Tag Archives: Maine

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

ALL ROADS LEAD TO MONUMENTAL FIGHT CARD IN LEWISTON

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Lewiston, Maine (March 31, 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 full fight card for the event.  The fight card is scheduled to feature three professional boxing matches, six professional MMA bouts, and twelve exciting amateur MMA contests.

 

On the professional boxing side of the card, Northeast Junior Welterweight Champion, and the pride of West Forks, Maine, Brandon “The Cannon” Berry(11-1, 7 KOs) returns to the ring for a six-rounder with Detroit, Michigan’s James Lester (10-9, 4 KOs).  Berry, one of the most popular boxers to ever come out of Maine, will look for his fourth consecutive victory since returning from a shoulder injury last year.

 

That will prove easier said than done with Lester standing in the opposite corner.  Lester is a product of the world-famous Kronk Gym in Detroit where world champions like Thomas “Hitman” Hearns (61-5-1, 48 KOs), Oscar De La Hoya (39-6, 30 KOs), Lennox Lewis (41-2-1, 32 KOs) and Wladimir Klitschko (64-4, 53 KOs) have trained under the late Emmanuel Steward.  Lester was ranked number-two nationally as an amateur.  He presents a dangerous threat to Berry, one that could very well play the role of “spoiler” to “The Cannon” and his legion of fans.

 

After a bloody war of a professional boxing debut at “NEF 21” last month, NEF MMA regular Crowsneck Boutin (0-0-1) will once again step into the boxing ring, this time facing Brandon Montella (3-0, 2 KOs).  Montella, now a resident of Massachusetts, grew up in Maine and served in the United States Marine Corps.

 

Headlining the professional MMA portion of the fight card will be Jesse “The Viking” Erickson (6-4) and Devin Powell (5-1) in a lightweight contest.  Both fighters are currently on a three-fight win streak.

 

“I try to focus on what is right in front of me,” said Erickson during a recent interview on The MMA Report Podcast.  “I never looked past my opponents but I like to think what the reward is going to be when I beat this guy.”

 

Neither athlete can afford to overlook the other, but a win for either could very well mean a call from one of the national promotions.  Erickson has been there before with Bellator.  Powell is an all-around talent with some slick finishes to his credit.

 

“This is the type of MMA fight we absolutely love,” said NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo.  “You have two guys who match up so well.  They’ve both been racking up the wins.  They’ve faced some of the same opponents.  They’re both solid on the mat and on their feet.  I expect this to be yet another crazy, wild NEF MMA main event!”

 

“Crazy” and “wild” do not even begin to describe the grudge that has developed between Josh “Hook On” Harvey (0-0) and Matt “Ken Doll” Denning (2-1).  The bitter rivals will meet at a fight weight of 150-pounds at “NEF 22” in an MMA bout.  The bout will be Harvey’s professional debut after a stellar 5-1 amateur career that saw him capture the NEF MMA Amateur Lightweight Title, as well as the northeast regions number-one ranking.  The well-publicized personal issues between Harvey and Denning will be settled in the cage on April 23rd.

 

The professional portion of the MMA card will also feature the pro debut of Harvey’s Young’s MMA teammate Aaron “Relentless” Lacey (0-0) as he takes on veteran “Shatterproof 2.0” Derek Shorey (3-5) in a featherweight bout.  Lacey vacated the NEF MMA Amateur Featherweight Title in order to turn professional.

 

That title will not stay vacant very long as Caleb Hall (6-3) and Erik Nelson (2-2) face off to determine a new champion at the top of the amateur MMA card.  Hall is coming off a first-round submission win at “NEF XX” last fall, while Nelson recently picked up a unanimous decision victory at “NEF 21.”

 

The amateur MMA card will also feature a women’s fight between Angela Young(0-1) and “Hollywood” Hannah Sparrell (1-0).  Young and Sparrell made their respective debuts last year at “NEF XIX.”

