Tag Archives: New England Fights

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

FIRST CLASS MMA STAGES HOSTILE TAKEOVER OF NEF XX AMATEUR CARD

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First Class

Lewiston, Maine (October 7, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE” on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will feature a first for Maine – mixed-martial-arts (MMA) bouts and professional boxing bouts on the same event with an MMA cage and a boxing ring set up side-by-side.  On the amateur portion of the fight card, John Raio’s First Class MMA team of Brunswick, Maine will send no less than four competitors to the NEF cage that evening.

 

Still relatively in its infancy, Raio’s gym has grown, both figuratively and literally, since its inception in 2013.  Most recently, the team moved into a newer, larger space at Fort Andross in Brunswick.  With his own base in wrestling, Raio has also recently added trainers and classes in different martial arts disciplines to expand the learning of his students.

 

“I had a vision when I opened the gym to be sort of a University of mixed martial arts learning,” said Raio.  “A school that included all of the different components of MMA and fitness so that students could pick and chose classes they were interested in.  We are adding another fitness class this month and a yoga class soon.  Having the same instructor teach everything can be boring to some and instructors that teach every night can burn out. Some schools have one instructor that feels they know wrestling, BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu), kickboxing, karate, judo, etc. well enough to teach them all at a high level. If you limit your training to what one individual knows, you can only learn as much as that one individual is able to relay to you.  We have a black belt that teaches BJJ-Tim Fawber, a Kempo black belt that teaches striking -Shawn Tardif, a pro Boxer that teaches boxing- James Carville, and I was a state champion wrestler, I wrestled in college for four years, and I competed in MMA several times.  Chris McBean and Katie Baker also teach BJJ. I attend all of our classes.  As an instructor and coach, I always continue to learn more about the sport.”

 

Raio retired from MMA competition this past June to spend more time with his family and to focus his efforts on developing his students at First Class.  He notes the differences between coaching and fighting and the personal sense of satisfaction each provides him.

 

“They are two totally different animals,” Raio stated. “I love them both for different reasons. I love competing because I can put all of my focus and training into my fight. I love coaching because I can put all of that focus onto another person. I feel so good each time one of my students win, it’s as if I was out there fighting. I feel like I can game plan well and know the game well enough to find good matchups as my fighters progress.”

 

The proof is in the pudding, as they say, when it comes to finding the right matchups for his students.  At “NEF XIX” last month, Raio’s team went undefeated with three big wins.  Nick Shea (2-0) won his second MMA bout that night while Hannah Sparrell (1-0) and BJJ black belt Rafael Velado (1-0) were victorious in their respective cage debuts.  Raio credits cross-training with other gyms and the quality of instruction from First Class coaches for the team’s recent success.

 

“It starts with our family friendly atmosphere,” said Raio.  “We allow kids and men and women of all ages to attend all of our classes except sparring. My wife Jody has been a huge help. Our instructors are excellent. We have been blessed to have talented athletes, wrestlers, strikers and grapplers walk through our doors. They all work hard and put in the time.  They all work together and want each other to win. They have positive attitudes and treat each other with respect.  We are trying to match seven fighters for NEF next February and have 15-20 students actively seeking fights in the next year. Many of our students are here to learn and not compete.  All of our students are helpful on giving advice and tips. We also cross train as much as we can. We have several students that train through the Foundry BJJ system for BJJ and travel to train at our gym for striking, wrestling and MMA.  Our BJJ coaches are all Foundry BJJ members. We try to spar with Team Irish in Brewer monthly and I still train at Choi’s (the Choi Institute of Portland, Maine) once a week. Hannah Sparrell goes to Choi’s once a week too.

 

“When I first opened the gym I was very focused on my own training and let the other students prepare for their fights as they wished. Now I am on top of fighters with mandatory sparring, minimum classes each week and mandatory weigh-ins. If you can’t meet the minimum requirements, you can’t fight for our gym. You may fight as an independent or you can find a school that approves of you training when you feel like it. We have been very successful since I changed the rules.”

 

On November 21, First Class MMA team member Nick Gulliver (1-0) will be in heavyweight action against Gravin Guillen (2-2).  Gulliver won his amateur debut last June in the NEF cage over Sonny Spratt (0-2).

