Arkivji tal-Kategorija: New England tissielet

arti marzjali mħallta, MMA, New England tissielet, women's MMA

GLORY WATSON TO MAKE PROFESSIONAL FIGHT DEBUT AT NEF 43 IN ORONO

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Orono, Maine (Frar 24, 2020) - Tissielet New England (NEF) will present its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event at the Collins Center for the Arts on the University of Maine’s flagship Orono campus. The event, titled “NEF 43: Rampage,” will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2020, with a bell-time of 7 pm EDT. Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of a professional women’s strawweight bout to the card.Glory “The Fury” Watson(0-0) is scheduled to make her professional debut againstGrace Nowak(0-2) at a fight weight of 115 liri.

Glory Watson put together a stellar amateur record of 6-1 over the course of a mere 17 xhur, thereby becoming one of the hottest prospects in New England MMA. During that run, she captured the NEF Amateur Women’s Flyweight Title with a split decision win over Caree Hill (6-2) last summer at “NEF 39.” Watson’s sole loss came against an extremely tough Cara Greenwell (10-4) this past November. Watson took off NEF’s February event in Portland, Maine in order to prepare for her professional debut this spring. She is a member of Young’s MMA based in Bangor, Maine.

“I am beyond ecstatic to announce my debut into the professional rankings of the WMMA world,” said Glory Watson. “Many thanks to (NEF co-owners) Matt Peterson and Nick DiSalvo with New England Fights for putting on a show that allows me to progress my career with a very game opponent. I look forward to this big step in my journey and stepping into the cage once again!"

Grace Nowak is a longtime veteran of the MMA cage in the northeastern United States, having made her amateur debut back in 2010. Throughout her career, Nowak has fought regularly in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York. Nowak represents Behring Jiu-Jitsu based in Watertown, New York. The April 18 event will not only be the first time Nowak has fought in Maine, but also the first time she has visited the Pine Tree State.

“I’ve never been to Maine before so what better way to experience a new place,” said Nowak when reached for comment.  “I’m very excited to fight for NEF, and I’m looking forward to April 18.”

New England tissielet’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 43: Rampage,” will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2020, at the Collins Center for the Arts at UMaine Orono. Tickets will be on sale this week atwww.CollinsCenterfortheArts.com.  

About New England tissielet

New England tissielet ("NEF") hija ġlieda promozzjonijiet avvenimenti kumpanija. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for fighters and fans alike. Tim eżekuttiv NEF għandu l-esperjenza estensiva fil-ġestjoni isports miġġielda, produzzjoni avvenimenti, relazzjonijiet mal-midja, marketing, legali u r-reklamar.

arti marzjali mħallta, MMA, New England tissielet

FRED LEAR RETURNS TO THE MMA CAGE AT NEF 43 IN ORONO

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GĦALL-ĦRUĠ IMMEDJAT: Orono, Maine (Frar 20, 2020) - Tissielet New England (NEF) will present its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) at the Collins Center for the Arts on the University of Maine’s flagship Orono campus. The event, titled “NEF 43: Rampage,” will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2020, with a bell-time of 7 pm EDT. Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of a professional bantamweight bout to the card.Fred Lear (0-1) se tieħu fuqJason Rine (1-7) at a fight weight of 135 liri.

Fred Lear, who wrestled and played football for John Bapst Memorial High School in nearby Bangor, Maine, had one of the most successful amateur careers in NEF history. Lear finished his amateur career in 2019 ma 'rekord ta' 6-2-1 and an NEF Amateur Bantamweight Title to his credit. He entered the professional ranks last April in Portland, Maine, losing his debut to Bryant Bullock (2-1) via second-round submission. Lear experienced a disappointing setback when an opponent pulled out on him the night before weigh-ins at “NEF 40” last September. The Young’s MMA product will now look for the first win of his professional career on April 18 against Rine.

“2019 and the September fight card were difficult for me, but I wasn’t going to let it get in the way of supporting my team,” said Lear. “I feel as though people have forgotten who I am and what I’m here to do. Jason Rine is a Bellator vet and a consummate professional. I’m here, Jien bil-ġuħ, and April 18th I’m making the walk and leaving my mark.”

Jason Rine is indeed a Bellator veteran, having competed on the Bellator 215 card last year. Based out of Fredericktown, Ohio, Rine has become well-known throughout the New England region in recent years, traveling in to fight on many area events. While his record may appear on the surface to be that of a journeyman, Rine has taken nothing but tough bouts throughout his professional career, always showing up to fight. April 18 will see him make his debut with NEF.

