Tag Archives: New England Fights

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

MAIN EVENT ANNOUNCED FOR NEF MMA DEBUT ON CAPE COD

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Hyannis, Massachusetts  (May 3, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF) America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF 23: CAGE THE CAPE” on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at the Hyannis Youth and Community Center in Hyannis, Massachusetts. Earlier today, NEF announced the main event of the fight card. Brendan “Lock Down” Battles (0-0) has signed to face Mike “The Mustache” Hansen (4-3) in a professional bout at a fight weight of 265-pounds.

 

Brendan Battles is a native of Eastham, Massachusetts on Cape Cod. There, he was a three-time All American wrestler for Nauset Regional High School. During his high school career, Battles captured a total of two state championships and three New England championships with an amazing 161 wins to his credit prior to graduating in 2012. A multi-sport athlete, he later played defensive end and tackle for the University of Connecticut. Battles made his NEF debut earlier this year at “NEF 21: THE IMMORTALS” when he efficiently dispatched of Mike Hansen’s Berserkers teammate, Dave Smith (2-2) in the first round via TKO ref stoppage. Battles trains out of Gracie Fitness and is a member of Team Juniko based out of Hyannis.

 

“I look forward to Mike coming down to my backyard for my first professional fight,” said Battles. “I know he is a tough fighter, but I look forward to showcasing the skills I have acquired thus far as I continue my journey to become a well-rounded MMA fighter.”

 

Mike Hansen is the founding member of Berserkers MMA based out of Rumford, Maine.  He won a Maine state championship in wrestling as a heavyweight in 2004.  Hansen made his MMA debut shortly after graduating from high school, only to step away from the sport for a decade in order to serve his country as a combat engineer in the United States Army.  He returned to the MMA cage in 2015 as a member of the NEF roster. Hansen has become known for taking tough fights against opponents that he is generally undersized next to. Less than two weeks ago, he defeated former top-tanked amateur light heavyweight Jesse “The Barbarian” Baughman (0-2) via first round submission at “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE.”  Always up for a challenge, Hansen requested the opportunity to face Battles in his highly anticipated professional debut.

 

“I like this fight because I get to fight in Massachusetts again,” stated Hansen. “I made my pro debut at Club Lido at the ‘Wonderland’ Blue Line stop just over a decade ago. I rode the ‘T’ from Fenway to Wonderland on August 6th, 2005 to make my debut against Eric Brown who I beat by rear naked choke at 1:27 in the first round. Jumping up two weight classes sucks, but I’ve competed at this weight many times. Battles is a very accomplished athlete with a stacked resume. With only three minutes of cage time, I think it’s time Battles was in the cage with someone ready to fight. I will gladly welcome Battles to the professional ranks and see how he stacks up. I’m going to stand right in front of him and make him beat me up and, if he can, he’s a good fighter. If he can’t, it is because I didn’t want him to. On May 14th, we will have a fight my friend!”

 

“NEF 23: CAGE THE CAPE,” takes place Saturday, May 14, 2016 at the Hyannis Youth & Community Center in Hyannis, Massachusetts. Tickets for “NEF 23” are $40 for general admission and $60 for cageside. They are on sale now at www.NewEnglandFights.com/Tickets

 

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 New England’s 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

MATT GLOVER FINDS FUTURE IN FIGHTING AFTER FOOTBALL

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Lewiston, Maine (April 22, 2016) – During the years 2003-2006, Matt Glover (1-0) was the player from Mountain Valley High School in Rumford, Maine that you did not want to end up facing from the other side of the pigskin. Standing over six feet tall and weighing 250-pounds, the nightmarish middle linebacker helped to build Mountain Valley (MV) into a modern day football dynasty by punishing ball carriers for four decorated years and leading MV to two state championships in the process. He bench pressed over 400 pounds in the weight room and was hell on wheels on the field making him a powerful two-way double-threat player on both offense and defense. His reputation is legendary in the River Valley area of Western Maine as a feared and respected athlete.

 

After graduating from Mountain Valley in 2007, Glover left football behind to go to work. He married his longtime girlfriend, Lindsey, and had a son. They bought a home together. Throughout the summer and fall seasons, he traveled the agricultural fair circuit in Maine with his pulling horses, a family tradition he had been brought up in from an early age.

 

“My family has been competing in horse pulling since I was a kid,” Glover explained. “It takes up a lot of time and it keeps my dad young. I get up early every morning to exercise my horse teams before I go into work at night. Between my dad, my wife and I, we have 11 draft horses. We bale our own hay for all of them. I love backing them up to the drag and watching them dig.”