 

“I’m so excited to fight again for a great organization like NEF,” exclaimed Gulliver. “It felt so amazing to win my first fight in front of my family and friends at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in June. I worked really hard for my first fight, but I feel like I have a lot to prove to myself. Since my hand was raised back in June, I have been training hard with First Class MMA and The Foundry. My instructors and coaches are the best anyone can ask for. I train in Farmington, Maine with the Foundry under Brianne Genschel and Seth Harris. They have put so much time into my training over the years and I cannot thank them enough. Someone else I would like to thank for pushing me would be my great friend and instructor Shawn Smith. Shawn is someone who is always training hard and I try and train like he does. He pushes everyone at the gym to train hard. I also train at First Class MMA with John Raio. John is the reason I have this opportunity to fight. John has been such an amazing role model and friend to myself and all his fighters. Everyone at both schools I train at are amazing and are great instructors. I’m so happy I get to fight for the Foundry and First Class MMA. I’m looking forward to getting back into the cage and showing my family and friends how hard I have been working. I want to be the best person I can be and I will do that. I want to have my hand raised not just for me, but for the people who put so much time into what you see in the cage. I’m looking forward to getting the opportunity to fight again for NEF and show the fans what I have. I promise I will train hard and give it everything I have to make the crowd happy. I can’t wait to see everyone on November 21st. Thank you to my family and friends and instructors for everything.

 

Gulliver extols the virtues of Raio’s coaching style at First Class, echoing the sentiments of others regarding instructors putting the needs of students first.

 

“Everyone at First Class MMA has the same goal and that is to win,” Gulliver continued.  “But what separates First Class from any other gym is that everyone will sacrifice their needs and goals to help you win.  What is so unique about First Class MMA is that any gym can teach you to fight, but with First Class, John teaches you heart. Just look at the last First Class performance at NEF. That was heart. We’re looking to do the same this time around.  John Raio is a class act. He’s not only a fighter or a coach, I also consider him a great friend. John doesn’t just tell you to do something, he does it with you. If you’re sweating, he’s sweating—and that goes back to my statement that our school has heart. It all stems from our coach, John.”

 

Rafael Velado, who was victorious last month at “NEF XIX” over Cory Trial (1-2), will once again represent First Class MMA on November 21 when he steps in the cage opposite Ken Dunn (0-2).  Like Gulliver, Velado credits the success of the team to Coach Raio.

 

“Two words, John Raio,” said Velado when asked to differentiate First Class from other gyms he has trained at.  “I’ve trained at several schools over my martial arts career, but never have I come in contact with a coach who walked the walk the way he does. I don’t have to tell you what a workhorse he is, and that work ethic is something that has translated well as a coach.  It’s no surprise to most that John has been so successful as an MMA coach. He wears many hats such as leader, friend, mentor, training partner and devil’s advocate when necessary. He has been in pretty much every situation you can think of in the cage, and that gives him credibility. I trust his advice implicitly and you will see his MMA mind at work when I step in the cage to execute his game plan.  Some gyms will destroy every new student that walks through the door, but First Class MMA is the antithesis of that approach. We welcome anyone and everyone to come train regardless of their background or ambition to fight MMA.”

 

Velado promises fans that they will see much more out of him in his upcoming bout with Dunn at “NEF XX.”

 

“Part of me wants every fight to go as scripted like my debut against Cory Trial, but I’m here for experience as well. I showed about 1% of what I can do in my last fight, so keep your eyes peeled for something you’ve never seen in NEF.”

 

Pierce Wiegman (0-0) will make his amateur MMA debut under the First Class banner on November 21 in Lewiston against David Thompson (0-1) of the Shatterproof Combat Club.  Unlike Velado, Wiegman, who will turn 30 prior to the event, has not trained at any other gym prior to joining First Class.  Like Velado, however, Wiegman can attest to the role Raio plays in the success of his students.

 

“I’m not going to speculate on the difference between our training regime versus any other gym’s, but what I can say is that every fight our fighters won came because of hard work, dedication and excellent coaching from all of our instructors,” stated Wiegman.  “John Raio is truly a first class man. His dedication to his family, his gym, and his fighters comes very unselfishly. John is very supportive of everyone who trains at his gym—kids, men and women and his instructors.”

