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Tag Archives: mma
Fight Network LIVE this Weekend – ONE: Tigers of Asia, RFA 31, M-1 Challenge 62 & Enfusion 32
Toronto | New York – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, delivers an action-packed weekend of live combat sports, beginning this Friday, October 9 at 9 a.m. ET with a live presentation of ONE Championship: Tigers of Asia from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Later that day at 10 p.m. ET, Resurrection Fighting Alliance takes over the airwaves with RFA 31: Smith vs. Marunde from Las Vegas.
On Saturday, October 10, the live action continues at 12:30 p.m. ET as M-1 Global presents M-1 Challenge 62 from Sochi, Russia, immediately followed by a live broadcast of Enfusion 32 world-class kickboxing from Gent, Belgium.
Airing live exclusively in Canada on Oct. 9 at 9 a.m. ET, ONE Championship: Tigers of Asia features a ONE middleweight championship clash between world champion Igor “Lionheart” Svirid (10-1) and undefeated Russian challenger Vitaly Bigdash (7-0). In other featured tilts, Adrian Pang(21-8-2) throws down with Peter Davis (10-3) in a lightweight bout, Ev Ting (9-3) meets Honorio Banario (8-5) in featherweight action, Ann Osman (3-1) takes on newcomer Irina Mazepa (0-0) in a women’s flyweight encounter, plus fan favorite Eric Kelly (11-1) returns for a featherweight barnburner against Japan’s Hiroshige Tanaka (10-2).
Airing live exclusively in Canada and globally in over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East on Oct. 9 at 10 p.m. ET, RFA 31: Smith vs. Marunde from Downtown Las Vegas is headlined by a pair of championship clashes, as RFA welterweight champion Gilbert Smith (11-4) defends against fellow UFC veteran Bristol Marunde (16-9), while Zoila Frausto (12-4) meetsJocelyn Lybarger (5-1) for the inaugural RFA women’s strawweight title. Other matchups include a middleweight meeting between Mike Jasper (9-2) and Gabriel Checco (8-2), a bantamweight bout between Matthew Lopez (6-0) and Justin Linn (7-1), a flyweight bout between Shai Lindsey (4-0) and Joseph Peukert (7-3) and a welterweight showcase between Bojan Velickovic (11-3) andVardan Sholinian (5-1). The domestic U.S. broadcast airs on AXS TV.
Airing live across North America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East on Oct. 10 at 12:30 p.m. ET, M-1 Challenge 62 features a showdown for the M-1 featherweight title in the main event, as kingpinIvan Buchinger (29-4) defends his crown against highly touted Mansour Barnaoui (12-2). In other action, Vyacheslav Vasilevsky (26-3) takes on Kristijan Perak (8-1-1) in a middleweight bout,Kurbanali Abdusalamov (5-2) tangles with Lee Morrison (13-5) in a featherweight contest, light heavyweight Adam Yandiev (8-0) puts his perfect mark on the line against Dmitry Voitov (11-4), plus Alexey Kunchenko (10-0) looks to extend his unblemished record against Brazilian welterweight Alexandre Ramos (9-2).
Airing live across North America immediately following M-1 Challenge 62 on Oct. 10, Enfusion Live 32 from Gent, Belgium promises an exhilarating kickboxing card, headlined by Morocco’s Nordin Ben Moh against Spaniard Sergio Sanchez in a -70 kg clash. Plus the Enfusion -61 kg women’s title is on the line as Belgium’s Anke Van Gestel meets Holland’s Aleide Lawant, DutchmanDexter Suisse battles Frenchman Brice Guidon in a heavyweight special attraction, plus Morocco’sMohammed Jaraya enters enemy territory against Belgium’s Youssef Boulahtari.
For a full listing of Fight Network’s broadcast schedule, please visit www.fightnetwork.com, follow us on Twitter @fightnet, become a fan on Facebook and visit us on Instagram @fightnet.
