Tag Archives: Maine

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

2019 NEF YEAR END AWARDS “FIGHTER OF THE YEAR” NOMINEES ANNOUNCED

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (December 20, 2019) – New England Fights (NEF) today announced the nominees for their annual Year End Awards for 2019’s “Fighter of the Year.” The four nominated fighters who earned top honors in 2019 were: Josh “Hook On” Harvey (7-0-1) from Vision Quest Muay Thai; Glory “The Fury” Watson (6-1) from Young’s MMA;Nate “Backpack” Boucher (6-3) from Central Maine Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (CMBJJ); and Tom “The Phenom” Pagliarulo (5-1)from Burgess/Lauzon’s MMA.

Glory “The Fury” Watson was more active than any other fighter on the NEF roster in 2019. Watson began her winning year at “NEF 37: SUBZERO” back in February when she stopped Wisconsin’s Rachael Lippert (4-4) with a guillotine choke in the third round. A little over a month later, Watson earned a unanimous decision victory over Alyssa Marini (2-2) at a show in Massachusetts. In June, Watson won her first title when she decisioned Oregon’s Caree Hill (5-2) for the NEF Flyweight Championship. In September, Watson dropped down to strawweight for the first time and battered Canada’s Lin MacMillan (0-2) via first round TKO at 1:23. Watson’s only defeat in 2019 came at the hands of Cara Greenwell (10-4) in November at “NEF 41: COLLISON COURSE” when she fell short of securing her second title, dropping a decision loss in the five-round championship bout. Watson went 4-1 in 2019 and secured the NEF Flyweight Championship, which she still holds today.

Nate “Backpack” Boucher had a long road back to contending for a title (two full years, to be exact), but he made good on his goals and went undefeated and secured his first championship in 2019. Boucher began his MMA year back in February when he submitted newcomer Dillon Henry (0-3) in under a minute via rear naked choke (RNC) at “NEF 37.” Boucher returned to the cage in June at “NEF 39: ALL AMERICAN” when he was scheduled to face Ohio’s Robert Presley (6-5) for the NEF Flyweight Championship, but a botched weight cut resulted in Boucher missing weight and the bout becoming a non-title affair. Boucher finished Presley, again with a rear naked choke, at 1:46 of the first round. In November, Boucher made championship weight of 125.0 and faced Steve Desjardins (5-4) for the NEF 125-pound title that he had first fought and lost a split decision to Justin Witham (4-4) for back in November 2017. Boucher left nothing to chance this time and he finished Desjardins at 1:16 of round one thus becoming the NEF Flyweight Champion. In 2019, Boucher went 3-0 with three first-round RNC finishes and won the NEF title.

Josh “Hook On” Harvey didn’t achieve the level of activity that he had hoped for going into 2019, but he still managed to secure the NEF professional Featherweight Championship and remain undefeated. Harvey began his year in front of his hometown fans in Bangor at “NEF 37” when he took out veteran Bill “Jonesi” Jones (13-12) with a first round armlock submission-of-the-year candidate. With the win over Jones, Harvey became the NEF Featherweight Champion. Harvey was scheduled to return in June at “NEF 39” against Indiana’s Jordan Downey (6-4), but an incorrect weight cut forced Harvey to seek medical attention and bow out of the bout at the last minute. In September at “NEF 40,” Harvey was originally scheduled to face his old training partner, Ricky Dexter (1-0), but when Dexter had to withdraw from the bout due to medical reasons,Dom “Domnation” Jones (2-3) stepped up on short notice to face Harvey. Harvey finished Jones in the first round, maintaining his perfect, undefeated record of first-round finishes. Harvey was scheduled to fight in November, but his opponent broke his contract in the final days leading up to the event and Harvey was left without a dance partner for “NEF 41.” All-in-all, Harvey went 2-0 in 2019 and became the NEF 145-pound Champion.