 

But despite the fullness of his life, the call of competition still beckoned to him and left him with a sense of longing. “I would have killed to have had that same feeling again,” Glover recalled. “And then I stepped into the cage.”

 

In early 2015, Matt’s younger brother, Ryan—another Mountain Valley football standout—made his mixed martial arts (MMA) debut at “NEF 16.” Ryan swarmed his opponent in his first fight and stopped him in a blistering 12 seconds. Matt was in attendance that night and found his curiosity piqued at the prospect of competing in a different kind of contact sport.

 

Later in 2015, Ryan competed for the inaugural NEF Amateur Heavyweight Championship. He dropped a decision that night to current title holder, Billy “Bigfoot” Leahy (3-1). After the win, the trash talk quickly escalated between Leahy and members of Berserkers MMA, based out of Rumford and led by head coaches Gary Dolloff and Mike Hansen (3-3).  “When Billy Leahy called out all of the guys at Berserkers after he beat my brother, then it was game-on,” recalled Matt.

 

Matt began training closely with members of the Berserkers coaching staff, including Hansen and others, who he credits for his accelerated learning curve in the sport. Additionally, Matt sparred extensively with brother Ryan, who was preparing for a fight of his own on the same night that Matt was scheduled to make his MMA debut. “My brother and I are not like other brothers,” Matt explained. “We go into the gym and beat the hell out of each other and then ride home in the same truck—that’s just how we have always been. Push, push, push—everything is competition with us. From the first one to get to the next hay bale in the hay field to the first one to get to the supper table—it’s just how we operate.”

 

“Matt’s a real competitive person,” his wife, Lindsey, confirmed. “Everything is a competition with him. I knew that cagefighting would feed that competitive hunger that he feels all the time when he’s not pulling his horses.”

 

Matt officially made his MMA debut back in February at “NEF 21: THE IMMORTALS” against durable veteran Gravin Guillen (2-5). Matt exceeded debut expectations by finishing Guillen in just 1:30 of the first round by technical knockout (TKO). When the ref cleared the scene, Guillen’s face showed the effects of Glover’s record-breaking exploits in the weight room. Glover’s Rumford fans that were in attendance in heavy numbers that night, voiced their approval in thunderous applause. “At first, I had butterflies,” Glover remembered, “but once I heard all the people cheering, all it did was pump me up. I was ready to fight. Win or lose, I knew they had my back and more.”

 

This weekend, Glover is poised to make his second appearance in the NEF cage when he takes on 6’6” Ras Hylton (1-0) from rival gym, First Class MMA. Hylton made his debut on the same night as Glover and, like his challenger this weekend, made quick work of his opponent by earning a TKO victory at 1:21 of the first round.

 

Berserkers MMA Founder and Head Coach, Mike Hansen, predicts a dominant night for Glover. “Matt happens to be much stronger than he even appears, which is incredible if you have ever seen him,” Hansen stated. “A guy of his size normally struggles with agility, but Matt doesn’t. He is a super athlete and easy to coach. Matt improves daily and will be a juggernaut in the heavyweight amateur division.

 

“Ras is used to being the bigger guy in all of his fights. That will not be the case on Saturday night. Matt will put his hands on Hylton in a way he’s never been touched before. I don’t see Ras walking away from this fight with his hand held high. He should consider it a win if he can walk away at all when Matt’s done with him.”

 

Going into Saturday night, Glover feels well prepared to continue building on his success in the sport of MMA that he started to create back in February. If his athletic history is any indicator, he should be confident in the future. “I’m ready for this fight,” Glover stated. “In this fight, I’m more relaxed because my brother’s not fighting and I can just focus on my fight… After that first win, I knew I was hooked because there’s no better feeling.”

 

“When people first started speaking to Matt about competing in MMA, I was completely against it 110%,” Lindsey stated. “But after watching him train so hard with the guys in the gym and seeing that he has the same passion for that as he does for his horse pulling, I felt more at ease and decided that if this was something he wanted to pursue, I would support him in any way that I possibly could.

 

“The Glover brothers fighting in MMA is a big thing for Rumford,” Lindsey stated in closing. “Every time it’s getting close to fight night, this town comes alive. No matter where he goes within the sport, this town and his family support him.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE,” takes place this Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF 22” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.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.”

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

BAMFORD & GULLIVER: A FIRST CLASS FRIENDSHIP FORGED THROUGH FIRE

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Lewiston, Maine (April 21, 2016) – Bryce Bamford (1-0) and Nick Gulliver (2-0) share a bond that was built by spilling blood and sweat together in Brazilian Jit Jitsu gyms across Maine and New England. When they enter the NEF cage together on Saturday night in Lewiston at “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE,” it will be the culmination of a combat sports friendship that goes back almost a decade.