HEAVYWEIGHT CONTEST BETWEEN ALEX HUDDLESTON-AUGUSTO SAKAI TOPS ADDITION OF SEVEN PRELIMS TO ‘BELLATOR 145: VENGEANCE’
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (October 8, 2015) – With the five fight main card for “Bellator 145: Vengeance” set, the completed preliminary portion of the event has now also officially been rolled out by Bellator MMA.
The newly announced bouts include heavyweights Alex Huddleston (6-1) and Augusto Sakai (8-0), former TUF welterweight contestant Adam Cella (6-4) who goes up against Chel Erwin-Davis (2-1), Steve Mann (11-2) fighting Hugh Pulley (5-2) in lightweight action, as well as Kain Royer (1-2) versus Clay Mitchell (1-0) in a heavyweight bout and welterweights Kevin Engel (4-0) and Kyle Kurtz (4-1). Rounding out the preliminary contests will be the professional debut of Brandon Lowe, when he faces Rashard Lovelace (1-0) and Adam Meredith (3-1) taking on Jordan Dowdy (2-0).
The contests will take place during the preliminary card of “Bellator 145: ‘Vengeance,” which streams live on Spike.com at 7 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. CT.
Top billing at the November 6 event features two world title bouts. Patricio “Pitbull” Freire (24-2) defends his belt against Daniel Straus (23-6) and Will “Ill Will” Brooks (16-1) meets submission specialist Marcin Held (21-3) with the 155-pound title on the line. “Bellator 145: Vengeance” will also featureMichael Chandler (13-3) against Dave Rickels (16-3) and heavyweights Bobby “The Dominator” Lashley (13-2) versus James Thompson (20-14).
Tickets for “Bellator 145: ‘Vengeance,” which start at just $30, are on sale now on Ticketmaster.com and at the Ford Box Office at Scottrade Center. Doors for the event open at 5:00 p.m. CT local time, and the first contest takes place one hour after.
Both Huddleston and Sakai will bring both impressive records and finishes to the table when they face-off in the featured preliminary contest on Nov. 6.
Huddleston is the main training partner of Bobby Lashley, who also competes at the event. Also known as “The Shaved Gorilla,” Huddleston most recently stopped Javy Ayala with a nifty first-round, rear-naked choke submission at “Bellator 139: Kongo vs. Volkov.” The win was the 29-year-old’s fourth finish in six tries. Sakai was also in action this past June, when he put a beating on Daniel Gallemore, so much so, the heavyweight was unable to get off the stool in between rounds. The Brazilian native has ended seven of his eight professional victories without help from the judges’ scorecards.
Complete “Bellator 145: Vengeance” Fight Card
Main Card:
Bellator Featherweight World Title Bout: Patricio Freire (24-2) vs. Daniel Straus (23-6)
Bellator Lightweight World Title Bout: Will Brooks (16-1) vs. Marcin Held (21-3)
Bellator Featherweight Feature Bout: Pat Curran (21-7) vs. Justin Lawrence (7-2)
Bellator Lightweight Feature Bout: Michael Chandler (13-3) vs. Dave Rickels (16-3)
Bellator Heavyweight Feature Bout: Bobby Lashley (13-2) vs. James Thompson (20-14)
Preliminary Card:
Bellator Heavyweight Feature Bout: Alex Huddleston (6-1) vs. Augusto Sakai (8-0)
Bellator Welterweight Feature Bout: Adam Cella (6-4) vs. Chel Erwin-Davis (2-1)
Bellator Welterweight Feature Bout: Garrett Gross (6-4) vs. Luke Nelson (2-1)
Bellator Lightweight Feature Bout: Steve Mann (11-2) vs. Hugh Pulley (5-2)
Bellator Featherweight Feature Bout: Chris Heatherly (9-3) vs. Vince Eazelle (9-2)
Bellator Welterweight Feature Bout: Kevin Engel (4-0) vs. Kyle Kurtz (4-1)
Bellator Heavyweight Feature Bout: Kain Royer (1-2) vs. Clay Mitchell (1-0)
Bellator Middleweight Feature Bout: Adam Meredith (3-1) vs. Jordan Dowdy (2-0)
Bellator Bantamweight Feature Bout: Garrett Mueller (2-0) vs. Scott Ettling (3-0
Bellator Lightweight Feature Bout: Brandon Lowe (debut) vs. Rashard Lovelace (1-0)
WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING HITS COMERICA THEATRE IN PHOENIX, ARIZ. WITH ONE-NIGHT, EIGHT-MAN LIGHTWEIGHT TOURNAMENT ON FRIDAY, NOV. 20, LIVE ON NBCSN
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WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING’S ‘GAETHJE VS. PALOMINO II’ NAMED ‘FIGHT OF THE MONTH’ BY USA TODAY’S MMAJUNKIE.COM
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Michael “Venom” Page (8-0) vs. Charlie Ontiveros (6-3) in a welterweight contest at “Bellator 144: Galvao vs. Dantas 2”
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (October 5, 2015) – Michael “Venom” Page (8-0) looks to remain undefeated to begin his exciting career, when he faces Charlie Ontiveros (6-3) in a welterweight contest at “Bellator 144: Galvao vs. Dantas 2” at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., on October 23.
