Tag Archives: mma

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

ASSAM VS KANGAS SET TO STRIKE AT NEF 46 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY EVENT

December 2, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (November 24, 2021) – New England Fights (NEF) returns with its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 46: Decade of Dominance,” on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Aura in Portland, Maine. The event will commemorate NEF’s ten-year anniversary. The leading regional promotion launched on February 11, 2012. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur welterweight bout to the fight card. Jon Assam (2-3) is scheduled to take on former lightweight Justin Kangas (0-3) at a fight weight of 170-pounds.

Jon Assam will have fought for NEF for four straight years when he steps in the cage on February 12^th. The Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) staple most recently made Austin Hamilton (0-3) retire on the stool in between rounds when they faced-off at the Hampshire Dome last August at “NEF 44: Back in Black” in New Hampshire. Assam will be looking to extend his win streak to two when he shares the cage with Kangas in February.

“I’m very excited to be part of another NEF event, always good cards and good fights,” Assam stated. “I don’t like to do much talking outside of the cage, but my opponent can expect the same thing I expect from him—the best version of ourselves—and we’ll see whose best is better.”

Justin Kangas has struggled to find his first win in NEF, having dropped losses to a who’s who of young up and coming talent including Nate “The Mule White (5-0) and former NEF Featherweight Champion Nathaniel Grimard (4-1). Standing 6’3”, the cut to 155-pounds has always been a struggle for the moonlighting mixed martial artist who spends his days working as a school principal. Having finally found the rhythm between his professional life and passion for training, Kangas is confident that the move up in weight class will help him secure that elusive first win in the NEF hexagon.

“I am extremely excited to step back into the NEF cage. It has been far too long. Covid has been rough on us all in a variety of ways, but if there is a silver lining, it’s that it gave me a ton of time to work on my deficits. When I first started fighting for NEF, I was only nine months into my training, and I was a fish out of water on the ground. Each fight gave me a lot to reflect on and gave me a full picture of what needed to change. Covid may have stopped a lot of things in our country, but it didn’t stop me from training and growing as a fighter.

“My weaknesses have become new passions and strengths for me. Losing and identifying faults doesn’t break me down. It excites me. Nothing is more rewarding than improving yourself. Have no doubt, I have done just that.

“After all the time off, I made the decision to jump up a weight class. I have been working hard to put on weight the right way over the last year and a half and have come leaps and bounds in my confidence and technique on the feet, the cage and the ground. I am a far more well-rounded and skilled fighter. I look forward to showing off that work.

“Jon Assam is a veteran in the NEF cage and he always goes to war. I am excited to share the cage with him and I know the fans won’t be disappointed. I took this fight because I knew it would push me to my limits and that’s how exciting fights are made. I don’t take fights looking for an easy win to pad my record. I’m here to push and challenge myself. My past three opponents have a combined record of 12-4. Expect nothing less than a battle in that cage.”

“NEF 46: Decade of Dominance” takes place on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Aura in Portland, Maine. The event will commemorate NEF’s ten-year anniversary. Doors open at 6 pm with first fight at 7 pm. Tickets are on sale now at www.Ticketmaster.com.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime

Full Fight Night Results, Quotes & Photos For BELLATOR MMA 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh

November 17, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

A picture containing person, sport

Description automatically generated — **Complete Fight Night Photos Here** **– Please Credit: Lucas Noonan / BELLATOR MMA**

*BELLATOR MMA 271: CYBORG VS. KAVANAGH* MAIN CARD:

C-**Cris “Cyborg”** (25-2, 1 NC) defeated #5-**Sinead Kavanagh** (7-5) via KO (strikes) at 1:32 of round one

**Cris “Cyborg:”**

*“I didn’t do anything we planned. You never know. I had a feeling about the fight. I feel great. I am happy with the win.”*

*“I knew she was more of a striker, so I went to the ground game. The right hand did it fast and was the key. I was very excited for the count.”*

*“I really appreciate Kayla Harrison coming to the fight. If she wants to fight me one day, that would be great.”*

#6-**Linton Vassell** (22-8, 1 NC) defeated #5-**Tyrell Fortune** (11-2, 1 NC) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

**Linton Vassell:**

*“I am happy that I was able to out grapple a wrestler considering I’m from the U.K. and I have no wrestling background”*

*“I give myself a good 7. I am not 100 percent happy with my performance, but I am super happy with the outcome.”*