 

“I’m just lucky to even be able to say I’m going to do this,” Wiegman continued. “And it’s all thanks to John and Jody Raio and all of our instructors at First Class that I have this opportunity. Win or lose, I am grateful to NEF for having these fights and all the gyms around the state that are providing the platform for people to succeed at pursuing their dream of becoming a successful fighter.”

 

Bryce Bamford (0-0) came to First Class MMA through the Foundry BJJ team, which cross-trains with Raio’s students.  Bamford is scheduled to make his amateur MMA debut in the heavyweight division at “NEF XX.”  Bamford sees many similarities between the two teams.

 

“Truth is, First Class MMA, is really similar to the Foundry, in the respect that everybody’s there to help everybody get better. It’s like training with friends, not just training partners. That’s what attracted me down there.  Steel sharpens steel. The better your training partners are, the better you are. John gives 100% to his whole team, and it makes it hard not give 100% back because he is so involved.”

 

When asked for a prediction on his fight on November 21, Bamford responded with a single word – “Brutality.”

 

“You can expect all of our fighters to be confident, well prepared, to treat their opponents with respect and to leave it all in the cage,” said Raio in closing.  “These guys all put their time in.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE,” takes place on November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will mark the first time in Maine history a mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event and a professional boxing event have taken place together on the same show.  Tickets for “NEF XX” start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.  For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

About New England Fights

 

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

WILL ATHLETE’S RETURN BE A BAD OMEN FOR SHOREY AT NEF XX?

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Lewiston, Maine (September 30, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE” on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will feature a first for Maine – mixed-martial-arts (MMA) bouts and professional boxing bouts on the same event with an MMA cage and a boxing ring set up side-by-side.  Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of a professional featherweight bout to the MMA portion of the fight card.  “Shatterproof 2.0” Derek Shorey (3-2) has signed to face the returning Damon “The Omen” Owens (2-0) at a fight weight of 145-pounds.

 

The founder and head coach of the Shatterproof Combat Club in Dexter, Maine, Derek Shorey has been impressive in his professional career thus far.  All three of his wins have come by first-round stoppage, including Shorey’s defeat of Tollison Lewis (0-5) earlier this month at “NEF XIX.”  Win or lose, Shorey does not believe in letting fights go to the judges’ scorecards.  All fifteen of his combined amateur and pro fights have ended by either knockout, technical knockout (TKO) or submission.

 

“I’m grateful to be part of this historical event that is NEF XX,” said Shorey.  “Thank you Matt Peterson and Nick DiSalvo for providing a platform for me to chase this ridiculous dream.  Damon is an interesting matchup for me because, stylistically, we are very similar.  I’m excited to get in there and mix it up with him and I think the fans will be the biggest winners on this night because they’re in for a hell of a show. I’ve only just begun to tap my full potential and to pull a ‘W’ over a fighter from the best camp in Maine, would be a very proud moment for me.”

 

Prior to moving to Colorado from Maine in 2013, Damon Owens was on the verge of becoming a breakout star on the regional MMA scene.  Owens put together a pair of solid, back-to-back wins against John Raio (2-8) and Josh Parker (4-8).  Like Shorey, Owens came into his own after leaving the amateur ranks.  Also like Shorey, Owens does not believe in letting the judges decide the outcome of his fights.  Only one of his bouts out of seven has gone the distance.  Owens is a member of Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine.  Returning home, he has been welcomed back with open arms to his team.  Owens has been inactive from competition since moving to Colorado two years ago.

 

“Adding this fight to such a monumental event like ‘NEF XX’ was a no-brainer,” said NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo.  “Derek and Damon have both proven themselves to be big finishers.  They match up very well and they’re both incredibly exciting fighters.  This fight has a very good shot at stealing the show!”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE,” takes place on November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will mark the first time in Maine history a mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event and a professional boxing event have taken place together on the same show.  Tickets for “NEF XX” start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.  For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

About New England Fights

 

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

EWER AND LACHANCE TO LOCK HORNS AT NEF XX

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Lewiston, Maine (September 29, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE” on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will feature a first for Maine – mixed-martial-arts (MMA) bouts and professional boxing bouts on the same event with an MMA cage and a boxing ring set up side-by-side.  Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of an amateur lightweight bout to the MMA portion of the fight card.  CJ Ewer (4-2) is scheduled to face Jason “Second Chance” Lachance (2-2) at a fight weight of 155-pounds.

