Category Archives: New England Fights

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

LAWTON GETS NEW OPPONENT ON BANGOR FIGHT CARD

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Bangor, Maine (July 30, 2016) – Jarod “Last Minute” Lawton (4-2) has a new opponent this Friday night in Bangor at “NEF Presents Dana White: Lookin’ for a Fight.”  Lawton’s original opponent, Mike Hansen (4-4), pulled out of the middleweight contest with an injury just days before the start of fight week.  NEF officials scoured the country for someone to step up on a mere week’s notice and face the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Lawton.  Not an easy task, to say the least.  NEF matchmaker Matt Peterson was able to secure a replacement opponent in the form of David “Redneck” Mundell (5-1) of Dunedin, Florida.

Mundell is a purple belt fighting out of Gracie Clearwater.  His only loss as a professional came in his last fight this past spring.  In fact, Mundell had not lost a single round in any of his previous five professional fights to that point.  He is the reigning Florida State Professional MMA Welterweight Champion.  Mundell held several titles in the amateur ranks before turning pro.

While most competitors would shy away from the prospect of facing a black belt on a week’s notice in front of UFC President Dana White, Mundell approaches the fight with a workmanlike outlook.

“It’s just another day at the office,” said Mundell when reached for comment.

“I am excited to still be a part of the show and thankful Dave Mundell was willing to step up on short notice to take the fight,” said Lawton.  “He is a well-rounded fighter, and I am expecting to put on one of the best fights of the night as always!”

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF Presents Dana White: Looking for a Fight”  takes place on Friday, August 5, 2016 at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor,  Maine.  Tickets are on sale now at www.CrossInsuranceCenter.com or by calling the box office at 800.745.3000.

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 andwww.flocombat.com, 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.

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights, UFC

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS FOR TOP MAINE LIGHTWEIGHTS

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Bangor, Maine (July 29, 2016) – Devin Powell was enjoying an evening off from his demanding life as a mixed martial arts instructor and fighter.

He was surrounded by food that probably isn’t on his normal training menu. There were celebratory beverages to fit the loud music and party atmosphere at Xfinity Center, the outdoor concert venue in Mansfield, Massachusetts.

Somehow, Powell heard his phone ring, or felt it vibrate in his pocket. The impending conversation altered his day-after plans considerably.

Powell accepted a return engagement with Jon Lemke at “NEF Presents Dana White: Looking for a Fight,” to be held Friday, August 5 at Cross Insurance Center in Bangor.

“I found out my good friend Jesse Erickson got hurt,” Powell said, “and they asked me to fill in. I said ‘of course.’ Anybody representing UFC, never mind Dana White, if you ever have a chance to fight in front of them, it’s something you want to do if you’re able. It should be a nice, intimate setting.”

Powell (7-1) is the NEF lightweight champion, having secured the strap with a technical knockout of Erickson at “NEF 22: All Roads Lead Here” in April. Lemke (5-5) lost to previous champion Bruce Boyington in a bid for that belt.

The fight will take place five pounds above the lightweight limit at a catch weight of 160.

“It’s a huge opportunity,” said Lemke, who lives in neighboring Brewer. “I’m very grateful. I’m looking forward to fighting in front of probably the most influential person in MMA.”

Their bout is one of eight professional skirmishes to be showcased in front of White, a native of nearby Hermon, and cohorts Din Thomas and Matt Serra. The trio travels the country in pursuit of undiscovered MMA talent in a reality show that is broadcast on White’s YouTube page as well as the UFC Fight Pass subscription-based streamed video service.

Neither man is known to shy away from the spotlight. Lemke stopped Erickson at Bellator 93 in Lewiston two years ago. Powell pushed his winning streak to five with a split-decision triumph June 17 over Tommy Marcellino on the World Series of Fighting stage at Foxwoods.

“I know they’re probably here to watch the guys in the main event,” Powell said of White and his entourage, “but I plan to put on a show that they won’t be able to sleep on. With my fighting style, very aggressive and unorthodox, I believe I definitely will get their attention. This sport is a lot about getting the right opportunity and taking advantage of it.”