*“I was able to reverse him (Tyrell Fortune), get on top of him, and add some damage.”*

*“I used to watch WWE. When I first started to train, I did wrestling moves like that.”*

*“I always feel like we’re our own worst enemies. I wanted a knockout.”*

*“Tyrell was so strong and powerful. There were a few times where he just stood up and shook me off.”*

*“I went for the submission. I just carried on and tried to wear him down but couldn’t do it.”*

#6-**Aaron Pico** (9-3) defeated #8-**Justin Gonzales** (12-1) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)

**Aaron Pico:**
“I knew going into the fight that he (Justin Gonzales) was going to be a tough fighter. He is a former wrestler. One thing about us wrestlers is we don’t quit. All my coaches knew he was going to be tough.”

*“He was just holding on to me and is really strong. When people hold on to you, it’s kind of hard to get strikes.”*

*“Thank God I walked out of here relatively healthy. I’m just happy I got my full paycheck.”*

*“It is the first time I’ve gone three rounds. It’s my first decision. I need the experience. I’m happy I got the win.”*

*“I knew I was the dominant performer, but I have to get better. I am just so hard on myself. I want to finish guys.”*

*“Let’s go back to the drawing board. Once I step out of this cage, it’s going to be a whole different ballgame. I have to get prepared for the next opponent, so let’s get to work.”*

#1-**Arlene Blencowe** (15-8)defeated #7-**Pam Sorenson** (9-4) via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
**Arlene Blencowe:**

*“I am my own worst critic. It wasn’t the performance that we trained for, or that I was hoping for.”*

*“I felt my first right hand land and then just went head hunting with my hands. I was respecting her take downs.”*

*“I feel like I’m such a well-rounded fighter now. I didn’t showcase any of that. I didn’t hit the ground though.”*

*“You know what is not next? Retirement. I’m 38. Old girls rule. Retirement is nowhere near on the horizon. I’m No. 1 in the division. It is only up from here.”*

“I’m heading home to Australia. I haven’t been home in six months. I haven’t seen my kids, my partner, my family, my friends. I’m just going to go home and enjoy the rest of the year. I’ll just enjoy some family time.”

*“Pam Sorenson is a tough girl. She tried to take me down. I went head hunting and really wanted the knockout. I am convinced that I did enough to win the fight.”*

**PRELIMINARY CARD:**
*#7-***Steve Mowry** (10-0)defeated **Rakim Cleveland** (22-14-1, 1 NC) via submission (kimura) at 3:28 of round one
**Bruna Ellen** (6-3) defeated **Desiree Yanez** (5-4) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
**Roman Faraldo** (6-0) defeated **Robert Turnquest** (11-8) via KO (flying knee) at 1:17 of round one
**Cody Law** (6-0) defeated **Colton Hamm** (4-4) via knockout (elbows) at 4:21 of round one
**Valerie Loureda** (4-1) defeated **Taylor Turner** (5-7) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
**Waldo Cortes-Acosta** (4-0) defeated **Muhammed DeReese** (9-5) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
**Ethan Hughes** (3-0) defeated **Mahmoud Sebie** (3-1) via TKO (punches) at 4:05 of round three

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

****

**About BELLATOR**
BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. BELLATOR is based in Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant ViacomCBS, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

**About** **SHOWTIME**
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc., owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME^®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ and FLIX^®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV^®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime

Five New Preliminary Matchups Added to BELLATOR MMA 271 on Friday, Nov. 12, Live on SHOWTIME

October 30, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

FIVE FRESH PRELIMINARY MATCHUPS ADDED TO BELLATOR MMA 271: CYBORG VS. KAVANAGH ON FRIDAY, NOV. 12, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

TONS OF SOUTH FLORIDA TALENT SET TO THRILL HOMETOWN CROWD AT HARD ROCK LIVE AT SEMINOLE HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO IN HOLLYWOOD, FLA., AS BELLATOR™ RETURNS TO THE SUNSHINE STATE FOR FIRST TIME IN EIGHT YEARS

A picture containing text, person

Description automatically generated

LOS ANGELES – In addition to the Featherweight World Title main event pitting current 145-pound champion Cris “Cyborg” (24-2, 1 NC) against No. 5-ranked Sinead Kavanagh (7-4), BELLATOR MMA has added several star-studded matchups to the preliminary portion of BELLATOR MMA 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh on Friday, Nov. 12, at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla.

SHOWTIME will televise the fantastic five-fight main card live at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Additionally, the must-watch preliminary fights will stream live three hours earlier at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV.