 

CJ Ewer is a veteran of the United States Air Force security forces.  He is a product of Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine where he has honed his craft under coach Chris Young.  Ewer had one of the most explosive starts to a career in NEF history, winning his first three amateur bouts in a matter of just ten weeks.  Earlier this month at “NEF XIX,” Ewer fought and defeated a very tough Ricky Dexter (3-2).  All of Ewer’s fights to date have been in the welterweight and middleweight divisions.  The cut to 155-pounds will be a first for Ewer.

 

“After watching Lachance’s videos, it’s obvious he comes into the cage well prepared,” noted Ewer of his opponent.  “He’s only lost to Jarod Tyler and Dom Cofone, who are both hardcore fighters, and his win against Steve Bang shows that he has a lot of different skills and drive.  It’ll be a great opportunity to show how I can compete at 155.”

 

Jason Lachance is a member of MMA Athletix based in Bath, Maine.  He has faced stiff competition in the first several fights of his career, as Ewer noted, so Lachance is accustomed to standing across the cage from the cream of the crop.  He is coming off a first round submission victory over David Thompson (0-1) earlier this month at “NEF XIX.”  Lachance will look to continue his winning ways when he meets Ewer at “NEF XX” on November 21.

 

“I’m excited for another opportunity to get in the cage,” said Lachance.  “I expect an exciting fight no matter where it ends up.  Ewer is tough competition.  I am looking forward to this one.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE,” takes place on November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will mark the first time in Maine history a mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event and a professional boxing event have taken place together on the same show.  Tickets for “NEF XX” start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.  For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

Amateur MMA, boxing, mixed martial arts

THE FLYWEIGHT TITLE IS ON THE LINE AT NEF XX

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Lewiston, Maine (September 28, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE” on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will feature a first for Maine – mixed-martial-arts (MMA) bouts and professional boxing bouts on the same event with an MMA cage and a boxing ring set up side-by-side.  Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of an amateur flyweight bout to the MMA portion of the fight card.  Dustin Veinott (4-3) will defend the NEF MMA Amateur Flyweight Championship against Ryan Burgess(1-0).

 

Dustin Veinott has been the feel-good story of 2015 in NEF.  After going 0-3 to begin his amateur career, Veinott went on a four-fight win streak culminating in a split decision victory over Norman Fox (4-2) this past June to claim the inaugural flyweight title.  Veinott is a member of Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) in Lewiston, Maine.  He predicts a finish over Burgess on November 21.

 

“It’s an honor to fight a young up and comer like Burgess,” said the reigning champion.  “He looked like he had solid wrestling in his last fight with Witham.  However, I am disappointed in my last fight. Fight fans will want to see this one.  I will get the finish.”

 

Ryan Burgess is, indeed, an accomplished wrestler.  A veteran of the Mountain Valley High School (MVHS) wrestling program of Rumford, Maine, Burgess chalked up an amazing 150 wins and captured three state titles.  Later, he continued his wrestling career at Plymouth State University in Plymouth, New Hampshire.  Burgess joined Berserkers MMA along with other MVHS wrestling alumni and won his amateur MMA debut this past June.

 

“Dustin has a lot of experience in the cage and had to earn his spot at the top, but he has yet to fight someone at flyweight with the same skill set and intensity that I bring to the cage,” said Burgess.  “I’m very excited for this opportunity and it will be a great chance to show how much I have improved over the last six months.”

