Tag Archives: Maine

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

BROTHER AND SISTER MMA FIGHTERS RETURN TO CAGE AT NEF 27

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Lewiston, Maine (December 15, 2016) –New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on February 11, 2017 with its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE.”  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of two amateur bouts to the card.  Ryan Burgess (2-1) will battle Justin Witham (2-4) in a flyweight contest while his sister, Nicole Burgess (0-1), takes on Sarah Ziehm (0-0) in the strawweight division.

 

This will not be the first time the Burgess siblings have competed on an NEF card together.  Last June at “NEF 24,” Ryan and Nicole would taste defeat at the hands of Dustin Veinott (5-4) and Alex Walker (2-1), respectively.  They will look to redeem themselves on February 11.

 

“I’m super excited to get my sister back in the cage on the same card as me,” said Ryan Burgess. “She has always been a competitor and being able to train side by side with her throughout this fight camp will help me as much as it will help her. She is tough as nails and everything I will be helping her learn over the next two months will just reinforce the knowledge I have already obtained from my coaches. Her debut was against a seasoned fighter in Alex Walker and I can’t wait to see her take home her first win on February 11th.”

 

Ryan and Nicole are based out of the Berserkers MMA camp in Rumford, Maine.  They grew up in neighboring Mexico, Maine.  Ryan was a three-time state wrestling champion out of Mountain Valley High School, while Nicole, a multi-sport athlete, also wrestled and excelled in field hockey.  She has continued her field hockey career at Plymouth State University.  Ryan captured the NEF MMA Flyweight Title last year.  Both siblings are confident that Nicole can replicate his success in the cage.

 

“Training with my brother is both a challenge and a blessing,” said Nicole.  “We’ll get on each other’s nerves, but at the end of the day we want each other to succeed. Plus, he’s a good partner to have on your team.”

 

Ryan’s bout at “NEF 27” will be a rematch.  In their first meeting, he defeated Justin Witham via unanimous decision at “NEF 18” in the summer of 2015.

 

“Rematching Witham will be a perfect opportunity for me to showcase the huge strides I have made over the last year and a half since the beginning of my MMA career. He is a really tough dude and I know he will show up for a war, but I have made huge improvements in all aspects of my game since adding Jason Bell to my corner and I will be the one to decide the outcome of this fight. I will control the pace of the fight and whether I want to take it to him on the feet or take him down and submit him, there is nothing he will be able to do to stop me. This fight will not go three rounds.”

 

Justin Witham is a member of the Shatterproof Combat Club.  Since his loss to Burgess, Witham has gone 2-1 including an impressive submission win over Conner Murphy (1-1) in his most recent outing.  Witham is certain that he can defeat Burgess in the rematch.

 

“I’ve been wanting this fight since the second our first fight was over,” exclaimed Witham.  “I can and will win!”

 

As for Nicole, she will be taking on the debuting Sarah Ziehm.  Ziehm is a member of Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) based in nearby Auburn, Maine.

 

“I’m looking forward to getting back into the cage,” said Nicole.  “I think my first fight was a good learning experience and I got out all my nerves that I didn’t expect to have. Now, it’s my turn to come out with a ‘W’ for my team.”

 

NEF’s next event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE” takes place on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 7 p.m.  Tickets start at $25 and are on sale now 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 @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights, women's MMA

YOUNG FEMALE ATHLETES LOOK TO MAKE THEIR MARK AT NEF 27

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Lewiston, Maine (December 14, 2016) –New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on February 11, 2017 with its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE.”  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of an amateur women’s bout to the card.  Alex Walker (2-1) makes her return to Lewiston to take on the debuting Katie Baker (0-0) in a strawweight matchup.

 

24-year-old Alex Walker has appeared twice previously in the NEF cage.  Walker debuted in the spring of 2015 at “NEF 17” against Randi Beth Boyington (1-3).  She returned earlier this year to defeat Nicole Burgess (0-1) with a third-round armbar.  This past summer, she captured her first regional title on a fight card in Vermont.  Walker is a member of Team Kaze based in Lancaster, New Hampshire.

 

“I can’t wait to get back to work in the NEF cage,” exclaimed Walker.  “2017 is going to be a good year and I am looking forward to entertaining the great fans in Maine! I can’t think of a better way to start the year.  The two times I have fought in Maine, they were both FOTN, looking to Threepeat!”