Tickets for BELLATOR MMA 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh are currently on sale at Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com. Additional bouts will be announced shortly.

In female flyweight action, Miami’s “Master” Valerie Loureda (3-1) hopes to steal the show yet again, as the 23-year-old star prepares for Knoxville’s Taylor Turner (5-7), while Brazilian sensation Bruna Ellen (5-3) challenges the heavy-handed Desiree “Dirty Dez” Yanez (5-3).

Fighting out of Key West, Fla., the undefeated knockout artist Roman Faraldo (5-0) returns to the BELLATOR cage to face fellow Floridian and Pensacola-native Robert Turnquest (11-7) in a 170-pound contest. Additionally, Roufusport product Jordan Newman (3-0) hopes to keep his perfect record intact in a middleweight showdown against Palm Beach, Florida’s Shane O’Shea (4-2).

Lastly, former Penn State wrestler and current American Top Team standout Cody Law (4-0) puts his unblemished professional mark on the line in a featherweight clash with Fort Smith, Arkansas’ Colton Hamm (4-3).

In the co-main event., top-10 heavyweights will go toe-to-toe as No. 5-ranked Tyrell Fortune (11-1, 1 NC) squares up with No. 8 Linton Vassell (20-8, 1 NC).

Rounding out the five-bout SHOWTIME telecast, the always electric and No. 5-ranked Aaron Pico (8-3) will square off against undefeated No. 8 Justin Gonzales (12-0), while No. 1-ranked Arlene Blencowe (14-8) attempts to cement her place as the next in line for a shot at the 145-pound crown against No. 7 Pam Sorenson (9-3). Kicking off the main card, undefeated No. 7-ranked Boca Raton, Fla., resident Steve Mowry (9-0) will continue his quest toward the top of the heavyweight ranks as he takes on veteran Rakim Cleveland (22-13-1, 1 NC).

Updated BELLATOR MMA 271: CYBORG VS. KAVANAGH MAIN CARD:

Friday, Nov. 12 – live on SHOWTIME

10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT 

Featherweight World Title Bout: C-Cris “Cyborg” (24-2, 1 NC) vs. #5-Sinead Kavanagh (7-4)

Heavyweight Co-Main Event: #5-Tyrell Fortune (11-1, 1 NC) vs. #8-Linton Vassell (20-8, 1 NC)

Featherweight Bout: #5-Aaron Pico (8-3) vs. No. 8-Justin Gonzales (12-0)

Featherweight Bout: #1-Arlene Blencowe (14-8)vs. #7-Pam Sorenson (9-3)

Heavyweight Bout: #7-Steve Mowry (9-0)vs. Rakim Cleveland (22-13-1, 1 NC)

PRELIMINARY CARD:

BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel | Pluto TV

7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT 

Flyweight Bout: Bruna Ellen (5-3) vs. Desiree Yanez (5-3)

Welterweight Bout: Roman Faraldo (5-0) vs. Robert Turnquest (11-7)

Featherweight Bout: Cody Law (4-0) vs. Colton Hamm (4-3)

Flyweight Bout: Valerie Loureda (3-1) vs. Taylor Turner (5-7)

Middleweight Bout: Jordan Newman (3-0) vs. Shane O’Shea (4-2)

For more information on upcoming BELLATOR MMA events, please visit BELLATOR.com. 

** Card subject to change **

Updated schedule of BELLATOR events

Fri. Nov. 5 // BELLATOR 270: Queally vs. Pitbull 2 // 3Arena // Dublin, Ireland

Fri. Nov. 12 // BELLATOR 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh // Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino // Hollywood, FL

Fri. Dec. 3 // BELLATOR 272: Pettis vs. Horiguchi // Mohegan Sun Arena // Uncasville, Conn.

****

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime

Complete Fight Night Results, Quotes & Photos For BELLATOR MMA 269: Fedor vs. Johnson

October 26, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

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

BJ GARCEAU WILL RETURN TO THE CAGE AT NEF 45 AGAINST HAYLEY MARTIN

October 16, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (October 7, 2021) – New England Fights (NEF) returns with its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 45: Uprising,” on Friday, November 5, 2021, at Aura in Portland, Maine. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur women’s strawweight bout to the fight card. BJ Garceau will meet Hayley Martin at a fight weight of 115 pounds.

