Bangor, Maine (February 2, 2019) – While the polar vortex froze solid the nearby Penobscot River, New England Fights (NEF) had the mercury rising with some wild mixed-martial-arts (MMA) action inside the Cross Insurance Center on Friday night. The popular fight promotion brought its latest event to Bangor with yet another sold-out crowd of more than 1200 on hand. It was the fourth event, and fourth sell-out, in Bangor for NEF since 2016. The event was aptly titled “SUB ZERO” in anticipation of the bone-chilling weather raging outside.
The main event saw Josh Harvey (6-0-1) claim the NEF Professional Featherweight strap when he defeated Bill Jones (13-11) in the first round via technical submission. In so doing, Harvey made history as the first competitor to win titles in two different weight divisions in NEF. He previously held the NEF Amateur Lightweight title.
Mark Gardner (1-0) was victorious over CJ Ewer (3-3) in Gardner’s professional debut. Ewer was unable to continue after the first round due to a cut above his eye.
In the amateur headliner, Fred Lear (6-2-1) and Zac Richard (3-0-1) fought to a five-round draw on the judges’ scorecards in a bout for the vacant NEF Amateur Featherweight Title. Lear had a point taken away in the first round by referee John English for grabbing the cage. The amateur featherweight championship remains vacant.
Catie Denning (2-1) and Glory Watson (3-0) both picked up wins for Young’s MMA in their respective women’s bouts. Denning defeated Amanda Bennett (0-1) via split decision while Watson submitted Wisconsin’s Rachael Lippert (4-3) in the third round.
The results from Bangor, Maine:
PROFESSIONAL
Josh Harvey def. Bill Jones via technical submission, round 1
Mark Gardner def. CJ Ewer via technical knockout, round 2
AMATEUR
Fred Lear fought Zac Richard to a five-round draw
Devin Corson def. Taylor Bartlett via unanimous decision
Catie Denning def. Amanda Bennett via split decision
Jake Bagley def. Brady MacDonald via unanimous decision
Bryce Bamford def. Roger Ewer via KO, round 1
Glory Watson def. Rachael Lippert via guillotine submission, round 3
Nate Boucher def. Dillon Henry via rear-naked submission, round 1
Jordan Young def. Clifford Redman via rear-naked submission, round 1
Rob Kiah def. Joe Howard via rear-naked choke submission, round 2
NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 38: STORMBORN,” will take place on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at Aura in Portland, Maine with a bell time of 7 pm. Tickets are on sale now at www.AuraMaine.com.