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FITETV, mixed martial arts, MMA

SFT MMA And Xtreme’s american debut august 13 in miami

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“SFT 23 VR: Jeffrey vs. Assis”  

Streaming live & exclusively on FITE.TV pay per view 

MIAMI (Aug. 6, 2020) — The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically altered plans in combat sports, particularly for Brazil-based SFT MMA & Xtreme (Standout Fighting Tournament), which planned to make its American debut last June at Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, Florida.  Its long-awaited American debut will finally take place on Thursday, August 13, with “SFT 23 VR: Jeffrey vs. Assis”, in a closed show at Wynwood Studios in Miami, Florida. 

“SFT 23 VR: Jeffrey vs. Assis” will be streamed live and exclusively worldwide on pay per view via the FITE app and website (www.FITE.tv), starting at 7 p.m. EDT / 4 p.m. PDT, for $14.95.  It’ll also be taped live and air at future dates on regional television throughout the U.S. on United Fight Alliance (UFA), as well as on Brazilian television. 

Only fighters and one corner person each, a skeleton staff including television production crew, officials, and commission members will be allowed onsite. No fans, media, or ring-card girls.  SFT will provide masks and be responsible for cleaning, disinfecting, and encouraging everyone to follow all COVID-19 recommendations. Everybody will be tested for COVID-19 the day prior to the weigh in, at the weight in, and during the day of the event. 

“Our plan was for SFT MMA & Xtreme to have a circuit, starting in Brazil, and then promoting shows in the United States and Mexico,” SFT president David Hudson said. “The Coronavirus changed everything.  Our show last Saturday night in Sao Paulo, Brazil, was canceled after we had the weigh in, but we wanted to do the right thing and paid everybody involved. 

“We can’t wait for U.S. fans to watch our product to understand what they’ve been missing.  SFT gives fans what they want: competitive, action-packed fights in a completely different form of entertainment.  We’re having our August 13th show in Miami because we want to increase awareness, particularly in the United States, of our unique product of combat sports entertainment.  Our shows are regularly broadcast on one of the five national television networks in Brazil.  We have five of the top seven pound-4-pound MMA fighters in Brazil and we want to bring some U.S. talent to fight in Brazil.  Two fighters from this show will be given a chance to fight in Brazil and then, hopefully, at the Seminole Hard Rock later this year.” 

The main event pits Canadian middleweight Aaron Jeffrey (7-2-0, (SFT: 0-0-0) against Brazilian  Bruno “Brunao” Assis (9-4-0, SFT: 0-0-0) in their SFT MMA debuts.  Styles make fights and Jeffrey, the No. 1 rated middleweight in the Province of Ontario, will be looking for his sixth knockout, while Assis, the No. 1-rated fighter in the State of Minas, has his sights set on his seventh submission finish. 

American lightweight Frank “The Praying Mantis” Buenafuente (10-4-0, SFT: 0-0-0), fighting out of Garfield, New Jersey, takes on Mexico’s No. 4-rated Daniel “Danger” Vega (12-3-0, SFT: 1-0-0) in the co-featured event.  Buenafuente, who has a strong wrestling background, will be making his SFT MMA debut.  Vega defeated Fabio Gasolina at “SFT 12” held in Mexico.   

An SFT Xtreme (striking & kicking with 4-ounce gloves, no ground fighting) match will showcase Brazilian-native kickboxing legend Maycon Oller, who now fights out of Tustin, California, against World kickboxing champion Jadar Alves, of Brazil, in what promises to be a sensational showdown. 

A grappling match will be on tap as well, pitting two of Brazil’s leading middleweights, Markus “Maluco” Perez against Luis “Buscape” Firmino. 

The opening bout on the main card finds American lightweights Jornel “A1” Lugo (3-0-0, SFT: 0-0-0) and Contavious Romious (4-0-0, SFT: 0-0-0) in a well-matched battle of two undefeated prospects. 

The preliminary card offers strong support.  Brazilian Regivaldo “Handstone” Carvahlo (5-2-0, SFT: 0-0-0) faces American Raymond “Godson” Ramos (5-4-0, SFT: 0-0-0) fighting at a 140-pound catchweight in SFT debuts for both fighters, and two other SFT debut fighters, Brazilian  Lucas Alexandre (0-2-0, SFT: 0-0-0) and his American opponent, Shawn Brown (2-2-0, SFT: 0-0-0), square-off in a featherweight fight. 