“I’m very excited to come to Maine and fight for NEF against a game opponent in Fred Lear,” stated Rine when reached for comment.  “I’m ready to test myself in a new promotion in a new state. Time for a fresh start and a new beginning.”

New England tissielet’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 43: Rampage,” will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2020, at the Collins Center for the Arts at UMaine Orono. Tickets will be on sale this week atwww.CollinsCenterfortheArts.com.  

About New England tissielet

New England tissielet ("NEF") hija ġlieda promozzjonijiet avvenimenti kumpanija. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for fighters and fans alike. Tim eżekuttiv NEF għandu l-esperjenza estensiva fil-ġestjoni isports miġġielda, produzzjoni avvenimenti, relazzjonijiet mal-midja, marketing, legali u r-reklamar.

amateur mixed martial arts, Dilettanti MMA, arti marzjali mħallta, MMA, New England tissielet

RICHARD TO PUT LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE ON THE LINE AGAINST CORSON AT NEF 43

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GĦALL-ĦRUĠ IMMEDJAT: Orono, Maine (Frar 19, 2020) - Tissielet New England (NEF) will present its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) at the Collins Center for the Arts on the University of Maine’s flagship Orono campus. The event, titled “NEF 43: Rampage,” will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2020, with a bell-time of 7 pm EDT.Zac “Rocky” Richard(6-2-1) is scheduled to defend the NEF Amateur Lightweight Title that evening against the challenge ofDevin Corson(3-1).  They will meet at the lightweight championship limit of 155 pounds in a bout scheduled for five three-minute rounds.

Richard won the then-vacant championship last November in Portland, Maine with a unanimous decision victory over “Magic” Mike Murray (3-2).  He is no stranger to titles, having won a Maine State Championship wrestling for Massabesic High School in Waterboro in 2015. The win capped a tremendous sophomore year in the cage for Richard as the follow-up to his 2018 “Rookie of the Year” season. The last time Richard fought on the stage of the Collins Center, f'Settembru 2019, he scored a vicious slam knockout of Erik Tainter (0-2).  The slam has become a signature move for Richard over the course of his young career. He is a product of Nostos MMA of Somersworth, New Hampshire where he trains under UFC veteran and former NEF Professional Lightweight Champion Devin Powell (10-4).

“Devin can say whatever he wants about me winning my title ‘at the right time,’” said Richard. “He’s had his offers. He’s got it. Unluckily for him, he’s got the most motivated Zac there has ever been. I do predict this fight, għalkemm, to be a great one.”

Speaking of slams, there may be no athlete who has ever delivered more highlight-reel slams in the NEF cage than the challenger Devin Corson. Like Richard, Corson brings a strong wrestling base with him to the MMA game, having been a standout competitor on the mats for Foxcroft Academy in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine. Corson is currently riding a two-fight win-streak with unanimous decision wins over both Jacob Deppmeyer (issa 1-0 bħala pro) and Taylor Bartlett (2-3-1) in 2019. He represents the Outlet based in Dexter, Maine.

“I don’t think much about Zac besides he is in my way,” stated Corson. “He’s the man I have to defeat to get the 155 belt. After all is said and done, I will be the one with my hand raised.”

New England tissielet’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 43: Rampage,” will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2020, at the Collins Center for the Arts at UMaine Orono. Tickets will be on sale this week atwww.CollinsCenterfortheArts.com.  

About New England tissielet

New England tissielet ("NEF") hija ġlieda promozzjonijiet avvenimenti kumpanija. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for fighters and fans alike. Tim eżekuttiv NEF għandu l-esperjenza estensiva fil-ġestjoni isports miġġielda, produzzjoni avvenimenti, relazzjonijiet mal-midja, marketing, legali u r-reklamar.

arti marzjali mħallta, MMA, New England tissielet

BERMUDEZ VICTORIOUS, ERICKSON PUTS ON A CLINIC AS NEF BRINGS A SYMPHONY OF DESTRUCTION TO THE MERRILL AUDITORIUM STAGE

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GĦALL-ĦRUĠ IMMEDJAT: Portland, Maine (Frar 10, 2020) – More than 2000 braved frigid temperatures on Saturday night as New England Fights (NEF) brought its most recent mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event to the stage of Merrill Auditorium in Portland. 22 fights took place under the shadow of the world-famous 1911 Kotzschmar Memorial Organ. It was NEF’s debut at the century-old venue, and the event opened the venerable fight promotion’s ninth season of MMA competition.

Fil-avveniment ewlieni tal-lejla, Veteran UFCManny “The Bermudez Triangle” Bermudez(15-2) sottomessaBruce "Boy Pretty" Boyington (19-12) with a guillotine choke in the first round. The bout was originally scheduled to be contested for the NEF Professional Lightweight Title, but with Bermudez missing championship weight, he was not eligible to win the belt. The title currently remains vacant.