 

Katie Baker, an 18-year-old from Gardiner, Maine, might be new to the NEF cage, but she is well-known within martial arts circles in the Pine Tree State.  Baker began training in combat sports at the age of five.  She won the Isshinryu World Karate Championship in 2009 and 2013, and has been a practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for seven years, regularly taking part in local tournaments.  Earlier this year, Baker began competing in amateur boxing.  She currently trains with Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine.

 

“I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to square off against Alex Walker at ‘NEF 27,'” said Baker.  “I have a high level of respect for Alex and her accomplishments.  We’re not taking her lightly, and this is going to be a hell of a fight for my debut.”

 

NEF’s next event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE” takes place on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 7 p.m.  Tickets start at $25 and are on sale now 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 @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.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

REGISTERED NURSES TO THROW DOWN AT NEF 27

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Lewiston, Maine (December 13, 2016) –New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on February 11, 2017 with its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE.”  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of an amateur women’s bout to the card.  Angela Young (1-2) returns to the NEF cage to take on Christine Brothwell (0-2) in the flyweight division.

 

Young, the wife of Young’s MMA founder and head coach Chris Young, made her MMA debut in the fall of 2015.  Somehow finding the time to fight while being a fulltime mother and working overnight as a registered nurse, Young would compete three times in just an eight-month period.  Win or lose, she has been known to put on “fight of the night” performances, including Young’s last bout with Kylie O’Hearn (1-2) at “NEF 23” in Hyannis, Massachusetts this past May.

 

“I’ve taken some time off from the cage since my last fight, but I’ve never stopped training,” said Young when reached for comment.  “Young’s is growing, and team training has been elevated to a higher standard because of the new talent.  I’m looking forward to stepping back in the NEF cage in February. I’ve been looking forward to this for a while, and you better believe I’m coming for a win.”

 

Like her opponent, Brothwell is a registered nurse.  She is based in New Hampshire and is a member of team Bucket Brigade in Nashua.  While she will be making her NEF debut on February 11, Brothwell is no stranger to the MMA cage.  She has competed twice previously and she promises a memorable fight for both Young and the fans in Lewiston.

 

“I fully respect my opponent, her abilities and training, but I train with the best in New England,” stated Brothwell. “Win or lose, you will always remember the time you fought me. This won’t just be the best female fight on the card, it’s going to be fight of the night.”

 

NEF’s next event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE” takes place on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 7 p.m.  Tickets start at $25 and are on sale now 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 @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 mixed martial arts, Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

HEAVYWEIGHTS PREPARE FOR WAR AT NEF 27

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Lewiston, Maine (December 7, 2016) –New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on February 11, 2017 with its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE.”  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of a professional contest to the card.  Ras “Rasquatch” Hylton (0-0) will make his professional debut against Mike “The Mustache” Hansen (5-4) in the heavyweight division.

 

Hylton’s now-legendary rise through the ranks of the amateur heavyweight division in NEF is one of the major stories of 2016.  At 6’6″ and towering over the top of the MMA cage, Hylton cuts an imposing figure.  The only thing more impressive than Hylton’s size and appearance might be his athletic abilities.  A prolific striker, Hylton finished all three of his opponents this year by either knockout or technical knockout.

 

“Rasquatch,” or as some fans call him “The Jamaican Shamrock,” really began to raise eyebrows with a highlight-reel head kick knockout of Matt Glover (1-1) last spring.  Then, last month at “NEF 26,” Hylton pounded an extremely tough Kevin Smith (3-3) to a bloody pulp.  It was immediately after that dominant performance that Hylton’s coaches at First Class MMA and Dragon Fire Martial Arts felt the time was right for him to make the jump to the pro ranks.

 

“I am so grateful to be fighting a man of Mike Hansen’s stature in front of my family and friends,” said Hylton.  “As the first professional fighter to come out of both Dragon Fire Martial Arts and First Class MMA, and with the instruction of Shihan Andy Campbell, John “First Class” Raio and my team, we are preparing for me to go to war because that is what Mike always brings to the cage.”

 

A former Maine state heavyweight wrestling champion out of Mountain Valley High School, Mike Hansen has never shied away from taking a fight with someone bigger than him.  In fact, Hansen, who also competes in the light-heavyweight and middleweight divisions, has gained a reputation as somewhat of a “giant killer.”