Also fighting on the preliminary card are Puerto Rican lightweights Orlando Santana (2-1-0, SFT: 0-0-0) and James Hay (2-1-0, SFT: 0-0-0), American light heavyweights Joshua DaSiveira (1-0-0, SFT 0-0-0) and pro-debuting Cody Rolling, and American bantamweights Sal Guerriero (1-1-0, SFT: 0-0-0) versus John “The Baptist” Birdson (0-1-0, SFT: 0-0-0). 

The card is subject to change. 

SFT MMA & Xtreme is coming to America next week.  Catch the revolution! 

INFORMATION: 

Website: www.sftmma.com 

Facebook: /SFT.MMA, /SFT.Extreme, davidhudson.SFT 

Twitter: @SFTMMA 

Instagram: @SFTMMA, @SFTEXTREME, @DavidHudson.SFT 

You Tube: /SFTUSA, /SFTBrasil 

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA

BELLATOR MMA LAUNCHES EXCLUSIVE CHANNEL ON PLUTO TV AUGUST 4 THE LEADING FREE STREAMING TELEVISION SERVICE IN THE US TO FEATURE AROUND-THE-CLOCK BELLATOR ACTION

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LOS ANGELES – Bellator MMA and Pluto TV, ViacomCBS companies, today announced that they have partnered to launch an exclusive channel on Pluto TV with iconic, action-packed past matches showcasing legendary talent and champions all from Bellator’s extensive library of content. The Bellator MMA channel on Pluto TV officially launched today with nonstop, adrenaline-rich entertainment and can be found in the “Sports” category on the leading, free streaming television service in the US.
 
The Bellator MMA channel on Pluto TV will debut with more than 500 fights from Bellator’s vast collection of past events. Fans will see historic bouts featuring current world champions Ryan Bader,Douglas Lima, Patricio “Pitbull” and Ilima-Lei Macfarlane, as well as other iconic names and top talent in the sport, including Fedor Emelianenko, Michael Chandler, Gegard Mousasi,Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, A.J. McKee, Benson Henderson, Jake Hager, Michael “Venom” Page and Chael Sonnen.
 
The Bellator MMA channel on Pluto TV can be accessed directly by clicking here: https://pluto.tv/live-tv/bellator-mma
 
“I am excited for the launch of the Bellator MMA channel on Pluto TV that will feature unlimited access to our extensive content library,” said Bellator President Scott Coker. “This is a great way to increase the promotion’s visibility across additional ViacomCBS platforms, while giving our fans the opportunity to relive these incredible moments from inside the Bellator cage.”
 
“We are excited to welcome a renowned and respected mixed martial arts organization like Bellator MMA to Pluto TV.  Being a part of the ViacomCBS organization affords us unique access to a coveted portfolio of premium brands and properties with built-in fanbases, like Bellator, that further differentiates the types of programming we can stream on Pluto TV,” states Amy Kuessner, SVP of Content Strategy & Global Partnerships at Pluto TV. “The launch of Bellator MMA as an exclusive channel on Pluto TV brings free and easy access to millions of new and existing fans, with premium content that is guaranteed to really pack a punch.”
 
Pluto TV offers hundreds of channels and thousands of movies and television series on-demand to a domestic audience of over 24 million users. With over 100,000 hours of premium content available on the platform, Pluto TV is available across all major mobile, connected TV and web-based devices and has a global footprint spanning three continents across 22 countries.
 
Please visit Pluto.tv and Bellator.com for additional information.
 
****
Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Paramount Network

FULL RESULTS & PHOTOS FROM BELLATOR 242: BANDEJAS VS. PETTIS

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COMPLETE EVENT PHOTOS
 
Bellator 242: Bandejas vs. Pettis Main Card:
Sergio Pettis (20-5) defeated Ricky Bandejas (13-4) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Jason Jackson (12-4) defeated Jordan Mein (31-13) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Jay Jay Wilson (6-0) defeated Tywan Claxton (6-2) via split decision (30-27, 27-30, 29-28)
Aaron Pico (6-3) defeated Solo Hatley, Jr. (8-3) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:10 of round one
 
Preliminary Card:
Mark Lemminger (1-1) defeated Jake Smith (7-4) via TKO (strikes) at 4:46 of round two
Raufeon Stots (14-1) defeated Cass Bell (5-1) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:24 of round three
Ras Hylton (6-4) defeated Rudy Schaffroth (6-2, 1 NC) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
 
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.
Bellator, DAZN, mixed martial arts, MMA, Paramount Network

MICHAEL CHANDLER AND BENSON HENDERSON REMATCH SET FOR BELLATOR 243 HEADLINER FRIDAY, AUGUST 7 ON PARAMOUNT NETWORK AND DAZN

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PLUS, HEAVYWEIGHTS MATT MITRIONE AND TIMOTHY JOHNSON SQUARE OFF IN EXPLOSIVE CO-MAIN EVENT
 
LOS ANGELES – Bellator is pleased to announce multiple upcoming events set to take place at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., including Bellator 243 on Friday, Aug. 7, Bellator 244 on Friday, Aug. 21 and Bellator 245 on Friday, Sept. 11.
 