Bermudez’s victory capped a perfect night for the South Shore Sportfighting team of Rockland, Massachusetts. Teammates Darryl Andrews (1-0) u Tim Birkenhead (2-0) were both successful in their respective fights to lift their gym to a 3-0 record on the event.

Also going 3-0 on the evening was the team of Evolution Athletix based in Saco, Maine.Teddy Politis (1-0), Ben Grady (1-0), uTyler Smythe (1-0) all stopped their opponents within the first minute of the first round of their respective fights to win their respective amateur debuts.

The biggest story of the night, undoubtedly, came in the co-main event as longtime NEF veteranJesse “The Viking” Erickson(10-8) mogħtijaJosh “Hook On” Harvey(7-1-1) the first loss of his professional career. Erickson, who represents both Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Recon Fitness, put on a brilliant jiu-jitsu clinic that will be remembered for years to come. Trapped against the cage by Harvey early-on in the first round, Erickson pulled guard and transitioned through a chain of submissions before finally settling in with an armbar to force the tapout, sending the Portland crowd into an absolute frenzy.

In a wild heavyweight slugfest that also took place on the professional portion of the card, Ras “Rasquatch” Hylton (5-3) downedBrad Lee(0-1) via technical knockout in the second round. After several minutes of feeling each other out, the pair exchanged in a back-and-forth slobber-knocker in the closing moments of the first round. A little over a minute into the second round, the referee called a halt to the action after several unanswered strikes from the 6’6” Hylton.

Hylton’s First Class MMA teammateJacob Deppmeyer(1-0) had a successful pro debut, jisfrattaCarl Langston(0-5) via first-round technical knockout. Deppmeyer, trapped Langston in a reverse triangle and rained down a series of unanswered elbows, giving the referee no option but to stop the bout at that point.

On the amateur card, top prospectMike Bezanson (5-0) of Kaze Dojo remained undefeated with a technical knockout win overGreg Ishihara(2-2) fl-ewwel rawnd.

Also remaining undefeated in the amateur ranks wereNate “The Mule” White(5-0) uCaleb “Dr. Feelgood” Austin (4-0), both fighting out of CMBJJ, who finished their respective opponents in the first round.

Another CMBJJ product, Garry Carr (3-1), broke his own record for a second consecutive time when he became, yet again, the oldest athlete to win a fight in the NEF cage. At 58-years-young, Carr took a unanimous decision victory over 23-year-old Austin Hamilton (0-2) in a catchweight amateur fight.

NEF also announced that its next event would see the promotion return to the campus of UMaine Orono at the Collins Center for the Arts on April 18 with “NEF 43: Rampage.” Already confirmed for the event, Zac “Rocky” Richard(6-2-1) will defend the NEF Amateur Lightweight Title againstDevin Corson(3-1), filwaqtChelsea Tucker(3-3) is scheduled to meet Oregon’sCaree Hill(6-2) for the NEF Amateur Women’s Flyweight Championship, and Caleb Austin facesJames Ploss (1-2) in a long-awaited rematch of their controversial 2017 aħħar.

The full “NEF 42” results from Portland, Maine:

PROFESSJONALI

Manny Bermudez def. Bruce Boyington via tap to guillotine, round 1

Jesse Erickson def. Josh Harvey via tap to armbar, round 1

Ras Hylton def. Brad Lee via technical knockout, round 2

Chris Caterino def. Nate Boucher via tap to armbar, round 1

Jacob Deppmeyer def. Carl Langston via technical knockout, round 1

Dilettanti

Tim Birkenhead def. Mike Murray via tap to kneebar, round 2

Joe Howard def. Justin Kangas via KO, round 1

Mike Bezanson def. Greg Ishihara via technical knockout, round 1

Felipe Gunter def. Hannon Sanford via unanimous decision

Nate White def. Brian Cosco via technical knockout, round 1

Darryl Andrews def. Titus Pannell via unanimous decision

Jason Landry def. Dustin Carrier via technical knockout, round 2

Tyler Smythe def. Clifford Redman via technical submission, round 1

Garry Carr def. Austin Hamilton via unanimous decision

Ryan Fogg def. Giuliano Rossi via doctor stoppage, round 2

Ben Grady def. Jon Assam via KO, round 1

Tim Bergeron def. Henry Jeffs via technical knockout, round 1

Caleb Austin def. Dillon Henry via tap to rear-naked choke, round 1

Dylan Williams def. Wyatt Sochin via split decision

Randall Hathorn def. Tim Murray via technical knockout, round 1

Henry Clark def. Taylor Bartlett via technical submission, round 1

Teddy Politis def. Kevin Lamay via tap to Kimura, round 1

New England tissielet’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 43: Rampage,” will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2020, at the Collins Center for the Arts at UMaine Orono. Tickets will be on sale this week atwww.CollinsCenterfortheArts.com.  

