Tag Archives: amateur MMA

TUFF-N-UFF TEAMS UP WITH RANDY COUTURE TO SUPPORT ANNUAL FUNDRAISER


 

ROUND 6: OPERATION KNOCKOUT
TO BE HELD AT BROOKLYN BOWL

Sixth annual event raises funds for wounded soldiers and their families

Saturday, October 17, 2015 Doors open at 5 p.m.

 

Tickets On Sale Now!!!

 

To purchase tickets, please visit www.tuffnuff.com or the Brooklyn Bowl box office.

 

LAS VEGAS – The nation’s premier amateur mixed martial arts (MMA) organization, Tuff-N-Uff Uff is teaming up with Randy Couture for its sixth annual Round 6: Operation Knockout event Saturday, October 17, 2015.

 

Now in its sixth year, “Round 6: Operation Knockout” is an annual Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event that was created to help raise funds and awareness for wounded soldiers and their families. This year’s event will be held at the Brooklyn Bowl.  Doors open at 5 p.m. and tickets are available starting at just $25 through www.tuffnuff.com or online http://www.brooklynbowl.com at Brooklyn Bowl or by visiting the Brooklyn Bowlir box office.

 

Following five successful years, Operation Knockout continues to grow in size and finds a new home at the Brooklyn Bowl. This exciting, unique charity event features a night of amazing fights and a fabulous silent auction. There will be something for everyone with eight amateur MMA bouts.  

 

Xtreme Couture G.I. Foundation provides necessary support and services for wounded soldiers and their families, many of whom return with traumatic amputations, gunshot wounds, burns and blast injuries.

 

Operation Knockout continues to build on its efforts to raise more money and help more wounded soldiers and their families. The event has raised over $133,000 since its first year and with help of their generous sponsors and donations, the event returns this October 17th at the Brooklyn Bowl for its biggest year to date. For more information about this great event, contact Xtreme Couture G.I. Foundation at 702-616-1022 or please visit www.xcgif.org.

 

ABOUT XTREME COUTURE GI FOUNDATION:

 

The Xtreme Couture GI Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation, was founded by Randy Couture in 2009 to honor the veterans of America’s armed forces. The foundation was especially formed to raise money and awareness for those wounded in action and their families.

Many of the injuries are traumatic amputations, gunshot wounds, burns and blast injuries that will retire these brave men and woman from the armed forces. Even though some of these men and woman are severely injured, they have the courage, strength and determination to win this battle.

For more information on the foundation please visit: http://www.xcgif.org.

ABOUT RANDY COUTURE:
Randy Couture served in the Army for 6 years within the 101st Airborne, is a former 6x World MMA Champion, TV and Actor Movie star who was in the Sylvester Stallone movie series – The Expendables I, II and III.

 

ABOUT TUFF-N-UFF:

A 21-year old combat sports organization, the Las Vegas-based Tuff-N-Uff has presented the best amateur mixed martial arts (MMA) action in the nation since 2003, giving rise to the biggest star in the sport today, UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey, as well UFC and Strikeforce veteran Ryan Couture and newly-signed UFC welterweight Alan Jouban. Tuff-N-Uff has helped grow the careers of many other MMA athletes including Jessamyn Duke, Ashlee Evans-Smith, Tonya Evinger, Jon Fitch, Jesse Forbes, Chris Holdsworth, Brad Imes, Jimmy Jones and Jesse Taylor. In 2013, Tuff-N-Uff became the first combat sports organization to be included on the UFC International Fight Week schedule of events. In 2014, Tuff-N-Uff presented a second event Thursday, July 3 live from Texas Station, earning status as the first event promotion to be listed on the UFC International Fight Week schedule three years in a row. Tuff-N-Uff celebrated its historic 21st anniversary Saturday, June 27, 2015, with over 16,000 fans, in a sold-out live event inside the Thomas and Mack Center. In 2014, Tuff-N-Uff partnered with the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) to present, as part of UFC International Fight Week 2014, the first-ever amateur MMA World Championships. Also in 2014, Tuff-N-Uff’s CEO, Jeff Meyer, was inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame and honored with the Crystal Award for his contributions to martial arts. Dedicated to its founder, the late Barry Meyer, Tuff-N-Uff is committed to the sport of MMA and building the “Future Stars of MMA.”

 

For more information, visit TuffNUff.com and Follow on Twitter and Instagram/Facebook @TuffNuff and LIKE us on Facebook.com/TuffNUff.