 

Earlier this year, Hansen submitted a substantially bigger Jesse Baughman (0-2) in the first round at “NEF 22.”  He followed up that impressive performance by nearly knocking out a much larger Brendan Battles (1-1) with a right hand at “NEF 23.”  This fall Hansen gave up nearly half a foot to Matt Andrikut (2-1) and submitted his bigger opponent in the first round.  Indeed, Hylton’s size advantage will play little role in the outcome of this fight should Hansen have anything to say about it.

 

“I’m super excited for this fight,” exclaimed Hansen.  “I like being part of these ‘super fights.’  I know Ras has a great camp behind him and he will come 100% prepared. I’ll expect nothing less from Raio, but I feel my experience and composure in the cage will be my best asset and that’s not something that he can train up on in 10 weeks. February 11th we will go to war, so expect just that.”

 

NEF’s next event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE” takes place on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 7 p.m.  Tickets start at $25 and are on sale now 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 @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

CLARK VS. CLARK ANNOUNCED FOR NEF 27

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (December 6, 2016) –New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on February 11, 2017 with its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE.”  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the first amateur fight confirmed for the card.  Henry Clark (3-2) is scheduled to face Alex Clark (3-2) at a catchweight of 140-pounds.

 

Henry Clark fights out of the Choi Institute in Portland, Maine.  With wins over the likes of Sheldon Bang (2-2) and Fred Lear (4-2), Henry earned a shot at the NEF Amateur Bantamweight Title earlier this year.  The finish of the bout was mired in controversy as Henry contended that the referee stoppage resulting in a technical knockout victory for Johnny Crafts (4-1) was actually the result of an illegal eye poke suffered by Clark.

 

“I’m coming into to this fight with an iron will and a desire for violence,” declared Henry Clark.  “After my last loss, I can guarantee it will not go that way for me again. I’m the best 135-pounder in Maine, and I’m here to prove that. After I take what I want from Alex, there’s only one place for me to go and that’s a championship fight. I look forward to facing the challenges Alex will bring.”

 

Alex Clark is a member of Young’s MMA based in Bangor, Maine.  He recently returned to the NEF cage after an extended leave of nearly three years from active competition.  At “NEF 26” last month, Alex  lost a hard-fought battle against Florida’s Shawn Lunghi (2-0).  He will be looking to bounce back from that loss at “NEF 27,” and he promises an exciting contest for fight fans.

 

“I’m super excited about this fight,” said Alex Clark.  “Henry is a tough guy with absolutely no quit in him. He’s not afraid to stand and exchange and has good BJJ to back it up. This is an awesome matchup between a couple of strong willed warriors, but I think my strength and athleticism is going to be the difference. Styles make fights and there’s no doubt that this one will be a crowd pleaser.”

 

NEF’s next event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE” takes place on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 7 p.m.  Tickets start at $25 and are on sale now 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 @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

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

NEF 26 MMA CARD FEATURES WOMEN’S FIGHTS, TITLE FIGHTS, RETURNS, DEBUTS AND MORE

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Lewiston, Maine (October 21, 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 full fight card for the event which will be the fight promotion’s grand finale for 2016.

 

In the main event, “The” Ryan Sanders (10-8) will meet Jon Lemke (5-6) in a professional lightweight bout.  It will be Sanders’ first fight in Lewiston since November 2014.  Much has been made of the fact that Sanders and Lemke are former teammates.  The bout is considered a “dream match” by Maine fight fans, especially those from the Bangor-area familiar with the rivalry between Sanders’ camp Young’s MMA and Lemke’s camp Team Irish.

 

The co-main event of the evening will feature an interesting “coach vs. coach” battle.  “Shatterproof 2.0” Derek Shorey (4-7), head of the Shatterproof Combat Club, is scheduled to face Ruthless MMA & Boxing founder Josh Parker (4-8) in a professional featherweight contest.  Shorey is coming off a big win in Rhode Island earlier this fall, while Parker will be returning to the MMA cage after spending the last three years competing as a boxer.

 

Rounding out the professional portion of the card will be undefeated prospect Aaron “Relentless” Lacey (3-0) and Taylor Trahan (6-6) in a featherweight bout.  Lacey and Trahan both submitted their respective opponents at “NEF 25” last month.  Many local followers of the sport feel that Lacey is just a handful of wins away from getting the call to the major league of the sport.  Trahan will be looking to play the role of spoiler while also avenging the loss of his Team Link teammate John Santos (3-5) to Lacey in Bangor this past August.