About New England tissielet

New England tissielet ("NEF") hija ġlieda promozzjonijiet avvenimenti kumpanija. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for fighters and fans alike. Tim eżekuttiv NEF għandu l-esperjenza estensiva fil-ġestjoni isports miġġielda, produzzjoni avvenimenti, relazzjonijiet mal-midja, marketing, legali u r-reklamar.

arti marzjali mħallta, MMA, New England tissielet

25TH BOUT ADDED TO NEF 42 ĠLIEDA CARD; CATERINO STEPS IN TO FACE BOUCHER

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GĦALL-ĦRUĠ IMMEDJAT: Portland, Maine (Jannar 27, 2020) – New England tissielet (NEF) will hold its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) avveniment, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” nhar is-Sibt, Frar 8, 2020, at Merrill Auditorium in Portland. Last Friday, NEF announced the full fight card for the event with 24 bouts scheduled to take place. Earlier today, the fight promotion confirmed a 25th fight for the card.Nate “Backpack” Boucher(0-0) se jiltaqaChris Caterino (3-3) at a catchweight of 140 liri.

Boucher was originally scheduled to face Norman Fox (0-1) in his pro debut. Fox, after initially calling out Boucher on social media to accept a fight with him in the professional ranks, pulled out of the contest in the days leading up to the fight card announcement. Boucher, who most recently held the NEF Amateur Flyweight Championship with an amateur record of 6-3, was determined to make his pro debut at “NEF 42” despite the Fox pullout. NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson was able to quickly confirm a replacement opponent in the form of Caterino.

“I was incredibly disappointed when Norman pulled out against me—especially considering all the smack he talked to get the fight in the first place—but what a relief that I’ll still be able to be part of such a groundbreaking, historic NEF card,” said Boucher. “I’m so grateful that I get to make my pro debut in such a beautiful venue as the Merrill Auditorium. Respect to Chris for stepping up on short notice to take this bout. I will be doubling down in my preparation efforts during the next two weeks to make a statement on February 8th and leave no doubts that I belong in the pro ranks with the best in the region.”

Chris Caterino is a longtime veteran of the New England MMA scene, having made his amateur debut in 2010. Although he is taking the fight on short notice, Caterino has been very active of late and will, ebda dubju, be prepared for Boucher. One week ago, Caterino submitted Joey Sanchez (0-4) in the first round of a bout in New Hampshire. It was his third fight in a nine-month stretch. Caterino represents Gate City MMA of Nashua, New Hampshire where he trains with New England MMA legend Nuri Shakir (18-21).

“I’m excited to make my NEF debut,” said Caterino. “I look forward to a great night and plan on getting the ‘W.’”

New England tissielet’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” will take place on Saturday, Frar 8, 2020, at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine. Biljetti jinsabu għall-bejgħ issa filwww.PortTix.com.

About New England tissielet

New England tissielet ("NEF") hija ġlieda promozzjonijiet avvenimenti kumpanija. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for fighters and fans alike. Tim eżekuttiv NEF għandu l-esperjenza estensiva fil-ġestjoni isports miġġielda, produzzjoni avvenimenti, relazzjonijiet mal-midja, marketing, legali u r-reklamar.

arti marzjali mħallta, MMA, New England tissielet

HEAVYWEIGHT FIGHTS AND HARDCORE MUSIC ALL IN A WEEKEND’S WORK FOR BRAD LEE

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GĦALL-ĦRUĠ IMMEDJAT: Portland, Maine (Jannar 22, 2020)

Il-ġimgħa, Frar 7 and Saturday, Frar 8 promise to be a heavyweight weekend in Portland, Maine for Brad Lee.

On the opening night, Lee will put his lungs to the test as lead vocalist for a hardcore band known as Instigate, which will hold a CD release party in conjunction with its performance at Geno’s Rock Club.

Then he’ll exchange the microphone for a pair of gloves and attempt to play a two-fisted tune on Ras Hylton in the New England Fights mixed martial arts cage.

Lee will make his MMA debut against the veteran Ras “Rasquatch” “The Jamaican Shamrock” Hylton (4-3) in a professional bout at NEF 42: “Symphony of Destruction” inside another renowned concert venue, Merrill Auditorium.