 

ABOUT OPERATION KNOCKOUT:

During Operation Knockout’s ’first year in 2010, the event drew close to 300 people at Randy Couture’s Xtreme Couture Gym that featured a 10-fight exhibition with up-and-coming fighters. Additional entertainment and auction items donated from sponsors, including gym owner and MMA legend Randy Couture, helped to raise $12,000 for the charity. The event proved that MMA supporters were not only very interested in seeing excellent fights, but also in supporting those in need in their community. Continuing to grow, year two brought a partnership with Tuff-N-Uff showcasing 10 fights sanctioned by the Nevada State Athletic Commissioner, adding a new layer of legitimacy for the event. The event was also televised for the first time. Due to these efforts and great people volunteering their time and services, the event raised more than $17,000 with close to 700 people in attendance. In year three, the event brought on a new partner and a new venue with The Pearl Theatre and The Palms Hotel & Casino. The third annual event raised even more money with $34,000 and more than 750 people in attendance.  The fourth annual event was at the Texas Station in which it raised $42,000 and more than 850 people in attendance.

 

ABOUT BROOKLYN BOWL:

Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas is where locals and tourists go for a nightly eclectic blend of live music, 32 bowling lanes and five bars with an all-house made menu created and executed by brothers’ Bruce and Eric Bromberg’s Blue Ribbon Restaurants. When there is a live show, there can be more than 2,000 concertgoers enjoying live music programming from the general admission area, as well as the multimedia bowlers’ lounges adjacent to the lanes, or the private lounge boxes overlooking it all. Since opening in March 2014, notable performances include Elvis Costello & The Roots, Jane’s Addiction, Phil Lesh & Friends, O.A.R., Smashing Pumpkins Robert Plant, and Jack White. Brooklyn Bowl is also located in Brooklyn and London, making Las Vegas its third location. Rolling Stone calls Brooklyn Bowl “one of the most incredible places on Earth” while USA Today says “Music lovers and food lovers finally have a spot to share the night: Brooklyn Bowl at The LINQ.” For additional information, including the most up- to-date show lineup, visit www.BrooklynBowl.com. To be added  to the email list for information regarding upcoming shows, email LasVegasNewsletter@BrooklynBowl.com

Voted Best Live Music Venue in Las Vegas by Travel + Leisure

Reader’s Choice Best Live Music Venue – Las Vegas Weekly

Best Concert Calendar – Las Vegas Weekly

Top 10 New Restaurants 2014 – Las Vegas Review Journal

New Las Vegas Venue for Meetings and Events – BizBash

Best Bowling Alley – 2015 Las Vegas Review Journal “Best Of” Awards

Best Small Concert Venue – 2015 Las Vegas Review Journal “Best Of” Awards

Following in the footsteps of our original Brooklyn location, noted as “one of the most incredible places on Earth,” by Rolling Stone, we’ve stacked the deck for a truly unforgettable experience.

With three levels spanning nearly 80,000 square feet, it’s one of the largest music venues in America. Come for live concerts throughout the day and late into the night, 32 lanes of bowling, and food from New York’s famous Blue Ribbon restaurant. This is a Las Vegas experience like no other.

 

FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE UP FOR GRABS NOVEMBER 21 IN LEWISTON

Lewiston, Maine (October 15, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE” on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will feature a first for Maine – mixed-martial-arts (MMA) bouts and professional boxing bouts on the same event with an MMA cage and a boxing ring set up side-by-side.  Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of an amateur featherweight title bout to the fight card.  Aaron “Relentless” Lacey (5-1) is scheduled to meet Caleb Horner (6-2) for the inaugural NEF MMA Amateur Featherweight Championship.  The bout will take place at the featherweight limit of 145-pounds.

 

Lacey is a member of Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine.  He holds victories over tough opponents like Dom Cofone (6-5) and Caleb Hall (5-3) in the NEF cage.  His only loss to date came in New Hampshire against Matt Tullos (7-0).

 

“I’m super excited to be fighting for that belt,” exclaimed Lacey.  “It means the world to me that my hard work and dedication are paying off.  There is no possible way I’m leaving that cage without that strap around my waist.”

 

Lacey had been previously scheduled to fight for the title, but suffered an injury during training which forced cancellation of the bout.

 

“Getting injured is never fun and is almost always an inconvenience,” Lacey continued.  “It has been very frustrating having to take time off because of injuries, but it has also shown me that this is exactly what I want to do with my life.  The fans can expect a whole new animal.  I may have been injured but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been working.  I have transformed my game and I will show everyone just how good I am come November 21.  Make sure not to blink this fight isn’t going the distance.”