Tom “The Phenom” Pagliarulo was a new face that made a big impact in the Maine mixed martial arts scene in 2019. Pagliarulo made his first appearance in NEF when he showed up at “NEF 38: STORMBORN” to face Zac “Rocky” Richard (5-2-1) for the vacant NEF Featherweight Championship. Outwrestling the wrestler, Pagliarulo displayed a deft takedown game against Richard in route to earning the unanimous decision victory and becoming the NEF Featherweight Champion. Pagliarulo returned to defend his title for NEF’s first stop in Orono, Maine last September at “NEF 40.” Pagliarulo faced challenger Jimmy Jackson in front of Jackson’s northern hometown crowd. In this outing, Pagliarulo, traditionally known for his wrestling, put on a tight, crisp striking display. He damaged Jackson’s face so badly with his strikes in the first round that the cage side doctor determined that Jackson couldn’t continue and the fight was waved off after one round. Overall, Pagliarulo went 2-0 in NEF 2019 and obtained the amateur NEF Featherweight Championship.

Fan voting to determine the winner of the 2019 NEF Year End Awards “Fighter of the Year” will officially open at 12:00pm on Friday, December 20, 2019 and run until 5:00pm on Thursday, December 26, 2019. Fans will determine the outcome of the contest so all are encouraged to participate to vote for their favorite fighter.

New England Fights’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine. Tickets are on sale now at www.PortTix.com.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

THE MULE TRAIN ROLLS INTO MERRILL AUDITORIUM IN PORTLAND ON FEBRUARY 8

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (December 20, 2019) – New England Fights (NEF) will hold its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at Merrill Auditorium in Portland.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur catchweight bout to the card.  Nate “The Mule” White (4-0) will meet Brian Cosco (5-8) at a fight weight of 158 pounds.

2019 could very well be termed the “Year of the Mule” in hindsight.  The MAGA-hat-wearing Nate White was a perfect 4-0 this past year, finishing all four of his opponents decisively.  White has become known for stepping in at the last minute to save fights.  In September, on just a few days’ notice, White took a fight with Ryan Savage (0-2).  Just hours before that fight, White was tased and pepper-sprayed as part of his National Guard training.  He would go on to defeat Savage that evening.  Last month, White was victorious over Austin Hamilton (0-1) at “NEF 41.”  During his post-fight interview, White famously uttered the phrase “(Jeffrey) Epstein didn’t kill himself” before walking away from the microphone.  White represents Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) of Lewiston, Maine.  He is a nominee for “Rookie of the Year” in NEF for 2019.

“Brian comes into this bout with a lot of fight maturity and with a lot of maturity period—the dude is literally more than double my age,” said White.  “He’s got the edge in experience, but I’ve got the good looks on my side in this one. The Mule Train doesn’t slow down for anyone—especially not for Brian Cosco. I’m sure he’s a nice guy, but he’s going to find out what hardworking, unskilled labor feels like on February 8th. God Bless the USA, and God Bless our President to reelection in 2020, the Honorable Donald J. Trump.”

Brian Cosco is a longtime veteran of the New England cage wars having begun his amateur career in 2011.  Like White, he is undefeated in the NEF cage.  Cosco defeated Garry Carr (2-1) by doctor stoppage last April at “NEF 38.”  He returned at “NEF 41” in November to submit Clifford Redman (0-11) in the first round.  Cosco’s Von Flue choke on Redman is a nominee for “Submission of the Year” in the NEF 2019 Year-End Awards.  He currently represents Redline Fight Sports based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

“I’m excited to come back up to Maine and fight for NEF again where I’ll be fighting a hometown guy with an undefeated record—and that provides some extra motivation for me,” said Cosco.  “Nate’s young and has the potential to do big things in MMA, but timing is everything in the fight game and this is just a bad time to fight me. 2020 is going to be my year and it starts February 8th.”

New England Fights’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine. Tickets are on sale now at www.PortTix.com.

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 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, Premier Boxing Champions

58-YEAR-OLD GARRY CARR IS BACK IN ACTION AGAINST AUSTIN HAMILTON AT NEF 42

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (December 19, 2019) – New England Fights (NEF) will hold its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at Merrill Auditorium in Portland.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur catchweight bout to the card.  Garry Carr (2-1) will faceAustin Hamilton (0-1) at a fight weight of 165 pounds.

Garry Carr currently holds the record for the oldest athlete to ever win a fight in the NEF cage.  It is a record Carr first set at the age of 56 in 2017, broke at age 57 in 2019, and will attempt to break again at age 58 on February 8.  Last summer, Carr defeated Clifford Redman (0-11) via first-round technical knockout at “NEF 39” in Lewiston, Maine.  Carr looks to pick up his third win in the MMA cage at “NEF 42” in Portland.  He currently represents Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) based in Lewiston.

