickson 9-5 (CMBJJ) vs Jon Lemke 5-7 (Team Irish)

 

145 Aaron Lacey 4-0 (Young’s MMA) vs Chris Jacobs 1-0 (Pete White Boxing & MMA)

 

145 Josh Harvey 2-0 (Young’s MMA) vs Richie Collingham 3-3 (Lakes Region Vale Tudo)

 

135 Elias Leland 2-2 (The Academy) vs Nick Santos 0-4 (Team Fury)

 

 

AMATEUR

205*TITLE Ryan Glover 3-1 (Berserkers MMA) (c) vs Victor Irwin 2-0 (Young’s MMA)

 

205 Zeal McGrew 1-1 (Redline) vs Pete Grinnel 0-0 (Lawton BJJ)

185 Jon Tefft 0-0 (First Class MMA) vs Sean Worcester 0-1 (Independent)

 

155 Devin Corson 0-0 (Shatterproof Combat Club) vs Winston Cortez 0-0 (S. Tampa Jiu-Jitsu & MMA)

 

155 Ross Dannar 0-1 (Nostos) vs Phil Chason 0-0 (The Academy)

 

155 Ken Dunn 0-4 (Independent) vs Corey Hinkley 2-4 (CMBJJ)

 

145 Jacob Deppmeyer 0-0 (First Class MMA) vs Frank Johanson 1-2 (CMBJJ)

 

140 Henry Clark 3-1 (Choi Institute) vs Alex Clark 3-2 (Young’s MMA)

 

135 Michael Crespo 3-2 (First Class MMA) vs Fred Lear 4-2 (Young’s MMA)

 

135 Walt Shea 1-0 (First Class MMA) vs Alan Bustamante 0-0 (South Tampa Jiu-Jitsu & MMA)

 

125 Jeremiah Barkac 0-0 (Independent) vs James Ploss 0-0 (Kaze Dojo)

 

125 Ryan Burgess 2-1 (Berserkers MMA) vs Justin Witham 2-4 (Shatterproof Combat Club)

 

125 Angela Young 1-2 (Young’s MMA) vs Christine Brothwell 0-2 (Bucket Brigade)

 

115 Nicole Burgess 0-1 (Berserkers MMA) vs Sarah Ziehm 0-0 (CMBJJ)

 

115 Katie Baker 0-0 (Young’s MMA) vs Alex Walker  2-1 (Kaze Dojo)

 

 

NEF’s next event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE” takes place on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 7 p.m.  Tickets start at $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 525.

 

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

 

THE TRASH TALK STARTS FAST AND FURIOUS BETWEEN DENNING AND DEXTER

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (January 6, 2017) –New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on February 11, 2017 with its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE.”  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of a professional catchweight fight to the card.  Matt “Ken Doll” Denning (3-5) is scheduled to face Ricky Dexter (0-0) at a weight of 160-pounds.

 

Denning is fresh off an appearance for World Series of Fighting (WSOF) at Madison Square Garden in New York City this past New Year’s Eve.  All of Denning’s previous professional bouts had been for NEF.  The Lewiston resident is looking to break a string of three losses after submitting Derek Shorey (4-8) last spring at “NEF 23” in Hyannis, Massachusetts.  Denning is a member of Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

 

“I’m coming back to NEF to make a statement,” said Denning emphatically.  “I’m coming off of a couple of losses in a row and I’m coming to get that win. They think I’m all Jiu Jitsu and can’t take a punch. You want to brawl with me?  Let’s stand toe-to-toe. You’re going to try and lay on me like you did in your amateur career? I’m going to welcome Dexter to the pros in a mean way. It’s a new level here and I’m going to come out on top!’

 

Ricky Dexter will vacate the NEF Amateur Welterweight Title to turn professional and face Denning on February 11.  Dexter won that championship last February with a first-round technical knockout of Caleb Farrington (3-1).  As an amateur, Dexter put together a very impressive record of 5-2 with all five of his wins coming by finish.  Dexter represents Team Irish in Brewer, Maine.