 

Lacey’s opponent, Caleb Horner, will travel to Maine from Florida where he trains out of F2 Arena in Gainesville under Ryan Hodge (6-10).  Hodge and his students have gained a reputation as spoilers in the New England region, coming in from out of town to score upsets over local favorites.  Horner will look to continue that tradition when he meets Lacey on November 21 in Lewiston.

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE,” takes place on November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will mark the first time in Maine history a mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event and a professional boxing event have taken place together on the same show.  Tickets for “NEF XX” start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 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.

TWO NEF CHAMPIONS GET THE CALL UP TO THE MAJOR LEAGUES THIS SATURDAY

Lewiston, Maine (October 13, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, is proud to announce that two of the promotion’s reigning professional mixed-martial-arts (MMA) champions will compete on the World Series of Fighting (WSOF) card this Saturday, October 17, 2015.  “WSOF 24: Fitch vs. Okami” will broadcast live from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut and will feature NEF MMA Professional Lightweight Champion Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington(10-8) and NEF MMA Professional Heavyweight Champion Tyler “The Marauder” King (9-3) on the undercard.  The undercard is scheduled to begin at 7 pm EST and can be watched at www.WSOF.com.

 

Boyington will meet a very tough Rodrigo “The Young Lion” Almeida (13-2) in a featherweight contest.  It will be Boyington’s first trip to the national stage of the sport after having competed in MMA regionally for some six years.  Next month, Boyington is scheduled to defend his NEF title against Jimmy “Jimbo Slice” Davidson (7-1) at “NEF XX” in Lewiston, Maine.  He is a member of Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine and also the founder and head coach of Boyington’s Taekwondo Academy (BTA).

 

“I have never been more excited in my Mixed Martial Arts career, and I have never taken camp more serious, especially when it comes to my diet and lifestyle so that in itself gives me a lot of excitement for what I’m going to get to do on the national stage Saturday night,” said Boyington.  “I have had a great team surrounding me and they have pushed me to my limits, so everyone will surely get to see the best Bruce Boyington to date and I have zero excuses for not performing.  I have one word in mind entering that cage – Volume.

 

“New England Fights has been a staple in my career and has been the platform that I have had the privilege of performing on as they groomed me for the national stage. I want to thank Matt and Nick for always taking care of my needs and helping make me who I am today. New England Fights has all the elements in place to help fighters reach the top.”

 

Tyler King has held the NEF heavyweight title since May of 2013 when he defeated Travis Bartlett (8-4).  Earlier this year, King successfully defended the title against Terry Blackburn (4-3) at “NEF XVI.”  King was a football standout at the University of Connecticut where he recorded 19 sacks as a defensive end.  He later played in the National Football League (NFL) for several teams including the San Diego Chargers and the St. Louis Rams.  At “WSOF 24,” King will face Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) veteran Pat Walsh (6-2).

 

“I’m very excited to get the opportunity to fight on the huge stage that is World Series of Fighting vs a high level, UFC veteran opponent,” said King. “Less than a year ago I was out of the sport and had a very uncertain future as far as ever getting to compete again.  I’m grateful to Matt Peterson, Nick Disalvo and the rest of the team at New England Fights for giving me a stage to step back into the sport I love, in a main event title defense no less.  This fight has ‘Fight of the Night’ written all over it.  You have two determined fighters with competitive fire coursing through their veins ready to go out and lay it all on the line.  I look forward to having my hand raised.”

 

“NEF has certainly become a launching pad to the national promotions,” said NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo.  “We’re so proud to have not one, but two of our champions fighting on the WSOF card.  It really says something about the caliber of athlete gracing the NEF cage.  These fighters are earning their stripes with NEF and then getting the call up to the UFC, Bellator, Titan and WSOF.  Nothing gives us more satisfaction than to see these guys succeed in the sport they love.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE,” takes place on November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will mark the first time in Maine history a mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event and a professional boxing event have taken place together on the same show.  Tickets for “NEF XX” start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 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.

RECENT NEF SIGNEE MAKES HIS PRO MMA DEBUT AT NEF XX

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (October 12, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE” on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will feature a first for Maine – mixed-martial-arts (MMA) bouts and professional boxing bouts on the same event with an MMA cage and a boxing ring set up side-by-side.  Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of a professional flyweight bout to the MMA portion of the fight card.  Kevin “.50 Cal” Barrett (0-0) will meet Jimmy Alexander (1-10) at a fight weight of 125-pounds.

