Tag Archives: mma

Bellator, DAZN, mixed martial arts, Paramount Network

FULL FIGHT CARD AND BROADCAST DETAILS FOR THIS FRIDAY’S BELLATOR 241: PITBULL VS. CARVALHO EVENT AT MOHEGAN SUN ARENA – LIVE ON DAZN

Leave a comment
UNCASVILLE, Conn. – The full slate of bouts for Bellator’s return to Mohegan Sun Arena this Friday, March 13 is official with a stacked six-fight main card, headlined by current two-division champ Patricio Pitbull (30-4) defending his 145-lb. title in the Featherweight World Grand Prix Quarterfinals against upstart SBG-product and tournament dark horse Pedro Carvalho (11-3).

 

Bellator 241: Pitbull vs. Carvalho will stream live exclusively on DAZN at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, while preliminary action will stream on Bellator MMA’s YouTube channel, as well as DAZN, beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT.

 

The exciting main card will also see a Bellator Featherweight Grand Prix Quarterfinal take place in the co-main event,when Daniel Weichel (40-11) rematches Emmanuel Sanchez (19-4) for a future shot at the world title. In addition, former New York Giants lineman Matt Mitrione (13-7, 1 NC) will be taking on Ronny Markes (19-7) in a heavyweight main card bout, while England’s Paul Daley (42-17-2) and heavy-handed Sabah Homasi (13-8) go toe-to-toe in a 170-pound matchup that is sure to produce fireworks. Rounding out the main card will see Connecticut’s own Nick Newell (16-3) taking on Zach Zane (14-9) of Hawaii at lightweight and a must-see middleweight contest showcasing Anatoly Tokov (29-2) vs. Fabio Aguiar (17-1).

 

The preliminary card for Bellator 241: Pitbull vs. Carvalho will stream live stream on Bellator MMA’s YouTube channel and DAZN at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT. The prelims feature appearances from Bellator prospects and other familiar names in Baby Slice (3-2, 1 NC), Robson Gracie Jr. (3-0), Leslie Smith (11-8-1), Romero Cotton (4-0), Mike Kimbel
 (3-2), and Leandro Higo (19-5) meeting Dominic Mazzotta (15-3) at featherweight.

 

Complete Bellator 241: Pitbull vs. Carvalho Main Card:

DAZN

10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

 

Featherweight WGP Quarterfinal World Title Bout: Patricio Pitbull (30-4) vs. Pedro Carvalho (11-3)

Featherweight World Grand Prix Quarterfinal Bout: Daniel Weichel (40-11) vs. Emmanuel Sanchez (19-4) 

Heavyweight Main Card Bout: Matt Mitrione (13-7, 1 NC) vs. Ronny Markes (19-7)

Welterweight Main Card Bout: Paul Daley (42-17-2) vs. Sabah Homasi (13-8)

Lightweight Main Card Bout: Nick Newell (16-3) vs. Zach Zane (14-9)

Middleweight Main Card Bout: Anatoly Tokov (29-2) vs. Fabio Aguiar (17-1)

 

Preliminary Card:

Bellator’s YouTube Channel | DAZN

7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT

 

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Robson Gracie Jr. (3-0) vs. Billy Goff (2-2)

160-lb. Contract Weight Preliminary Bout: Baby Slice (3-2, 1 NC) vs. Kaheem Murray (3-3)

Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Jordan Newman (2-0) vs. Pat McCrohan (4-3)

Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Romero Cotton (4-0) vs. Justin Sumter (7-3)

140-lb. Contract Weight Preliminary Bout: Mike Kimbel (3-2) vs. Kenny Rivera (2-2)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Killys Mota (12-1) vs. Nate Andrews (16-3)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Leandro Higo (19-5) vs. Dominic Mazzotta (15-3)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Leslie Smith (11-8-1) vs. Jessy Miele (9-3)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Ion Pascu (18-10) vs. Mark Lemminger (10-1)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Vladimir Tokov (7-0) vs. Marcus Surin (6-2)

 

*Card subject to change.