“I cannot wait to get back in the NEF cage for the fourth time,” said Carr.  “This one will bring the house down or tear the roof clean off. It’s an honor to train and fight for team CMBJJ. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled – you’re going to see a lot of us on this card, including our fight team manager, Jesse “The Viking” Erickson. I’m looking to set another new NEF record by being the oldest man to win in the NEF cage at the age of 58. You’ve got to see this one, folks. Hit me up for tickets!”

Austin Hamilton made his cage debut at “NEF 41” last month in Portland.  He lost to Carr’s CMBJJ teammate Nate “The Mule” White (4-0) by first-round technical knockout.  He will now have the chance to avenge that loss when he meets Carr on February 8 in Portland.

“I’m really looking forward to getting a chance to redeem myself after the last fight,” said Hamilton. “I have nothing but respect for Garry, as so should anyone else in this game. I only hope that when I’m his age, I can still be doing this!”

New England Fights’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine. Tickets are on sale now at www.PortTix.com.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

JASON LANDRY LOOKS TO AVENGE FIRST LOSS WHEN NEF RETURNS TO PORTLAND

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (December 18, 2019) – New England Fights (NEF) will hold its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Merrill Auditorium in Portland.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur welterweight bout to the card.  Jason Landry (2-1) is scheduled to take on Dustin Carrier (0-0) at a fight weight of 170 pounds.

Jason Landry burst onto the NEF fight scene earlier this year making more noise than any rookie had in some time.  Landry dominated and submitted a much more experienced Justin Boraczek (4-3) in Landry’s debut at “NEF 38” last spring.  In his follow-up effort, Landry nearly took Dan Seigars’ (0-1) face off with a single punch knockout just seven seconds into the first round.

Landry’s momentum, however, would come to a screeching halt this past September when he met Mike “Boogaloo” Bezanson (4-0) in Orono, Maine.  After a wild opening exchange, Bezanson would stop Landry via technical knockout within the first minute of the first round.  Not one to let a loss get him down, Landry has used it as a learning experience and motivation to return to the cage in the New Year.

“Fighting has always been a passion of mine,” stated Landry. “Going into that cage where it’s just man-to-man—there’s no better adrenaline rush than that. Losing is learning and is great fuel for the fire. I can’t wait to get back out there and put on one hell of a show for the NEF fans. Expect action-packed chaos!”

Dustin Carrier will be making his amateur debut on February 8, but he his team at Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) will undoubtedly have him ready for the cage.  Carrier trains at the Lewiston, Maine-based gym alongside longtime NEF competitors like Jesse “The Viking” Erickson (9-8) and former amateur flyweight titleholder Dustin Veinott (5-4).

New England Fights’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine. Tickets are on sale now at www.PortTix.com.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

TOP RANKED LIGHTWEIGHT RETURNS TO NEF CAGE AGAINST DECORATED ARMY RANGER

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (December 12, 2019) – New England Fights (NEF) will hold its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Merrill Auditorium in Portland.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur lightweight fight to the card.  Mohammad Al Kinani (7-1) will take on Justin Middleton (1-0) at a fight weight of 155 pounds.

Mohammad Al Kinani is currently the number-one-ranked lightweight amateur in all of New England MMA.  He last appeared in the NEF cage in November 2018.  Al Kinani holds a perfect record of 3-0 with the promotion and has finished all three opponents in the first round via technical knockout.  One of the top prospects in the region, Al Kinani represents Evolution Athletix based in Saco, Maine.

“I’m excited as always to fight in Portland,” noted Al Kinani.  “It’s different fighting in Portland.  I have a lot to prove against Justin Middleton February 8th at Merrill Auditorium. Be ready to see a different animal to start up the New Year. Portland is my town – my territory.”

Justin Middleton burst onto the NEF fight scene with an upset victory over Jon Assam (1-2) last month at “NEF 41” in Portland.  Middleton came into the bout as the underdog as it was both his debut against the more experienced Assam and Assam represented an established fight team while Middleton was an independent competitor.  He submitted Assam via rear-naked choke in the first round.  Middleton is a longtime, distinguished, and heavily-decorated Army Ranger that served the United States proudly in Iraq.