When asked if he perceived any edge because Powell took the fight on three weeks’ notice, Lemke politely pointed out that he only began preparing for Erickson two weeks prior to that.

Lemke lost to Josh LaBerge on June 10.

“I only had a couple extra weeks to prepare. I was still training, but that’s all. I was in pretty good shape but not in fight shape,” Lemke said. “It’s one of those things where they ask you and you’re like, ‘Oh, man, I really want to do this, but.’ It’s just too big an opportunity not to. It’s not necessarily ideal, but as a fighter, absolutely you’re looking for that challenge, and Devin is one of the best guys in the game around here.”

He learned that first-hand, and in resounding fashion, when the two fighters previously clashed on May 10, 2014. Powell prevailed via choke-out in only 23 seconds.

That setting was Lemke’s comeback fight after his abrupt withdrawal from a title match against John Ortolani eight months earlier.

“It didn’t go very well last time. There were a lot of distractions and different circumstances for me leading up to that fight. I had to pull out of a title fight before that, which you never want to do. Three-quarters of the battle for me was just getting back in the cage,” Lemke said.

“I’m a completely different fighter now,” he added. “I think I’ve progressed everywhere, not just with my skills but with the approach I take. I’ve had quite a few fights and I’ve learned from both the wins and the losses. You always learn. Sometimes you learn the hard way.”

Lemke and Powell each enter the cage for the fourth time in less than a year. That activity is the reason neither man feels uneasy about accepting such a stern challenge after an abbreviated training camp.

In Powell’s case, fighting is simply a natural extension of his everyday life as owner and head instructor at Nostos MMA in Somersworth, N.H.

“I’m grateful for everything I have. I have a 4-year-old daughter and she likes to come to the academy and train jiu-jitsu,” Powell said. “I have a pretty amazing life. I only have to teach, train and fight. A lot of people don’t get more than a couple hours with their kids every night. We sacrifice a lot for this sport. People only see the 15 minutes of hell. They don’t see everything else.”

Powell is pleased to represent NEF for only the third time in his blossoming career.

“NEF is one of the biggest promotions in the country. They make superstars out of guys from Maine,” Powell said. “I fought for World Series of Fighting, and I don’t want to sound like I’m knocking them, but it was a much smaller show. NEF has a huge following, and now you see them going places like Cape Cod and Bangor, and that can only grow it even more. They do it right, and I’m glad to be able to step in there for them.”

Lemke faces the added pressure of fighting in front of not only White but his hometown fans from the Bangor area.

Many of them are not accustomed to the four-hour round trip for his encounters in Lewiston.

“A fight is still just a fight, and the next fight is the biggest fight regardless. You never know who could be there watching or what could happen as a result,” Lemke said, suggesting that he is more concerned with his opponent. “Devin is a phenomenal fighter. He has a great skill set. He’s highly touted and he has a great record to back it up. It’s definitely the challenge of a lifetime for me. He’s also a great guy outside the cage. I get along with him well. I think we respect each other.”

Powell confirmed those suspicions, although he reiterated that his objective is nothing less than another decisive victory.

“He’s a good guy. I don’t have to go to that deep, dark place. I understand that my job is to hurt someone so badly that the referee has to step in to save his life. It’s a beautiful, violent sport. I respect anyone who has the courage to get in there with the same goals as me,” Powell said. “I’m expecting a brouhaha with Lemke. He’s aggressive. He comes to fight. I like to do the same things. The first fight was short-lived. If I’m able to repeat that, I’m sure Dana White will be happy.”

“NEF Presents Dana White: Looking for a Fight” takes place on Friday, August 5, 2016 at Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine. Tickets are on sale now at www.CrossInsuranceCenter.com or by calling the box office at 800.745.3000.

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 and www.flocombat.com, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

amateur mixed martial arts, Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

YOUNG’S MMA HAS HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE ON AUGUST 5 IN BANGOR

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Bangor, Maine (July 28, 2016) – The dedicated delegation from Young’s MMA of Bangor usually relish their reputation as road warriors in New England Fights.