 

The full “NEF 22” fight card (subject to change and approval of the Combat Sports Authority of Maine):

 

 

PROFESSIONAL BOXING

175 Crowsneck Boutin 0-0-1 (Choi) vs Brandon Montella 3-0 (The Way)

140 Brandon Berry 11-1 (West Forks) vs James Lester 10-9 (Kronk)

140 Josh Parker 0-2-1 (Ruthless) vs Evincii Dixon 7-13-1 (Lancaster)

 

 

PROFESSIONAL MMA

 

205 Mike Hansen 3-3 (Berserkers) vs Jesse Baughman 0-1 (Link)

170 Jarod Lawton 4-2 (Lawton/NEU) vs Aaron Aschendorf 2-2 (ABCC)

155 Devin Powell 5-1 (Nostos) vs Jesse Erickson 6-4 (CMBJJ)

150 Josh Harvey 0-0 (Young’s) vs Matt Denning 2-1 (CMBJJ)

155 Zenon Herrera 0-3 (Independent) vs Tollison Lewis 0-5 (CMBJJ)

145 Aaron Lacey 0-0 (Young’s) vs Derek Shorey 3-5 (Shatterproof)

 

AMATEUR MMA

 

145 *TITLE Caleb Hall 6-3 (Choi) vs Erik Nelson 2-2 (CMBJJ)

265 Dave Smith 2-1 (Berserkers) vs Nick Gulliver 2-0 (First Class)

265 Matt Glover 1-0 (Berserkers) vs Ras Hylton 1-0 (First Class)

265 Joe Krech 0-1 (Berserkers) vs Bryce Bamford 1-0 (First Class)

185 Anthony Spires 0-1 (Independent) vs Mike Williams 1-1 (CMBJJ)

170 John Hansen 0-0 (Berserkers) vs Alex Payson 1-0 (First Class)

155 Ken Dunn 0-3 (W. ME Budo Arts) vs Frank Johanson 0-1 (CMBJJ)

150 Cory Trial 1-2 (Ruthless) vs Jeremy Tyler 4-3 (Team Irish)

145 Johnny Crafts 4-0 (NEU) vs Taylor Costantino 2-1 (Team Irish PTC)

145 Glenn Kasabian 0-0 (Choi) vs Matt Marshall 2-5 (MMA Athletix)

140 Angela Young 0-1 (Young’s) vs Hannah Sparrell 1-0 (First Class)

125 Jake Denham 1-0 (Lawton BJJ) vs Ryan Daley 0-2 (Team Irish)

 

 

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.”

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

BOXERS LOOK TO GET ON THE WINNING TRACK AT NEF 22

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Lewiston, Maine (March 29, 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 junior welterweight bout to the boxing portion of the “NEF 22” fight card.  Josh Parker (0-2-1) is scheduled to face Evincii “Prize Fighter” Dixon (7-13-1, 2 KOs) in a four-round contest.

 

Josh Parker is the founder and head coach of Ruthless MMA & Boxing based in Benton, Maine.  Prior to entering the boxing ranks, Parker was a regular in the NEF MMA cage.  He boxed to a draw against fellow NEF MMA alum Elias Leland (0-0-1) last November in Lewiston.  Most recently, Parker dropped a decision to undefeated Julio Perez (4-0) on a boxing card in Rhode Island.  He is hungry for his first victory as a professional boxer.

 

“I want to thank NEF for another opportunity to fight,” said Parker.  “I have a lot to prove.  My skills have not been reflected in my past few performances.  I’ve switched up some aspects of my training and I’m confident that I will finally be able to bring the real me to the ring.  I will be facing an experienced opponent who will present some tough challenges for me – which is exactly what I wanted.  The toughest opponent I’ve ever faced is myself, and now that I’ve figured him out, it doesn’t matter who’s standing in front of me.”

 

A veteran of more than twenty professional fights, Evincii Dixon has been one of the northeast’s most active boxers since his debut in the summer of 2013.  Dixon, who calls Lancaster, Pennsylvania his home, often fights multiple times in a given month in places as far away as Texas, California and, most recently, Ohio.   He made the 500-mile trek to Lewiston, Maine last month, picking up a win in the NEF ring against Antonio Chaves Fernandez (7-26-3).  Dixon will be looking to get back in the win column at “NEF 22” after a loss last weekend.