 

The amateur portion of the card will be headlined by a heavyweight title fight between Nick “The Guardian” Gulliver (3-0) and Yorgan DeCastro (2-2).  DeCastro stepped up to the plate to face Gulliver when no other heavyweight in the region would do so.  Gulliver has been on a path of destruction, ripping through three opponents in a combined two minutes.

 

Two women’s fights are on tap for “NEF 26.”  Jessica “The Black Widow” Borga (2-2) returns from Florida to meet Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Brianne Genschel (0-0).  Genschel’s First Class MMA teammate “Hollywood” Hannah Sparrell (1-1) will also be in action against Fernanda Araujo (4-4-2).

 

Jay Jack and Amanda Buckner’s The Academy in Portland, Maine will send two new fighters to the cage at “NEF 26.”  Chad Pierce (0-0) will debut against Shatterproof’s  Lyman Curtis (0-0), while Phil Chiasson (0-0) meets Rik Seymour (0-0) of 3Ronin Athletics.  Both bouts will take place in the 155-pound lightweight division.

 

The full “NEF 26” fight card (subject to change and approval of the Combat Sports Authority of Maine):

 

 

PROFESSIONAL

 

155 Ryan Sanders 10-8 (Young’s) vs Jon Lemke 5-6 (Team Irish)

 

145 Josh Parker 4-8 (Ruthless) vs Derek Shorey 4-7 (Shatterproof)

 

145 Aaron Lacey 3-0 (Young’s) vs Taylor Trahan 6-6 (Team Link)

 

 

AMATEUR

265*TITLE Nick Gulliver 3-0 (First Class) vs Yorgan DeCastro 2-2 (SSSF)

265 Kevin Smith 3-2 (Young’s) vs Ras Hylton 2-0 (First Class)

 

210 Mike Swan 0-0 (Choi) vs Joe Krech 0-2 (Independent)

 

185 Nash Roy 2-2 (Young’s) vs Chris Smith 1-0 (Berserkers)

 

170 Darren Ducharme 0-0 (CMBJJ) vs Tom Burgess 2-0 (Berserkers)

 

155 Ken Dunn 0-3 (Independent) vs Angelo Rizitello 0-1 (Shatterproof)

 

155 Chad Pierce 0-0 (Academy) vs Lyman Curtis 0-0 (Shatterproof)

 

155 Phil Chiasson 0-0 (Academy) vs Rik Seymour 0-0 (3Ronin Athletics)

 

145 Alex Clark 3-1 (Young’s) vs Shawn Lunghi 1-0 (S. Tampa Jiu Jitsu/MMA)

 

145 Hannah Sparell 1-1 (First Class) vs Fernanda Araujo 4-4-2 (Defensive Edge)

 

135 Brianne Genschel 0-0 (First Class/Foundry) vs Jessica Borga 2-2 (Champions)

 

135 Fred Lear 3-2 (Young’s) vs Robby Fraser 1-1 (S. Tampa Jiu Jitsu/MMA)

 

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.”

 

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

SECOND WOMEN’S FIGHT ANNOUNCED FOR NEF 26

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (October 10, 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 featherweight women’s bout to the fight card.  “Hollywood” Hannah Sparrell (1-1) is scheduled to meet “Ferocious” Fernanda Araujo (4-4-2) at a fight weight of 145-pounds.

 

Hannah Sparrell made her NEF cage debut in September 2015 with a unanimous decision victory over Kira Innocenti (0-1).  She returned to the cage last spring at “NEF 22” in a losing effort against Angela Young (1-2).  That bout, a back and forth battle, has been one of the most memorable this year in NEF and could be in the running for “Fight of the Year” honors as well.  Sparrell is a member of First Class MMA based out of Brunswick, Maine.

 

“I’m super excited to be stepping into the NEF cage once again on November 19th,” said Sparrell.  “For months, I have had friends, supporters and fans asking me when my next bout will be.  I am happy to have a solid answer for them. Though I lost my fight to Angela during NEF 22, I left there with my head held high, a newly recognized confidence, and a hunger to get in the cage once again.

 

“Fernanda has a solid, and well rounded MMA career. Her experience and comfort level in the cage gives me a determination to train hard, give her a good fight, and feel the sense of empowerment of having my hand raised after the hard fought rounds!”

 

Fernanda Araujo is also a veteran of the NEF cage.  In 2012, she debuted in Lewiston against Maria Rios (2-3) in what turned out to be a bloody brawl.  While she lost the bout via technical knockout in the second round, Araujo impressed the Maine crowd with her gutsy performance.