 

“Let’s just call him ‘The Hulk,’ since he is a machine on the ground and strong as an ox,” Gulliver, a police officer by trade, joked when asked about his gym partner and confidant, Bamford. “’The Hulk’ and I have been training together for a long time… He is a one of a kind training partner. If I look at him and say that I need help with something, he will help me in any way that he can. He has everything you want in a training partner and a friend. He is a great guy and I’m so happy I can train with someone like Bryce.”

 

Bamford and Gulliver first met several years ago at Fitness Styles, originally located in Livermore Falls, Maine. “It was more just ‘go and punch each other’ and it was a little wild,” Gulliver recalled. Soon after, Bamford moved his training over to The Foundry in Farmington, Maine where he began focusing on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) in earnest. Before long, Bamford recruited Gulliver to join him at The Foundry where the two have remained loyal training partners. “Best thing I could have done,’ Gulliver stated. “I’ve been training with Bryce ever since.”

 

Last year, Gulliver, who currently holds the rank of purple belt in BJJ, began cross-training at John Raio’s First Class MMA in Topsham and returned the favor to Bamford by pulling him over to Raio’s gym where the two began supplementing their BJJ studies with rigorous mixed martial arts (MMA) training. Immediately finding that the sport was a fit for both of them, Gulliver was the first to test his MMA skills in the NEF cage. He made his debut last June at “NEF 18: MADE IN AMERICA” and finished Ora Spratt (0-2) via submission in the first round.

 

“One of the most memorable moments that I have of Bryce was after my first MMA fight,” Gulliver recalled. “Bryce came down to speak with me and he congratulated me on my first win. I looked at him and thanked him for all the help that he has given me over the past few years. Then I said to him: ‘Now it’s your turn.’ He looked at me and shook his head. I could tell he was hooked at that moment. But he said, ‘My mom came and watched you and loved it, but I don’t think she can handle watching me fight.’ I laughed because I knew that it wouldn’t be long before he would be in the cage fighting next to me.”

 

Gulliver was right.

 

Bamford, 40, a dedicated father and family man, runs a slasher at Palletone in Livermore Falls during his day job. The soft spoken, yet charismatic heavyweight currently holds the rank of Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. As complimentary as Gulliver is of him, Bamford equally values Gulliver’s work ethic and the deep bond that the two share. “When Nick sets a goal, he doesn’t stop until he gets there,” Bamford stated. “He is relentless.”

 

After witnessing Gulliver’s stellar debut in the NEF hexagon, Bamford felt the itch to follow his friend’s lead and challenge himself in the ultimate proving ground. “I blame Nick for the fact that I am stepping into the cage and not sitting up in the stands drinking cold beer with everyone else,” laughed Bamford.

 

Bamford made his NEF debut in November 2015 at “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE.” He needed only 19 seconds to stop his opponent that night.

 

“Bryce is 40 years old, but that number means nothing—just ask anyone who has grabbed ahold of him,” Gulliver stated. “If he would have got involved in this sport 20 years ago, no one would have touched him if he was training the way he trains today. He’s the first guy in the gym and the last guy out. That is why his age means nothing. He has heart and a lot of it. I respect a guy with the outlook on life like Bryce Bamford has. He can teach us all something.”

 

This weekend, Bamford and Gulliver are set to take to the cage again. Bamford is scheduled to face a man ten years younger than him in Joe Krech (0-1) and Gulliver is set to take on his biggest challenge to date when he faces former multiple-time state champion wrestler Dave Smith (2-1) from Beserkers MMA in Rumford, Maine.

 

“’All Roads Lead Here’ is a title so fitting for a story like the one between Bryce and I,” Gulliver stated. “Every day we have been training—every time we make each other bleed or sweat or tired—it all leads up to April 23rd. This is why we push each other—for opportunities like this.”

 

Leading into this weekend’s blockbuster event, there are strong rumors that this could be Bamford’s last MMA fight. At 40-years old and with a loving wife and child at home, there are other interests that the camping and motorcyclist enthusiast is passionate to pursue. If NEF 22 is in fact the last time that the two storied training partners take to the cage together, they intend to capitalize on the opportunity to solidify their martial arts history with a pair of wins on Saturday.