Bellator 243 sees former world champions Michael Chandler (20-5) and Benson Henderson (28-8) face off once again inside the Bellator cage nearly four years after their first unforgettable meeting, The highly anticipated lightweight main event rematch airs live Friday, Aug. 7 on Paramount Network and DAZN at 10 p.m. ET from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.
 
In the card’s co-main event, perennial heavyweight contender Matt Mitrione (13-7, 1 NC) will take on the hard-hitting Timothy Johnson (13-6) in an exciting matchup that will likely not go to the judges’ scorecards.
 
Bellator 243: Chandler vs. Henderson 2 airs live on Paramount Network and DAZN on Friday, August 7 at 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT. The event will also air live on Sky Sports in the UK. Preliminary action will stream on Bellator MMA’s YouTube channel.
 
Making his 23rd promotional appearance for Bellator, “Iron” Michael Chandler will have the opportunity to silence his critics and prove that his November 19, 2016 split decision-win over Henderson was no fluke. Following victories in each of his first 12 professional bouts, highlighted by his first Bellator lightweight world title win and a pair of successful title defenses, the High Ridge, Missouri-native quickly made a name for himself in a stacked 155-pound class. The 34-year-old would eventually go on to collect a promotional record three lightweight title reigns that included three successful title defenses. Having won three of his previous five career rematches, including a pair of lightweight world title victories over Patricky Pitbull and Brent Primus, the 2009 NCAA Division I All-American wrestler at the University of Missouri will look to add to that total and remind everyone what the former champion is capable of. 
 
Fighting out of Glendale, Ariz., “Smooth” will once again have a shot at revenge with his longtime rival Chandler, following multiple attempts to schedule the fight over the past year. The highly anticipated rematch was originally slated to take place on New Year’s Eve at Rizin.20 in Japan, before Henderson was forced to withdraw due to an injury suffered during training. A few months later, the two former lightweight world champions were set to face off in the main event of Bellator’s return to the Windy City on June 6, before the global pandemic led to yet another postponement. Now, the MMA Lab-product will look to settle the score and collect his fifth consecutive victory en route to a final push at Bellator’s 155-pound strap. With half of his 28 career wins coming by way of knockout or submission, the 36-year-old former UFC and WEC lightweight world champion will aim to put all doubts to rest and finish his nemesis in emphatic fashion on August 7.
 
After initially being scheduled to face Ronny Markes at Bellator 241 in March prior to the pandemic, Matt Mitrione is now slated to meet Johnson, a competitor who also prefers to keep the fight upright. Prior to his MMA career, the 41-year old Illinois-native was a standout defensive end at Purdue University who subsequently earned his way into the NFL, playing six seasons as a member of the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings. He ultimately found his way into MMA where he became the high-level competitor he is today, defeating the likes of the late Kimbo Slice, Derrick Lewis,Roy Nelson and Fedor Emelianenko.
 
A heavy betting underdog coming into his last matchup with Tyrell Fortune at Bellator 239, Timothy Johnson shocked many when he finished the undefeated competitor five years his junior via highlight reel-knockout in the opening frame. The win was the first for the Xtreme Couture-fighter inside the Bellator cage, who signed with the promotion in 2018 following seven outings in the UFC. With an impressive finishing mark of 10 stoppages in his 13 wins as a professional, Johnson will be looking to deliver another impressive outing when he returns to action next month.
 
Updated Bellator 243: Chandler vs. Henderson 2 Main Card:
Paramount Network and DAZN
10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT 
 
Lightweight Main Event: Michael Chandler (20-5) vs. Benson Henderson (28-8)
Heavyweight Co-Main Event: Matt Mitrione (13-7, 1 NC) vs. Timothy Johnson (13-6) 
 
*Card subject to change.
 
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.
 
Bellator, mixed martial arts

Royce Gracie Hosts Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Seminar Live Today at 3 p.m. PST / 6 p.m. EST on Bellator MMA’s Social Channels

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Today at 3 p.m. PST / 6 p.m. EST on Bellator MMA’s social channels, one of the most influential MMA fighters of all-time, Royce Gracie, will be teaching a Brazilian jiu-jitsu seminar.