 

“It’s not very often that you witness a fighter with a 1-0 record fighting for a title, but Burgess brings with him a lifetime of competitive wrestling and training,” said NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson.  “He was so good at Mountain Valley High School that they retired his singlet when he graduated.  Veinott has found his groove and really come into his own as a champion fighter.  This is a bout between two guys with a ton of drive and determination, and I can’t wait to watch to see who strikes first in this fight.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE,” takes place on November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will mark the first time in Maine history a mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event and a professional boxing event have taken place together on the same show.  Tickets for “NEF XX” start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.  For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

About New England Fights

 

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

amateur boxing, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

LEWISTON AND BANGOR COLLIDE IN THE MMA CAGE AT NEF XX

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Lewiston, Maine (September 25, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE” on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will feature a first for Maine – mixed-martial-arts (MMA) bouts and professional boxing bouts on the same event with an MMA cage and a boxing ring set up side-by-side.  Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of a professional catchweight bout to the MMA portion of the fight card.  Lewiston’s own Matt “Ken Doll” Denning (2-0) is scheduled to meet Bangor, Maine’s Jon Lemke(4-3) at a fight weight of 150-pounds.

 

Matt Denning has been nothing short of impressive in the first two fights of his professional career.  After putting together an amateur record of 4-3, Denning has since finished both Zenon Herrera (0-2) and Derek Shorey (3-2) via first-round submission in the pro ranks.  He is a member of Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) in Lewiston.  Denning’s upcoming fight will present an opportunity to gain a measure of revenge, of sorts, on Lemke who defeated Denning’s coach Jesse Erickson (6-4) at Bellator 93 in March 2013.

 

“It’s an honor and a privilege to be on the ‘NEF XX’ card,” said Denning.  Boxing and cage fighting under the same roof – it’s going to be a crazy night.  I’m looking to go 3-0 as a pro against a very high level opponent in Lemke.  It’s a heavier fight, against a guy who beat my coach in Bellator.  I’m excited to showcase my skills and put on a show for the NEF fans.  I’m Lewiston’s own Ken Doll and I plan on bringing everything I have into this fight. Fighting a friend is hard, but it’s all a part of this wide-growing sport.  My career is on the rise while Lemke’s is going down.”

 

Jon Lemke is a member of Team Irish in Brewer, Maine where he trains under the legendary Marcus “The Irish Hand Grenade” Davis (22-11).  Like Denning, Lemke went on a tear at the start of his professional career, winning his first three bouts in a row.  He last appeared in the NEF cage at “NEF XIV” last fall, defeating Amos Collins (4-5) via first-round technical knockout (TKO).  After some time off from competition, Lemke is ready and eager to return to NEF in November.

 

“I am excited and grateful for another opportunity to do what I love and continue my career with NEF,” said Lemke.  “I am grateful to fight Mr. Denning, who has started his pro career off on the fast track.  I realize that I have been very inconsistent in my last couple of fights, however, I have taken steps to remedy that and am happy, healthy and looking to get back on track.  Mr. Denning brings a good skill set and a big fan base to the cage, and I look forward to the challenge and rising up to that challenge.  It’s going to be a great night of fights and people are not going to want to miss this fight in particular.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE,” takes place on November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will mark the first time in Maine history a mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event and a professional boxing event have taken place together on the same show.  Tickets for “NEF XX” start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.  For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

About New England Fights

 

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

WAR OF WORDS ERUPTS OVER HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT AT NEF XX

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Lewiston, Maine (September 17, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE” on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will feature a first for Maine – mixed-martial-arts (MMA) bouts and professional boxing bouts on the same event with an MMA cage and a boxing ring set up side-by-side.  As announced this past Saturday night at “NEF XIX,” Billy “Bigfoot” Leahy (3-1) is scheduled to defend the NEF MMA Amateur Heavyweight Title that evening against the challenge of Dave Smith (2-0).

 

Leahy won the inaugural amateur heavyweight title at “NEF XVIII” this past June when he defeated Smith’s Berserkers MMA teammate Ryan Glover (2-1) via unanimous decision.  Leahy’s decision to take time off from competing rather than to defend the title against number-one contender Smith at “NEF XIX” earlier this week was met with criticism from the Berserkers camp.  The heavyweight champion splits time training between Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) in Auburn, Maine and Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine.

 

“Berserkers wants to say I’m avoiding fights?” asked an enraged Leahy.  “I’ll clean their whole damn gym out one-by-one.  They want to come and try to take my belt from me?  Good luck, I’ll see you in November.”