Lewiston is long established as the hub city for the organization, drawing competitors and spectators from both directions on the Maine Turnpike. Fighters and fans from the Penobscot River valley find that staying engaged for those fight cards four or five times a year requires greater commitment than most.

For only the second time in its history, the regional promotion will bring its cage to the Queen City. “NEF Presents: Dana White Lookin’ for a Fight” is slated for Friday, August 5 at Cross Insurance Center.

Young’s, the gym located just a few blocks away at 127 Hammond Street, will celebrate by showcasing one of its fighters in four of the eight scheduled professional bouts. Battle-tested Ryan Sanders and relative newcomers Aaron Lacey, Josh Harvey and CJ Ewer all are poised to take their best shot with the support of a raucous, partisan crowd.

“That’s the most exciting part for me, being from Brewer. I went to Brewer High School,” Lacey said. “It was definitely a huge, huge draw for me, seeing it in person. I went to the fights when NEF came to Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion (July 12, 2013) and all I could think is, ‘Man, I want to do this.’ This has been a goal of mine for a long time.”

Sanders (10-7) will battle Derrick Kennington (11-7) in a clash of wily lightweights that will be on the featured attractions on the docket.

His three stablemates each emerged victorious in their only previous pro bout. Lacey will lock up with John Santos (3-3) of Derry, N.H., in a featherweight fight. Harvey has an appointment at featherweight. Ewer, who won an amateur bout at the outdoor concert venue in Bangor, will be tested by Ruben Redman (0-1) in a welterweight scrap.

Even with numerous friends in attendance, the four men know it is the presence of UFC president White, who grew up in nearby Hermon, which could have career-changing ramifications.

“It’s a great opportunity. It’s awesome to know that someone like that is going to be in the building on fight night,” Sanders said. “But for me it’s just another fight. I don’t want to get caught up in all that. Just let it unfold.”

White and cohorts Din Thomas and Matt Serra travel the country in pursuit of undiscovered MMA talent in a reality show that is broadcast on White’s YouTube page as well as the UFC Fight Pass subscription-based streamed video service.

Yes, the entrepreneur’s Maine connections are well-documented. White also previously brought UFC Fight Night 47 to Bangor. Young’s talent pool suspects that the latest event is more than just a case of White throwing a bone to his home base, however.

“I’m grateful that he’s bringing it here. I’m sure he’s watched film from NEF in his spare time. He must see something in NEF that he likes in order to be doing this,” Harvey said. “It doesn’t make me more nervous. I’m excited for it. I’m going to try to put that all aside and focus on the task at hand.”

Under the tutelage of co-owners Chris Young and Ernie Fitch, roughly five or six professionals and a dozen amateurs cycle through the gym in any given training camp.

“Four of us fighting, it just shows we’re the best gym in the area. Three of us are undefeated. We’re producing studs. People see that and want to train with the best guys they can,” Sanders said. “We definitely push each other. You have guys who kick your ass every day. We want the best for each other. That’s why we’re here.”

Harvey expects the numbers and commitment to grow after White’s visit. He has been training at Young’s for three years. The cage side seat at the waterfront inspired him to step up his own training regimen. It’s a built-in advantage, Harvey noted, that has belonged almost exclusively to Lewiston until now.

“That’s what gets most people started. They go and see the fights and they want to try it,” Harvey said. “That’s why you see places like Central Maine BJJ (Lewiston) and First Class MMA (Topsham) growing so much. The fights are right there in their backyard.”

Lacey characterizes Young’s as “a gym full of killers.”

The statistics underscore Lacey’s point. The three pros with unblemished records all won their debut in two minutes or less.

“Ryan has only gone to a decision I think one time in his career. He’s a finisher. Josh won his fight by submission in the first round. CJ is super strong,” Lacey said. “They challenge me to be the best I can be every day. They keep me focused not just in the gym but in the game of life outside the cage.”