The bout will take place during the main card of “Bellator 144: Galvao vs. Dantas 2,” which airs live and free on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary bouts will stream on Spike.com at 7 p.m. ET.
In addition, Ilya Kotau (1-0) will meet Kemran Lachinov (1-1), Kin Moy (7-2) fights Walter Smith-Cotito (3-3), Billy Giovanella (8-4) takes on Brandon Polcare (1-0), Sam Watford makes his professional debut against TJ Hepburn (4-1), Kevin Haley (3-3) faces Mike Zichelle (7-3), and Keenan Raymond (2-1) goes up against Damien Trites (6-6). With the addition of these contests, “Bellator 144: Galvao vs. Dantas 2” is now complete.
The main event of “Bellator 144: Galvao vs. Dantas 2”features a bantamweight title fight between Marcos Galvao (17-6-1) and Eduardo Dantas, (17-4). In the co-feature, Brandon “Bull” Halsey (9-0) will look to regain the Bellator MMA Middleweight Title when he takes on Rafael Carvalho (11-1). Connecticut’s own “Irish” Brennan Ward (11-3) will also be in action, when he takes on Dennis “The Menace” Olson (14-9).
Tickets for “Bellator 144: Galvao vs. Dantas 2,” which start at just $25, are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com and the Mohegan Sun Arena box office. Doors for the event open at 6:00 p.m. ETlocal time, and the first contest takes place shortly after.
Page will be competing for the second consecutive event at Mohegan Sun, a venue that just played host to “Venom” finishing Rudy Bears at “Bellator 140: Lima vs. Koreshkov.” A resident of England, the 28-year-old utilizes his unorthodox style to open up his opponents for his vicious, lightning quick strikes. This is evident when glancing at his record, which boasts eight wins, all before reaching the judges’ scorecards.
After fighting exclusively for regional promotions in his home state of Texas, Ontiveros will enter the Bellator MMA cage for the first time against one of the most exciting strikers in the sport. The 24-year-old “American Bad Boy” was most recently in action this past August, defeating Bilal Williams via decision at Legacy Fighting Championship 45.
Complete Bellator 144: “Galvao vs. Dantas 2” Card
Main Card: (Spike – 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT)
Bellator Bantamweight Championship Fight: Marcos Galvao (17-6-1) vs. Eduardo Dantas (17-4)
Bellator Middleweight Championship Fight: Brandon Halsey (9-0) vs. Rafael Carvalho (11-1)
Bellator Welterweight Feature Fight: Brennan Ward (11-3) vs. Dennis Olson (14-9)
Bellator Welterweight Feature Fight: Michael Page (8-0) vs. Charlie Ontiveros (6-3)
Preliminary Card: (Spike.com – 6:50 p.m. ET/5 p.m. CT
Bellator Featherweight Feature Fight: Isao Kobayashi (18-2-4) vs. Goiti Yamauchi (18-2)
Bellator Featherweight Feature Fight: Matt Bessette (15-7) vs. Kevin Roddy (15-15)
Bellator Welterweight Feature Fight: Matt Secor (6-2) vs. Jeremie Holloway (7-0)
Bellator 150-Pound Feature Fight: Pete Rogers Jr. (2-2) vs. Marius Enache (2-3)
Bellator Bantamweight Feature Fight: Kin Moy (7-2) vs. Walter Smith-Cotito (3-3)
Bellator Flyweight Feature Fight: Billy Giovanella (8-4) vs. Brandon Polcare (1-0)
Bellator 165-Pound Feature Fight: Keenan Raymond (2-1) vs. Damien Trites (6-6)
Bellator Lightweight Feature Fight: Sam Watford (debut) vs. TJ Hepburn (4-1)
Bellator Welterweight Feature Fight: Ilya Kotau (1-0) vs. Kemran Lachinov (1-1)
Bellator Heavyweight Feature Fight: Kevin Haley (3-3) vs. Mike Zichelle (7-3)
WILL ATHLETE’S RETURN BE A BAD OMEN FOR SHOREY AT NEF XX?