 

The bout will be Barrett’s professional debut in the MMA cage after going 2-1 as an amateur fighter.  Earlier this year, it was announced that Barrett had signed a multi-fight developmental deal with NEF.

 

“My mind is on one thing only,” stated Barrett.  “To be the best martial artist I can be. That’s it. Day in and day out that’s all I’m focused on. I’m not searching for fame. I’m searching to find out who I am, and so far martial arts has been kind of this light that’s guided me the last ten years to this very moment. I’ll be ready.”

 

Both of Barrett’s wins as an amateur came in the NEF cage, and he hopes to continue that success in the professional ranks.  While he has been inactive from competition for the past two years, Barrett is confident that his coaches and teammates at Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine will have him ready for his matchup with Alexander on November 21.

 

“I love my coaches and my teammates. They believe in me, which in return makes me believe in myself. I train at the best gym in New England every day. I’m blessed. But I take this sport day by day. My goal right now is to be ready for the best Jimmy Alexander anyone has ever seen. After November I’ll sit down with my coaches and go from there.”

 

Barrett insists that, while Alexander might not have a winning record, he will not take the Floridian lightly at “NEF XX.”  Alexander trains at F2 Arena under the guidance of Ryan Hodge (6-10).  Hodge and his team are recognized as dangerous opponents, and they often play the role of the “spoiler” when travelling to New England to compete.

 

“I love the fact I have a guy flying from another state to fight me,” continued Barrett. “I’m in no way looking past Jimmy. I know he has a lot of experience, he’s very explosive, he’s always down to stand and trade. You’ve got to respect that. I don’t have a prediction though. At the end of the day, all I can do is focus on what I’m doing, not what Jimmy is doing, and I’m sure he’s thinking the same thing. Win or lose I know there’s a lesson in this for me somewhere. I’m just trying to stay clear headed and open to whatever that might be.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE,” takes place on November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will mark the first time in Maine history a mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event and a professional boxing event have taken place together on the same show.  Tickets for “NEF XX” start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 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.

THE BARBARIAN ARRIVES IN NEF TO FACE THE BEAST FROM THE NORTH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (October 9, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE” on Saturday, November 21, 2015at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will feature a first for Maine – mixed-martial-arts (MMA) bouts and professional boxing bouts on the same event with an MMA cage and a boxing ring set up side-by-side.  Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of a professional light-heavyweight bout to the MMA portion of the fight card.  Matt “The Beast From the North” Andrikut (1-0) will return to Maine to take on Jesse “The Barbarian” Baughman (0-0) at a fight weight of 205-pounds.

 

Andrikut, an accomplished wrestler at the University of Southern Maine (USM) and a former finalist in the Northern New England Golden Gloves, made his NEF debut last month at “NEF XIX,” winning via technical knockout (TKO) in a mere 32-seconds of round one.  Andrikut is best known on the New England MMA scene for finishing Pat Walsh (6-2) in under a minute during their amateur meeting in 2011.  (Walsh would go on to compete in the Ultimate Fighting Championship [UFC] as a professional.)  Andrikut now lives in Reno, Nevada where he trains out of Conviction MMA.

 

“I am excited to come back to Maine to fight Jesse,” said Andrikut.  “He’s got a great record and trains for a great team. I love the people and the atmosphere in Maine – it’s a great place! On November 21, we will see who’s a greater fighter as we put our unblemished records on the line. I am sure we will both be ready and it will certainly be a crowd pleaser!”

 

The Lewiston bout will be the professional debut for Baughman, as well as his first fight with NEF in the state of Maine.  Baughman leaves the amateur division having amassed a perfect 5-0 record.  He has claimed regional championships while attaining the number-one ranking for New England amateur light-heavyweights.  A resident of Littleton, New Hampshire, Baughman trains at Team Link North in nearby Whitefield.

 

“Making my pro debut with NEF is nothing less than exciting,” said Baughman. “Being a New England native, I recognize the passion and support our fans have for the sport of MMA. As the top ranked light heavyweight amateur in New England, I expect to be put up against the toughest guys around in my division. Huge thanks to Matt Peterson for the opportunity and my manager Taylor Trahan. Barbarian is ready for war!”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE,” takes place on November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will mark the first time in Maine history a mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event and a professional boxing event have taken place together on the same show.  Tickets for “NEF XX” start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 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.