Although he is facing an opponent with significantly greater experience, Lacey expects a helpful adrenaline rush from having so many familiar faces at his back.

“It is different. I fought I think seven times in Lewiston between amateur fights and my pro debut,” he said. “This gives me a chance to be in my comfort zone. And a lot of my fans can’t make it down there. By the time you figure in the travel, the price of the tickets, maybe staying overnight, they just can’t do it.”

Harvey agreed, pointing out that it’s the initial fight for which he hasn’t needed to pack a suitcase.

“This will be the first time I’ve slept in my own bed the night before a fight. I think it’s a huge advantage,” Harvey said. “Some people might think with more of your fans there that there’s more pressure, but I think it just builds you up.”

“NEF Presents Dana White: Looking for a Fight” takes place on Friday, August 5, 2016 at Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine. Tickets are on sale now at www.CrossInsuranceCenter.com or by calling the box office at 800.745.3000.

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 and www.flocombat.com, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights, wrestling

NEF ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF WRESTLING ESSAY CONTEST

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Rumford, Maine (July 20, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number one regional fight promotion, earlier today announced the winners of this year’s contest to attend the University of Southern Maine’s (USM) annual “Brawlin’ Lobster Wrestling Clinic.”

 

Isaiah Cogswell, a junior at More High School in Bath, Maine and Benjamin Mahoney, a junior at York High School in York, Maine, will both have their tuition costs covered to attend this year’s clinic and will both receive a unique NEF prize package that includes tickets to “NEF 25: HEROES & VILLIANS” to be held on September 10th at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine. The contest was sponsored by NEF and NEF professional featherweight mixed martial artist, Brandon “The Dream Killer” Bushaw. In order to enter, applicants needed to submit a 200-word essay outlining how attending the 2016 clinic would help them to achieve their wrestling goals. Cogswell and Mahoney were selected out of over 40 applicants.

 

“I want to attend this camp so I can achieve my goal of Maine heavyweight champion and this camp will help me not only keep my skills but to improve upon them,” wrote Mahoney, who has placed at both mid-states and the Atlantic Invitational tournament since he began wrestling on the varsity team his freshman year. “I would like to show to my coaches that I am willing to take the extra step to show leadership and experience, so that I could also be a team captain this year.”

 

“This camp would give me an opportunity to be exposed to more coaching styles and learn more about who I am as a wrestler,” Cogswell, a varsity wrestler and KVAC Champion, wrote in his essay. “I am not done, I still have work to do to reach my goals.”

 

This year’s dual sponsorship to send two wrestlers to the clinic was made possible by the contribution of Brandon Bushaw, a two-time state wrestling champion and member of the Maine Amateur Wrestling Hall of Fame. After a successful career at Westbrook High School, Bushaw went on to wrestle at Michigan State University alongside teammates and UFC-standouts Rashad Evans and Gray Maynard. With almost 20 fights under his belt between his amateur and professional mixed martial arts careers, Bushaw has never forgotten his wrestling roots and the lessons he gained from competing in the sport.

 

“Wrestling has molded my life on and off the mat since my freshman year of high school,” said Bushaw.  “I look back and am so thankful to this day that Coach Walsh wouldn’t leave me alone about coming out for the Westbrook wrestling team all those years ago. If I can give back even one percent of what I got out of wrestling, it would be monumental to me. That’s why when I saw NEF was paying for a young wrestler to go to camp, I called Matt and told him I would like to send someone as well! I’m glad he accepted my offer and I hope that wrestling has the same impact on this young man’s life that it did mine!”

 

“Wrestling is one of the oldest and most effective martial arts in the world,” stated NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson. “Participating in the sport of wrestling has the potential to improve one’s performance in all areas of life. We’re proud to send these two deserving young men to the USM clinic this summer and hope this plays a part in helping them to achieve their goals both on and off the wrestling mat next season.”

