Tag Archives: Berserkers

amateur boxing, Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

MORE THAN JUST GOLD IS AT STAKE IN TITLE REMATCH

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Lewiston, Maine (May 27, 2016) – One of the past year’s most intense rivalries is about to be reignited.  On June 18, 2016, when New England Fights (NEF) presents “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND” at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, former amateur mixed-martial-arts (MMA) flyweight champion Dustin Veinott (4-4) will have his chance to recapture the strap from Ryan Burgess (2-0).  Burgess took the title from Veinott last fall at “NEF XX” in a very close split decision.  The outcome on the judges’ scorecards has been a topic of heavy debate amongst NEF fans ever since.

 

“I have wanted this rematch since right after he took the title,” said Veinott.  “I know I wasn’t at 100% when I fought him last time.  Best believe I will have no distractions this time around.  I also feel he disrespected the whole weight division.  I will teach him to respect this division.  I am here to prove that us 125ers might be small, but we are all tough guys that know how to fight!”

 

“Last time me and Dustin met in the cage, we went to war,” recalled Burgess.   “Expect nothing less than that in our rematch. Many people considered it a close split decision fight, and although I wasn’t able to utilize my ground striking as I had hoped, I don’t see how you can call it a close match when I was able to impose my will on him throughout the entire three rounds. I believe that he does deserve this rematch, though, as he made the trip to Hyannis, Mass for the last event and was unfortunately not able to compete due to his opponent not making weight. Opponents in my weight class are hard to come by in this region and I believe of all the guys who are consistent with their weight cuts, Dustin deserves another shot.”

 

The Hyannis, Massachusetts bout that Burgess refers to was to take place earlier this month between Veinott and Ryan “Razzle Dazzle” Kane (4-3).  The match was cancelled at weigh-ins when Kane did not make the agreed-to catchweight.

 

“I was very frustrated about Razzle Dazzle not making weight,” stated Veinott.  “Especially after I gave him the extra four pounds that he asked for.  However, he disrespected me by not showing up on weight – that is why I didn’t take the fight.”

 

Burgess, a member of Berserkers MMA in Rumford, Maine, is clear that he plans to finish the rematch with Veinott and not leave any room for controversy with another decision.  He is not out to simply retain his title, but to also prove a point – that he is the undisputed top amateur flyweight in Maine.  And to do that, Burgess knows he has to put Veinott away definitively.

 

“All I have to say to Dustin is ‘congrats, you got your rematch that you’ve been asking for.’ I hope you don’t expect the same fighter you got last time – your fans may be disappointed at the end of the night.  Come June 18th, I will solidify myself as the top flyweight for NEF, as well as make a statement of the improvements I have been making outside of the cage.  There will be no ‘fan controversy’ after I finish this fight in the first or second round.”

 

Veinott contends that he will be more focused this time around.  A member of Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Veinott is confident in his ability to submit Burgess should Burgess, a three-time state wrestling champion out of Mountain Valley High School with 150 wins to his credit, take the fight to the mat.

 

“The difference that I will make going into this fight is to have no distractions,” said Veinott.  “I will make sure I am the most mentally prepared I have ever been.  I feel I already have all the tools to beat him.  I caught him in several submissions our last fight, and I know for a fact he doesn’t want to stand with me.  He will be going for another wrestling match and I am fully prepared for that.”

 

And while the coveted NEF MMA Amateur Flyweight Title may be on the line on June 18, both Veinott and Burgess are looking to finish their rivalry once and for all.

 

“Find your seats early folks ’cause this one will be a quick thriller,” said Burgess in closing.  “Our last bout I had a game plan to grind out a decision victory.  A finish will go in the books after this fight.”

 

“The one thing Ryan should know is not to think this fight will be the same as the first one,” Veinott stated emphatically.  “I will leave everything in the cage.  You will see a different fighter, and I will come out victorious.  It is time to release the beast!”

 

NEF returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.”  Tickets for “NEF 24” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.

 

For more information on the events 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.

