Lewiston, Maine (May 4, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its eighteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XVIII: Made in America,” on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine. Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of an amateur bantamweight bout to the fight card. It will be the fifth amateur title awarded on the June 13 card. The bout will feature Johnny Crafts (3-0) going one-on-one with Jeff Watts (5-2) at the bantamweight limit of 135-pounds.
Voted the “Rookie of the Year” for 2014 by NEF fans, Johnny Crafts has dominated in all three of his prior bouts. For those familiar with his background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), it comes as no surprise that the brown belt has submitted each of his opponents. Last February, Crafts handed the previously-undefeated Mike Crespo (2-2) his first loss in the NEF cage. He is currently a member of Team New England United (NEU) – the largest BJJ team in the northeast.
“I’m very excited to be fighting for the first ever NEF ammy bantamweight title,” said Crafts. “This is definitely my hardest fight to date and I am ready to show everyone my progression. Jeff seems like a very well-rounded, experienced fighter and this should be a battle for the NEF fans to enjoy.”
Jeff Watts is a product of western New York state where he developed a reputation at a young age as a tough street fighter. With a background in Karate and wrestling, Watts began training in MMA in 2009. A familiar face to New England MMA fans having competed twice in Plymouth, Massachusetts, June 13 will be his debut in the NEF cage. Watts is known internationally as writer “Karmaatemycat” on major MMA website Cagepotato.com. Currently residing in Wausau, Wisconsin, he trains out of Rising Son MMA.
“I’m incredibly excited to be fighting the caliber of Jiu Jitsu that John brings to the cage,” said Watts. “I’m even more excited to see how he handles being punched in the face. First ever Bantamweight title for NEF. What an honor! Win, lose, or draw–it’s going to be a crazy night. I’m excited to show some skills I’ve never shown before. Let’s put a show on John. Bang with me.”
NEF’s next MMA event, “NEF XVIII: Made in America” will originate from the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine on June 13, 2015. Tickets for “NEF XVIII” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at207.783.2009 x 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.