 

“Myself and our coaching staff appreciate NEF and Brandon for sponsoring these wrestlers and giving them an opportunity to attend our camp,” stated Mike Morin, USM Head Wrestling Coach, himself a two-time All-American, when reached for comment. “We are the only NCAA program in the state and will have coaches from all over the Northeast as clinicians. These sponsorships are allowing these wrestlers to participate and learn at a high level. In turn, this only helps the state as a whole grow and get better.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF Presents Dana White: Looking for a Fight”  takes place on Friday, August 5, 2016 at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor,  Maine.  Tickets are on sale now at www.CrossInsuranceCenter.com or by calling the box office at 800.745.3000.

 

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 andwww.flocombat.com, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights, UFC

ERICKSON OUT, POWELL IN TO FACE LEMKE IN FRONT OF UFC PRESIDENT

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Bangor, Maine (July 18, 2016) – When Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) President Dana White comes to Bangor onAugust 5, 2016 to check out the local talent New England Fights (NEF) has to offer, Jesse “The Viking” Erickson (7-5) will unfortunately have to watch from the sidelines.  Erickson suffered an injury while training for his bout with Jon Lemke (5-5) previously-scheduled to take place that evening.  White will be present to record a future episode of his web series Dana White: Lookin’ for a Fight in which professional mixed-martial-artists have a shot at earning a UFC contract based on their performance.

 

Within mere hours of being informed of Erickson’s injury, NEF executives had found a replacement in the form of the promotion’s reigning professional lightweight champion Devin Powell (7-1).  The bout will be a non-title contest scheduled for three-rounds at a catchweight of 160-pounds.  It is a rematch of a May 2014 NEF fight which Powell won via first-round submission.  Should Lemke win the rematch, he will be in line for a title shot in the rubber match.

 

“Once again, I am incredibly thankful and grateful to NEF for making this fight happen,” said Lemke.  “Getting an opponent change last minute is usually pretty stressful. Not this time, however, as the crew at NEF was on top of it, and the next day I had a new opponent.  I am very much looking forward to getting another crack at Devin, as I had a horrible showing in our first fight.  Devin is a highly-touted and talented fighter and I expect an all out battle for sure.  I have been looking forward to another crack at him for some time and you will see the best Jon Lemke yet.”

 

“Taking a short notice fight against Lemke was a no brainer,” stated Powell.  “No way could I pass on a chance to fight a fellow Mainer a few hours away from my mom’s hometown of Allagash, Maine.  Dana, I hope you get your popcorn, because you’re about to see a show. Hell or high water, I’m getting my hand raised.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF Presents Dana White: Looking for a Fight”  takes place on Friday, August 5, 2016 at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor,  Maine.  Tickets are on sale now at www.CrossInsuranceCenter.com or by calling the box office at 800.745.3000.

 

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 andwww.flocombat.com, 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.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

DANA WHITE: LOOKIN’ FOR A FIGHT CARD ANNOUNCED FOR BANGOR EVENT

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Bangor, Maine (July 12, 2016) – Earlier today, New England Fights (NEF) announced the fight card for the promotion’s August 5, 2016 event at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine.  Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) President Dana White will be present at the event to scout talent for his web show Dana White: Lookin’ for a Fight.  Eight professional mixed-martial-arts (MMA) bouts will be presented before White.  Sixteen competitors will look to impress the UFC boss and earn a contract with the largest MMA promotion in the world.

 

In the main event, “The Fearless” Alfred Khashakyan (7-2) will face Brazilian prospect Ricardo Lucas Ramos (8-1) in a bantamweight contest.  Based out of Glendale, California, Khashakyan is a finisher, having won seven of his last eight bouts via knockout or technical knockout.  Khashakyan will be in good company on August 5 as his opponent does not believe in letting the judges decide the winner either.  Seven of Ramos’ eight wins have been finishes, including five submissions.

 

Maine lightweights Jon Lemke (5-5) and Jesse “The Viking” Erickson (7-5) will meet in a rematch of their Bellator 93 bout from 2013.  Lemke won the first battle in Lewiston via first round technical knockout.  Both Erickson and Lemke have recently challenged for the NEF MMA Professional Lightweight Title.  They are two of the top-ranked fighters in the state at 155-pounds.