 

Please visit Bellator.com for more information.
Bellator, DAZN, mixed martial arts, MMA, Paramount Network, women's MMA

LIZ CARMOUCHE TO MAKE BELLATOR MMA DEBUT AGAINST UNDEFEATED MANDY BÖHM IN MAIN EVEN EVENT OF PROMOTION’S RETURN TO PECHANGA RESORT CASINO

Leave a comment
EVENT SET FOR FRIDAY, MAY 29 AT 10 P.M. ET/9 P.M. CT ON PARAMOUNT NETWORK & DAZN

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, MARCH 13!

 

LOS ANGELES – Bellator officials today announced that the eagerly anticipated promotional debut of Liz Carmouche (13-7) will take place on Friday, May 29 at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. against undefeated SBG Ireland’s flyweight prospect Mandy Böhm (6-0, 1 NC).

 

Tickets for the Bellator 243: Carmouche vs. Böhm go on sale March 13 at 3 p.m. PT and are available at the Pechanga box office, as well asBellator.com, Ticketmaster.com and Pechanga.com.

 

The event will be broadcast live Friday, May 29 on Paramount Network and DAZN at 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT, while preliminary action will stream on Bellator’s MMA YouTube channel. Additional bouts will be announced in coming weeks.

 

A United States Marine Corps veteran and established flyweight competitor, Carmouche joined Bellator’s women’s flyweight division this past December following a six-year run in UFC – a tenure that includes world title bouts in both the bantamweight and flyweight divisions, as well as notable wins over Katlyn Chookagian and Jessica Andrade.

 

Fighting out of San Diego, the 36-year-old Team Hurricane Awesome-product also formerly competed for Strikeforce, notching a pair of victories with the promotion. She also earned a win over Valentina Shevchenko earlier in her career. Prior to “Girl-Rilla’s” days as a professional athlete, the Lafayette, Louisiana-native spent five years serving as an aviation electrician in the United Stated Marine Corps, where she completed three tours of duty in the Middle East.

 

Fresh off a flyweight title victory on the regional MMA scene last May, Mandy Böhm is ready to bring her undefeated mark as a professional to the highest levels of the sport when she meets former two-division title challenger Liz Carmouche on May 29. Hailing from Germany, but training under the tutelage of John Kavanagh at SBG Ireland in Dublin, “Monster” is a force to be reckoned with on the feet, but showcased her strong submission skills when she handed top Canadian prospect Jade Masson-Wong the first loss of her career in 2019.

 

Updated Bellator 243: Carmouche vs. Böhm Fight Card:

Flyweight Main Event: Liz Carmouche (13-7) vs. Mandy Böhm (6-0, 1 NC)

 

****
559 Fights, mixed martial arts, MMA

559 Fights returns to Visalia

Leave a comment

SELMA, Calif. – Larry Gonzales hasn’t had the best of luck in his young mixed martial arts career. The Fresno heavyweight had three fights fall apart before he even had a chance to compete.

But once Gonzales stepped foot in the cage, he hasn’t looked back amassing a 4-0 record, capturing a 559 Fights Heavyweight Championship and climbing to a No. 3 ranking in the state.

Gonzales hopes to keep the good fortune going on March 13 – Friday the 13th – in a heavyweight title showdown with Fresno’s Kail Melton (1-2) at the Visalia Convention Center. Doors open at 6pm and first fight is at 7.

“Looking at things now this might be one of the largest fight cards we’ve ever put together,” 559 Fights owner Jeremy Luchau said. “15 mma bouts in all, with three of them being title fights and a grappling tournament. I don’t know what more fight fans could possibly want.”

The co-main event features a California Amateur Mixed Martial Arts Organization Middleweight State title fight, pitting two of the Valley’s best 185-pound prospects against one another – Hanford’s Marqus Blevins (3-0) and Orange Cove’s Jared Velasquez (4-3).