FIRST CLASS MMA STAGES HOSTILE TAKEOVER OF NEF XX AMATEUR CARD

First Class

Lewiston, Maine (October 7, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE” on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will feature a first for Maine – mixed-martial-arts (MMA) bouts and professional boxing bouts on the same event with an MMA cage and a boxing ring set up side-by-side.  On the amateur portion of the fight card, John Raio’s First Class MMA team of Brunswick, Maine will send no less than four competitors to the NEF cage that evening.

 

Still relatively in its infancy, Raio’s gym has grown, both figuratively and literally, since its inception in 2013.  Most recently, the team moved into a newer, larger space at Fort Andross in Brunswick.  With his own base in wrestling, Raio has also recently added trainers and classes in different martial arts disciplines to expand the learning of his students.

 

“I had a vision when I opened the gym to be sort of a University of mixed martial arts learning,” said Raio.  “A school that included all of the different components of MMA and fitness so that students could pick and chose classes they were interested in.  We are adding another fitness class this month and a yoga class soon.  Having the same instructor teach everything can be boring to some and instructors that teach every night can burn out. Some schools have one instructor that feels they know wrestling, BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu), kickboxing, karate, judo, etc. well enough to teach them all at a high level. If you limit your training to what one individual knows, you can only learn as much as that one individual is able to relay to you.  We have a black belt that teaches BJJ-Tim Fawber, a Kempo black belt that teaches striking -Shawn Tardif, a pro Boxer that teaches boxing- James Carville, and I was a state champion wrestler, I wrestled in college for four years, and I competed in MMA several times.  Chris McBean and Katie Baker also teach BJJ. I attend all of our classes.  As an instructor and coach, I always continue to learn more about the sport.”

 

Raio retired from MMA competition this past June to spend more time with his family and to focus his efforts on developing his students at First Class.  He notes the differences between coaching and fighting and the personal sense of satisfaction each provides him.

 

“They are two totally different animals,” Raio stated. “I love them both for different reasons. I love competing because I can put all of my focus and training into my fight. I love coaching because I can put all of that focus onto another person. I feel so good each time one of my students win, it’s as if I was out there fighting. I feel like I can game plan well and know the game well enough to find good matchups as my fighters progress.”

 

The proof is in the pudding, as they say, when it comes to finding the right matchups for his students.  At “NEF XIX” last month, Raio’s team went undefeated with three big wins.  Nick Shea (2-0) won his second MMA bout that night while Hannah Sparrell (1-0) and BJJ black belt Rafael Velado (1-0) were victorious in their respective cage debuts.  Raio credits cross-training with other gyms and the quality of instruction from First Class coaches for the team’s recent success.

 

“It starts with our family friendly atmosphere,” said Raio.  “We allow kids and men and women of all ages to attend all of our classes except sparring. My wife Jody has been a huge help. Our instructors are excellent. We have been blessed to have talented athletes, wrestlers, strikers and grapplers walk through our doors. They all work hard and put in the time.  They all work together and want each other to win. They have positive attitudes and treat each other with respect.  We are trying to match seven fighters for NEF next February and have 15-20 students actively seeking fights in the next year. Many of our students are here to learn and not compete.  All of our students are helpful on giving advice and tips. We also cross train as much as we can. We have several students that train through the Foundry BJJ system for BJJ and travel to train at our gym for striking, wrestling and MMA.  Our BJJ coaches are all Foundry BJJ members. We try to spar with Team Irish in Brewer monthly and I still train at Choi’s (the Choi Institute of Portland, Maine) once a week. Hannah Sparrell goes to Choi’s once a week too.

 

“When I first opened the gym I was very focused on my own training and let the other students prepare for their fights as they wished. Now I am on top of fighters with mandatory sparring, minimum classes each week and mandatory weigh-ins. If you can’t meet the minimum requirements, you can’t fight for our gym. You may fight as an independent or you can find a school that approves of you training when you feel like it. We have been very successful since I changed the rules.”

 

On November 21, First Class MMA team member Nick Gulliver (1-0) will be in heavyweight action against Gravin Guillen (2-2).  Gulliver won his amateur debut last June in the NEF cage over Sonny Spratt (0-2).