 

Local, Bangor-based Young’s MMA will send no less than four competitors to the cage in hopes of winning a UFC contract.  “The” Ryan Sanders (10-7), Aaron “Relentless” Lacey (1-0), CJ Ewer (1-0), and Josh “Hook On” Harvey (1-0) will all be in action for the first time at the Cross.

 

In a bout that has all the makings of a “show-stealer,” Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) black belt Jarod “Last Minute” Lawton (4-2) is scheduled to face Mike “The Mustache” Hansen (4-4) in a middleweight bout.  Both will be looking to bounce back from losses in their respective previous bouts.  Hansen is a former state high school wrestling champion out of Mountain Valley High School in Rumford, Maine.

 

The full fight card (subject to change):

 

265-POUNDS: Brendan Battles (1-0) vs. Derrick Brown (4-3)

185-POUNDS: Jarod Lawton (4-2) vs. Mike Hansen (4-4)

170-POUNDS: CJ Ewer (1-0) vs. Ruben Redman (0-1)

155-POUNDS: Ryan Sanders (10-7) vs. Derrick Kennington (11-7)

155-POUNDS: Jesse Erickson (7-5) vs. Jon Lemke (5-5)

145-POUNDS: Josh Harvey (1-0) vs. Brandon Bushaw (2-2)

145-POUNDS: Aaron Lacey (1-0) vs. John Santos (3-3)

135-POUNDS: Alfred Khashakyan (7-2) vs. Ricardo Lucas Ramos (8-1)

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF Presents Dana White: Looking for a Fight”  takes place on Friday, August 5, 2016 at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor,  Maine.  Tickets are on sale now at www.CrossInsuranceCenter.com or by calling the box office at 800.745.3000.

 

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 andwww.flocombat.com, 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.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights, UFC

UFC PRESIDENT COMING TO BANGOR TO SCOUT NEF MMA TALENT

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NEF00_DanaWhitePromo_FBPost

Bangor, Maine (July 8, 2016) – It has been nearly a week since the news broke.  Dana White, the president of the world’s biggest mixed-martial-arts (MMA) promotion, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), will be coming home to scout New England Fights (NEF) talent for his web show Dana White: Lookin’ for a Fight.  The event will originate from the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor on Friday, August 5, 2016.  Tickets went on sale earlier today at the box office.

 

White graduated from Hermon High School in nearby Hermon, Maine in 1987.  He has never forgotten his roots, having generously donated $100,000 five years ago to help upgrade the school’s athletic facilities.  It is well-documented that White still maintains a residence in Levant, Maine where he often vacations.  In 2014, White was instrumental in the UFC bringing “Fight Night 47” to the Cross Insurance Center.

 

On August 5, White will scout several NEF MMA competitors during a live NEF event in Bangor, each fighter hoping to impress White and score a contract with the UFC.  The fights will be recorded for a future episode of Dana White: Lookin’ for a Fight which will air on White’s Youtube page and the UFC Fight Pass subscription-based video streaming service.  The premise of the reality show has White, lifelong friend Nick “The Tooth,” and retired UFC competitor Matt Serra (11-7) traveling the country looking for the next undiscovered talent to sign to the UFC.  The trio attends regional MMA events while sampling local food and culture.

 

“Obviously everyone knows I have deep roots in Bangor, Maine,” said White when reached in Las Vegas, Nevada.  “I already brought a UFC event to the Cross Center. Now, I’m very excited to bring my show Lookin’ For A Fight to scout the talent in the area and check out the local promotion New England Fights.”

 

Among the fighters already signed to compete will be “The” Ryan Sanders (10-8), Aaron Lacey (1-0), CJ Ewer (1-0) and Josh Harvey (1-0), all representing Bangor’s Young’s MMA.  An announcement on the full, all-pro fight card is expected next week.

 

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these fighters,” stated NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson.  “This is the chance to showcase their skills in front of the most powerful figure in this sport.  I’m expecting these fighters to light up the night with fireworks on August 5.”