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights, wrestling

JUNIKO SWEEPS; BATTLES VICTORIOUS IN PRO DEBUT; WOMEN’S FIGHT STEALS THE SHOW

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Hyannis, Massachusetts (May 15, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, held its most recent event, “NEF 23: CAGE THE CAPE” on Saturday night at the Hyannis Youth & Community Center (HYCC) in Hyannis, Massachusetts.  The HYCC was at capacity for  the first sanctioned mixed-martial-arts (MMA) show ever held on Cape Cod.  The venue opened the upstairs walking track to give standing-room-only fans more elbow room.  The crowd was electric all night for the eight-fight card presented by NEF.

 

Team Juniko, based out of Hyannis and Hanover, Massachusetts, was a perfect 5-0 on the night.  Fabian Miranda (3-0), Thomas Lee Davis, Jr. (2-0), Ed Forlenza (1-0), and Kylie O’Hearn (1-0) all picked up wins for the team on the amateur portion of the card.

 

It was O’Hearn’s bout with Angela Young (1-2) of Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine that will be remembered for years to come by all in attendance.  The two women battled back and forth for three grueling rounds before O’Hearn was declared the winner by unanimous decision on the judges’ scorecards.  The fight will be a serious contender for “Fight of the Year” in the northeast by the time 2016 comes to an end.

 

Team Juniko member Brendan Battles (1-0) was victorious in the main event of the evening via technical knockout over Mike Hansen (4-4).  The bout was the pro debut for the native of Eastham, Massachusetts and standout wrestler from Nauset Regional High School.   Battles rebounded from an early flurry by Hansen to get the referee stoppage at 1:46 of the first round.

 

The full results of “NEF 23”:

 

PROFESSIONAL FIGHTS

Brendan Battles def. Mike Hansen via TKO, round 1
Matt Denning def. Derek Shorey via heel hook, round 1

Crowsneck Boutin def. Ruben Redman via TKO, round 1

 

AMATEUR FIGHTS
Kylie O’Hearn def. Angela Young via unanimous decision

Ed Forlenza def. Frank Johanson via doctor stoppage, round 3
Victor Irwin def. Tracey Schryba via KO, round 1

Thomas Lee Davis, Jr. def. Anthony Spires via KO, round 1
Fabian Miranda def. Steve Bang via armbar, round 2

 

NEF returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.”  Tickets for “NEF 24” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at207.783.2009 x 525.

 

For more information on the events 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.

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

NEF 23 WEIGH-INS TO BE HELD AT RED FACE JACK’S THIS FRIDAY

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Hyannis, Massachusetts (May 11, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF 23: CAGE THE CAPE” this Saturday, May 14, 2016 at the Hyannis Youth & Community Center in Hyannis, Massachusetts.  The event will be the first sanctioned mixed-martial-arts (MMA) show ever held on Cape Cod.  Earlier today, the promotion announced that it would conduct the event weigh-in this Friday, May 13, 2016, at 5:00 pm EDT at Red Face Jack’s Pub.  Red Face Jack’s Pub is located at 585 Main Street in West Yarmouth, Massachusetts.

 

Weigh-ins are open to the public.  All of the fighters competing on Saturday night will be at the weigh-in, including headliners Brendan “Lock Down” Battles (0-0) and Mike “The Mustache” Hansen.  Fans and press are encouraged to attend.  Fighters and NEF executives will be available for interviews at the request of press.

 

The “NEF 23” fight card (subject to change):

 

PROFESSIONAL FIGHTS

MIDDLEWEIGHT: Crowsneck Boutin vs Ruben Redman
HEAVYWEIGHT: Brendan Battles vs Mike Hansen
LIGHTWEIGHT:  Derek Shorey vs Matt Denning

 

AMATEUR FIGHTS
LIGHT-HEAVYWEIGHT: Tracey Schryba vs Victor Irwin

BANTAMWEIGHT: Kylie O’Hearn vs Angela Young
CATCHWEIGHT: Thomas Lee Davis, Jr. vs Anthony Spires
CATCHWEIGHT: Fabian Miranda vs Steve Bang
CATCHWEIGHT: Ed Forlenza vs Frank Johanson