 

“Once Matt Denning feels my power and the inability to take me down, he’s going to be looking for a way out like he always does, except I’m not looking for the sub,” said Dexter.  “February 11th, I’m going to show the NEF fans that Matt Denning is in the fight game for the wrong reasons. I’m coming from the ‘ammo league,’ but I’ve been training with killers my whole career. I’m going to show everyone I belong here.”

 

NEF’s next event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE” takes place on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 7 p.m.  Tickets start at $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 525.

 

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

 

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 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.

 

LIGHT-HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE WILL BE ON THE LINE AT NEF 27

Lewiston, Maine (December 22, 2016) –New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on February 11, 2017 with its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE.”  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of an amateur light-heavyweight title bout to the card.  Ryan Glover (3-1) will defend his belt against the challenge of undefeated Victor Irwin (2-0).

 

Glover won the title one year ago at “NEF 21” with a second-round submission of Mike Williams (2-1).  He would take the rest of 2016 off from MMA competition to deal with family obligations.  Glover was a state wrestling champion out of Mountain Valley High School (MVHS) in Rumford, Maine where he also won a state championship in football.  He began training in MMA two years ago, joining Berserkers MMA in Rumford, a team heavy in MVHS alum.

 

“I’m happy to get back in the cage after a long layoff and defend my belt,” said Glover.  “I was busy taking care of my family, but now it’s time to remind folks why I am NEF’s best 205er.”

 

Like his opponent, Victor Irwin is also a former Maine state wrestling champion, having won a title while at Brewer High School in Brewer, Maine.  In 2014, as a freshman, Irwin created a wrestling program at Eastern Maine Community College (EMCC).  He went to Nationals that year and achieved All-American status.  Irwin is a member of Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine.  His previous appearances in the NEF cage have been impressive – both first round finishes.

 

“I am really excited to have been given a shot at the title,” said Irwin.  “Fighting Ryan will be a great challenge and opportunity for me to improve my skill set.”

 

NEF’s next event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE” takes place on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 7 p.m.  Tickets start at $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 525.

 

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

 

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 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.

2016 FIGHTER OF THE YEAR LOOKS TO CARRY MOMENTUM INTO NEW YEAR

Lewiston, Maine (December 21, 2016) –New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on February 11, 2017 with its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE.”  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of a professional featherweight fight to the card.  Aaron “Relentless” Lacey (4-0) will take on Chris “Game Bred” Jacobs (1-0) at a fight weight of 145-pounds.

 

Voted “Fighter of the Year” earlier this week by NEF fans, it would take a Herculean effort to argue that 2016 was not Aaron Lacey’s year.  He made his professional debut in April at “NEF 22” defeating veteran Derek Shorey (4-8) and remained undefeated the rest of the year.  Including his amateur career, Lacey is riding a seven-fight win streak.  He has not lost a fight since the spring of 2014 (his only loss) – close to three years ago.

 

Most recently, Lacey struck down seasoned pro Taylor Trahan (6-7) with a vicious liver kick that made the entire crowd at the Colisee cringe.  A win over Jacobs on February 11 would move Lacey that much closer to signing a contract with a major, national MMA promotion – a fate long predicted by many insiders for the product of Bangor’s Young’s MMA gym.

 

“I’m looking forward to 2017,” said Lacey when reached for comment.  “2016 was a big year for me and I am looking forward to carrying that momentum into the new year on February 11th. Chris Jacobs is a seasoned opponent who is making the trip up from Florida, so he will be prepared. I live in the gym and have been making huge gains, and 2017 will be the year I get to showcase those gains!”