The fight will see Garceau (1-1) return to the NEF cage after a three-year absence. She made her debut at “NEF 32” in February 2018 with a split decision win over Sarah Ziehm (1-2). Garceau then lost via technical knockout to Chelsea Tucker (3-3) in the third round of their bout at “NEF 36” in the fall of that year. She had been scheduled to make her return to action at “NEF 43” in 2020 until the COVID-19 pandemic forced the postponement of the event. Garceau represents Young’s MMA of Bangor, Maine.

“I can’t believe I’m stepping back into the cage again this November,” exclaimed Garceau. “When we had to stop training last year, I felt like I lost my family, my health, and that hit me hard mentally and physically. I was a mess. So once (Young’s MMA head coach) Chris Young and so many other amazing coaches from other gyms said ‘come home’ a/k/a ‘get back into the gym,’ I finally felt whole again once we were on the mats. I didn’t think it would happen again, but honestly after everything that’s been going on in the world and personally the past 18-months, I’ve never wanted to fight this bad. I’m thankful for the opportunity and honestly it could have been anyone standing across from me at this point. I am happy to throw down with Hayley, and promise I will not let anyone down in that cage! I would say more, but I gotta go train. Let’s do this!”

Hayley Martin will be making her in-cage debut in the fight with Garceau at “NEF 45” – just a few weeks after celebrating her 50^th birthday. Martin is an independent fighter whose dream it has been to actively compete in MMA.

“I’m beyond excited to step into the cage, test my skills and show what hard work and dedication looks like,” said Martin. “I’m on this journey because I have never felt anything that makes me feel more alive, strong and confident. And when that moment happens on November 5th, I will leave it all in the cage and fight my ass off for every woman that thought dreams can’t come true.”

“NEF 45: Uprising” takes place on Friday, November 5, 2021, at Aura in Portland, Maine. Doors open at 6 pm with first fight at 7 pm. Tickets are on sale now at www.Ticketmaster.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, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime

CRIS CYBORG RETURNS AGAINST SINEAD KAVANAGH IN WORLD TITLE FIGHT ON FRIDAY NOV. 12

October 16, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime

Stakes Raised in Rematch Between Peter Queally & Patricky Pitbull as Newly Vacated Lightweight World Title Now up for Grabs in Main Event of BELLATOR MMA 270 on Nov. 5

October 16, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

Text

Description automatically generated — **DUBLIN –** It was announced today that former two-division champion **Patricio “Pitbull”** has made the decision to relinquish his BELLATOR Lightweight World Championship. As a result, BELLATOR MMA President **Scott Coker** confirmed that the hotly anticipated rematch between Waterford, Ireland’s **Peter “The Showstopper” Queally** (13-5-1) and **Patricky “Pitbull”** (23-10) will be elevated to the main event of *BELLATOR 270* with the newly vacated 155-pound world title on the line.

*BELLATOR MMA 270: Queally vs. Pitbull 2* takes place at the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland, on Friday November 5^th.

In the United States, the main card action will air live on SHOWTIME at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT. BELLATOR fans in Ireland can watch the eagerly anticipated event on both Virgin Media Two and Virgin Media Sport, whilst UK fight fans can watch the event live on BBC iPlayer.

The preliminary card will stream live beginning at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV.

BELLATOR’s return to the Irish capital will be co-headlined by an explosive bantamweight fight between two grappling wizards in No. 6 ranked **James “The Strabanimal” Gallagher** (11-1) and the No. 2 ranked **Patchy Mix** (14-1).

Tickets for *BELLATOR 270: Queally vs. Pitbull 2* are on sale now and can be purchased online from Ticketmaster.ie and Bellator.com.

Also announced today – heavyweight hostilities featuring **Gokhan Saricam** (5-1) and **Rob Beech** (5-2) has been added to the preliminary card. Please find an updated bout listing below:

*BELLATOR MMA 270: Queally vs. Pitbull 2* MainCard:
**SHOWTIME (US) / BBC iPlayer (UK) / Virgin Media Two & Virgin Media Sport (IRELAND)**
Friday, October 1 – 9 p.m. GMT/5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT

*Lightweight World Title Main Event*: #4-**Peter Queally** (13-5-1) vs. #1-**Patricky “Pitbull”** (23-10)
*Bantamweight Co-Main Event: #6-***James Gallagher** (11-1) vs. #2-**Patrick Mix** (14-1)
*Middleweight Bout:* #6-**Charlie Ward** (9-4) vs. #9-**Nobert Novenyi** **Jr.** (5-0)
*Featherweight Bout*: #6-**Daniel Weichel** (41-6) vs. #7-**Pedro Carvalho** (11-5)