 

“In 20 years from now, I can see Bryce and I talking about this fight, drinking a beer,” Gulliver stated in closing. “We won’t talk about how much work we put into the fight, or how many hours we trained, or how many times we kicked each other’s asses—but we will talk about the fun time we had in that moment. Some things in life, you don’t forget. Times like this upcoming weekend are one of those moments. I’m glad I can share that with Bryce.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE,” takes place this Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF 22” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.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.

 

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

RAZZLE DAZZLE AND DUSTIN VEINOTT PREPARE TO CAGE THE CAPE ON MAY 14

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Hyannis, Massachusetts (April 8, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will bring Cape Cod its first sanctioned mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event this spring.  The event, entitled “NEF 23: CAGE THE CAPE,” will take place on May 14, 2016 at the Hyannis Youth & Community Center (HYCC) in Hyannis, Massachusetts.  Both professional and amateur MMA bouts will be presented that evening.  Earlier today, NEF announced the first amateur bout on the fight card.  Ryan “Razzle Dazzle” Kane (4-3) will meet Dustin Veinott (4-4) in a three-round amateur flyweight bout at a fight weight of 125-pounds.

 

At age eighteen, Ryan Kane burst onto the New England MMA scene in early 2014.  And while eighteen may seem like an early start, Kane had already established himself in combat sports at a younger age.  In 2011, and then again in 2012, Kane medaled in the World Pankration Championships in Greece.  The Plymouth, Massachusetts-native trains with Team Juniko and Sityodtong.  Kane will be looking to rebound from a first-round loss in his last MMA bout earlier this year.

 

“I train with the best to become the best,” said Kane when reached for comment.  “I will outclass Dustin anywhere this fight goes.  If he’s judging me from my last fight, he’s in for a very long night.  I promise you I’m hungrier than ever and I’m ready to eat.”

 

Dustin Veinott began his amateur MMA career at 0-3.  Refusing to give up, Veinott came roaring back, winning his next four in a row.  In June 2015, he captured the NEF MMA Amateur Flyweight Title, losing it later that year to Ryan Burgess (2-0) in a very close split decision on the judges’ scorecards.  Veinott trains at Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) in Lewiston, Maine.  The bout on May 14 will be Veinott’s first outside of his home state of Maine.

 

“Losing the title has made me more determined than I have ever been – especially after the way I lost the belt,” said Veinott of the split-decision loss to Burgess.  “I’m eager to step up in competition and get into the cage with someone who trains at the level that he trains.  Razzle Dazzle is very well-rounded, but I don’t think anyone has seen me at my full potential.  I truly hope he doesn’t underestimate me.  I have trained very hard for this fight and I am ready to showcase the things I have been working on.  I will show up prepared and ready for a war!”

 

“NEF 23: CAGE THE CAPE,” takes place Saturday, May 14, 2016 at the Hyannis Youth & Community Center in Hyannis, Massachusetts.  Tickets for “NEF 23” are $40 for general admission and $60 for cageside.  They are on sale now at www.NewEnglandFights.com/Tickets/ .

 

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.”

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

NO APRIL FOOLIN’: BOYINGTON VACATES TITLE, ERICKSON FIGHTS POWELL FOR THE STRAP

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (April 1, 2016) – The earth-shattering announcement came late last night.  New England Fights (NEF) Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Professional Lightweight Champion Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington (13-8) took to Facebook to notify his fans that he had vacated the title belt.  Some speculated that it could be an April Fools’ joke, but those rumors were later quelled when Boyington himself stated under the thread that his decision had been made for personal and medical reasons, citing recent surgeries and a host of longstanding injuries.

 

“After one of the most inspirational and exhilarating rides of my life, I have talked with my wife, my coaching staff and teammates and have decided it’s now time to let go of one chapter and turn the page for another,” Boyington stated when reached for official comment. “NEF has been there for me since the start and I couldn’t ask for a better group to get me where I want to go. I like the thought of vacating the belt on top and handing it off to one of my teammates, hopefully Josh Harvey (0-0) and I will be excited to watch a couple other lightweight warriors going after the strap. Obviously Jon Lemke has quite a claim to that shot and I see my friend Jesse Erickson in the mix as well. Whatever should happen, I will always cherish every battle I’ve had in the NEF cage. Thank you sincerely to Matt Peterson and Nick DiSalvo.”

 

NEF executives acted quickly and formulated a plan by midnight to fill the title that sits atop the fight promotion’s most hotly contested professional division.  As a new day dawned, that plan had come to fruition.

 

“Bruce was a great champion,” said NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo.  “He was the face of this promotion for two years.  The 155-pound title is our most coveted championship and there is no shortage of worthy challengers.  The decision to fill it as soon as possible was an easy one to make.”