 

“I’m so excited to fight again for a great organization like NEF,” exclaimed Gulliver. “It felt so amazing to win my first fight in front of my family and friends at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in June. I worked really hard for my first fight, but I feel like I have a lot to prove to myself. Since my hand was raised back in June, I have been training hard with First Class MMA and The Foundry. My instructors and coaches are the best anyone can ask for. I train in Farmington, Maine with the Foundry under Brianne Genschel and Seth Harris. They have put so much time into my training over the years and I cannot thank them enough. Someone else I would like to thank for pushing me would be my great friend and instructor Shawn Smith. Shawn is someone who is always training hard and I try and train like he does. He pushes everyone at the gym to train hard. I also train at First Class MMA with John Raio. John is the reason I have this opportunity to fight. John has been such an amazing role model and friend to myself and all his fighters. Everyone at both schools I train at are amazing and are great instructors. I’m so happy I get to fight for the Foundry and First Class MMA. I’m looking forward to getting back into the cage and showing my family and friends how hard I have been working. I want to be the best person I can be and I will do that. I want to have my hand raised not just for me, but for the people who put so much time into what you see in the cage. I’m looking forward to getting the opportunity to fight again for NEF and show the fans what I have. I promise I will train hard and give it everything I have to make the crowd happy. I can’t wait to see everyone on November 21st. Thank you to my family and friends and instructors for everything.

 

Gulliver extols the virtues of Raio’s coaching style at First Class, echoing the sentiments of others regarding instructors putting the needs of students first.

 

“Everyone at First Class MMA has the same goal and that is to win,” Gulliver continued.  “But what separates First Class from any other gym is that everyone will sacrifice their needs and goals to help you win.  What is so unique about First Class MMA is that any gym can teach you to fight, but with First Class, John teaches you heart. Just look at the last First Class performance at NEF. That was heart. We’re looking to do the same this time around.  John Raio is a class act. He’s not only a fighter or a coach, I also consider him a great friend. John doesn’t just tell you to do something, he does it with you. If you’re sweating, he’s sweating—and that goes back to my statement that our school has heart. It all stems from our coach, John.”

 

Rafael Velado, who was victorious last month at “NEF XIX” over Cory Trial (1-2), will once again represent First Class MMA on November 21 when he steps in the cage opposite Ken Dunn (0-2).  Like Gulliver, Velado credits the success of the team to Coach Raio.

 

“Two words, John Raio,” said Velado when asked to differentiate First Class from other gyms he has trained at.  “I’ve trained at several schools over my martial arts career, but never have I come in contact with a coach who walked the walk the way he does. I don’t have to tell you what a workhorse he is, and that work ethic is something that has translated well as a coach.  It’s no surprise to most that John has been so successful as an MMA coach. He wears many hats such as leader, friend, mentor, training partner and devil’s advocate when necessary. He has been in pretty much every situation you can think of in the cage, and that gives him credibility. I trust his advice implicitly and you will see his MMA mind at work when I step in the cage to execute his game plan.  Some gyms will destroy every new student that walks through the door, but First Class MMA is the antithesis of that approach. We welcome anyone and everyone to come train regardless of their background or ambition to fight MMA.”

 

Velado promises fans that they will see much more out of him in his upcoming bout with Dunn at “NEF XX.”

 

“Part of me wants every fight to go as scripted like my debut against Cory Trial, but I’m here for experience as well. I showed about 1% of what I can do in my last fight, so keep your eyes peeled for something you’ve never seen in NEF.”

 

Pierce Wiegman (0-0) will make his amateur MMA debut under the First Class banner on November 21 in Lewiston against David Thompson (0-1) of the Shatterproof Combat Club.  Unlike Velado, Wiegman, who will turn 30 prior to the event, has not trained at any other gym prior to joining First Class.  Like Velado, however, Wiegman can attest to the role Raio plays in the success of his students.

 

“I’m not going to speculate on the difference between our training regime versus any other gym’s, but what I can say is that every fight our fighters won came because of hard work, dedication and excellent coaching from all of our instructors,” stated Wiegman.  “John Raio is truly a first class man. His dedication to his family, his gym, and his fighters comes very unselfishly. John is very supportive of everyone who trains at his gym—kids, men and women and his instructors.”

 

“I’m just lucky to even be able to say I’m going to do this,” Wiegman continued. “And it’s all thanks to John and Jody Raio and all of our instructors at First Class that I have this opportunity. Win or lose, I am grateful to NEF for having these fights and all the gyms around the state that are providing the platform for people to succeed at pursuing their dream of becoming a successful fighter.”

 

Bryce Bamford (0-0) came to First Class MMA through the Foundry BJJ team, which cross-trains with Raio’s students.  Bamford is scheduled to make his amateur MMA debut in the heavyweight division at “NEF XX.”  Bamford sees many similarities between the two teams.