“I’m honored to have such a seasoned and accomplished opponent so early in my career,” said Middleton.  “I know that it’s going to be a challenge, and I will be training accordingly. 155 is the optimum performance weight for me, and I will be coming with everything I’ve got. I’m sure Mo and I will give the fans a war.”

New England Fights’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine. Tickets are on sale now at www.PortTix.com.

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 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

FOURTH PRO BOUT ANNOUNCED FOR FEBRUARY 8 MMA EVENT IN PORTLAND

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (December 10, 2019) – New England Fights (NEF) will hold its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Merrill Auditorium in Portland.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional catchweight fight to the card.  Nate “Backpack” Boucher will make his professional debut against “Sleepy” Norman Fox (0-1) at a fight weight of 130-pounds.

2019 was a banner year for Boucher.  He finished his amateur career with a stellar 6-3 record and captured NEF’s amateur flyweight title at “NEF 41” last month in what would be his final amateur fight.  Boucher has won his last four fights in a row – all by first round rear-naked choke submission.  Shortly after his title victory, Boucher engaged in a heated exchange on Facebook with Fox who challenged Boucher to enter the pro ranks to fight him.  Boucher was quick to accept the challenge.  He currently represents Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) of Lewiston, Maine.

“I closed out 2019 by doing exactly what I said I was going to do,” stated Boucher.  “I went 3-0 and won the New England Fights Amateur Flyweight Title. I planned on taking time off to focus on my unborn child’s arrival. However, Norman had quite a mouthful to say and asked for the fight. So, I did what fighters do and took the fight immediately. Norman is in for a long night on February 8th. I hope for his sake that he fully prepares for this. The way I see it, I was given a gift to kick off my pro career. Thank you to Cure Cannabis and the rest of my loyal sponsors and supporters for helping me get to this point in my career—I look forward to the next level with all of you.”

Norman Fox returns to the NEF cage after a four year hiatus from competition.  He was last seen at “NEF 21” in February 2016 in a losing effort in his professional debut.  Fox went 4-2 as an amateur, finishing his opponents in all four of his wins.  Fox is currently a member of First Class MMA based in Brunswick, Maine.

“Nate is one-dimensional,” declared Fox.  “All he can do is wrestle. If he doesn’t immediately shoot for a takedown, he will as soon as my hands touch his face. I’m dangerous everywhere. If he does get the fight to the ground, he will regret it.”

The catchweight bout joins an already star-studded lineup on the professional portion of the card.  Previously announced for “NEF 42” is a five-round professional lightweight title fight between former NEF champion and World Series of Fighting veteran Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington (17-11) and WEC and UFC veteran Josh “The Fluke” Grispi (14-5).  Another lightweight fight announced for “NEF 42” will feature two Maine fan-favorites as reigning NEF Professional Featherweight Champion Josh “Hook On” Harvey (7-0-1) puts his undefeated record on the line against Jesse “The Viking” Erickson (9-8) in a non-title encounter.  And Bellator veteran Dominic “Domnation” Jones (2-3) and Carl Langston (0-4) will square off in a professional featherweight contest.

New England Fights’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine. Tickets are on sale now at www.PortTix.com.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

FOUR MMA CHAMPIONS CROWNED AT COLLISION COURSE IN PORTLAND

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (November 10, 2019) – New England Fights (NEF) held its most recent mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 41: Collision Course,” on Saturday night at Aura in Portland.  Four titles were decided on a thirteen-fight card held before a capacity audience.

In the main event, Cara Greenwell (10-4) played the role of spoiler, winning the NEF Amateur Women’s Strawweight Championship with a unanimous decision over Bangor, Maine’s Glory “The Fury” Watson (6-1).  Greenwell came all the way from Oklahoma for the fight.  It is the first blemish on the previously-undefeated Watson’s amateur record.

“Killa” Kam Arnold (6-1) retained the NEF Amateur Bantamweight strap with a devastating second-round knockout of Walt Shea (3-2) in the evening’s co-main event.  It was Arnold’s second successful defense of the title and the sixth knockout victory of his amateur career.