 

Jesse “The Viking” Erickson (6-4) and Devin Powell (5-1) will now meet in a five-round contest at “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE” to crown a new champion.  The bout was already signed as a non-title three-rounder to headline the MMA portion of the April 23rd fight card in Lewiston, Maine.  Both athletes quickly agreed to go five rounds with the title on the line. Both athletes have each won their last three fights in a row respectively.

 

“I am honored to be able to fight for the title which I saw Bruce Boyington recently defend against Jon Lemke (5-4) in the best local fight I’ve ever gotten to see,” said Powell.  “I hope Jesse and I can put on a show for the fans that can be talked about for years to come.  I’ve been training too hard and too long to not hop on this opportunity.  I can’t wait to get in that cage April 23rdin front of an always amped up NEF crowd!”

 

Speaking of Lemke, NEF executives placed one condition on the upcoming Erickson-Powell bout – the winner must make his first defense of the lightweight title against Lemke.  Lemke lost a very close split decision in an attempt to claim the title from Boyington earlier this year.  That fight has been called “the greatest fight to ever take place in the NEF MMA cage” by many observers.

 

“Jon Lemke more-than deserves another crack at the strap,” said NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson.  “His bout with Bruce at ‘NEF 21’ was nothing short of epic. I was completely spellbound watching that fight for the full 25-minutes it was contested. It’s a bittersweet time at NEF.  Bruce was a great fighting champion and despite the high stakes every time he stepped into the cage, he was always one of the most active competitors on the NEF roster. Bruce’s warrior spirit and memorable performances in the NEF cage will be dearly missed, but we are fortunate to have so many superb athletes waiting in the wings right behind him to fill that void. There will be no shortage of upcoming action in the NEF lightweight division.”

 

“It was a privilege and honor to fight Bruce for the lightweight title,” stated Lemke when reached for comment. “After the fight, I was pretty confident I did enough to win. Now, after watching the fight numerous times, there is no doubt in my mind that I won that fight. If Bruce doesn’t want to fight me again and vacate his belt, I understand and respect that decision. However, I am hungrier than ever and want what I believe is rightfully mine. It would be an honor to fight the winner of Erickson versus Powell for the title and I very much look forward to it.”

 

The April 23rd bout will be Jesse Erickson’s third attempt to capture the lightweight title.  He had competed against Boyington twice previously unsuccessfully for the championship.

 

“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to compete once again for the NEF lightweight title,” stated Erickson. “I was embarrassed postponing my first fight with Devin due to injury, but it seems everything happens for a reason.  To bleed for gold and glory. My Viking ancestors would be proud.  Give me the battle I crave, Devin.  Victory or Valhalla!”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE,” takes place Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF 22” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.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.”

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

ALL ROADS LEAD TO MONUMENTAL FIGHT CARD IN LEWISTON

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Lewiston, Maine (March 31, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE” on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The fight card will feature a mix of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing bouts.  Earlier today, NEF announced the full fight card for the event.  The fight card is scheduled to feature three professional boxing matches, six professional MMA bouts, and twelve exciting amateur MMA contests.

 

On the professional boxing side of the card, Northeast Junior Welterweight Champion, and the pride of West Forks, Maine, Brandon “The Cannon” Berry(11-1, 7 KOs) returns to the ring for a six-rounder with Detroit, Michigan’s James Lester (10-9, 4 KOs).  Berry, one of the most popular boxers to ever come out of Maine, will look for his fourth consecutive victory since returning from a shoulder injury last year.

 

That will prove easier said than done with Lester standing in the opposite corner.  Lester is a product of the world-famous Kronk Gym in Detroit where world champions like Thomas “Hitman” Hearns (61-5-1, 48 KOs), Oscar De La Hoya (39-6, 30 KOs), Lennox Lewis (41-2-1, 32 KOs) and Wladimir Klitschko (64-4, 53 KOs) have trained under the late Emmanuel Steward.  Lester was ranked number-two nationally as an amateur.  He presents a dangerous threat to Berry, one that could very well play the role of “spoiler” to “The Cannon” and his legion of fans.

 

After a bloody war of a professional boxing debut at “NEF 21” last month, NEF MMA regular Crowsneck Boutin (0-0-1) will once again step into the boxing ring, this time facing Brandon Montella (3-0, 2 KOs).  Montella, now a resident of Massachusetts, grew up in Maine and served in the United States Marine Corps.

 

Headlining the professional MMA portion of the fight card will be Jesse “The Viking” Erickson (6-4) and Devin Powell (5-1) in a lightweight contest.  Both fighters are currently on a three-fight win streak.