 

“Truth is, First Class MMA, is really similar to the Foundry, in the respect that everybody’s there to help everybody get better. It’s like training with friends, not just training partners. That’s what attracted me down there.  Steel sharpens steel. The better your training partners are, the better you are. John gives 100% to his whole team, and it makes it hard not give 100% back because he is so involved.”

 

When asked for a prediction on his fight on November 21, Bamford responded with a single word – “Brutality.”

 

“You can expect all of our fighters to be confident, well prepared, to treat their opponents with respect and to leave it all in the cage,” said Raio in closing.  “These guys all put their time in.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE,” takes place on November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will mark the first time in Maine history a mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event and a professional boxing event have taken place together on the same show.  Tickets for “NEF XX” start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 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.

EWER AND LACHANCE TO LOCK HORNS AT NEF XX

Lewiston, Maine (September 29, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE” on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will feature a first for Maine – mixed-martial-arts (MMA) bouts and professional boxing bouts on the same event with an MMA cage and a boxing ring set up side-by-side.  Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of an amateur lightweight bout to the MMA portion of the fight card.  CJ Ewer (4-2) is scheduled to face Jason “Second Chance” Lachance (2-2) at a fight weight of 155-pounds.

 

CJ Ewer is a veteran of the United States Air Force security forces.  He is a product of Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine where he has honed his craft under coach Chris Young.  Ewer had one of the most explosive starts to a career in NEF history, winning his first three amateur bouts in a matter of just ten weeks.  Earlier this month at “NEF XIX,” Ewer fought and defeated a very tough Ricky Dexter (3-2).  All of Ewer’s fights to date have been in the welterweight and middleweight divisions.  The cut to 155-pounds will be a first for Ewer.

 

“After watching Lachance’s videos, it’s obvious he comes into the cage well prepared,” noted Ewer of his opponent.  “He’s only lost to Jarod Tyler and Dom Cofone, who are both hardcore fighters, and his win against Steve Bang shows that he has a lot of different skills and drive.  It’ll be a great opportunity to show how I can compete at 155.”

 

Jason Lachance is a member of MMA Athletix based in Bath, Maine.  He has faced stiff competition in the first several fights of his career, as Ewer noted, so Lachance is accustomed to standing across the cage from the cream of the crop.  He is coming off a first round submission victory over David Thompson (0-1) earlier this month at “NEF XIX.”  Lachance will look to continue his winning ways when he meets Ewer at “NEF XX” on November 21.

 

“I’m excited for another opportunity to get in the cage,” said Lachance.  “I expect an exciting fight no matter where it ends up.  Ewer is tough competition.  I am looking forward to this one.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE,” takes place on November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will mark the first time in Maine history a mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event and a professional boxing event have taken place together on the same show.  Tickets for “NEF XX” start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 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.”

LIGHTWEIGHTS LOOK TO GET BACK TO THEIR WINNING WAYS AT NEF XX

Lewiston, Maine (September 23, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE” on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will feature a first for Maine – mixed-martial-arts (MMA) bouts and professional boxing bouts on the same event with an MMA cage and a boxing ring set up side-by-side.  Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of an amateur lightweight bout to the MMA portion of the fight card.  Ricky Dexter (3-2) is scheduled to meet Steven Bang (3-3) at a fight weight of 155-pounds.

 

Dexter is a veteran of the United States Navy, and he currently represents Marcus Davis’s Team Irish gym of Brewer, Maine where Dexter runs the fitness program known as “207 Athletes.”  He has been a constant of the NEF cage this year, appearing in all four of the promotion’s events in 2015.  After winning his first three NEF bouts, Dexter is looking to rebound from two consecutive losses.

 

“I am pumped to be able to compete and fight in my sixth consecutive show with NEF,” said Dexter.  “Let’s end this year with a Bang!”

 

Bang is a member of Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) in Lewiston, Maine.  He has been a standout of the popular Bang wrestling and MMA clan along with brothers Sheldon Bang (2-2), Shawn Bang (1-1), Skylar Bang and their father Dr. Steve Bang (1-1).  Like Dexter, Bang is looking to get back on the winning track after dropping his last two in a row.

 

“I’m looking forward to this fight,” said Bang.  “I was bummed out that I had to pull out last time.  Since then, Ricky has fought some tough guys making him a better fighter.  I’m excited to be able to fight him next and excited to be able to get back in the cage again.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE,” takes place on November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will mark the first time in Maine history a mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event and a professional boxing event have taken place together on the same show.  Tickets for “NEF XX” start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 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.