 

Jacobs is based out of DeLand, Florida.  “NEF 27” will see him make his first trip to compete in Maine, but Jacobs is no stranger to the MMA cage.  He put together an impressive record of 8-3 as an amateur, including capturing a regional title on a fight card in nearby Daytona Beach.  Jacobs won his pro debut earlier this year in Tampa.  He is looking forward to facing tough competition in the form of Lacey.

 

“I must give thanks and praise to the most high for putting me in this position to fight in Maine,” said Jacobs. “It’s a blessing. It’s an honor to fight someone of a high caliber and stature like Aaron Lacey.  I look forward to coming up there and competing with a top level athlete.”

 

NEF’s next event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE” takes place on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 7 p.m.  Tickets start at $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 525.

 

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

 

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 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.

BROTHER AND SISTER MMA FIGHTERS RETURN TO CAGE AT NEF 27

 

Lewiston, Maine (December 15, 2016) –New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on February 11, 2017 with its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE.”  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of two amateur bouts to the card.  Ryan Burgess (2-1) will battle Justin Witham (2-4) in a flyweight contest while his sister, Nicole Burgess (0-1), takes on Sarah Ziehm (0-0) in the strawweight division.

 

This will not be the first time the Burgess siblings have competed on an NEF card together.  Last June at “NEF 24,” Ryan and Nicole would taste defeat at the hands of Dustin Veinott (5-4) and Alex Walker (2-1), respectively.  They will look to redeem themselves on February 11.

 

“I’m super excited to get my sister back in the cage on the same card as me,” said Ryan Burgess. “She has always been a competitor and being able to train side by side with her throughout this fight camp will help me as much as it will help her. She is tough as nails and everything I will be helping her learn over the next two months will just reinforce the knowledge I have already obtained from my coaches. Her debut was against a seasoned fighter in Alex Walker and I can’t wait to see her take home her first win on February 11th.”

 

Ryan and Nicole are based out of the Berserkers MMA camp in Rumford, Maine.  They grew up in neighboring Mexico, Maine.  Ryan was a three-time state wrestling champion out of Mountain Valley High School, while Nicole, a multi-sport athlete, also wrestled and excelled in field hockey.  She has continued her field hockey career at Plymouth State University.  Ryan captured the NEF MMA Flyweight Title last year.  Both siblings are confident that Nicole can replicate his success in the cage.

 

“Training with my brother is both a challenge and a blessing,” said Nicole.  “We’ll get on each other’s nerves, but at the end of the day we want each other to succeed. Plus, he’s a good partner to have on your team.”

 

Ryan’s bout at “NEF 27” will be a rematch.  In their first meeting, he defeated Justin Witham via unanimous decision at “NEF 18” in the summer of 2015.

 

“Rematching Witham will be a perfect opportunity for me to showcase the huge strides I have made over the last year and a half since the beginning of my MMA career. He is a really tough dude and I know he will show up for a war, but I have made huge improvements in all aspects of my game since adding Jason Bell to my corner and I will be the one to decide the outcome of this fight. I will control the pace of the fight and whether I want to take it to him on the feet or take him down and submit him, there is nothing he will be able to do to stop me. This fight will not go three rounds.”

 

Justin Witham is a member of the Shatterproof Combat Club.  Since his loss to Burgess, Witham has gone 2-1 including an impressive submission win over Conner Murphy (1-1) in his most recent outing.  Witham is certain that he can defeat Burgess in the rematch.

 

“I’ve been wanting this fight since the second our first fight was over,” exclaimed Witham.  “I can and will win!”

 

As for Nicole, she will be taking on the debuting Sarah Ziehm.  Ziehm is a member of Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) based in nearby Auburn, Maine.

 

“I’m looking forward to getting back into the cage,” said Nicole.  “I think my first fight was a good learning experience and I got out all my nerves that I didn’t expect to have. Now, it’s my turn to come out with a ‘W’ for my team.”

 

NEF’s next event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE” takes place on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 7 p.m.  Tickets start at $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 525.