Lewiston, Maine (September 30, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE” on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine. The event will feature a first for Maine – mixed-martial-arts (MMA) bouts and professional boxing bouts on the same event with an MMA cage and a boxing ring set up side-by-side. Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of a professional featherweight bout to the MMA portion of the fight card. “Shatterproof 2.0” Derek Shorey (3-2) has signed to face the returning Damon “The Omen” Owens (2-0) at a fight weight of 145-pounds.
The founder and head coach of the Shatterproof Combat Club in Dexter, Maine, Derek Shorey has been impressive in his professional career thus far. All three of his wins have come by first-round stoppage, including Shorey’s defeat of Tollison Lewis (0-5) earlier this month at “NEF XIX.” Win or lose, Shorey does not believe in letting fights go to the judges’ scorecards. All fifteen of his combined amateur and pro fights have ended by either knockout, technical knockout (TKO) or submission.
“I’m grateful to be part of this historical event that is NEF XX,” said Shorey. “Thank you Matt Peterson and Nick DiSalvo for providing a platform for me to chase this ridiculous dream. Damon is an interesting matchup for me because, stylistically, we are very similar. I’m excited to get in there and mix it up with him and I think the fans will be the biggest winners on this night because they’re in for a hell of a show. I’ve only just begun to tap my full potential and to pull a ‘W’ over a fighter from the best camp in Maine, would be a very proud moment for me.”
Prior to moving to Colorado from Maine in 2013, Damon Owens was on the verge of becoming a breakout star on the regional MMA scene. Owens put together a pair of solid, back-to-back wins against John Raio (2-8) and Josh Parker (4-8). Like Shorey, Owens came into his own after leaving the amateur ranks. Also like Shorey, Owens does not believe in letting the judges decide the outcome of his fights. Only one of his bouts out of seven has gone the distance. Owens is a member of Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine. Returning home, he has been welcomed back with open arms to his team. Owens has been inactive from competition since moving to Colorado two years ago.
“Adding this fight to such a monumental event like ‘NEF XX’ was a no-brainer,” said NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo. “Derek and Damon have both proven themselves to be big finishers. They match up very well and they’re both incredibly exciting fighters. This fight has a very good shot at stealing the show!”
New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE,” takes place on November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine. The event will mark the first time in Maine history a mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event and a professional boxing event have taken place together on the same show. Tickets for “NEF XX” start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525. For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com. In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”
About New England Fights
New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.
THE FLYWEIGHT TITLE IS ON THE LINE AT NEF XX
Lewiston, Maine (September 28, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE” on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine. The event will feature a first for Maine – mixed-martial-arts (MMA) bouts and professional boxing bouts on the same event with an MMA cage and a boxing ring set up side-by-side. Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of an amateur flyweight bout to the MMA portion of the fight card. Dustin Veinott (4-3) will defend the NEF MMA Amateur Flyweight Championship against Ryan Burgess(1-0).
Dustin Veinott has been the feel-good story of 2015 in NEF. After going 0-3 to begin his amateur career, Veinott went on a four-fight win streak culminating in a split decision victory over Norman Fox (4-2) this past June to claim the inaugural flyweight title. Veinott is a member of Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) in Lewiston, Maine. He predicts a finish over Burgess on November 21.