“I absolutely want to make a living out of it,” Lee said of his immediate jump to the pro ranks after a diverse combat sports upbringing. “I feel that I’m fairly marketable. I think I can make a bit of a splash in this corner of the world. I would say I have humble confidence.”

He’s more understated about the musical exploits. Lee characterizes that side of his performance artistry as the typical garage band with small dreams.

“It’s been a huge part of my life. If you’re a big kid with a skateboard, it’s probably going to lead to music and fighting eventually,"Lee qal.

“But it’s definitely not about the money,” he added. “It’s literally a band of friends doing it to hang out with our other friends on the weekend. We couldn’t (care less) about stadiums. We’re not Metallica. It’s just a hobby. It’s an outlet for me to get out the (stuff) that’s in my head. It’s just a hobby.”

In the same way that new fighters are required to earn their way upward on fight posters, Lee, who said he “dabbles” with guitar, sounds most excited about the New England-based bands with whom Instigate gets to share the stage.

“Death Before Dishonor and Cruel Hand, if you know anything about that scene, those are big names,"Lee qal. “It would have been a great show regardless of whether we were there or not.”

Turning pro in the NEF hexagon without any amateur background isn’t the typical journey, but Lee saw it as the wisest path after a frustrating year of trying to locate willing opponents.

Most potential foes, huwa qal, were intimidated by his 6-foot-4 frame and what was then a walking-around weight of more than 300 liri. The heavyweight limit is 265.

“I had five different opponents with three different promotions, including NEF, cancel on me. I had fights where the opponent took the fight with me, backed out, and then took a heavyweight fight on the same card,"Lee qal. “I don’t want to mention names, but one guy in Ras’ circle (did that). I just got fed up and annoyed with guys holding back my career.”

Lee said he eventually contacted NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson to inquire about the pro landscape within his promotion.

Hylton, who casts a similarly imposing shadow at 6-6, is coming off a sequence of two losses in his past three appearances, including a knockout loss to Chris Sarro – another fighter making his pro debut – last September.

“Matt put Ras out there. I watched the videos and talked to my coaches and went ahead with it,"Lee qal. “He’s coming off two hard fights. He seems like a respectful guy. I’m sure some people in his camp think I’m a (jerk). The thing about me in the social media world is I only release what I want people to see. People can talk (crap) all they want.”

In one of his videos, which Lee entitled, “What Makes a Pro a Pro?,” he breaks down what he considers the misconception that an amateur career is a necessity for MMA success.

“Look at Jon Jones. Issa, I’m not saying I’m Jon Jones, but he became a world champion without any (arti marzjali) belts at all,"Lee qal. “So what is it? Is it that he can knock guys out? I’ve knocked out a bunch of guys in my life. Is it his cardio? My cardio is pretty good.

“You know, I just got tired of waiting around for other people. When I was getting ready to fight about a year ago, I realize I was right at the top of the weight class, but it’s like people were scared. I tfisser, if you don’t want to be a heavyweight then get down to 205 or whatever. I’m a lot lighter and in better shape now. People probably would have been better off fighting me last year.”

Boxing and judo are the primary skills in Lee’s tool kit, although he describes himself as a voracious cross-trainer.

“I think the MMA world sleeps on boxing quite a bit,"Lee qal. “Muay Thai seems to be the thing, but the Muay Thai guys get their faces hit a lot. But I train anything and everything. I’ll do Tai chi in a park with somebody if it helps me get better, I don’t care.”

Lee, 29, is based out of Paladin Combat Sports in Clinton, Massachusetts, where he said he will stack up his schedule and intensity level against almost anyone his size in the combat sports game.

“Win or lose, I’ll be back in the gym on Monday. Compared to what I’ve seen from most UFC and Bellator heavyweights, I work out harder than most of them,"Lee qal. “I was 316 pounds less than a year ago. If anyone wants to check me on my motivation or dedication, tell them to check the scale (at weigh-ins) on February 7.”

Wara, fans are invited to follow Lee down the street to Geno’s and listen to him pursue his other passion the night before he makes his debut in the NEF cage.

New England tissielet’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” will take place on Saturday, Frar 8, 2020, at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine. Biljetti jinsabu għall-bejgħ issa filwww.PortTix.com.