CATCHWEIGHT: Razzle Dazzle vs Dustin Veinott

 

“NEF 23: CAGE THE CAPE,” takes place this Saturday, May 14, 2016 at the Hyannis Youth & Community Center in Hyannis, Massachusetts. Tickets for “NEF 23” are $40 for general admission and $60 for cageside. They are on sale now at www.NewEnglandFights.com/Tickets

 

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 the promotion 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 New England’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

NEF CAGES THE CAPE ON MAY 14 WITH THRILLING FIGHT CARD

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Hyannis, Massachusetts  (May 6, 2016) – It will be no day at the beach, but they might just leave some blood on the sand.  New England Fights (NEF) plans to storm Cape Cod on Saturday, May 14, 2016 with the first-ever mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event to be held on the popular tourist destination.  The northeast’s top regional fight promotion will pack up its cage in one week and make the 200-mile trek south from NEF’s base of operations in Lewiston, Maine to the Hyannis Youth & Community Center (HYCC).

 

The attention the event has received has been staggering.  “The Cape Cod community has welcomed us with open arms,” said NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo.  “The HYCC is a great venue with an awesome staff.  Patti Lloyd at the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce has been a huge help in making this event happen as well.  And we have some fantastic new sponsors on the Cape like Bodystrong Fitness who have helped us spread the word.”

 

Indeed, the word has spread and ticket sales have been so strong, and demand so overwhelming, that the promotion had to order more chairs and tickets when cageside inventory sold out last week.  “The fans were asking us to add some more cageside seats, so we happily accommodated them,” noted DiSalvo.

 

And fight fans in attendance will be treated to a night filled with wild cage action.  The card is stacked with world class wrestlers and martial artists from Maine, Cape Cod and Massachusetts’ South Shore.  Hyannis-based Team Juniko will be prominently featured in no less than six of the evening’s bouts.

 

Brendan “Lock Down” Battles (0-0) of Juniko is scheduled to make his professional MMA debut in the heavyweight main event, locking horns with Mike “The Mustache” Hansen (4-3).  Battles was a three-time All American wrestler out of nearby Nauset Regional High School where he won two state championships and three New England championships.  He was 2-0 as an amateur MMA fighter.  Hansen has a wrestling pedigree of his own, having captured a state title for Mountain Valley High School in Rumford, Maine.  Hansen is a ten-year-plus veteran of the MMA cage.

 

The co-main event of the evening will feature a rematch from “NEF 15” in November 2014.  “Shatterproof 2.0” Derek Shorey (3-6) will look to avenge a loss to Matt “Ken Doll” Denning (2-2).  Shorey’s supporters have claimed for the past year-and-a-half that Denning’s submission victory was a fluke and that Denning would not be able to defeat Shorey a second time should the pair ever meet again.  Those claims will be put to the test in Hyannis in this lightweight rematch.

 

“It was a short notice fight that NEF asked for, and I know Derek wanted a rematch,” said Denning.  “After I beat him again, I’ll prove it wasn’t a fluke. I wanted this fight so I could get some new fans in Massachusetts and show my skills. I have had two losses in a row to great guys and want to get back in the win column.”

 

“I thought I could beat him the first time, and he caught me with an armbar,” Shorey admitted.  “This time I will leave that cage the victor.”

 

“It’s one of those fights we always get asked whether there will be a rematch,” stated NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson.  “This will finally prove, once and for all, whether Matt Denning got lucky coming up with that armbar that night.  Whatever you do, don’t blink!  These two guys are finishers.  Whatever the outcome, it’s not going to the judges.  Someone’s getting knocked out or submitted in this one.”

 

In another pro fight, longtime NEF mainstay Crowsneck Boutin (1-2) will take on another promotion regular in the form of Ruben Redman (0-0).  The bout will be Redman’s professional debut after six amateur fights with NEF in Maine.  Boutin is a prolific striker based out of the Choi Institute in Portland.  The fight will take place at the middleweight limit of 185-pounds.