Zac “Rocky” Richard (5-2-1) captured the NEF Amateur Lightweight Title with a unanimous decision win over “Magic” Mike Murray (2-1).  The fight went back and forth for five grueling rounds and looked at one point like the doctor at cageside would stop the bout due to an injury on Richard’s knee.  The fight continued, however, and Richard pulled out the win on the judges’ scorecards.

Nate Boucher (6-3) defeated Steve Desjardins (5-4) via submission in the first round to become the new NEF Amateur Flyweight Champion.  The win was Boucher’s fourth in a row.

In addition to the fights, NEF announced that its first event of 2020 would take place on February 8 as the promotion debuts at the 1900-seat Merrill Auditorium in Portland.  The show is titled “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction” and tickets went on sale Saturday night at www.PortTix.com. 

Already announced for “NEF 42” is a five-round professional lightweight title fight between former NEF champion Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington (17-11) and WEC and UFC veteran Josh “The Fluke” Grispi (14-5).  Boyington has not fought in his home state of Maine in two years, while Grispi has been absent from competition since his release from the UFC in 2013.  Boyington previously held the promotion’s lightweight title before vacating it to sign with the World Series of Fighting.

Another lightweight fight announced for “NEF 42” will feature two Maine fan-favorites as Josh “Hook On” Harvey (7-0-1) puts his undefeated record on the line against Jesse “The Viking” Erickson (9-8).  Harvey is the reigning NEF Pro Featherweight Champion and one of the top prospects in the entire country.  Erickson will be looking to bounce back from a loss last summer in his attempt to capture the lightweight strap.

A third pro fight was announced for “NEF 42” that will feature locals Dominic “Domnation” Jones (2-3) and Carl Langston (0-4).  Jones most recently competed for global promotion Bellator on a fight card in Connecticut.  Langston, after a solid amateur career, will be looking for his first professional win in front of his hometown crowd.

The official results from Portland, Maine:


Cara Greenwell def. Glory Watson via unanimous decision
Kam Arnold def. Walt Shea via knockout, round 2
Zac Richard def. Mike Murray via unanimous decision
Nate Boucher def. Steve Desjardins via tap to rear-naked choke, round 1
Solomon Spigel def. George Pissimissis via technical submission, round 1
Joe Howard def. Jesse Fitzsimmons via doctor stoppage, round 1
Greg Ishihara def. Dylan Williams via technical knockout, round 1
Justin Middleton def. Jon Assam via tap to rear-naked choke, round 1
Brian Cosco def. Clifford Redman via technical submission, round 1
Caleb Austin def. Ryan Fogg via technical knockout, round 2
Nate White def. Austin Hamilton via technical knockout, round 1
Brandon Maillet-Fevens def. Tyler Knights via tap to rear-naked choke, round 2
Chandler Chapman def. Tim Bergeron via unanimous decision

New England Fights’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine. Tickets are on sale now at www.PortTix.com.

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 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

FOUR TITLE FIGHTS HEADLINE FINAL NEF CARD OF 2019 IN PORTLAND

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (October 23, 2019) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to Aura in Portland, Maine on November 9, 2019 with its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 41: Collision Course.”  Tickets for the event are currently on sale at www.AuraMaine.com. Earlier today, NEF announced the full fight card for the event – a total of 17 bouts scheduled for the evening.

Four amateur title fights will headline the card.  It will be the first time since “NEF 9” in August 2013 that an amateur fight has been the main event of one of the promotion’s cards.  (Of note, “NEF 9” was an all amateur event.)

“NEF 41” will also mark the first time a women’s bout has headlined one of the promotion’s events as undefeated Glory “The Fury” Watson (6-0) takes on Cara Greenwell (9-4) to crown the inaugural NEF Amateur Women’s Strawweight Champion.  Watson will have a chance to make history in the bout by becoming the first NEF athlete to simultaneously hold titles in two weight divisions.  She is the reigning NEF Amateur Women’s Flyweight Champion.

“Killa” Kam Arnold (5-1) will defend the NEF Amateur Bantamweight strap against Walt Shea (3-1) in the evening’s co-main event.  Arnold has held the title since June 2018 and most recently defended it at “NEF 38” last spring with a 21-second knockout of Henry Clark (5-5).  It will be Shea’s second attempt at capturing the title after a losing effort at “NEF 30” in August 2017.