 

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.”

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

BLACK BELT RETURNS TO ACTION AT NEF 22 IN LEWISTON

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Lewiston, Maine (March 24, 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 welterweight bout to the MMA portion of the “NEF 22” fight card.  Jarod “Last Minute” Lawton (4-2) returns to the NEF cage to face Aaron Aschendorf (2-2) at a fight weight of 170-pounds.

 

One of the true stars of the NEF roster, Jarod Lawton last appeared for the promotion a year ago at “NEF 17.”  That night, Lawton lost  a split decision to Bellator veteran Dennis Olson (14-11) after three rounds of a brutal, physical battle.  It was Lawton’s first loss in the cage in three years.

 

Lawton holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).  Along with his wife, Marcela Sorentino Lawton, he is the co-owner of Team Lawton Martial Arts and Innovative Athletics – a team New England United (NEU) affiliate based in Farmingdale, Maine.  With a reputation for pulling out late-fight submission victories, Lawton says that he will be looking for the finish against Aschendorf on April 23.

 

“I have been working hard on improving my game,” said Lawton.  “I am in the best shape of my life and excited to be fighting again.  I don’t know much about Aaron, but I’m always prepping to fight tough opponents and put on very exciting fights.  I will be hunting for the finish as always.”

 

Aaron Aschendorf is a member of the Atlantic Beach Combat Club based out of Atlantic Beach, Florida.  He began actively competing in the sport of MMA in 2004.  After a four year break, Aschendorf returned to the cage this past fall for House of Fame MMA in Jacksonville, Florida.  He is clear that he plans on coming in aggressive against Lawton when he makes the trip to Maine next month.

 

“All I can say about this fight is that I’m leaving it all in the cage that night,” said Aschendorf.   “I’m going to fight hard and aggressive. Jarod better be ready for a war, because I’m not holding anything back.”

 

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.”

 

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.”

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

HEAT RISING ON UPCOMING DENNING-HARVEY FIGHT AT NEF 22 APRIL 23RD

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Lewiston, Maine (March 16, 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 this month, NEF announced the addition of a professional lightweight contest to the MMA portion of the “NEF 22” fight card.  Matt “Ken Doll” Denning (2-1) will meet Josh “Hook On” Harvey (0-0) at a fight weight of 150-pounds.  Since the announcement, the anticipation has continued to accelerate for the upcoming bout. In a recent interview with Jason Floyd on The MMA Report, Harvey made some comments that has sent the energy around the fight into overdrive.

 

“I find him disrespectful as a person and I want to keep it classy on a podcast,” Harvey stated in the beginning of the interview. “I do not want to speak my full mind. You meet the guy, talk to him for a minute and you want to fight him. But it depends on which Matt you are talking to. Because he can rub people the wrong way and he can kiss their ass on the same day. That is who he is.”

 

The bad blood between the two rivals has been rising for a long time. The potential matchup had been talked about for years, but is scheduled to finally become a reality on April 23rd.

 

“In this case, I’ve wanted to fight Matt Denning since we were both amateurs,” Harvey stated to Floyd during the interview. “I couldn’t make it happen then. I guess I wasn’t the fight he wanted. At the time, I only had one or two amateur fights and he was towards the end of his amateur career.”

 

“He’s backed out of fights before at the pro level,” “Harvey stated. “He’s missed weight. Is it a career? Is it a hobby? I mean, it’s for him to decide, but we’ll find out if he wants to show up to fight.”

 

When Floyd asked Harvey if the fight was personal, Harvey confirmed the obvious. “I think it is,” Harvey replied. “I’m not saying they’re going to want two refs in there to pull me off of him, but it’s going to finish that way.”

 

During the interview, Harvey also noted the difference in quality of training partners, as he sees it, and how that will impact the outcome of the fight.

