Lewiston, Maine (October 17, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF) presents its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 26: SUPREMACY,” on Saturday, November 19 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee. Earlier today, NEF executives announced the addition of an amateur heavyweight title bout to the fight card. Nick Gulliver (3-0) is scheduled to face Yorgan DeCastro (2-2) to fill the vacant NEF MMA Amateur Heavyweight Championship.
Gulliver is a member of John Raio’s First Class MMA based in Brunswick, Maine, as well as the Foundry Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Farmington, Maine. Making his MMA debut in 2015, Gulliver scorched his first two opponents via first-round technical knockout prior to facing Dave Smith (2-1) last spring at “NEF 22.” It took Gulliver a mere 28-seconds to dispatch Smith. In all, Gulliver’s first three opponents have lasted barely over a combined two minutes in the cage with him. He will be looking to continue that dominance of the NEF amateur heavyweight division on November 19 and claim its top prize.
” I would like to thank NEF for the opportunity to fight again,” said Gulliver. “This is the biggest fight of my life. I’m excited to be fighting for the heavyweight title belt on November 19th in front of my family and friends. My goal in this sport was to get a title belt, but something bigger than that was to fight for the belt in front of my father. When I started back in June of last year my coach John Raio told me I would someday fight for the belt. This day has come and now it’s my time to finish what I set out to do.
“My father was not able to make my last fight because he was too sick. When I found out about this fight I called my parents and told them I would be fighting for the belt and my dad said he would do everything he could to make it. So, not only am I looking for a victory, but I’m looking to do it in front of my father.
“This fight is also big since my Brazilian Jiu Jitsu coach Brianne Genschel will be fighting alongside me. Brianne has been working so hard for this and she deserves this fight and for her hand to be raised. I’m also excited to have longtime friend and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt Shawn Smith in my corner which is also an honor. I truly want to thank The Foundry and First Class MMA for all the support and dedication they have had with me and my training.
“I believe this will be a great fight and I’ll have to show people a side of me they have not been able to see yet and I look forward to that. I greatly respect my opponent for taking this fight and wish him the best of luck. To my fans be ready for the Guardian to come out like you have never seen him before. I appreciate this opportunity and I’ll do my best to put a smile on everyone’s face. I would also like to thank my wife Heather for all the help and support she has given me.”
A native of Portugal, Yorgan DeCastro came to the United States with a solid kickboxing background. He began competing in mixed-martial-arts in 2014, quickly rattling off a pair of victories on fight cards in Massachusetts. November 19 will be DeCastro’s debut on Maine soil, and he plans to return home to South Shore Sportfighting (SSSF) with the heavyweight title belt in tow.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to showcase my skills in front of a new crowd,” said DeCastro. “I don’t plan on letting the fight go the distance, but I’m ready for whatever he brings to the table. I’ve faced tougher opposition, so I know I’m prepared.”
The opening bell on Saturday, November 19 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.
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 @nefightsand 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.