 

“It’s such an honor to be selected to put this event on,” said NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo.  “NEF is always looking to move these fighters forward to the big stage.  So many NEF athletes have gone off to compete at the national level in the past few years, and hopefully we’ll have more going onAugust 5.  That’s the ultimate goal here for everyone.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF Presents Dana White: Looking for a Fight”  takes place on Friday, August 5, 2016 at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor,  Maine.  Tickets are on sale now at www.CrossInsuranceCenter.com or by calling the box office at 800.745.3000.

 

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 and www.flocombat.com, 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.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

HANSEN AND ANDRIKUT ON COLLISION COURSE SET FOR NEF 25

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (June 29, 2016) – They are two of the top light-heavyweights currently competing in New England Fights (NEF).  Their respective most recent wins were both against Jesse Baughman (0-2).  Both are accomplished wrestlers.  At some point,  Mike “The Mustache” Hansen (4-4) and Matt “The Beast From the North” Andrikut(2-0) were bound to collide.  That collision will take place at “NEF 25: HEROES & VILLAINS” on September 10, 2016 in Lewiston.  The mixed-martial-arts (MMA) contest is set at a fight weight of 205-pounds.

 

Hansen is the founder of the Berserkers MMA fight team based out of the Greater Rumford Community Center in Rumford, Maine.  He was a Maine state champion wrestling out of Mountain Valley High School.  Hansen dropped his last fight to Brendan Battles (1-0) at “NEF 23” in Hyannis, Massachusetts.  He had a chance to avenge that loss and get back on the winning track this month at “NEF 24,” but suffered a setback when his opponent fell out the morning of weigh-ins.

 

“This should be an exciting fight,” said Hansen. “Two good wrestlers ready to throw each other around sounds like a good time to me.  This should be my last fight at 205 most likely, though.  I’m heading down to 185-170 to try my luck against guys my size.  Fighting these big guys sure is exciting, but it cost my body a lot.  Expect nothing less than me coming ready to break him.”

 

Prior to his professional MMA career, Matt Andrikut wrestled for the University of Southern Maine (USM) and also boxed as an amateur.  He was a finalist in the Northern New England Golden Gloves.  During his amateur MMA career, Andrikut famously defeated Pat Walsh.  Walsh would later go on to compete in the UFC and World Series of Fighting at the national level.  Andrikut is 2-0 in the NEF MMA cage since debuting with the promotion last year.

 

“I am ready to be in the cage again,” said Andrikut from his home in Reno, Nevada.  “I know Mike is a tough wrestler and possibly an even tougher striker.  This is a fight that no one would want to miss.  I look forward to the challenge to further enhance my career in MMA towards a much deserved title shot in NEF.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF 25: HEROES & VILLAINS,” takes place on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.  Tickets will also be available at the door the night of the event.

 

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.”

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

YOUNG’S & FIRST CLASS MEET IN SECOND TITLE FIGHT AT NEF 25

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Lewiston, Maine (June 28, 2016) – Less than 24-hours after the announcement of the amateur light-heavyweight title fight between Young’s MMA’s Victor Irwin (2-0) and First Class MMA’s Nick Shea (2-0), fight promotion New England Fights (NEF)  released a second championship bout between the two gyms at “NEF 25: HEROES & VILLAINS.”  Undefeated Rafael “Air Guard” Velado (3-0), Shea’s teammate at First Class MMA, is scheduled to face Jimmy Jackson (3-2), a teammate of Irwin at Young’s MMA, for the vacant NEF mixed-martial-arts (MMA) amateur lightweight title.  The title was previously held by Josh Harvey (1-0) of Young’s MMA and vacated last April when he moved up to the professional ranks.

 

“First of all, I appreciate the opportunity that NEF has given me to show my skills in the cage,” said Velado.  “There are other promotions in New England, but nobody puts on a show like NEF.  I’ve made it very clear that I am here to fight the toughest guys I can and once again I’m getting my way.”