About New England tissielet

New England tissielet ("NEF") hija ġlieda promozzjonijiet avvenimenti kumpanija. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for fighters and fans alike. Tim eżekuttiv NEF għandu l-esperjenza estensiva fil-ġestjoni isports miġġielda, produzzjoni avvenimenti, relazzjonijiet mal-midja, marketing, legali u r-reklamar.

arti marzjali mħallta, MMA, New England tissielet

HOWARD AND KANGAS SCHEDULED FOR LIGHTWEIGHT TUSSLE AT NEF 42

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GĦALL-ĦRUĠ IMMEDJAT: Portland, Maine (Jannar 20, 2020) - Tissielet New England (NEF) will hold its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) avveniment, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” nhar is-Sibt, Frar 8, 2020, at Merrill Auditorium in Portland. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur lightweight bout to the fight card.Joe Howard(2-3) se jiltaqaJustin Kangas(0-2) at a fight weight of 155 liri.

Joe Howard is coming off a win over Jesse Fitzsimmons (0-2) at “NEF 41” last November. The fight was stopped by the referee on advice from the ringside physician between the first and second rounds when a cut on Fitzsimmons’ forehead could not be closed. It marked the end of a three-fight losing streak for Howard. Howard currently represents Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu based in Lewiston, Maine, and has recently moved back to his home state of Georgia.

“I’m not in this for fortune and fame—this is business and I want that gold and I’ll keep mining the NEF until I get it,” exclaimed Howard. “Thank you to Justin for taking this fight. I applaud Justin—I’ve been on a two-fight losing streak and I know what that feels like, so I know that he’s going to be a real challenge. But I’m the principal of this cage, and I’m about to school his ass with Southern class. Pack your lunch pail—New England is about to learn who the peach is.”

As Howard alluded to, Justin Kangas is by day the principal of Warren Community School in Warren, Maine. Kangas has competed twice previously in the NEF cage, losing to Nate White (4-0) and Nathaniel Grimard (1-0) respectively. He seeks his first win as an amateur at “NEF 42.” Kangas represents First Class MMA of Brunswick, Maine.

“I am excited to have another opportunity to fight for NEF and am grateful to Joe for taking the fight,” said Kangas.  “Joe is a warrior and it will undoubtedly be a tough bout for sure. I look forward to the challenge and opportunity in front of me.”

New England tissielet’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” will take place on Saturday, Frar 8, 2020, at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine. Biljetti jinsabu għall-bejgħ issa filwww.PortTix.com.

About New England tissielet

New England tissielet ("NEF") hija ġlieda promozzjonijiet avvenimenti kumpanija. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for fighters and fans alike. Tim eżekuttiv NEF għandu l-esperjenza estensiva fil-ġestjoni isports miġġielda, produzzjoni avvenimenti, relazzjonijiet mal-midja, marketing, legali u r-reklamar.

arti marzjali mħallta, MMA, New England tissielet

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

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GĦALL-ĦRUĠ IMMEDJAT: Portland, Maine (Jannar 19, 2020) - Tissielet New England (NEF) will hold its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) avveniment, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” nhar is-Sibt, Frar 8, 2020, at Merrill Auditorium in Portland. Earlier today, NEF announced a change to one-half of the card’s main event.Manny “The Bermudez Triangle” Bermudez(14-2) issa se jiffaċċjawBruce "Boy Pretty" Boyington(17-11) for the vacant NEF Professional Lightweight Championship in the night’s headline fight.

Bermudez stepped in to replace his teammate and training partner Josh Grispi (14-5) who was originally scheduled to meet Boyington. Grispi was forced to bow out of the main event due to legal complications unforeseen at the time of the bout’s signing. Mere hours after losing Grispi, NEF executives were notified that Bermudez would accept the fight with Boyington.

Like Grispi, Bermudez is a veteran of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) – the pinnacle of the sport. He put together a record of 3-2 while competing in the promotion before being released this past October. All three of Bermudez’s wins in the UFC came by way of submission. The fight with Boyington will be Bermudez’s first since his release.

“I’m looking forward to coming up to Bruce’s home turf and showing where it is I belong on the regional circuit,” stated Bermudez.  “I have experience at various levels in the sport and Bruce does too, so it’ll be interesting to see how the matchup unfolds on fight night.”

Bruce Boyington has never been one to back down from a challenge. The Taekwondo black belt and US Marine Corp veteran has made a career of fighting the “best of the best” whether it be in the NEF cage, at Madison Square Garden fighting for the World Series of Fighting (WSOF) on national television, or halfway across the world competing on a global event in Russia. Boyington, a member of Titan Athletics based in Brewer, Maine, looks to capture the lightweight strap for the second time on February 8.

“There is no easy fight and this makes for the same scenario – a main event worthy of any card,” said Boyington.  “Two high caliber fighters – that’s the kind of fight I like to be in.”