“It’s been a long time coming to get Blevins into the 559 Fights cage,” Luchau said. “Blevins trains out of Valley Fight Club and that’s where I had my start in mixed martial arts training. It’s an honor and a pleasure to be able to have them represented in our promotion. And I’m also excited to have Velasquez back in action. He’s as tough as they come and represents a great city in Orange Cove where we just had an extremely successful event.”

Flyweights will also take center stage, as 125-pound 559 Fights kingpin Johnny Maldonado of Bakersfield defends his perfect 4-0 record in a rematch with former champion Josue Gonzales (3-2) of San Luis Obispo.

559 Fights will also be hosting its first grappling tournament, which will take place in the 155-185 weight classes and feature competitors from all over the Central Valley.

“The fight card is pretty stacked, but I’m probably most excited about this grappling tournament that we are doing,” Luchau added. “There’s going to be a lot of notable names from the Valley competing. It’s a great start for us on where we see the future of both grappling and 559 Fights heading in the future.”

In other main card bouts; Irvine flyweight Meggan Tamondong (2-1) takes on Rocklin’s Valerie Thurs (3-4), Lindsay lightweight Mark Felix (4-3) battles Sacramento’s Julius Wright (5-4), Hanford featherweight Denzel Rosaroso (3-0) fights Bakersfield’s Sal Bruno (2-2-2), Sanger welterweight Anthony Mata (1-1) tangles with Bakersfield’s Jeramy Titsworth (1-1) and Porterville light heavyweight Omar Reneau (2-3) fights Lathrop’s Danny Moreno (2-2).

Grappling competitors include; Porterville’s Brandon Cohea, Fresno’s Nick Bustamante, Selma’s Julian Tovar, Parlier’s Christian Avalos, Fresno’s Art Hernandez, Visalia’s Marc DeLaCruz, Fresno’s Alex Rojas and Bakersfield’s Matt Reed.

For more information please visit www.559fights.com

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

CONTROVERSIAL FIGHT WILL GET A REMATCH AT NEF 43 IN ORONO

Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Orono, Maine (February 28, 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 flyweight bout to the card.  Caleb “Dr. Feelgood” Austin (4-0) will face James Ploss (1-2) at a fight weight of 125 pounds.

The bout will be a rematch of the first fight between Austin and Ploss that took place three years prior in April 2017 at “NEF 28.”  Austin was declared the winner of that first contest, but not without controversy.  Seconds into the first round, Ploss had a tight guillotine choke applied to Austin.  Austin tapped out, but the referee was out of position to see the tap.  Ploss released Austin from the hold, thinking he had won the fight.  The referee, to Ploss’ bewilderment, ordered the fight to continue.  As Ploss tried to make sense of the situation, Austin took him down and finished the fight moments later by technical knockout.

In the days that followed, many were critical of Austin on social media.  The matter seemed to die down after a few days, only to be brought back to the forefront with a vengeance late last year when former UFC and WEC star Mike Brown (26-9) shared the clip on Twitter as an example of “fighting until the referee tells you to stop.”  Suddenly, the fight received global attention from major online news sources like Bloody Elbow, MMA Junkie, The Athletic, and The Underground.

The first fight with Ploss was Caleb Austin’s amateur MMA debut.  He was 18-years-old at the time and still a senior at Mountain Valley High School in Rumford, Maine.  Austin was a standout wrestler in high school, putting together a record of 208-11 over four years and winning state titles at 126 pounds his junior and senior years.  He was named the 2017 “Wrestler of the Year” by the Lewiston Sun Journal.  After graduation, Austin continued his wrestling career at the University of Southern Maine, but he took the next two years off from MMA competition.  He returned last summer and has won three fights in a row since he made his comeback.  Austin currently represents Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) in Lewiston, Maine. 

“I’m excited to finally be able to fight James again to gain some closure,” said Austin of the rematch with Ploss. “My MMA debut has haunted me since it happened almost three years ago. I’m thankful to James and his team for giving me this opportunity to get back in there with him. I’ve wanted this for a long time and I promise to make the most of the moment. When I exit the cage this time, it will be without question or controversy—it will end definitively.”