 

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

YOUNG FEMALE ATHLETES LOOK TO MAKE THEIR MARK AT NEF 27

Lewiston, Maine (December 14, 2016) –New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on February 11, 2017 with its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE.”  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of an amateur women’s bout to the card.  Alex Walker (2-1) makes her return to Lewiston to take on the debuting Katie Baker (0-0) in a strawweight matchup.

 

24-year-old Alex Walker has appeared twice previously in the NEF cage.  Walker debuted in the spring of 2015 at “NEF 17” against Randi Beth Boyington (1-3).  She returned earlier this year to defeat Nicole Burgess (0-1) with a third-round armbar.  This past summer, she captured her first regional title on a fight card in Vermont.  Walker is a member of Team Kaze based in Lancaster, New Hampshire.

 

“I can’t wait to get back to work in the NEF cage,” exclaimed Walker.  “2017 is going to be a good year and I am looking forward to entertaining the great fans in Maine! I can’t think of a better way to start the year.  The two times I have fought in Maine, they were both FOTN, looking to Threepeat!”

 

Katie Baker, an 18-year-old from Gardiner, Maine, might be new to the NEF cage, but she is well-known within martial arts circles in the Pine Tree State.  Baker began training in combat sports at the age of five.  She won the Isshinryu World Karate Championship in 2009 and 2013, and has been a practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for seven years, regularly taking part in local tournaments.  Earlier this year, Baker began competing in amateur boxing.  She currently trains with Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine.

 

“I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to square off against Alex Walker at ‘NEF 27,'” said Baker.  “I have a high level of respect for Alex and her accomplishments.  We’re not taking her lightly, and this is going to be a hell of a fight for my debut.”

 

NEF’s next event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE” takes place on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 7 p.m.  Tickets start at $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 525.

 

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

 

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 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.

REGISTERED NURSES TO THROW DOWN AT NEF 27

Lewiston, Maine (December 13, 2016) –New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on February 11, 2017 with its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE.”  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of an amateur women’s bout to the card.  Angela Young (1-2) returns to the NEF cage to take on Christine Brothwell (0-2) in the flyweight division.

 

Young, the wife of Young’s MMA founder and head coach Chris Young, made her MMA debut in the fall of 2015.  Somehow finding the time to fight while being a fulltime mother and working overnight as a registered nurse, Young would compete three times in just an eight-month period.  Win or lose, she has been known to put on “fight of the night” performances, including Young’s last bout with Kylie O’Hearn (1-2) at “NEF 23” in Hyannis, Massachusetts this past May.

 

“I’ve taken some time off from the cage since my last fight, but I’ve never stopped training,” said Young when reached for comment.  “Young’s is growing, and team training has been elevated to a higher standard because of the new talent.  I’m looking forward to stepping back in the NEF cage in February. I’ve been looking forward to this for a while, and you better believe I’m coming for a win.”

 

Like her opponent, Brothwell is a registered nurse.  She is based in New Hampshire and is a member of team Bucket Brigade in Nashua.  While she will be making her NEF debut on February 11, Brothwell is no stranger to the MMA cage.  She has competed twice previously and she promises a memorable fight for both Young and the fans in Lewiston.

 

“I fully respect my opponent, her abilities and training, but I train with the best in New England,” stated Brothwell. “Win or lose, you will always remember the time you fought me. This won’t just be the best female fight on the card, it’s going to be fight of the night.”

 

NEF’s next event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE” takes place on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 7 p.m.  Tickets start at $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 525.

 

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

 

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 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.

HEAVYWEIGHTS PREPARE FOR WAR AT NEF 27

 

Lewiston, Maine (December 7, 2016) –New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on February 11, 2017 with its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE.”  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of a professional contest to the card.  Ras “Rasquatch” Hylton (0-0) will make his professional debut against Mike “The Mustache” Hansen (5-4) in the heavyweight division.