 

Dave Smith made his MMA debut this past spring at “NEF XVII” in Lewiston.  That night, he defeated Sonny Spratt (0-2) by first-round technical knockout (TKO).  He followed up that victory with another win at “NEF XVIII” in June.  This time, it was Gravin Guillen (2-4) who fell to Smith in the first round by submission.  Smith is confident that he will take the heavyweight title from Leahy on November 21 in Lewiston.

 

“First, I would like to thank everyone involved in making this fight happen,” said Smith.  “I’m sure it wasn’t easy to get Billy to commit for November, he wouldn’t do it for September.  I respect anyone who gets in the cage, including Mr. Leahy.  I really hope he isn’t expecting a win. I say directly to Billy–get ready and bring my belt.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE,” takes place on November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will mark the first time in Maine history a mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event and a professional boxing event have taken place together on the same show.  Tickets for “NEF XX” start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.  For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

NEF XX FIGHT CARD TO FEATURE EXCITING WOMEN’S BOUT

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Lewiston, Maine (September 15, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE” on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will feature a first for Maine – mixed-martial-arts (MMA) bouts and professional boxing bouts on the same event with an MMA cage and a boxing ring set up side-by-side.  As announced this past Saturday night at “NEF XIX,” the MMA portion of the card is scheduled to feature an amateur strawweight women’s bout between Randi Beth Boyington (1-1) and Erin “Fun Size” Lamonte (3-0).

 

Boyington is the wife of reigning NEF MMA Professional Lightweight Champion Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington (10-8) who will also be in action on the November 21 card.  Randi made her cage debut this past spring defeating Alex Walker (0-1) via unanimous decision at “NEF XVII.”  The crowd in the Colisée was on fire as the bout went back and forth through three hard-fought rounds.  Randi trains under her husband at Boyington’s Taekwondo Academy, as well as at Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine.

 

“I’m excited to be stepping back into the cage in November – it’s something I’m looking forward to,” said Randi Beth Boyington when reached for comment.  “I’m expecting Erin to be a tough opponent, and I’m training as such.  I never underestimate someone’s ability.  I know what I’m bringing to the cage as well and NEF fans will be impressed in November.  Fighting on the same night as my husband is a bonus.  We’re both hungry to have our hands raised at the end of our fights.  I don’t think many others could understand or appreciate the emotions that a couple share until they go through a training camp to fight on the same card.”

 

Erin Lamonte is not a stranger to the NEF cage.  She appeared for the promotion in early 2013, defeating Angela Theriault (0-1) via first round technical knockout (TKO).  Lamonte was victorious twice more that year before taking time off from competing to have a baby with her husband Casey.  Returning to the cage onNovember 21, it will have been nearly two years since the undefeated Lamonte won her last bout on a fight card in West Virginia.  She has been eager to return to action for some time.

 

“I am extremely excited to finally be back in cage on November 21st, fighting Randi Beth Boyington,” stated Lamonte.  “After a lengthy time off due to the birth of our son, I am itching to get back to training and competing.  Time to prove that the new and improved mama Fun Size can still kick ass.  After all, the mother lioness is one of the most ferocious and feared in the animal kingdom.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE,” takes place on November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will mark the first time in Maine history a mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event and a professional boxing event have taken place together on the same show.  Tickets for “NEF XX” start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.  For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

MMA MAIN EVENT ANNOUNCED FOR NEF XX CARD

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Lewiston, Maine (September 14, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE” on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will feature a first for Maine – mixed-martial-arts (MMA) bouts and professional boxing bouts on the same event with an MMA cage and a boxing ring set up side-by-side.  As announced this past Saturday night at “NEF XIX,” the MMA portion of the card will be headlined by NEF MMA Professional Lightweight Champion Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington (10-8) defending his title against Jimmy “Jimbo Slice” Davidson (7-1).

 

For the second time this year, Boyington will fight alongside his wife, Randi Beth Boyington (1-1), on an NEF card.  Boyington has held the lightweight championship since September 2014 when he defeated Jesse “The Viking” Erickson (6-4) for the then-vacant strap.  A proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps (USMC), Boyington has electrified NEF audiences for nearly four years now with his brand of Taekwondo.  He splits time training between Young’s MMA and his own gym, Boyington’s Taekwondo Academy, both located in Bangor, Maine.  Always fueled by a competitive spirit, Boyington went to NEF executives immediately after his last victory and asked them to find him the toughest opponent possible.  The promotion delivered with one of New England’s top lightweights in the form of Davidson.