The event will begin promptly on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA

Bellator MMA Statement on May Events

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Due to the ongoing safety concerns surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as current federal, state and local government mandates, Bellator MMA officials today have announced that three upcoming live events scheduled for May have been postponed.

These events include:

  • Bellator 242 – May 9 in San Jose, Calif.
  • Bellator European Series London – May 16 in London
  • Bellator 243 – May 29 in Temecula, Calif.

The organization will continue to monitor the situation closely and fully intends to reschedule the events as soon as possible.

As always, the health and safety of our athletes, fans, partners and staff remains our top priority. We appreciate the understanding and patience of everyone involved during this incredibly difficult time.

Refunds for ticketholders to these events, as well as Bellator 241 originally scheduled for March 13 at Mohegan Sun Arena, will be available at their original point of purchase.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

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

NEF 43 RESCHEDULED TO JUNE 13 DUE TO CORONAVIRUS CONCERNS

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Orono, Maine (March 20, 2020) – New England Fights (NEF) announced today that the fight promotion’s next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 43: Rampage,” has been rescheduled to Saturday, June 13, 2020.  The event, which will originate from the Collins Center for the Arts on the University of Maine’s flagship Orono campus, was originally scheduled to be held on April 18.  Event organizers, however, have decided to reschedule to June 13 based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recent recommendation that all events and gatherings consisting of 50 people or more be postponed for at least eight weeks due to concerns surrounding the COVID-19 coronavirus contagion.

Earlier today, NEF released the following statement from its owners Nick DiSalvo and Matt Peterson via its Facebook page:

Due to ongoing concerns surrounding the coronavirus and public gatherings, NEF 43 has been re-scheduled to Saturday, June 13, 2020, at the Collins Center for the Arts in Orono.  Doors will open at 6 pm and first fight will be at 7 pm.

For tickets purchased through a fighter (or for those who plan to purchase tickets through a fighter): All tickets printed with the April 18 date will be honored at the door on June 13.  If you cannot attend the event on the new date of June 13, please contact the fighter that originally sold you the ticket.

For tickets purchased through the CCA box office: All tickets printed with the April 18 date will be honored at the door on June 13. If you cannot attend the event on the new date of June 13, please email the box office at ccatix@maine.edu. You may also call 207.581-1755 and leave a message.  The box office will take refund requests until next Friday, March 27, 2020, at 5 pm EDT.

Thank you all for your patience and continued support as we continue to monitor and adjust to this unprecedented situation.  We wish all of our fans, fighters, staff, and friends good health and safety at this difficult time.

– Nick DiSalvo & Matt Peterson

New England Fights’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 43: Rampage,” will take place on Saturday, June 13, 2020, at the Collins Center for the Arts at UMaine Orono. Tickets are on sale now at www.CollinsCenterfortheArts.com.  

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

BJ GARCEAU TO FIGHT ONE LAST TIME AT NEF 43 IN ORONO, MAINE

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Orono, Maine (March 12, 2020) – New England Fights (NEF) will present its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event at the Collins Center for the Arts on the University of Maine’s flagship Orono campus.  The event, titled “NEF 43: Rampage,” will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2020, with a bell-time of 7 pm EDT.  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of an amateur strawweight bout to the card.  BJ Garceau (1-1) is scheduled to face Fatima Kline (1-0) at a fight weight of 115 pounds.

BJ Garceau will enter the NEF cage for the third and final time on April 18.  Garceau, who was diagnosed with Type-1 juvenile diabetes in 1993, made headlines with her amateur debut and became an inspiration to many.  She defeated Sarah Ziehm (1-2) via split decision at “NEF 32” in February 2018.  Garceau returned to the cage later that year, losing to Chelsea Tucker (3-3) in the third round of an “NEF 36” contest.  Garceau is a product of Young’s MMA based in Bangor, Maine

“I’m so excited to be back in the cage in my hometown, for what will be my final fight this April,” said Garceau.  “I want to be able to leave my old stomping grounds with my hand held high at the end and walk away with a win for my fans, friends, family, coaches, team and myself. I’ll give it everything I’ve got one last time and this will be a fight you don’t want to miss.  With that being said, I am beyond grateful for my opponent taking on the fight and every opportunity Young’s MMA, NEF and everyone in the mixed martial arts community has given me over the years. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

Fatima Kline will make the trek from her home in Hyde Park, New York for the fight.  At just 19-years-old, Kline already holds a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  She made her amateur MMA debut last fall with a unanimous decision win on a card in White Plains, New York.  Kline represents Black Hole Jiu-Jitsu based in Wappingers Falls, New York.