Adding to the high-caliber aspect of the fight, two streaks held by Boyington and Bermudez respectively make the fight even that much more intriguing. Boyington has never lost a title fight. He is a perfect 7-0 when a championship strap is on the line. In the same breadth, Bermudez has never lost a regional fight as a professional. He was a perfect 11-0 on the regional scene prior to signing with the UFC. On February 8, someone’s “0” will have to go.

“I first met Manny Bermudez 11-years ago one random weekend while visiting his home gym, South Short Sportfighting,” noted NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson.  “He was a young, gangling teenager at the time that was giving fits on the floor to men two and three times his age. Manny made the gym his second home and the rest, kif jgħidu, is history—Manny went on to have a great run in the UFC. When Josh Grispi was forced to pull out of his fight with Bruce, Bruce gave me one directive for a replacement opponent—‘make sure they are good,’ he said. Bruce always wants to face the best and that’s what we were able to bring him in Bermudez. This is a main event fit for a symphony.”

New England tissielet’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” will take place on Saturday, Frar 8, 2020, at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine. Biljetti jinsabu għall-bejgħ issa filwww.PortTix.com.

About New England tissielet

New England tissielet ("NEF") hija ġlieda promozzjonijiet avvenimenti kumpanija. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for fighters and fans alike. Tim eżekuttiv NEF għandu l-esperjenza estensiva fil-ġestjoni isports miġġielda, produzzjoni avvenimenti, relazzjonijiet mal-midja, marketing, legali u r-reklamar.

arti marzjali mħallta, MMA, New England tissielet

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

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GĦALL-ĦRUĠ IMMEDJAT: Portland, Maine (Jannar 17, 2020) - Tissielet New England (NEF) will hold its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) avveniment, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” nhar is-Sibt, Frar 8, 2020, at Merrill Auditorium in Portland. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional catchweight bout to the card.Keegan “The Flu” Hornstra(4-11) se tieħu fuqRyan “The Roosta” Cushing(0-0) at a fight weight of 160 liri.

Keegan Hornstra is a longtime veteran of the New England MMA fight scene, having made his amateur debut a decade ago. He returned to the cage last April after a three-year absence and defeated Zenon Herrera (1-8) by first-round submission at “NEF 38.” Hornstra had a quick turnaround for his next fight, taking on Dom Jones (2-3) just a few weeks later at “NEF 39.” Unfortunately for Hornstra, he was on the losing end of that contest. He will look to get back in the win column on February 8. Hornstra currently represents Evolution Athletix based in Saco, Maine.

“He won’t show,” predicted Hornstra of his opponent. “If he does, bring umbrellas, because I’m sending teeth into the crowd.”

Ryan Cushing will make his professional debut at “NEF 42.” He is an independent fighter based out of Massachusetts. Cushing was a perfect 2-0 as an amateur with both victories coming by way of first-round submission.

“Keegan is a fantastic person and a veteran that I really respect,” said Cushing.  “He also has really turned himself around lately and looks better than ever, and he is someone I always got along with when I crossed paths and spoke with him, so it’s going to be pretty cool sharing the cage with him. I’m excited to test myself against him in the cage and in the ‘best facial hair’ battle at weigh-ins.”

New England tissielet’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” will take place on Saturday, Frar 8, 2020, at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine. Biljetti jinsabu għall-bejgħ issa filwww.PortTix.com.

About New England tissielet

New England tissielet ("NEF") hija ġlieda promozzjonijiet avvenimenti kumpanija. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for fighters and fans alike. Tim eżekuttiv NEF għandu l-esperjenza estensiva fil-ġestjoni isports miġġielda, produzzjoni avvenimenti, relazzjonijiet mal-midja, marketing, legali u r-reklamar.

arti marzjali mħallta, MMA, New England tissielet

2019 NEF YEAR END AWARDS “FIGHTER OF THE YEAR” NOMINEES ANNOUNCED

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GĦALL-ĦRUĠ IMMEDJAT: Portland, Maine (Diċembru 20, 2019) - Tissielet New England (NEF) today announced the nominees for their annual Year End Awards for 2019’s “Fighter of the Year.” The four nominated fighters who earned top honors in 2019 kienu: Josh “Hook On” Harvey (7-0-1) from Vision Quest Muay Thai; Glory “The Fury” Watson (6-1) from Young’s MMA;Nate “Backpack” Boucher (6-3) from Central Maine Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (CMBJJ); uTom “The Phenom” Pagliarulo (5-1)from Burgess/Lauzon’s MMA.