 

“I’m thrilled to get back in the cage where I’m at my happiest and the opportunity to share this experience once again with my wife is something I will cherish forever,” said Boyington.  “I have set out for the toughest challenge available because I want there to be no doubt what I’m capable of after November 21st is over.  I’m sure there will still be some doubters, but I know there will be many more believers.  Jimmy comes from one of the best camps and coaches around, so I know he will be hungry and at his best – just the way I want him.  I have the utmost respect to all those guys, but it’s my belt and it’s my home and it’s my time and I do not intend on letting anymore slip away from me.”

 

Davidson does, indeed, come from one of the most well-respected teams not only in the region but in the entire country.  He is a product of Mark Dellagrotte’s Team Sityodtong.  Davidson holds victories over some of New England’s most outstanding MMA competitors like Aniss Alhajjajy (7-4).  All seven of Davidson’s professional victories have been finishes.  His only loss to date was against a very tough Leon Davis (7-3).

 

“It’s an honor to fight on Maine’s first ever Boxing/MMA show,” said Davidson.  “There’s been some epic fights in the Colisee and this title fight against Bruce will be no different.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE,” takes place on November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will mark the first time in Maine history a mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event and a professional boxing event have taken place together on the same show.  Tickets for “NEF XX” start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.  For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

About New England Fights

 

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

NEF XIX RESULTS FROM LEWISTON, MAINE

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Lewiston, Maine (September 13, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, held its nineteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XIX: HOMECOMING,”  Saturday night at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  A crowd of nearly 2,000 fight fans was on hand to witness the slate of seven professional and thirteen amateur bouts.

 

The evening of action saw highlight-reel knockouts delivered by “Shatterproof 2.0” Derek Shorey (3-2) and Josh Harvey (5-1) who retained the NEF MMA Amateur Lightweight Championship.  Mike “The Mustache” Hansen (2-1) was victorious over Crowsneck Boutin (1-1) on the professional portion of the card.  In the main event of the night, Bellator and World Series of Fighting (WSOF) veteran Sidney “Da Gun” Outlaw (5-1) submitted the returning Darrius Heyliger (4-3).

 

In addition, the promotion announced that its next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE,” will feature a first for Maine combat sports – a joint MMA and professional boxing event.  The event will take place on November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Three fights were announced including: NEF MMA Professional Lightweight Champion Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington (10-8) defending the title against Jimmy “Jimbo Slice” Davidson (7-1); Northeast Junior Welterweight Boxing ChampionBrandon “The Cannon” Berry (9-1) defending his title against an opponent to be named; Billy “Bigfoot” Leahy (3-1) defending the NEF MMA Amateur Heavyweight Championship against Dave Smith (2-0); and Randi Beth Boyington (1-1) facing Erin Lamonte (3-0).

 

The results of “NEF XIX” in Lewiston, Maine:

 

PROFESSIONAL

 

CATCH Darrius Heyliger def. Sidney Outlaw via rear-naked choke, round 1

205 Michael Hansen def. Crowsneck Boutin via verbal submission, round 1

150 Derek Shorey def. Tollison Lewis via KO, round 1

CATCH Zech Lange def. Jay Perrin via split decision

155 Matt Denning def. Zenon Herrera via rear-naked choke, round 1

265 Matt Andrikut def. Artie Mullen via TKO, round 1

CATCH Jesse Erickson def. Ricky Sylvester via armbar, round 1

 

AMATEUR

 

155*TITLE Josh Harvey (c) def. Ryan Dibartolomeo via KO, round 2 (Harvey retains)