“I would like to thank NEF for giving me the opportunity to showcase all of my hard work,” said Kline when reached for comment. “Being that this is my debut fight for the organization, I promise to be at the top of my game come fight night. Thank you, BJ, for accepting this matchup, and I look forward to seeing you in the cage. The one message I would have for the crowd is: be prepared to be entertained.”

New England Fights’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 43: Rampage,” will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2020, at the Collins Center for the Arts at UMaine Orono. Tickets are on sale now at www.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.

mixed martial arts, MMA

AARON LACEY RETURNING TO THE CAGE AT NEF 43 IN ORONO, MAINE

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Orono, Maine (March 11, 2020) – New England Fights (NEF) will present its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event at the Collins Center for the Arts on the University of Maine’s flagship Orono campus.  The event, titled “NEF 43: Rampage,” will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2020, with a bell-time of 7 pm EDT.  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of a professional featherweight bout to the card.  Aaron “Relentless” Lacey (6-2) is scheduled to meet “Yours Truly” Chris Herd (2-3) at a fight weight of 145 pounds.

It will have been 19 months since the last time Aaron Lacey stepped in the NEF cage as a competitor.  Lacey defeated veteran Jon Lemke (7-9) in the main event of “NEF 35” in September 2018.  He has not fought since due to an injury suffered later that fall.  A former NEF Amateur Featherweight Champion, Lacey started his professional career a perfect 4-0 before going 2-2 in his last four bouts.  He will look to make his comeback a successful one on April 18.  Lacey represents Young’s MMA based in nearby Bangor, Maine.

“I’m so super excited to be getting back into my happy place,” exclaimed Aaron Lacey.  “Matt (Peterson, NEF co-owner and matchmaker) worked really hard to get me a fight on this card, and I am beyond grateful! April 18th ‘Relentless’ returns!”

Lacey’s opponent, Chris Herd, will make the 1,000-mile trip from his home in Wilmington, North Carolina for the fight.  Herd had a stellar amateur career, going 5-0 with four knockouts and one submission and capturing a regional championship along the way.  Both of his wins as a professional have been first-round finishes with one a technical knockout and the other a submission.  Herd currently represents Brunson’s MMA & Fitness based in Wilmington, North Carolina.

“No man can touch me without my permission,” said Herd when reached for comment.  “This fight will go where I want it, and I will finish it at will.”

New England Fights’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 43: Rampage,” will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2020, at the Collins Center for the Arts at UMaine Orono. Tickets are on sale now at www.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.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

FEATHERWEIGHT BOUT ADDED TO NEF 43 CARD IN ORONO, MAINE

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Orono, Maine (March 10, 2020) – New England Fights (NEF) will present its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event at the Collins Center for the Arts on the University of Maine’s flagship Orono campus.  The event, titled “NEF 43: Rampage,” will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2020, with a bell-time of 7 pm EDT.  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of a professional featherweight bout to the card.  Carl Langston (0-5) is scheduled to meet Aaron “Short Fuse” Hughes (0-0) at a fight weight of 145 pounds.

Carl Langston comes into the fight looking for the first win that has eluded him thus far in his professional career.  Last month, Langston took on Jacob Deppmeyer (1-0) in Portland, Maine at “NEF 42,” losing via first-round technical knockout.  It was his first fight back with the promotion since losing his pro debut in April 2018.  Langston, a lifelong practitioner of Taekwondo, currently represents Young’s MMA based in nearby Bangor, Maine.

“It’s been hard getting fights altogether, but even more so in my home state,” noted Langston.  “So, with this last lost I didn’t think I was going to get another fight for a bit. I got in my own head and said I wanted to stop fighting for a bit, but when I got the call three weeks after the loss, I couldn’t say no. This is something I need, back-to-back fights. I just have to show up like I show up in the gym and I’ll get my hand raised without a doubt.”

Aaron Hughes will make both his professional and promotional debuts with NEF.  He has had a very active amateur career since his debut in 2015, putting together a record of 4-6 while competing on fight cards in his home state of Massachusetts.  Hughes represents Regiment Training Center of Fall River, Massachusetts where he trains alongside the likes of current UFC star and former NEF Professional Cruiserweight Champion Yorgan De Castro (6-0).

“I’m really excited to take the trip to Maine to make my professional debut,” said Hughes when reached for comment.  “My opponent is skilled, but I’m coming to put on a show, and he’s just a man in the way of my dreams to the UFC. Thank you to NEF for having me out.”

New England Fights’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 43: Rampage,” will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2020, at the Collins Center for the Arts at UMaine Orono. Tickets are on sale now at www.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.