“It’s an honor to fight a young up and comer like Burgess,” said the reigning champion. “He looked like he had solid wrestling in his last fight with Witham. However, I am disappointed in my last fight. Fight fans will want to see this one. I will get the finish.”
Ryan Burgess is, indeed, an accomplished wrestler. A veteran of the Mountain Valley High School (MVHS) wrestling program of Rumford, Maine, Burgess chalked up an amazing 150 wins and captured three state titles. Later, he continued his wrestling career at Plymouth State University in Plymouth, New Hampshire. Burgess joined Berserkers MMA along with other MVHS wrestling alumni and won his amateur MMA debut this past June.
“Dustin has a lot of experience in the cage and had to earn his spot at the top, but he has yet to fight someone at flyweight with the same skill set and intensity that I bring to the cage,” said Burgess. “I’m very excited for this opportunity and it will be a great chance to show how much I have improved over the last six months.”
“It’s not very often that you witness a fighter with a 1-0 record fighting for a title, but Burgess brings with him a lifetime of competitive wrestling and training,” said NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson. “He was so good at Mountain Valley High School that they retired his singlet when he graduated. Veinott has found his groove and really come into his own as a champion fighter. This is a bout between two guys with a ton of drive and determination, and I can’t wait to watch to see who strikes first in this fight.”
New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE,” takes place on November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine. The event will mark the first time in Maine history a mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event and a professional boxing event have taken place together on the same show. Tickets for “NEF XX” start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525. For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com. In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”
About New England Fights
New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.
HEAVYWEIGHTS BOBBY LASHLEY AND JAMES THOMPSON TO SETTLE THEIR SCORE AT ‘BELLATOR 145: VENGEANCE’ NOVEMBER 6 ON SPIKE
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (September 25, 2015) – This past June, fans in St. Louis were deprived of a highly anticipated heavyweight rematch between Bobby “The Dominator” Lashley (13-2) and James “The Colossus” Thompson (20-14, 1 NC), when Thompson was forced to withdraw from the bout due to injury. On Friday, November 6, the two heavyweights will finally square off at “Bellator 145: Vengeance,” at the Scottrade Center in the Gateway City.
The contest completes the main card of “Bellator 145: ‘Vengeance,” which airs live on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary bouts will stream on Spike.com at 7 p.m. ET.
Top billing at the November 6 event features two world title bouts when Patricio “Pitbull” Freire (24-2) defends his strap againstDaniel Straus (23-6) and Will “Ill Will” Brooks (16-1) meets submission specialist Marcin Held (21-3) with the 155-pound belt on the line. “Bellator 145: Vengeance” on Spike will also feature a rematch pitting “Iron” Michael Chandler (13-3) against David “The Caveman” Rickels (16-3, 1 NC).
Tickets for “Bellator 145: ‘Vengeance,” which start at just $30, are on sale now on Ticketmaster.com and at the Ford Box Office at Scottrade Center. Doors for the event open at 5:00 p.m. CT local time, and the first contest takes place shortly after.
Lashley looks to avenge a 2012 split decision loss to Thompson. The unfinished business between the two giant heavyweights was originally scheduled to be settled at “Bellator 134: The British Invasion” and again at “Bellator 138: Unfinished Business,” but an injuries sustained by both men caused the fights to be rescheduled.
Thompson, a 6-foot-5 striking specialist, hails from England and has been fighting professionally since 2003. A former rugby player and bodybuilder, “The Colossus” found his true calling in MMA and has been competing around the globe ever since. Fighting some of the best heavyweights in the sport, including Kimbo Slice, Alexander Emelianenko, Don Frye, Alistair Overeem, Mariusz Pudzianowki, Bob Sapp, Dan Severn and Hidehiko Yoshida, among others, Thompson has racked up 11 wins by knockout and another seven by submission.