**Preliminary Card:**
**BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel | Pluto TV (US)**
**BBC iPlayer (UK) | Virgin Media Two & Virgin Media Sport (IRELAND)**
6 p.m. GMT/2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT

*Featherweight Bout:* **Ciaran Clarke** (3-0) vs. **Jordan Barton** (6-1-1)
*Featherweight Bout:***Ilias Bulaid** (2-0) vs. **Georges Sasu** (5-2)
*Welterweight Bout:* **Ashley Reece** (8-2) vs. **Luca Poclit** (6-1)
*Lightweight Bout:* **Daniele Scatizz**i (10-5) vs. **Brian Hooi** (16-8, 1 NC)
*Light Heavyweight Bout:* **Lee Chadwick** (26-15-1) vs. **Arunas Andriuskevicus** (15-4)
*Heavyweight Bout:* **Gokhan Saricam**(5-1) vs. **Rob Beech** (5-2)
*Welterweight Bout:***Nicolò Solli** (3-1) vs. **Bobby Pallett** (5-0)
*Strawweight Bout:* **Danni Neilan** (4-0) vs. Audrey Kerouche (7-5, 2 NC)
*Featherweight Bout:* **Junior Morgan** (3-0) vs. **Darragh Kelly** (Pro Debut)
*Welterweight Bout:***Stephen Costello** (Pro Debut) vs. **Joe Nazokatov** (Pro Debut)

****

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

**Updated schedule of BELLATOR events**
Sat. Oct. 16 // *BELLATOR 268: Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Semifinals* // Footprint Center // Phoenix, AZ
Sat. Oct. 23 // *BELLATOR 269: Fedor vs. Johnson* // VTB Arena // Moscow, Russia
Fri. Nov. 5 // *BELLATOR 270: Gallagher vs. Mix* // 3Arena // Dublin, Ireland
Fri. Nov. 12 // *BELLATOR 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh* // Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino // Hollywood, FL

****

**About BELLATOR**
BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. BELLATOR is based in Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant ViacomCBS, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

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

FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE WILL BE UP FOR GRABS AT NEF 45 IN PORTLAND

September 22, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (September 21, 2021) – New England Fights (NEF) returns with its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 45: Uprising,” on Friday, November 5, 2021, at Aura in Portland, Maine. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur featherweight title bout to the fight card. Reigning NEF Amateur Featherweight Champion Nathaniel Grimard (4-0) will defend his belt against Billy Wilson (6-1).

Since his debut in September 2019, undefeated Nathaniel Grimard has emerged as one of the top amateur prospects on the New England MMA circuit. Grimard submitted Justin Kangas (0-3) in the first round at “NEF 40” in Orono, Maine. During the Covid-19 pandemic, and the resulting shutdown of combat sports events in the northeast region, Grimard kept himself active by taking fights in Florida where he was victorious twice. Last month at “NEF 44” he won the NEF Amateur Featherweight Title with an impressive second-round technical knockout of Brandon Maillet-Fevens (3-2). Grimard represents Nostos MMA of Somersworth, New Hampshire where he trains under UFC and Bellator veteran, and former NEF Professional Lightweight Champion, Devin Powell (10-5).

“I’m very excited to fight in Portland against my toughest opponent yet,” said Grimard. “Billy comes from a very credible gym with a little more experience than me, but that’s what motivates and excites me about this fight. I believe this will be a great fight, and I’m expecting to put on my best performance to date.”

Billy “The Kid” Wilson comes to Maine as the challenger on November 5^th. Of his six victories, Wilson holds four finishes with three technical knockouts and one submission. He has actively competed in the sport since summer 2017. Wilson currently represents Jackson Wink based in Albuquerque, New Mexico – a world-renowned MMA training academy whose roster reads like a “who’s who” of UFC champions and legends like Jon Jones (26-1) and Holly Holm (33-2-3) just to name a few.

“I’m very blessed to have the opportunity to go out and travel to a whole new area to compete,” said Wilson when reached for comment. “I had just switched my camps to Jackson Wink, and I think the fans will see a whole new fighter.”

“NEF 45: Uprising” takes place on Friday, November 5, 2021, at Aura in Portland, Maine. Doors open at 6 pm with first fight at 7 pm. Tickets are on sale now at www.Ticketmaster.com.

About New England Fights