Glory “The Fury” Watson was more active than any other fighter on the NEF roster in 2019. Watson began her winning year at “NEF 37: SUBZERO” back in February when she stopped Wisconsin’sRachael Lippert (4-4) bil-ċowk giljottina fit-tielet rawnd. A little over a month later, Watson earned a unanimous decision victory overAlyssa Marini (2-2) at a show in Massachusetts. F'Ġunju, Watson won her first title when she decisioned Oregon’sCaree Hill (5-2) for the NEF Flyweight Championship. F'Settembru, Watson dropped down to strawweight for the first time and battered Canada’sLin MacMillan (0-2) via first round TKO at 1:23. Watson’s only defeat in 2019 came at the hands ofCara Greenwell (10-4) in November at “NEF 41: COLLISON COURSE” when she fell short of securing her second title, dropping a decision loss in the five-round championship bout. Watson went 4-1 fil 2019 and secured the NEF Flyweight Championship, which she still holds today.

Nate “Backpack” Boucher had a long road back to contending for a title (two full years, to be exact), but he made good on his goals and went undefeated and secured his first championship in 2019. Boucher began his MMA year back in February when he submitted newcomerDillon Henry (0-3) in under a minute via rear naked choke (RNC) at “NEF 37.” Boucher returned to the cage in June at “NEF 39: ALL AMERICAN” when he was scheduled to face Ohio’sRobert Presley (6-5) for the NEF Flyweight Championship, but a botched weight cut resulted in Boucher missing weight and the bout becoming a non-title affair. Boucher finished Presley, again with a rear naked choke, fi 1:46 ta 'l-ewwel rawnd. F'Novembru, Boucher made championship weight of 125.0 and facedSteve Desjardins (5-4) for the NEF 125-pound title that he had first fought and lost a split decision toJustin Witham (4-4) for back in November 2017. Boucher left nothing to chance this time and he finished Desjardins at 1:16 of round one thus becoming the NEF Flyweight Champion. Fl 2019, Boucher went 3-0 with three first-round RNC finishes and won the NEF title.

Josh “Hook On” Harvey didn’t achieve the level of activity that he had hoped for going into 2019, but he still managed to secure the NEF professional Featherweight Championship and remain undefeated. Harvey began his year in front of his hometown fans in Bangor at “NEF 37” when he took out veteranBill “Jonesi” Jones (13-12) with a first round armlock submission-of-the-year candidate. With the win over Jones, Harvey became the NEF Featherweight Champion. Harvey was scheduled to return in June at “NEF 39” against Indiana’sJordan Downey (6-4), but an incorrect weight cut forced Harvey to seek medical attention and bow out of the bout at the last minute. In September at “NEF 40,” Harvey was originally scheduled to face his old training partner, Ricky Dexter (1-0), but when Dexter had to withdraw from the bout due to medical reasons,Dom “Domnation” Jones (2-3) stepped up on short notice to face Harvey. Harvey finished Jones in the first round, maintaining his perfect, undefeated record of first-round finishes. Harvey was scheduled to fight in November, but his opponent broke his contract in the final days leading up to the event and Harvey was left without a dance partner for “NEF 41.” All-in-all, Harvey went 2-0 fil 2019 and became the NEF 145-pound Champion.

Tom “The Phenom” Pagliarulo was a new face that made a big impact in the Maine mixed martial arts scene in 2019. Pagliarulo made his first appearance in NEF when he showed up at “NEF 38: STORMBORN” to faceZac “Rocky” Richard (5-2-1) for the vacant NEF Featherweight Championship. Outwrestling the wrestler, Pagliarulo displayed a deft takedown game against Richard in route to earning the unanimous decision victory and becoming the NEF Featherweight Champion. Pagliarulo returned to defend his title for NEF’s first stop in Orono, Maine last September at “NEF 40.” Pagliarulo faced challenger Jimmy Jackson in front of Jackson’s northern hometown crowd. In this outing, Pagliarulo, traditionally known for his wrestling, put on a tight, crisp striking display. He damaged Jackson’s face so badly with his strikes in the first round that the cage side doctor determined that Jackson couldn’t continue and the fight was waved off after one round. B'mod ġenerali, Pagliarulo went 2-0 in NEF 2019 and obtained the amateur NEF Featherweight Championship.

Fan voting to determine the winner of the 2019 NEF Year End Awards “Fighter of the Year” will officially open at 12:00pm nhar il-Ġimgħa, Diċembru 20, 2019 and run until 5:00pm on Thursday, Diċembru 26, 2019. Fans will determine the outcome of the contest so all are encouraged to participate to vote for their favorite fighter.

New England tissielet’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” will take place on Saturday, Frar 8, 2020 at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine. Biljetti jinsabu għall-bejgħ issa filwww.PortTix.com.