A 6-foot-3, former WWE superstar, Lashley started training in the grappling arts at age 12 and would go on to win several titles, including: three National Championships at Missouri Valley College, an NAIA National Championship, a CISM World Championship Silver Medal and two Armed Forces Wrestling Championships during his tenure in the U.S. Army. In addition to a professional wrestling career with stints in WWE, ECW and TNA, Lashley began his MMA career in 2008, and has built an impressive resume that includes Bellator MMA submission wins over Karl Etherington, Josh Burns and most recently, a technical knockout of Dan Charles.
“Bellator 145: Vengeance” Updated Fight Card
Bellator Featherweight World Title Bout: Patricio Freire (24-2) vs. Daniel Straus (23-6)
Bellator Lightweight World Title Bout: Will Brooks (16-1) vs. Marcin Held (21-3)
Bellator Featherweight Feature Bout: Pat Curran (21-7) vs. Justin Lawrence (7-2)
Bellator Lightweight Feature Bout: Michael Chandler (13-3) vs. David Rickels (16-3, 1 NC)
Bellator Heavyweight Feature Bout: Bobby Lashley (13-2) vs. James Thompson (20-14, 1 NC)
Preliminary Card:
Bellator Lightweight Feature Bout: Vince Eazelle (9-2) vs. Chris Heatherly (9-3, 1 NC)
Bellator Bantamweight Feature Bout: Scott Ettling (2-0) vs. Garrett Mueller (2-0)
Bellator Lightweight Feature Bout: Garrett Gross (6-4) vs. Luke Nelson (2-1)
LEWISTON AND BANGOR COLLIDE IN THE MMA CAGE AT NEF XX
Lewiston, Maine (September 25, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE” on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine. The event will feature a first for Maine – mixed-martial-arts (MMA) bouts and professional boxing bouts on the same event with an MMA cage and a boxing ring set up side-by-side. Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of a professional catchweight bout to the MMA portion of the fight card. Lewiston’s own Matt “Ken Doll” Denning (2-0) is scheduled to meet Bangor, Maine’s Jon Lemke(4-3) at a fight weight of 150-pounds.
Matt Denning has been nothing short of impressive in the first two fights of his professional career. After putting together an amateur record of 4-3, Denning has since finished both Zenon Herrera (0-2) and Derek Shorey (3-2) via first-round submission in the pro ranks. He is a member of Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) in Lewiston. Denning’s upcoming fight will present an opportunity to gain a measure of revenge, of sorts, on Lemke who defeated Denning’s coach Jesse Erickson (6-4) at Bellator 93 in March 2013.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to be on the ‘NEF XX’ card,” said Denning. Boxing and cage fighting under the same roof – it’s going to be a crazy night. I’m looking to go 3-0 as a pro against a very high level opponent in Lemke. It’s a heavier fight, against a guy who beat my coach in Bellator. I’m excited to showcase my skills and put on a show for the NEF fans. I’m Lewiston’s own Ken Doll and I plan on bringing everything I have into this fight. Fighting a friend is hard, but it’s all a part of this wide-growing sport. My career is on the rise while Lemke’s is going down.”
Jon Lemke is a member of Team Irish in Brewer, Maine where he trains under the legendary Marcus “The Irish Hand Grenade” Davis (22-11). Like Denning, Lemke went on a tear at the start of his professional career, winning his first three bouts in a row. He last appeared in the NEF cage at “NEF XIV” last fall, defeating Amos Collins (4-5) via first-round technical knockout (TKO). After some time off from competition, Lemke is ready and eager to return to NEF in November.
“I am excited and grateful for another opportunity to do what I love and continue my career with NEF,” said Lemke. “I am grateful to fight Mr. Denning, who has started his pro career off on the fast track. I realize that I have been very inconsistent in my last couple of fights, however, I have taken steps to remedy that and am happy, healthy and looking to get back on track. Mr. Denning brings a good skill set and a big fan base to the cage, and I look forward to the challenge and rising up to that challenge. It’s going to be a great night of fights and people are not going to want to miss this fight in particular.”
New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE,” takes place on November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine. The event will mark the first time in Maine history a mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event and a professional boxing event have taken place together on the same show. Tickets for “NEF XX” start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525. For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com. In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”
About New England Fights
New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.