 

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 @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, women's MMA

THE BLACK WIDOW AND THE BLACK BELT; FIRST WOMEN’S FIGHT ANNOUNCED FOR NEF 26

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Lewiston, Maine (October 6, 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 bantamweight women’s bout to the fight card.  Jessica “The Black Widow” Borga (2-2) returns to Maine to take on Brianne Genschel (0-0) at a fight weight of 135-pounds.

 

Borga made her NEF cage debut last month against Rachael Joyce (2-0).  She traveled more than 1500 miles from Lakeland, Florida for the fight.  While Borga was on the losing end of a unanimous decision to Joyce, she realizes that the most important part of her amateur career is gaining experience through taking tough fights.

 

“I’m not slowing down anytime soon,” said Borga, “and love to take on any challenges and get better each fight. The more experience the better! So thankful for the girls that are stepping up to fight! I’m ready to put on an amazing show.”

 

Brianne Genschel, while making her in-cage debut at “NEF 26,” is a longtime practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) in which she holds a black belt.  She is a BJJ instructor at The Foundry in Farmington, Maine.  Genschel also trains with, and will represent, First Class MMA based in Brunswick, Maine.  Like her opponent, she promises an exciting fight for the fans on November 19.

 

“I’m really looking forward to stepping into the cage for my first fight with NEF, and especially against such an established opponent,” said Genschel.  “I can’t wait to represent my teams- Foundry BJJ and First Class MMA.  I have been training hard for this opportunity, and promise to put on a good show and leave it all in the cage!”

 

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 @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

LACEY TO FACE TOUGH CHALLENGE AT NEF 26

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Lewiston, Maine (October 5, 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 a professional featherweight bout to the fight card.  Aaron “Relentless” Lacey (3-0) has signed on to face Taylor Trahan (6-6) at a fight weight of 145-pounds.

 

Lacey is riding high on a three-fight win streak to start his professional career.  He will be looking for his fourth win in a short seven-month period.  It would seem that the Young’s MMA featherweight is on the fast track to the next level of the sport.  Lacey knows that to get there he will have to continue to face, and defeat, tough veterans like Trahan.

 

“Taylor is a seasoned veteran who has competed against the best New England has to offer for a long time,” said Lacey. “He has a vast amount of experience that is going to be hard to surmount. I do, however, believe I have a strong set of skills that can cause him a lot of problems. This one is going to be a scrap! Who knows, maybe another fight of the night!”

 

Trahan is the definition of veteran.  He has competed on the regional mixed-martial-arts scene since 2009.  Last month, Trahan made his debut in the NEF MMA cage, defeating Matt Denning (3-4) via first-round submission.  It put an end to a five-fight skid that Trahan had been on.  He will look to make it two in a row on November 19 against Lacey.

 

“I’m looking forward to returning to Lewiston to fight for NEF,” said Trahan. “I’m hoping to put on a good show for everyone and come out with the win.”

 

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.”

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

SHATTERPROOF AND RUTHLESS IN MAINE TURF WAR AT NEF 26

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Lewiston, Maine (October 4, 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 a professional featherweight bout to the fight card.  Josh Parker (4-8) will take on“Shatterproof 2.0” Derek Shorey (4-7) at a fight weight of 145-pounds.

 

Parker is the head of Ruthless MMA & Boxing based in Benton, Maine.  A regular in the NEF MMA cage during the early days of the promotion, Parker has spent the last several years competing in the boxing ring.  He battled Elias Leland to a draw last November in a boxing bout at “NEF XX.”  Parker predicts a finish in his long-awaited return to cage competition.

 

“I want to thank NEF for the opportunity and Derek for taking the fight,” said Parker. “I’m excited to get back in the cage.  I feel like I have a lot to prove.  I will show up this time and I will finish this fight – don’t miss it!”

 

Derek Shorey, founder of the Shatterproof Combat Club at the Outlet in Dexter, Maine, is coming off a huge win in Rhode Island just over a week ago.  It was the spark Shorey had been looking for after dropping his last four in a row in the NEF cage.  Admittedly, Shorey is filled with both fear and excitement coming into the fight with Parker.

 

“This is a fight that has scared the crap out of me in the past,” declared Shorey. “He’s a big, strong 145er that has good movement and boxing. Standing and trading could end horribly for either of us. His strength may be enough to keep my slams in check and I’m not a jits expert, so he can probably power out of whatever I throw at him. It’s a puzzle I’m both excited and terrified to tackle.”

 

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.”