 

“I try to focus on what is right in front of me,” said Erickson during a recent interview on The MMA Report Podcast.  “I never looked past my opponents but I like to think what the reward is going to be when I beat this guy.”

 

Neither athlete can afford to overlook the other, but a win for either could very well mean a call from one of the national promotions.  Erickson has been there before with Bellator.  Powell is an all-around talent with some slick finishes to his credit.

 

“This is the type of MMA fight we absolutely love,” said NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo.  “You have two guys who match up so well.  They’ve both been racking up the wins.  They’ve faced some of the same opponents.  They’re both solid on the mat and on their feet.  I expect this to be yet another crazy, wild NEF MMA main event!”

 

“Crazy” and “wild” do not even begin to describe the grudge that has developed between Josh “Hook On” Harvey (0-0) and Matt “Ken Doll” Denning (2-1).  The bitter rivals will meet at a fight weight of 150-pounds at “NEF 22” in an MMA bout.  The bout will be Harvey’s professional debut after a stellar 5-1 amateur career that saw him capture the NEF MMA Amateur Lightweight Title, as well as the northeast regions number-one ranking.  The well-publicized personal issues between Harvey and Denning will be settled in the cage on April 23rd.

 

The professional portion of the MMA card will also feature the pro debut of Harvey’s Young’s MMA teammate Aaron “Relentless” Lacey (0-0) as he takes on veteran “Shatterproof 2.0” Derek Shorey (3-5) in a featherweight bout.  Lacey vacated the NEF MMA Amateur Featherweight Title in order to turn professional.

 

That title will not stay vacant very long as Caleb Hall (6-3) and Erik Nelson (2-2) face off to determine a new champion at the top of the amateur MMA card.  Hall is coming off a first-round submission win at “NEF XX” last fall, while Nelson recently picked up a unanimous decision victory at “NEF 21.”

 

The amateur MMA card will also feature a women’s fight between Angela Young(0-1) and “Hollywood” Hannah Sparrell (1-0).  Young and Sparrell made their respective debuts last year at “NEF XIX.”

 

The full “NEF 22” fight card (subject to change and approval of the Combat Sports Authority of Maine):

 

 

PROFESSIONAL BOXING

175 Crowsneck Boutin 0-0-1 (Choi) vs Brandon Montella 3-0 (The Way)

140 Brandon Berry 11-1 (West Forks) vs James Lester 10-9 (Kronk)

140 Josh Parker 0-2-1 (Ruthless) vs Evincii Dixon 7-13-1 (Lancaster)

 

 

PROFESSIONAL MMA

 

205 Mike Hansen 3-3 (Berserkers) vs Jesse Baughman 0-1 (Link)

170 Jarod Lawton 4-2 (Lawton/NEU) vs Aaron Aschendorf 2-2 (ABCC)

155 Devin Powell 5-1 (Nostos) vs Jesse Erickson 6-4 (CMBJJ)

150 Josh Harvey 0-0 (Young’s) vs Matt Denning 2-1 (CMBJJ)

155 Zenon Herrera 0-3 (Independent) vs Tollison Lewis 0-5 (CMBJJ)

145 Aaron Lacey 0-0 (Young’s) vs Derek Shorey 3-5 (Shatterproof)

 

AMATEUR MMA

 

145 *TITLE Caleb Hall 6-3 (Choi) vs Erik Nelson 2-2 (CMBJJ)

265 Dave Smith 2-1 (Berserkers) vs Nick Gulliver 2-0 (First Class)

265 Matt Glover 1-0 (Berserkers) vs Ras Hylton 1-0 (First Class)

265 Joe Krech 0-1 (Berserkers) vs Bryce Bamford 1-0 (First Class)

185 Anthony Spires 0-1 (Independent) vs Mike Williams 1-1 (CMBJJ)

170 John Hansen 0-0 (Berserkers) vs Alex Payson 1-0 (First Class)

155 Ken Dunn 0-3 (W. ME Budo Arts) vs Frank Johanson 0-1 (CMBJJ)

150 Cory Trial 1-2 (Ruthless) vs Jeremy Tyler 4-3 (Team Irish)

145 Johnny Crafts 4-0 (NEU) vs Taylor Costantino 2-1 (Team Irish PTC)

145 Glenn Kasabian 0-0 (Choi) vs Matt Marshall 2-5 (MMA Athletix)

140 Angela Young 0-1 (Young’s) vs Hannah Sparrell 1-0 (First Class)

125 Jake Denham 1-0 (Lawton BJJ) vs Ryan Daley 0-2 (Team Irish)

 

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE,” takes place Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF 22” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.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.”