WAR OF WORDS ERUPTS OVER HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT AT NEF XX

Lewiston, Maine (September 17, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE” on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will feature a first for Maine – mixed-martial-arts (MMA) bouts and professional boxing bouts on the same event with an MMA cage and a boxing ring set up side-by-side.  As announced this past Saturday night at “NEF XIX,” Billy “Bigfoot” Leahy (3-1) is scheduled to defend the NEF MMA Amateur Heavyweight Title that evening against the challenge of Dave Smith (2-0).

 

Leahy won the inaugural amateur heavyweight title at “NEF XVIII” this past June when he defeated Smith’s Berserkers MMA teammate Ryan Glover (2-1) via unanimous decision.  Leahy’s decision to take time off from competing rather than to defend the title against number-one contender Smith at “NEF XIX” earlier this week was met with criticism from the Berserkers camp.  The heavyweight champion splits time training between Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) in Auburn, Maine and Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine.

 

“Berserkers wants to say I’m avoiding fights?” asked an enraged Leahy.  “I’ll clean their whole damn gym out one-by-one.  They want to come and try to take my belt from me?  Good luck, I’ll see you in November.”

 

Dave Smith made his MMA debut this past spring at “NEF XVII” in Lewiston.  That night, he defeated Sonny Spratt (0-2) by first-round technical knockout (TKO).  He followed up that victory with another win at “NEF XVIII” in June.  This time, it was Gravin Guillen (2-4) who fell to Smith in the first round by submission.  Smith is confident that he will take the heavyweight title from Leahy on November 21 in Lewiston.

 

“First, I would like to thank everyone involved in making this fight happen,” said Smith.  “I’m sure it wasn’t easy to get Billy to commit for November, he wouldn’t do it for September.  I respect anyone who gets in the cage, including Mr. Leahy.  I really hope he isn’t expecting a win. I say directly to Billy–get ready and bring my belt.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE,” takes place on November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will mark the first time in Maine history a mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event and a professional boxing event have taken place together on the same show.  Tickets for “NEF XX” start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 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.”

 

NEF XX FIGHT CARD TO FEATURE EXCITING WOMEN’S BOUT

Lewiston, Maine (September 15, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE” on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will feature a first for Maine – mixed-martial-arts (MMA) bouts and professional boxing bouts on the same event with an MMA cage and a boxing ring set up side-by-side.  As announced this past Saturday night at “NEF XIX,” the MMA portion of the card is scheduled to feature an amateur strawweight women’s bout between Randi Beth Boyington (1-1) and Erin “Fun Size” Lamonte (3-0).

 

Boyington is the wife of reigning NEF MMA Professional Lightweight Champion Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington (10-8) who will also be in action on the November 21 card.  Randi made her cage debut this past spring defeating Alex Walker (0-1) via unanimous decision at “NEF XVII.”  The crowd in the Colisée was on fire as the bout went back and forth through three hard-fought rounds.  Randi trains under her husband at Boyington’s Taekwondo Academy, as well as at Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine.

 

“I’m excited to be stepping back into the cage in November – it’s something I’m looking forward to,” said Randi Beth Boyington when reached for comment.  “I’m expecting Erin to be a tough opponent, and I’m training as such.  I never underestimate someone’s ability.  I know what I’m bringing to the cage as well and NEF fans will be impressed in November.  Fighting on the same night as my husband is a bonus.  We’re both hungry to have our hands raised at the end of our fights.  I don’t think many others could understand or appreciate the emotions that a couple share until they go through a training camp to fight on the same card.”

 

Erin Lamonte is not a stranger to the NEF cage.  She appeared for the promotion in early 2013, defeating Angela Theriault (0-1) via first round technical knockout (TKO).  Lamonte was victorious twice more that year before taking time off from competing to have a baby with her husband Casey.  Returning to the cage onNovember 21, it will have been nearly two years since the undefeated Lamonte won her last bout on a fight card in West Virginia.  She has been eager to return to action for some time.

 

“I am extremely excited to finally be back in cage on November 21st, fighting Randi Beth Boyington,” stated Lamonte.  “After a lengthy time off due to the birth of our son, I am itching to get back to training and competing.  Time to prove that the new and improved mama Fun Size can still kick ass.  After all, the mother lioness is one of the most ferocious and feared in the animal kingdom.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE,” takes place on November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will mark the first time in Maine history a mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event and a professional boxing event have taken place together on the same show.  Tickets for “NEF XX” start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 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.”