Zac “Rocky” Richard (4-2-1) will face “Magic” Mike Murray (2-0) for the vacant NEF Amateur Lightweight Title.  Both athletes are coming off wins last month in Orono, Maine at “NEF 40.”  Richard knocked his opponent out with a slam in the first round of his bout while Murray submitted his opponent – also in the first round.

Nate Boucher (5-3) and Steve Desjardins (5-3) are scheduled to meet for the vacant NEF Amateur Flyweight Championship.  Boucher is on a three-fight win streak, finishing all three opponents in the first round by submission.  Desjardins returned with a first-round victory last month at “NEF 40” after an absence of several years from cage competition.

As of press time, NEF executives were searching for an opponent for NEF Amateur Welterweight Champion Duncan “The Highlander” Smith (5-3).  Unfortunately, Smith’s original challenger, Jordan Norman, recently pulled out of the fight when he could not gain medical clearance.

Matt “Ken Doll” Denning (5-10) and Keegan “The Flu” Hornstra (4-11) will square off in a professional catchweight contest.  Both will be looking to rebound from recent losses.  Denning was defeated on a card in Massachusetts last Saturday night, while Hornstra lost to Dominic Jones at “NEF 39” this past summer in Lewiston, Maine.  The fight will take place at an agreed-to weight of 176 pounds.

The full “NEF 41” fight card (subject to change):

AMATEUR TITLE FIGHTS

115*TITLE: Glory Watson (Young’s) vs. Cara Greenwell (Independent)

135*TITLE: Kam Arnold (c) (Recon) vs. Walt Shea (First Class MMA)

155*TITLE: Zac Richard (Nostos) vs. Mike Murray (Camden Combat/Foundry)

125*TITLE: Steve Desjardins (Independent) vs. Nate Boucher (CMBJJ)

PROFESSIONAL MMA

155: Josh Harvey (Vision Quest Muay Thai) vs. Jonathan Hines (Independent)

176: Matt Denning (Independent) vs. Keegan Hornstra (Evolution Athletix)

AMATEUR MMA

145: Jesse Fitzsimmons (Nostos) vs. Joe Howard (CMBJJ)

265: George Pissimissis (Wai Kru/Pedro’s Judo) vs. Solomon Spigel (First Class)

135: Andrea Howland (Michigan Top Team) vs. Megan Rosado (Evolution Athletix)

170: Justin Middleton (Independent) vs. Jon Assam (First Class)

170: Greg Ishihara (Recon) vs. Dylan Williams (Independent)

155: Clifford Redman (Independent) vs. Brian Cosco (Redline)

155: Lucas Donald (Independent) vs. Will McCall (Evolution Athletix)

205: Henry Jeffs (Independent) vs. Titus Pannell (T4 Survival)

130: Ryan Fogg (Team Elemental) vs. Caleb Austin (CMBJJ)

175: Roland Beaulieu (Maineiac Militia) vs. Austin Hamilton (Independent)

145: Tyler Knights (Independent) vs. Brandon Maillet-Fevens (CMBJJ)

New England Fights’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 41: Collision Course,” will take place on Saturday, November 9, 2019 at Aura in Portland, Maine. Tickets are on sale now atwww.auramaine.com.

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 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

ZAC RICHARD RETURNS TO NEF CAGE IN LIGHTWEIGHT DIVISION AGAINST BRANDON SEWALL

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Orono, Maine (July 19, 2019) – New England Fights (NEF) will debut in Orono on September 7, 2019 at the Collins Center for the Arts with the promotion’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 40: School of Hard Knocks.”  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur lightweight bout to the card.  Zac Richard (3-2-1) will meet Brandon Sewall (0-1) at a fight weight of 155 pounds.

Zac Richard has competed twice previously in the lightweight division, winning both fights in 2018.  That same year, Richard was voted “Rookie of the Year” by NEF fans.  He has yet to taste victory in 2019 with all three of his fights this year thus far taking place in the 145-pound featherweight division.  Richard went to a five-round draw with Fred Lear for the amateur featherweight championship last February in what has been a leading contender for “Fight of the Year” in 2019.  On September 7, Richard will look to bounce back from back-to-back losses in his two most recent fights this spring.  At “NEF 38,” Richard dropped a five-round unanimous decision to Tom Pagliarulo (3-1) prior to losing via first-round submission to Miguel Cuevas (6-1) in June.