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

BOXERS LOOK TO GET ON THE WINNING TRACK AT NEF 22

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Lewiston, Maine (March 29, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE” on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The fight card will feature a mix of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing bouts.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional junior welterweight bout to the boxing portion of the “NEF 22” fight card.  Josh Parker (0-2-1) is scheduled to face Evincii “Prize Fighter” Dixon (7-13-1, 2 KOs) in a four-round contest.

 

Josh Parker is the founder and head coach of Ruthless MMA & Boxing based in Benton, Maine.  Prior to entering the boxing ranks, Parker was a regular in the NEF MMA cage.  He boxed to a draw against fellow NEF MMA alum Elias Leland (0-0-1) last November in Lewiston.  Most recently, Parker dropped a decision to undefeated Julio Perez (4-0) on a boxing card in Rhode Island.  He is hungry for his first victory as a professional boxer.

 

“I want to thank NEF for another opportunity to fight,” said Parker.  “I have a lot to prove.  My skills have not been reflected in my past few performances.  I’ve switched up some aspects of my training and I’m confident that I will finally be able to bring the real me to the ring.  I will be facing an experienced opponent who will present some tough challenges for me – which is exactly what I wanted.  The toughest opponent I’ve ever faced is myself, and now that I’ve figured him out, it doesn’t matter who’s standing in front of me.”

 

A veteran of more than twenty professional fights, Evincii Dixon has been one of the northeast’s most active boxers since his debut in the summer of 2013.  Dixon, who calls Lancaster, Pennsylvania his home, often fights multiple times in a given month in places as far away as Texas, California and, most recently, Ohio.   He made the 500-mile trek to Lewiston, Maine last month, picking up a win in the NEF ring against Antonio Chaves Fernandez (7-26-3).  Dixon will be looking to get back in the win column at “NEF 22” after a loss last weekend.

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE,” takes place Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF 22” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.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.”

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

BLACK BELT RETURNS TO ACTION AT NEF 22 IN LEWISTON

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Lewiston, Maine (March 24, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE” on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The fight card will feature a mix of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing bouts.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional welterweight bout to the MMA portion of the “NEF 22” fight card.  Jarod “Last Minute” Lawton (4-2) returns to the NEF cage to face Aaron Aschendorf (2-2) at a fight weight of 170-pounds.

 

One of the true stars of the NEF roster, Jarod Lawton last appeared for the promotion a year ago at “NEF 17.”  That night, Lawton lost  a split decision to Bellator veteran Dennis Olson (14-11) after three rounds of a brutal, physical battle.  It was Lawton’s first loss in the cage in three years.

 

Lawton holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).  Along with his wife, Marcela Sorentino Lawton, he is the co-owner of Team Lawton Martial Arts and Innovative Athletics – a team New England United (NEU) affiliate based in Farmingdale, Maine.  With a reputation for pulling out late-fight submission victories, Lawton says that he will be looking for the finish against Aschendorf on April 23.

 

“I have been working hard on improving my game,” said Lawton.  “I am in the best shape of my life and excited to be fighting again.  I don’t know much about Aaron, but I’m always prepping to fight tough opponents and put on very exciting fights.  I will be hunting for the finish as always.”

 

Aaron Aschendorf is a member of the Atlantic Beach Combat Club based out of Atlantic Beach, Florida.  He began actively competing in the sport of MMA in 2004.  After a four year break, Aschendorf returned to the cage this past fall for House of Fame MMA in Jacksonville, Florida.  He is clear that he plans on coming in aggressive against Lawton when he makes the trip to Maine next month.

 

“All I can say about this fight is that I’m leaving it all in the cage that night,” said Aschendorf.   “I’m going to fight hard and aggressive. Jarod better be ready for a war, because I’m not holding anything back.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE,” takes place Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF 22” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.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.”

 

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

HEAT RISING ON UPCOMING DENNING-HARVEY FIGHT AT NEF 22 APRIL 23RD

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Lewiston, Maine (March 16, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE” on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The fight card will feature a mix of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing bouts.  Earlier this month, NEF announced the addition of a professional lightweight contest to the MMA portion of the “NEF 22” fight card.  Matt “Ken Doll” Denning (2-1) will meet Josh “Hook On” Harvey (0-0) at a fight weight of 150-pounds.  Since the announcement, the anticipation has continued to accelerate for the upcoming bout. In a recent interview with Jason Floyd on The MMA Report, Harvey made some comments that has sent the energy around the fight into overdrive.