 

“I don’t think he’s rolling with the animals that we’re bringing in every day,” Harvey stated. “The people he has submitted, I don’t think their jitz game was tight—and that’s why he took those fights.”

 

When asked how he would like to end the fight with Denning, Harvey explained to Floyd that a submission finish would be satisfying, but that he was prepared to create the finish wherever it presents itself.

 

“It would be nice to turn Ken Doll into Stretch Armstrong—that would be sweet,” Harvey stated toward the end of the interview. “But I’m going to beat him wherever the fight goes. I’m not going to force it down to beat him on the ground and I’m not going to force it to stay up. Of course, if he tries to take me down—I don’t give up takedowns for nobody. I’ll beat him wherever the fight goes.”

 

To listen to Josh Harvey’s complete interview on The MMA Report visit:

 

http://themmareport.com/2016/03/josh-harvey-on-nef-22-opponent-matt-denning-i-find-him-disrespectful-as-a-person/

 

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.”

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

HEAVYWEIGHTS TO MAKE SOPHOMORE CAGE APPEARANCES AT NEF 22

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Lewiston, Maine (March 16, 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 an amateur heavyweight bout to the MMA portion of the “NEF 22” fight card.  Ras Hylton (1-0) is scheduled to face Matt Glover (1-0) at a fight weight of 265-pounds.

 

Weighing in at 227-pounds and standing 6’6,” Ras Hylton towered over the top of the cage at “NEF 21” last month in his MMA debut.  It took him just over a minute to dispatch his opponent, Zak Bergeron (0-1), using his reach advantage to pummel Bergeron with a barrage of strikes.  Hylton is a member of Dragon Fire Martial Arts of South Portland, Maine, as well as First Class MMA based in Brunswick.

 

“I’m immensely grateful to my teams at Dragon Fire MMA and First Class MMA for helping me to prepare for this dream made real,” exclaimed Hylton.  “I expect that Mr. Glover will help provide an excellent show for the fans as we both fight for victory, making this show as memorable as my debut was for me.  All roads lead here, and I want mine to lead to victory.  Thank you for all the support folks!”

 

At “NEF 21,” Matt Glover defeated Gravin Guillen (2-5) via first-round technical knockout.  During his time at Mountain Valley High School (MVHS) in Rumford, Maine, Glover was a standout on the football field.  He is a member of Berserkers MMA where he trains under coaches Mike Hansen (3-3) and Gary Dolloff.  Glover’s younger brother Ryan (Glover, 3-1) is the reigning NEF MMA Amateur Light-Heavyweight Champion.  At 236-pounds and 6’2,” Glover realizes he will need to overcome Hylton’s height and reach advantage on April 23rd.

 

“I’m very excited for my next NEF battle,” said Glover.  “I think I will be even more prepared and less nervous for this fight.  My head will be clearer.  For my debut, my brother was also on the card and I was a little distracted as a result, but for this fight, my mind is all business about what’s in front of me.  Ras possesses a huge challenge with his height and reach, but I plan on neutralizing his kicks and getting inside and coming straight forward and throwing bombs.  My training is getting me better and better and getting me more prepared every day.  There will be some bloodshed on April 23rd – and I will give 110% effort, as always.”

 

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.”

 

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

LIGHTWEIGHT FIGHT AT NEF 22 WILL FEATURE TWO RETURNING ATHLETES

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Lewiston, Maine (March 14, 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 an amateur lightweight bout to the MMA portion of the “NEF 22” fight card.  Jeremy Tyler (4-3) will take on Corey Trial (1-2) at a fight weight of 150-pounds.

 

On April 23rd, it will be 19-months since Jeremy Tyler’s last appearance in the NEF MMA cage.  In September of 2014, Tyler, a member of Team Irish in Brewer, Maine, lost to Matt Denning (2-1) via second-round submission.  It was a fitting finish as all of Tyler’s seven previous bouts, whether wins or losses, have ended with a submission.  Tyler’s last victory came in February of 2014 with a second-round arm triangle choke submission of Corey Hinkley (2-4).  At “NEF 22,” Tyler will look to pick up his first win in over two years.