 

In Velado’s last fight, he took on and defeated Mike Peitersen (3-1).  In doing so, Velado handed him the first loss of his career.  Peitersen is another teammate of Jimmy Jackson at Young’s MMA.

 

“Leading up to the Mike Peitersen fight, he and I respectfully challenged each other to train hard and bring it,” Velado continued.  “I believe that we did that and then some.  Now I have another Young’s fighter in front of me and I couldn’t be happier. Jimmy Jackson has been looking good in his last few outings and I believe we are a good match-up.  I see a trend of BJJ players who come over into MMA and think they are just going to jits their way through every fight. I can assure you that I am not that guy and you will see a constant evolution of skills in my fights.”

 

Jackson will have the opportunity to gain a measure of revenge for his team against Velado.  After starting his amateur career at 1-2, Jackson has won his last two in a row, including a submission victory over Kris Welch (0-1) at “NEF 16” last year.

 

“Fighting Raf is a huge opportunity for me – an opportunity I am very grateful for,” said Jackson when reached for comment.  “This is the time for me to show how far I’ve come and how much time and work Chris Young (Young’s MMA head coach) and the rest of the coaching staff and team have put into making me the best version of myself.  I do this for them, my team and my family.”

 

“I am pumped to be fighting alongside my First Class MMA brothers and sisters in September and I will be so proud to hand that 155 NEF Championship belt to John Raio (First Class MMA head coach) and tell him, ‘There’s more where that came from,'” said Velado in closing.  “As far as ‘Heroes & Villains,’ I believe every man or woman who steps in that cage is a hero, but you have to have a little villain inside you to do what’s necessary to win.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF 25: HEROES & VILLAINS,” takes place on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.  Tickets will also be available at the door the night of the event.

 

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.”

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

GLOVER VACATES; A NEW LIGHT-HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION TO BE CROWNED AT NEF 25

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It was a bitterly cold night in Lewiston last February when Ryan Glover (3-1) won the New England Fights (NEF) mixed-martial-arts (MMA) amateur light-heavyweight title.  The months to come would see Glover accept a new job that would take him up and down the East Coast.  With little time to train to defend the title, and in the interest of doing right by the division, Glover recently made the difficult decision to relinquish the championship.

 

NEF executives were quick to act.  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced that Victor Irwin (2-0) would meet Nick Shea (2-0) to fill the vacancy.  The two undefeated athletes are scheduled to face-off to determine a new light-heavyweight champion at “NEF 25: HEROES & VILLAINS” onSeptember 10, 2016 in Lewiston.

 

Irwin was a standout wrestler at Brewer High School in Brewer, Maine at 195-pounds where he was a Class-A state champion.  His love for the sport is so strong that when Irwin attended Eastern Maine Community College (EMCC) and learned the school did not have a wrestling program, he created one himself.  As a college freshman in 2014 Irwin went to Nationals and achieved All-American status.  He currently trains out of Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine.

 

“I’ve thought a lot about this fight and I’ve come to the conclusion that it doesn’t matter what I say,” said Irwin, “it matters what I do, and come September 10thyou’re gonna see some serious doing.”

 

2015 was a great start to the MMA career of Nick Shea.  In February of that year, he won his debut fight over the much more experienced Jacob Cameron (1-5) via first-round technical knockout.  Later in the year, Shea would go on to defeat Ruben Redman (0-1) by decision in a hard-fought contest.  It would earn Shea a nomination for the “Rookie of the Year” in the 2015 NEF Year-End Awards.  On September 10 in Lewiston, Shea will attempt to become the first member of the First Class MMA fight team to capture gold in the NEF cage.

 

“It’s an honor to fight someone from Young’s MMA,” said Shea.  “I believe this will be my biggest test in the cage to date.  I’m grateful and excited to compete for the amateur light heavyweight title.  Victor and I will put on an exciting fight on Saturday, September 10th!”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF 25: HEROES & VILLAINS,” takes place on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.  Tickets will also be available at the door the night of the event.

 

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.”