James Ploss went on to fight two more times in 2017 and has not competed since.  He is a member of Greg Williams’ Team Kaze based in Lancaster, New Hampshire.  Like Austin, Ploss will be looking for closure to the outcome of their first encounter.

“I’m grateful for a rematch with Caleb,” said Ploss.  “Reflecting, I have pondered the question, ‘Am I better than Caleb or is he better than me?’ This is the perfect chance to find out—a second chance for us both to give it our all and see who comes out on top giving the fans, MMA community, and both of us the rematch we all want! April 18th, we both test ourselves.”

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.

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

WOMEN’S FLYWEIGHT TITLE WILL BE UP FOR GRABS AT NEF 43 IN ORONO

Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Orono, Maine (February 26, 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 women’s flyweight title bout to the card.  “Charming” Chelsea Tucker (3-3) will take on Caree Hill (6-2) for the vacant NEF Amateur Women’s Flyweight Championship.  The title was vacated by reigning champion Glory Watson (6-1) after her decision to turn pro on the “NEF 43” fight card was announced.

Chelsea Tucker is on a three-fight win-streak since starting her amateur MMA career with three straight losses.  It is a streak that began with her last NEF appearance in November 2018 that saw Tucker defeat BJ Garceau (1-1) via technical knockout in the third round.  She has gone on to win fights in New Hampshire and Vermont since that time.  Tucker proudly serves in the United States Coast Guard, stationed in Boothbay, Maine.  She currently represents First Class MMA based in Brunswick, Maine.

“I really look forward to fighting Caree,” said Tucker.  “This is a very good matchup. She’s a tough girl and so am I. I’m looking forward to putting on my best performance and having that belt around my waist.”

This will be the second time in less than a year that Caree Hill has ventured cross-country from her home in Oregon to challenge for NEF’s 125-pound amateur women’s strap.  She took on Glory Watson for the belt at “NEF 39” last June and lost an extremely close split decision.  Hill has gone on to win her next two fights, including capturing a regional title in Oregon.  She represents Team Quest based in Gresham, Oregon and founded by UFC legends Randy Couture (19-11) and Dan Henderson (32-15).  The gym has produced top names like Chael Sonnen (31-17), Nate Quarry (12-4), and the late Evan Tanner (32-8) just to name a few.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to come back and fight for New England Fights again,” said Hill when reached for comment.  “I have been training hard and am ready for wherever the fight goes. I look forward to putting on an exciting fight for the fight fans in Maine.”

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

UP-AND-COMING FEATHERWEIGHTS TO SQUARE OFF AT NEF 43 IN ORONO

Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Orono, Maine (February 25, 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 featherweight bout to the card.  Brandon “BAMF” Maillet-Fevens (3-1) will face Nathaniel Grimard (1-0) at a fight weight of 145 pounds.

Brandon Maillet-Fevens made his amateur debut at “NEF 36” in November 2018, losing via submission in the first round.  Since that time, Maillet-Fevens has not looked back.  He went on a three-fight win-streak in 2019, finishing all three of his opponents in the process.  Most recently, Maillet-Fevens was successful over Tyler Knights (0-1) with a second-round submission at “NEF 41” last November.  He currently represents Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) based in Lewiston, ME.

“I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to once again get back in the NEF cage,” said Maillet-Fevens.  “I think Nathaniel presents some challenges I haven’t had to deal with yet, but we’ve been hard at work improving every aspect of my game and I’m going to be comfortable wherever the fight goes. I’m looking forward to putting on a good fight for the fans and showcasing what CMBJJ is all about!”

Nathaniel Grimard impressed many with his first-round armbar submission of Justin Kangas (0-3) last September at “NEF 40” in what was Grimard’s cage debut.  That fight took place within the 155-pound lightweight division.  Grimard feels the ten-pound drop to featherweight will further benefit his comfort level in the cage.  He represents Nostos MMA of Somersworth, New Hampshire where he trains under UFC veteran and former NEF Professional Lightweight Champion Devin Powell (10-4).