 

“I’m happy to have the opportunity to get back into the NEF cage,” said Tyler.  “I have put in a lot of time into improving my skill set.  I feel amazing going into this fight with Cory Trial.  On April 23rd, everyone is going to see that I’m back.”

 

Like Tyler, Cory Trial’s most recent win in the NEF cage was over Corey Hinkley.  It was a stunning first-round knockout (KO) that was a finalist in the voting for NEF’s “KO of the Year” in 2015.  It was also the quickest victory ever in the NEF cage, clocking in at a mere seven-seconds.  Trial has not competed since a September 2015 loss to Rafael Velado (3-0) as he has been nursing several injuries.  Training out of Ruthless MMA & Boxing of Benton, Maine, Trial predicts another KO finish at “NEF 22.”

 

“First, I want to thank NEF for giving me this opportunity and thank Jeremy for taking the fight,” said Trial.  “I’ve been dealing with a couple injuries the last few months and it’s given me time to reflect and get my game right and in this fight everybody will see that I’m back!  I was dealing with a couple of injuries leading up to my last fight, but I showed up ’cause I love to fight.  I’m healthy now, training with the best team around and you’ll see the best Cory you’ve seen.  This fight won’t go to the judges – I’ll be coming for the knockout!  This is a fight you won’t want to miss!”

 

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.”

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

RECENTLY VACATED FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE TO BE FILLED AT NEF 22

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Lewiston, Maine (March 11, 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 an amateur featherweight title bout to the MMA portion of the “NEF 22” fight card.  Caleb Hall (6-3) will take on Erik Nelson (2-2) for the vacant NEF MMA Amateur Featherweight Title.  The championship was vacated earlier this week when previous champion Aaron Lacey (6-1) announced that he would enter the professional ranks at “NEF 22.”

 

Caleb Hall is a member of the Choi Institute of Portland, Maine.  He was a two-time Maine state champion wrestling for Dirigo High School in Dixfield.  Hall later wrestled for both Plymouth State University (PSU) in New Hampshire and the University of Southern Maine (USM).  He began competing in MMA in September 2012, making his debut at “NEF IV.”   Hall last appeared in the NEF cage this past fall, scoring an impressive first-round submission victory over Matt Tamayo (0-1).  He feels that his wrestling experience will carry him to the featherweight title on April 23rd against Nelson.

 

“I’m very excited to fight for the belt I have worked for,” said Hall.  “My wrestling and constant pressure will be a big problem for Nelson.  The scrambles and pressure will fold him and I’ll get the finish.”

 

Erik Nelson is a member of Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) located in Lewiston, Maine where he is a jiu-jitsu instructor.  In December, he was awarded his brown belt by head coach Travis Wells.  A few weeks later, Nelson would go on to defeat Julio Martinez (0-2) at “NEF 21.”  Nelson believes his jiu-jitsu will be the deciding factor when he meets Caleb Hall for the amateur featherweight title on April 23rd.

 

“I am very excited for the opportunity to fight for a title in my hometown,” said Nelson.  “Caleb is a talented wrestler, but I feel my jiu-jitsu is far superior.  No matter where the fight goes, I see my hand being raised at the end.”

 

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.”

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

HEAVYWEIGHT CLASH ADDED TO NEF 22 FIGHT CARD

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Lewiston, Maine (March 10, 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 an amateur heavyweight bout to the MMA portion of the “NEF 22” fight card.  Nick Gulliver (2-0) will meet Dave Smith (2-1) at a fight weight of 265-pounds.

 

Nick Gulliver is a product of John Raio’s First Class MMA gym of Brunswick, Maine, as well as the Foundry – a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) academy located in Farmington, Maine.  He made his amateur debut last June at “NEF XVIII,” submitting Sonny Spratt (0-2) in the first round.  Gulliver followed up that victory with a technical knockout (TKO) win over Jason Field (0-2) this past November a mere 12-seconds into the first round.  He hopes another win on April 23rd will put him in line for a shot at the NEF MMA Amateur Heavyweight Title currently held by Billy Leahy (3-1).