“I’m very excited to get back in there after coming off two losses a month apart,” said Richard.  “I’m extremely unhappy with my fight against Tom—I definitely can’t have another off-day on fight day again. I’ve made a lot of changes to make myself happier with my life. The grind is different now.”

“Having watched Zac compete since he was a child during his youth wrestling days, I’ve seen how he navigates challenges,” noted NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson.  “He doesn’t look for the easy way out—he’s a born competitor and he always seeks out the toughest opponents. Whether it was in wrestling or now in MMA, he comes to fight. I have no doubt that he will be on the warpath on September 7th, looking to get back to his winning ways.”

Zac Richard has drawn a big one for his return to the lightweight division.  Brandon Sewall stands 6’1,” towering over most others in the weight class.  The resident of Bath, Maine will look for his first win in the NEF cage after losing his debut to Jimmy Jackson (4-3) last month at “NEF 39.”

“It is going to be simple – locate him, get at him, and strike him as hard as I can,” said Sewall when reached for comment.

“Brandon embodies the martial spirit,” stated Peterson. “When I suggested Zac to him as an opponent, he didn’t hesitate at all. He’s eager to prove the validity of his training and disciplined diet in the NEF cage in front of a big audience. Brandon will be the much bigger man in the bout. Whatever the outcome, I know that both guys will be looking to set a furious pace and finish the fight quickly.”

New England Fights’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 40: SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS,” will take place Saturday, September 7, 2019 at the Collins Center for the Arts at the University of Maine as the promotion debuts in Orono, Maine.  Tickets are on sale now at www.collinscenterforthearts.com.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

NEF ANNOUNCES THE FIRST PRO FIGHT SIGNED FOR DEBUT CARD IN ORONO

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Orono, Maine (July 11, 2019) – New England Fights (NEF) will debut in Orono on September 7, 2019 at the Collins Center for the Arts with the promotion’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 40: School of Hard Knocks.”  Earlier today, NEF announced the first professional fight signed for the card.  “The Jamaican Shamrock” Ras “Rasquatch” Hylton (4-2) will take on Chris Sarro (0-0) in a cruiserweight bout.

Ras Hylton is coming off a big win last April over Charles Penn (0-1) in Portland, Maine.  The doctor stopped that fight in the first round when a cut over Penn’s eye could not be closed.  Hylton opened the gash with a straight right hand that left blood pouring down to the mat.

Hylton is a mainstay of the NEF heavyweight and cruiserweight divisions.  The 6’6″ athlete holds a second-degree black belt in Shotokan karate.  He currently trains with Dragon Fire Martial Arts in Portland and First Class MMA in Brunswick, Maine.

“I am quite fortunate to be at the point in my career when I’m called upon to introduce new professionals to our work experience,” said Hylton.  “Boxers like my opponent offer a great risk with their familiarity in the pocket and at distance, so of course we’ll both be more than happy to trade our best shots for the win! I love the arts, but it’s in the fighting aspects of martial arts that competitors like us truly live and find purpose. So we train like our lives depend on it, because to us, that’s how it is. Welcome to the school of hard knocks, Chris. MMA 101 is now in session.”

As noted by Hylton, his opponent Chris Sarro may be a newcomer to the MMA cage, but he is no stranger to the world of combat sports.  Sarro made a name for himself as an amateur boxer with a record of 7-1.  He captured the 2019 Northern New England Golden Gloves championship in the superheavyweight division.  A native of Ellsworth, Maine, Sarro currently represents Acadia Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

“I’m just excited to fight close to home,” said Sarro.  “Orono feels like my backyard. Come September 7th, I’m going to show the world there’s a new heavyweight in town. This is my time.”

New England Fights’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 40: SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS,” will take place Saturday, September 7, 2019 at the Collins Center for the Arts at the University of Maine as the promotion debuts in Orono, Maine.  Tickets are on sale now atwww.collinscenterforthearts.com.

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