“I’m excited for this opportunity NEF has given me to fight a very game opponent in April,” said Grimard.  “I am stepping in the cage more comfortable and prepared this time at a weight class I belong. With both of us having finished our past opponents, I expect Brandon to bring it in April, and I think it’s going to be a great and exciting fight.”

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 will be on sale this week 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.

Bellator, DAZN, mixed martial arts, MMA, Paramount Network

COMPLETE FIGHT NIGHT RESULTS & PHOTOS FOR BELLATOR 239: RUTH VS. AMOSOV

Leave a comment
COMPLETE FIGHT NIGHT PHOTOS


Bellator 239: Ruth vs. Amosov Main Card:

Yaroslav Amosov (23-0) defeated Ed Ruth (8-2) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Myles Jury (18-5) defeated Brandon Girtz (16-9) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Tim Johnson (13-6) defeated Tyrell Fortune (8-1) via KO (punches) at 2:35 of round one

Valentin Moldavsky (9-1) defeated Javy Ayala (11-8) via unanimous decision (30-25, 30-24, 30-24)

 

Preliminary Card:  

Davion Franklin (1-0) defeated J.W. Kiser (5-3) via TKO (punches) at 1:30 of round one

Chris Gonzalez (4-0) defeated Aaron McKenzie (7-2-1) via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)

Kevin Croom (21-12) defeated Adil Benjilany (5-3, 1 NC) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Cris Lencioni (6-2) defeated Salim Mukhidinov (7-4) via split decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)

Kyle Crutchmer (6-0) defeated Scott Futrell (11-10) via submission (anaconda choke) at 2:58 of round one

Grant Neal (3-0) defeated Claude Wilcox (1-2) via TKO (punches) at 3:37 of round three

Josh Hill (19-3)defeated Vinicius Zani (11-6) via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Solo Hatley Jr. (8-2) defeated Gaston Bolanos (5-3) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Denise Kielholtz (5-2) defeated Kristina Williams (3-3) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:15 of round one

TeeJay Britton (6-2) defeated Gabriel Varga (1-1) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Keith Lee (6-3) defeated Shawn Bunch (9-5) via unanimous decision (30-26, 29-28, 29-27)

Christian Edwards (3-0) defeated Marco Hutch (3-3) via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-25)

 

Please visit Bellator.com for more information.
mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights, women's MMA

GLORY WATSON TO MAKE PROFESSIONAL FIGHT DEBUT AT NEF 43 IN ORONO

Leave a comment

Orono, Maine (February 24, 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 women’s strawweight bout to the card.  Glory “The Fury” Watson (0-0) is scheduled to make her professional debut against Grace Nowak (0-2) at a fight weight of 115 pounds.

Glory Watson put together a stellar amateur record of 6-1 over the course of a mere 17 months, thereby becoming one of the hottest prospects in New England MMA.  During that run, she captured the NEF Amateur Women’s Flyweight Title with a split decision win over Caree Hill (6-2) last summer at “NEF 39.”  Watson’s sole loss came against an extremely tough Cara Greenwell (10-4) this past November.  Watson took off NEF’s February event in Portland, Maine in order to prepare for her professional debut this spring.  She is a member of Young’s MMA based in Bangor, Maine. 

“I am beyond ecstatic to announce my debut into the professional rankings of the WMMA world,” said Glory Watson.  “Many thanks to (NEF co-owners) Matt Peterson and Nick DiSalvo with New England Fights for putting on a show that allows me to progress my career with a very game opponent. I look forward to this big step in my journey and stepping into the cage once again!”

Grace Nowak is a longtime veteran of the MMA cage in the northeastern United States, having made her amateur debut back in 2010.  Throughout her career, Nowak has fought regularly in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York.  Nowak represents Behring Jiu-Jitsu based in Watertown, New York.  The April 18 event will not only be the first time Nowak has fought in Maine, but also the first time she has visited the Pine Tree State.

“I’ve never been to Maine before so what better way to experience a new place,” said Nowak when reached for comment.  “I’m very excited to fight for NEF, and I’m looking forward to April 18.”