 

“I’m looking forward to fighting again for NEF on April 23rd, and I’m thankful for the opportunity that Matt Peterson and Nick Disalvo give me to fight for their amazing organization,” said Gulliver.  “I’ll be fighting who I think is now the number one heavyweight fighter fighting for NEF, Dave Smith.  This kid is a great fighter and good athlete.  I’m looking forward to a great fight.  I fight for two amazing schools and organizations, the Foundry and First Class MMA.  This fight will be the first time I won’t be fighting in front of my father who is sick.  It’s a lot for him to go to these events being so sick and on oxygen all the time.  But my father stated he would make it to one last fight if I get a title shot.  I think fighting Dave Smith and winning would put me in a good spot to fight for a title.  I’m looking to get that fight in front of my father who pushes me to be the man I am today.  So, for three rounds on April 23rd, I’ll be pushing harder than I have in the past to get that opportunity.  I’m always looking to impress the crowd.  I think fighting someone like Smith will keep the crowd on their feet.”

 

Dave Smith is a member of Berserkers MMA based out of Rumford, Maine.  Smith has an extensive wrestling background, having gone 147-17 while competing for Mountain Valley High School (MVHS) and winning two state titles in the process.  He also wrestled for Plymouth State University (PSU) in New Hampshire.  Like Gulliver, Smith finished his first two opponents in the opening round.  He is looking to bounce back from a loss to Brendan Battles (2-0) at “NEF 21” last month.

 

“I’m glad to be on another NEF card,” exclaimed Smith.  “I am also very excited to be fighting Nick Gully.  Nick has had a couple impressive wins and I think this will be a good fight!  So get ready because it’s going to be a hell of a show.”

 

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.”

 

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

WOMEN’S MMA FIGHT CONFIRMED FOR NEF 22 IN LEWISTON

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Lewiston, Maine (March 8, 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 an amateur women’s featherweight contest to the MMA portion of the “NEF 22” fight card.  “Hollywood” Hannah Sparrell (1-0) will battle Angela Young (0-1) at a fight weight of 140-pounds.

 

Hannah Sparrell was introduced to the sport when she began taking her daughter to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) classes.  Sparrell soon found herself training at John Raio’s First Class MMA in Brunswick, Maine.  She made her in-cage debut last fall against Young’s teammate Kira Innocenti (0-1) at “NEF XIX” in Lewiston.  Sparrell was victorious that evening, scoring a unanimous decision from the judges after an exhausting three-round fight.  She looks forward to representing First Class MMA for a second time at “NEF 22.”

 

“I’m excited to be entering the NEF cage again, on April 23rd, against Angela Young,” said Sparrell.  “Angela, coming from the school recently named New England’s ‘team of the year,’ has proven to be a heavy hitter, as we saw in her blood-shedding battle at ‘NEF XIX.’  That being said, First Class has been putting its name on the map, displaying our skilled training, coaches and leadership, and I couldn’t be more thrilled about going head-to-head against Young’s MMA once again.  I learned a lot from the experience from my last fight and have used it as a catalyst in my focused training this winter.  I will be entering the NEFXXII cage confidently and ready for a good solid fight.”

 

Angela Young is the wife of Young’s MMA founder and head coach Chris Young.  Like Sparrell, Young made her debut in the NEF cage last fall at “NEF XIX.”  In a wild, “fight of the night” performance, Young battled back and forth with Rachel Reinheimer (2-0) of Team Sityodtong.  Reinheimer would win the decision on the judges’ scorecards, but Young would win the respect of the entire New England MMA community with her valiant effort.  On April 23rd, Young vows to chalk up the first win on her record.

 

“I am beyond ecstatic for the opportunity to fight for NEF again,” stated Young.  “Especially against an opponent as respectful and professional as Hannah.  I’ve put the work in, I’ve improved my game and I’m aiming for another ‘fight of the night.’  This time, however, my hand will be raised.”

 

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.”

 

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.