 

“I find him disrespectful as a person and I want to keep it classy on a podcast,” Harvey stated in the beginning of the interview. “I do not want to speak my full mind. You meet the guy, talk to him for a minute and you want to fight him. But it depends on which Matt you are talking to. Because he can rub people the wrong way and he can kiss their ass on the same day. That is who he is.”

 

The bad blood between the two rivals has been rising for a long time. The potential matchup had been talked about for years, but is scheduled to finally become a reality on April 23rd.

 

“In this case, I’ve wanted to fight Matt Denning since we were both amateurs,” Harvey stated to Floyd during the interview. “I couldn’t make it happen then. I guess I wasn’t the fight he wanted. At the time, I only had one or two amateur fights and he was towards the end of his amateur career.”

 

“He’s backed out of fights before at the pro level,” “Harvey stated. “He’s missed weight. Is it a career? Is it a hobby? I mean, it’s for him to decide, but we’ll find out if he wants to show up to fight.”

 

When Floyd asked Harvey if the fight was personal, Harvey confirmed the obvious. “I think it is,” Harvey replied. “I’m not saying they’re going to want two refs in there to pull me off of him, but it’s going to finish that way.”

 

During the interview, Harvey also noted the difference in quality of training partners, as he sees it, and how that will impact the outcome of the fight.

 

“I don’t think he’s rolling with the animals that we’re bringing in every day,” Harvey stated. “The people he has submitted, I don’t think their jitz game was tight—and that’s why he took those fights.”

 

When asked how he would like to end the fight with Denning, Harvey explained to Floyd that a submission finish would be satisfying, but that he was prepared to create the finish wherever it presents itself.

 

“It would be nice to turn Ken Doll into Stretch Armstrong—that would be sweet,” Harvey stated toward the end of the interview. “But I’m going to beat him wherever the fight goes. I’m not going to force it down to beat him on the ground and I’m not going to force it to stay up. Of course, if he tries to take me down—I don’t give up takedowns for nobody. I’ll beat him wherever the fight goes.”

 

To listen to Josh Harvey’s complete interview on The MMA Report visit:

 

http://themmareport.com/2016/03/josh-harvey-on-nef-22-opponent-matt-denning-i-find-him-disrespectful-as-a-person/

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE,” takes place Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF 22” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.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.”

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

HEAVYWEIGHTS TO MAKE SOPHOMORE CAGE APPEARANCES AT NEF 22

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Lewiston, Maine (March 16, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE” on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The fight card will feature a mix of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing bouts.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur heavyweight bout to the MMA portion of the “NEF 22” fight card.  Ras Hylton (1-0) is scheduled to face Matt Glover (1-0) at a fight weight of 265-pounds.

 

Weighing in at 227-pounds and standing 6’6,” Ras Hylton towered over the top of the cage at “NEF 21” last month in his MMA debut.  It took him just over a minute to dispatch his opponent, Zak Bergeron (0-1), using his reach advantage to pummel Bergeron with a barrage of strikes.  Hylton is a member of Dragon Fire Martial Arts of South Portland, Maine, as well as First Class MMA based in Brunswick.

 

“I’m immensely grateful to my teams at Dragon Fire MMA and First Class MMA for helping me to prepare for this dream made real,” exclaimed Hylton.  “I expect that Mr. Glover will help provide an excellent show for the fans as we both fight for victory, making this show as memorable as my debut was for me.  All roads lead here, and I want mine to lead to victory.  Thank you for all the support folks!”

 

At “NEF 21,” Matt Glover defeated Gravin Guillen (2-5) via first-round technical knockout.  During his time at Mountain Valley High School (MVHS) in Rumford, Maine, Glover was a standout on the football field.  He is a member of Berserkers MMA where he trains under coaches Mike Hansen (3-3) and Gary Dolloff.  Glover’s younger brother Ryan (Glover, 3-1) is the reigning NEF MMA Amateur Light-Heavyweight Champion.  At 236-pounds and 6’2,” Glover realizes he will need to overcome Hylton’s height and reach advantage on April 23rd.

 

“I’m very excited for my next NEF battle,” said Glover.  “I think I will be even more prepared and less nervous for this fight.  My head will be clearer.  For my debut, my brother was also on the card and I was a little distracted as a result, but for this fight, my mind is all business about what’s in front of me.  Ras possesses a huge challenge with his height and reach, but I plan on neutralizing his kicks and getting inside and coming straight forward and throwing bombs.  My training is getting me better and better and getting me more prepared every day.  There will be some bloodshed on April 23rd – and I will give 110% effort, as always.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE,” takes place Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF 22” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.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.