 

Hylton’s now-legendary rise through the ranks of the amateur heavyweight division in NEF is one of the major stories of 2016.  At 6’6″ and towering over the top of the MMA cage, Hylton cuts an imposing figure.  The only thing more impressive than Hylton’s size and appearance might be his athletic abilities.  A prolific striker, Hylton finished all three of his opponents this year by either knockout or technical knockout.

 

“Rasquatch,” or as some fans call him “The Jamaican Shamrock,” really began to raise eyebrows with a highlight-reel head kick knockout of Matt Glover (1-1) last spring.  Then, last month at “NEF 26,” Hylton pounded an extremely tough Kevin Smith (3-3) to a bloody pulp.  It was immediately after that dominant performance that Hylton’s coaches at First Class MMA and Dragon Fire Martial Arts felt the time was right for him to make the jump to the pro ranks.

 

“I am so grateful to be fighting a man of Mike Hansen’s stature in front of my family and friends,” said Hylton.  “As the first professional fighter to come out of both Dragon Fire Martial Arts and First Class MMA, and with the instruction of Shihan Andy Campbell, John “First Class” Raio and my team, we are preparing for me to go to war because that is what Mike always brings to the cage.”

 

A former Maine state heavyweight wrestling champion out of Mountain Valley High School, Mike Hansen has never shied away from taking a fight with someone bigger than him.  In fact, Hansen, who also competes in the light-heavyweight and middleweight divisions, has gained a reputation as somewhat of a “giant killer.”

 

Earlier this year, Hansen submitted a substantially bigger Jesse Baughman (0-2) in the first round at “NEF 22.”  He followed up that impressive performance by nearly knocking out a much larger Brendan Battles (1-1) with a right hand at “NEF 23.”  This fall Hansen gave up nearly half a foot to Matt Andrikut (2-1) and submitted his bigger opponent in the first round.  Indeed, Hylton’s size advantage will play little role in the outcome of this fight should Hansen have anything to say about it.

 

“I’m super excited for this fight,” exclaimed Hansen.  “I like being part of these ‘super fights.’  I know Ras has a great camp behind him and he will come 100% prepared. I’ll expect nothing less from Raio, but I feel my experience and composure in the cage will be my best asset and that’s not something that he can train up on in 10 weeks. February 11th we will go to war, so expect just that.”

 

NEF’s next event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE” takes place on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 7 p.m.  Tickets start at $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 525.

 

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

 

FEATHERWEIGHT FIGHT SCHEDULED FOR NEF 27

Lewiston, Maine (December 5, 2016) –New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on February 11, 2017 with its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE.”  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of a professional featherweight bout to the card.  Josh “Hook On” Harvey (2-0) will meet Richie Collingham (3-3) at a fight weight of 145-pounds.

 

Harvey is a former NEF MMA Amateur Lightweight Champion.  He turned pro in 2016 after a stellar amateur career that saw him amass a record of 5-1 while facing some of the best the region has to offer.  In his pro debut, Harvey submitted Matt Denning (3-4) in Lewiston last spring.  He would follow up that victory with a win over Zenon Herrera (0-5) in August.  Harvey is a member of Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine.

 

“I’m training for the fight I want, and this opponent is just one more step closer to where I am going,” said Harvey of the upcoming bout with Collingham. “Wishing him a healthy training camp and that he shows up.”

 

When Richie Collingham steps foot in the NEF cage on February 11 it will have been nearly a decade since his last fight.  Now training out of Lakes Region Vale Tudo in New Hampshire, Collingham has not actively competed since 2007.  He was very active on the California MMA circuit at that time and put together a string of submission victories.

 

“I’m very excited about stepping into the cage with a tough fighter like Josh Harvey and fighting for NEF and putting on a good show for everyone,” said Collingham.  “I’m putting in hard work and February 11th can’t come soon enough.”

 

NEF’s next event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE” takes place on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 7 p.m.  Tickets start at $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 525.

 

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