 

The amateur headliner will see Dustin Veinott (4-4) in a flyweight showdown with Ryan “Razzle Dazzle” Kane (4-3).  Veinott is the former NEF MMA Amateur Flyweight Champion.  He dropped the title in a very close split decision loss to Ryan Burgess (2-0) last November.  Kane, from Plymouth, Massachusetts, is a member of Team Juniko and an accomplished competitor in the ancient Greek martial art of Pankration.

 

A women’s fight will be prominently featured on the amateur card.  Angela Young (1-1) is scheduled to face Kylie O’Hearn (0-0).  Young is coming off a big win just two weeks ago against Hannah Sparrell (1-1) at “NEF 22” in Lewiston.  O’Hearn, another product of Plymouth, Massachusetts and Team Juniko, will be making her amateur MMA debut.  The fight will take place at the bantamweight limit of 135-pounds.

 

Young’s teammate Victor Irwin (1-0) will make the five-hour road trip along with her from Bangor, Maine to compete in Hyannis.  Irwin will square off with newcomer Tracey Schryba (0-0) in the amateur light-heavyweight division.

 

Brewster’s Ed Forlenza (0-0) makes his amateur debut against Frank Johanson (0-1) in a 160-pound catchweight bout.  Forlenza is a 2004 graduate of Nauset Regional High School where he was a standout on the wrestling team.  Johanson’s opponent pulled out of their bout on fight day two weeks ago at “NEF 22.”   Not one to let a good fight camp go to waste, Johanson agreed to take the fight with Forlenza in Hyannis.

 

In another 160-pound catchweight bout, Steve Bang (3-4) takes on Fabian Miranda (2-0).  Bang is a member of the famous father-sons fighting family of Auburn, Maine.  Miranda represents Team Juniko and will look to add to his undefeated record in the fight with Bang.

 

Rounding out the fight card is a 190-pound catchweight bout featuring Anthony Spires (0-1) and Thomas Lee Davis (1-0).  Spires, an independent fighter from Maine, hopes to rebound from a loss in his debut last fall at “NEF XX.”  Davis is a member of Team Juniko.

 

“NEF 23: CAGE THE CAPE,” takes place Saturday, May 14, 2016 at the Hyannis Youth & Community Center in Hyannis, Massachusetts. Tickets for “NEF 23” are $40 for general admission and $60 for cageside. They are on sale now at www.NewEnglandFights.com/Tickets

 

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.”

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

MAIN EVENT ANNOUNCED FOR NEF MMA DEBUT ON CAPE COD

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Hyannis, Massachusetts  (May 3, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF) America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF 23: CAGE THE CAPE” on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at the Hyannis Youth and Community Center in Hyannis, Massachusetts. Earlier today, NEF announced the main event of the fight card. Brendan “Lock Down” Battles (0-0) has signed to face Mike “The Mustache” Hansen (4-3) in a professional bout at a fight weight of 265-pounds.

 

Brendan Battles is a native of Eastham, Massachusetts on Cape Cod. There, he was a three-time All American wrestler for Nauset Regional High School. During his high school career, Battles captured a total of two state championships and three New England championships with an amazing 161 wins to his credit prior to graduating in 2012. A multi-sport athlete, he later played defensive end and tackle for the University of Connecticut. Battles made his NEF debut earlier this year at “NEF 21: THE IMMORTALS” when he efficiently dispatched of Mike Hansen’s Berserkers teammate, Dave Smith (2-2) in the first round via TKO ref stoppage. Battles trains out of Gracie Fitness and is a member of Team Juniko based out of Hyannis.

 

“I look forward to Mike coming down to my backyard for my first professional fight,” said Battles. “I know he is a tough fighter, but I look forward to showcasing the skills I have acquired thus far as I continue my journey to become a well-rounded MMA fighter.”