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 will be on sale this week 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

FRED LEAR RETURNS TO THE MMA CAGE AT NEF 43 IN ORONO

Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Orono, Maine (February 20, 2020) – New England Fights (NEF) will present its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) 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 bantamweight bout to the card.  Fred Lear (0-1) will take on Jason Rine (1-7) at a fight weight of 135 pounds.

Fred Lear, who wrestled and played football for John Bapst Memorial High School in nearby Bangor, Maine, had one of the most successful amateur careers in NEF history.  Lear finished his amateur career in 2019 with a record of 6-2-1 and an NEF Amateur Bantamweight Title to his credit.  He entered the professional ranks last April in Portland, Maine, losing his debut to Bryant Bullock (2-1) via second-round submission.  Lear experienced a disappointing setback when an opponent pulled out on him the night before weigh-ins at “NEF 40” last September.  The Young’s MMA product will now look for the first win of his professional career on April 18 against Rine.

“2019 and the September fight card were difficult for me, but I wasn’t going to let it get in the way of supporting my team,” said Lear.  “I feel as though people have forgotten who I am and what I’m here to do. Jason Rine is a Bellator vet and a consummate professional.  I’m here, I’m hungry, and April 18th I’m making the walk and leaving my mark.”

Jason Rine is indeed a Bellator veteran, having competed on the Bellator 215 card last year.  Based out of Fredericktown, Ohio, Rine has become well-known throughout the New England region in recent years, traveling in to fight on many area events.  While his record may appear on the surface to be that of a journeyman, Rine has taken nothing but tough bouts throughout his professional career, always showing up to fight.  April 18 will see him make his debut with NEF. 

“I’m very excited to come to Maine and fight for NEF against a game opponent in Fred Lear,” stated Rine when reached for comment.  “I’m ready to test myself in a new promotion in a new state.  Time for a fresh start and a new beginning.”

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 will be on sale this week 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.

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

RICHARD TO PUT LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE ON THE LINE AGAINST CORSON AT NEF 43

Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Orono, Maine (February 19, 2020) – New England Fights (NEF) will present its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) 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.  Zac “Rocky” Richard (6-2-1) is scheduled to defend the NEF Amateur Lightweight Title that evening against the challenge of Devin Corson (3-1).  They will meet at the lightweight championship limit of 155 pounds in a bout scheduled for five three-minute rounds.

Richard won the then-vacant championship last November in Portland, Maine with a unanimous decision victory over “Magic” Mike Murray (3-2).  He is no stranger to titles, having won a Maine State Championship wrestling for Massabesic High School in Waterboro in 2015.  The win capped a tremendous sophomore year in the cage for Richard as the follow-up to his 2018 “Rookie of the Year” season.  The last time Richard fought on the stage of the Collins Center, in September 2019, he scored a vicious slam knockout of Erik Tainter (0-2).  The slam has become a signature move for Richard over the course of his young career.  He is a product of Nostos MMA of Somersworth, New Hampshire where he trains under UFC veteran and former NEF Professional Lightweight Champion Devin Powell (10-4).

“Devin can say whatever he wants about me winning my title ‘at the right time,’” said Richard. “He’s had his offers. He’s got it.  Unluckily for him, he’s got the most motivated Zac there has ever been. I do predict this fight, though, to be a great one.”

Speaking of slams, there may be no athlete who has ever delivered more highlight-reel slams in the NEF cage than the challenger Devin Corson.  Like Richard, Corson brings a strong wrestling base with him to the MMA game, having been a standout competitor on the mats for Foxcroft Academy in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine.  Corson is currently riding a two-fight win-streak with unanimous decision wins over both Jacob Deppmeyer (now 1-0 as a pro) and Taylor Bartlett (2-3-1) in 2019.  He represents the Outlet based in Dexter, Maine.

“I don’t think much about Zac besides he is in my way,” stated Corson. “He’s the man I have to defeat to get the 155 belt. After all is said and done, I will be the one with my hand raised.”

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 will be on sale this week 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.