150  Jason Lachance def. David Thompson via rear-naked choke, round 1

190  Chaz Gray def. Dominique Bailey via rear-naked choke, round 1

155  Rafael Velado def. Cory Trial via armbar, round 1

170  CJ Ewer def. Ricky Dexter via unanimous decision

150  Hannah Sparrell def. Kira Innocenti via unanimous decision

CATCH Wil Carrero def. Clifford Redman via TKO, round 2

CATCH Henry Clark def. Fred Lear via triangle choke, round 1

185  Nick Shea def. Ruben Redman via unanimous decision

S.HWT Ryan Glover def. Jason Field via TKO, round 1

155 Mike Peitersen def. Ken Dunn via TKO, round 1

170 Scott Godbois def. Phil Pearson via split decision

130 Rachel Reinheimer def. Angela Young via unanimous decision

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE,” takes place on November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will mark the first time in Maine history a mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event and a professional boxing event have taken place together on the same show.  Tickets for “NEF XX” start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.  For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

About New England Fights

 

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

JOHN RAIO THRIVING IN RETIREMENT WITH A FIRST CLASS TEAM

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Lewiston, Maine (September 3, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its nineteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XIX,” on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The fight card will feature three members of First Class MMA in action that night. Hannah Sparrell (0-0), Rafael Velado (0-0) and Nick Shea (1-0) from the Brunswick, Maine-based gym.  Recently, First Class MMA founder and head coach John “First Class” Raio joined NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson as the guest on the NEF Podcast.

 

This past June, 38-year-old Raio retired after competing in the NEF cage for some three-and-a-half years.  Raio now concentrates on training the members of his First Class MMA gym, including preparing Sparrell, Velado and Shea for their upcoming bouts.

 

“I definitely can put a lot more time into my fighters as well as my family,” said Raio.  “The fighters, I can put a lot more time into them because it’s not all about me.  When you’re fighting, when you’re training for a fight, no matter how much you try to focus on Nick Shea or Nick Gully or Hannah Sparrell or Rafael or any of our fighters, you can’t really put 100% effort into a fighter when you really focus on your own fight.  It’s tough splitting between their fight and your fight and your job, your family and your kids.”

 

Since the birth of NEF in early 2012, and the subsequent explosion of the sport’s popularity in the state, many new gyms have sprung up in recent years, including First Class MMA.  Raio enjoys, more than anything else, the tight-knit, family-like atmosphere that has developed at the facility since he opened the gym.

 

“The biggest thing I like about our gym, I enjoy going and being a part of, is there’s a very humble group of students and instructors,” noted Raio.  “Everyone who teaches in there is about the fighters.  It’s about the students.  They’re not about themselves.  They’re more about trying to help people get better.  Whether they’re a fighter or a teacher, we have a few teachers who go there and we have several women students and several children and adults.  It’s a real good mix and very much a family atmosphere.  We rarely lose a student.”

 

The “First Class” moniker is not merely a nickname given to Raio because of his past job with the postal service.  Early on in his MMA career, Raio earned the reputation of a respectful, classy, professional, likeable individual, hence the pun in his nickname.  Those same qualities have carried over to the students of First Class MMA.

 

“I try to treat everybody equally,” said Raio.  “I try to treat everyone respectfully.  I think a lot of those guys (at the gym), in turn, treat each other respectfully.  If I ever have an issue with a student, if they’re not acting respectful to the instructors or the other students, I’ll pull them aside and if they have to leave then they have to leave.  That’s part of life… Our gym attracts, for some reason, people who are just nice people.”

 

With more and more new students coming through his gym’s door, Raio has definitely kept busy since his retirement from active competition.  Like a proud father, Raio has a real passion for the success of his students.  The ultimate reward for him is seeing his protégées do well in the cage.

 

“After the last show (NEF XVIII), when I saw Nick (Gulliver, 1-0) have his arm raised and Rob (Robinson, 1-0), I was so happy for those guys,” recalled Raio.  “I’m so happy to see these two guys win.  As much as I didn’t come away with a win against Bruce (Boyington, 10-8), I said ‘if we go 2-1, I’d rather be the one that didn’t pull off the victory.’  I’ve never been as happy for my own win than I was for Nick and Rob that night.”

 

To learn more about First Class MMA, you can visit the team’s Facebook page “First Class Fitness & MMA.”

 

You can listen to the NEF Podcast in its entirety atwww.NewEnglandFights.com/Podcasts/.

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XIX,” takes place on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF XIX” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee 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.