 

Mike Hansen is the founding member of Berserkers MMA based out of Rumford, Maine.  He won a Maine state championship in wrestling as a heavyweight in 2004.  Hansen made his MMA debut shortly after graduating from high school, only to step away from the sport for a decade in order to serve his country as a combat engineer in the United States Army.  He returned to the MMA cage in 2015 as a member of the NEF roster. Hansen has become known for taking tough fights against opponents that he is generally undersized next to. Less than two weeks ago, he defeated former top-tanked amateur light heavyweight Jesse “The Barbarian” Baughman (0-2) via first round submission at “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE.”  Always up for a challenge, Hansen requested the opportunity to face Battles in his highly anticipated professional debut.

 

“I like this fight because I get to fight in Massachusetts again,” stated Hansen. “I made my pro debut at Club Lido at the ‘Wonderland’ Blue Line stop just over a decade ago. I rode the ‘T’ from Fenway to Wonderland on August 6th, 2005 to make my debut against Eric Brown who I beat by rear naked choke at 1:27 in the first round. Jumping up two weight classes sucks, but I’ve competed at this weight many times. Battles is a very accomplished athlete with a stacked resume. With only three minutes of cage time, I think it’s time Battles was in the cage with someone ready to fight. I will gladly welcome Battles to the professional ranks and see how he stacks up. I’m going to stand right in front of him and make him beat me up and, if he can, he’s a good fighter. If he can’t, it is because I didn’t want him to. On May 14th, we will have a fight my friend!”

 

“NEF 23: CAGE THE CAPE,” takes place Saturday, May 14, 2016 at the Hyannis Youth & Community Center in Hyannis, Massachusetts. Tickets for “NEF 23” are $40 for general admission and $60 for cageside. They are on sale now at www.NewEnglandFights.com/Tickets

 

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 New England’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

BARBARIAN VERSUS BERSERKER ON APRIL 23 IN LEWISTON

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Lewiston, Maine (March 17, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE” on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The fight card will feature a mix of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing bouts.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional light-heavyweight bout to the MMA portion of the “NEF 22” fight card.  Mike “The Mustache” Hansen (3-3) has signed to face Jesse “The Barbarian” Baughman (0-1) at a fight weight of 205-pounds.

 

Mike Hansen is the founding member of Berserkers MMA based out of Rumford, Maine.  He is an alumni of Mountain Valley High School (MVHS) where he won a state championship wrestling as a heavyweight in 2004.  Hansen made his MMA debut shortly after graduating from high school, only to step away from the sport for a decade in order to serve his country as a combat engineer in the United States Army.  He returned to the MMA cage in 2015 as a member of the NEF roster.  After restarting his career with a record of 2-1, Hansen dropped his first bout of 2016 to Zach Elkins (1-1) last month.  He will look to rebound from that loss on April 23.

 

“I’m looking forward to getting back in the cage fast coming off this loss,” said Hansen.  “I wasn’t mentally in that fight, so this time around with Baughman, I’m going to be mentally focused.  Jesse is a big guy and a tough fighter – and he seems like a guy I could get along with.  So, when we are done smashing each other up, hopefully we can get a drink.”

 

Like Hansen, Baughman is a United States military veteran, where he served in a recon unit of the special forces and earned a level-three certification in Army combatives.  He is currently a member of Team Link based out of Hooksett, New Hampshire.  As an amateur MMA fighter, Baughman put together a perfect record of 5-0 and was the number-one ranked light-heavyweight in the northeast region prior to turning professional.  Baughman made his pro debut last November at “NEF 20” against Matt Andrikut (2-0).

 

“On April 23rd, I’m looking forward to getting back in there and putting on a show,” said Baughman.  “My fans from New Hampshire want to see a war – and best believe they will!  Mike Hansen is a worthy opponent.  He knows going in, this will be a bloody battle till the end.  I have the best guys around preparing me for this matchup.  Big thanks to Taylor Trahan, Kevin Haley, Brett Trahan and Rob Belliveau.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE,” takes place Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF 22” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.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.”