Tag Archives: Rafael Velado

ubuciko bokulwa exubile, MMA, New England ayalwa

KELLY CAPTURES LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE AND JONES BREAKS KNOCKOUT RECORD IN LEWISTON

Shiya amazwana

Uyekele NGOKUSHESHA: Lewiston, Maine (June 18, 2017) – Ray “All Business” Wood returned to Maine with multiple Bellator Fighting Championships bouts under his belt, seeking a triumphant homecoming at “New England Fights 29: Stars & Stripes.”

The fighting pride of Bucksport simply ran into someone with more upper-level experience in the mixed martial arts cage. Alexandre “Popo” Bezerra put on a ground-and-pound clinic and scored a unanimous decision in the main event Saturday night at Androscoggin Bank Colisee.

Bezerra (20-5) looked every bit the part of a nine-time Bellator veteran, defying every attempt by Wood to gain a semblance of control during the 15-minute skirmish. Wood’s last-ditch attempts to lock in a choke and gain shoulder leverage went by the boards early in the third round, and Bezerra maintained top and side control until the final bell.

Two scorecards had Bezerra pitching a shutout at 30-27, while the third went his way at 29-28. Wood, a former NEF featherweight champion now living in Amarillo, Texas, and training out of Nick’s Fight Club, dipped to 8-4 as a professional with his third consecutive defeat.

History was made on two fronts in the amateur MMA portion of NgoMgqibelo 12-fight ikhadi.

Pat Kelly (4-0), 52, of Rockport, became the oldest titleholder in NEF history, defeating Rafael Velado (4-1) by unanimous decision in a battle of unbeaten warriors to take Velado’s amateur lightweight belt.

Earlier in the evening, Josh Jones (2-0) delivered a vicious right hand to knock out Anthony Spires (0-3) in four seconds, shattering the organization’s previous mark for quickest stoppage.

Three encounters in the ring brought professional boxing back to the NEF stage for the first time since November 2016. Wins by undefeated Jason Quirk (6-0) and Casey Kramlich (8-0-1) and a no-contest in the bout between Russell “The Haitian Sensation” Lamour (15-2) and Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington (1-0) gave Portland Boxing Club the upper hand.

Ras Hylton (2-0), Matt Denning (5-6) futhi Josh Parker (6-9) also prevailed in pro MMA. Kam Arnold (1-0), Jon Tefft (2-0) and Alex Walker (3-1) celebrated victory in the amateur hexagon.

Most observers expected the Kelly-Velado showdown to end up on the mat, given Kelly’s long career as a champion wrestler and coach and Velado’s black belt prowess in jiu-jitsu.

Kelly’s wisdom in staying on his feet allowed him to stay in control throughout. He landed resounding punches to punctuate each of the first two rounds. After his lone takedown in the third round, recognizing that he probably controlled the fight in the judges’ eyes, Kelly allowed Velado to get off the canvas.

It was the last in a series of the all the right moves for the man with the physique of a competitor in his 20s. Kelly prevailed by scores of 30-27, 30-27 futhi 29-28. In a tremendous act of sportsmanship, a smiling Velado wrapped the title belt around Kelly’s waist.

Jones rocked Spires’ world with a vicious hook, raising the former pro basketball player’s record to 2-0 with two early stoppages in his career with First Class MMA.

Hylton and Tefft gave First Class two more first-round victories.

“Rasquatch,” outweighed by almost 30 amakhilogremu, finished Oklahoma’s Eric Ramsey with a series of 10 unanswered bombs to stay unbeaten as a pro.

Tefft lost a pair of trunks in the process but gained his second amateur win against no defeats, earning what was officially a first-round TKO over Mike Williams of Lewiston’s Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Each man had a chance to end the fight early, but it was Tefft finishing the round with a reversal and a series of strikes. Williams (injured left shoulder) then failed to answer the bell for the second stanza.

Denning shut down Dominic Jones (1-1) with a standing rear naked choke at 2:05 of the first round for his second consecutive victory.

Parker absorbed a vicious kick to the back of his left leg from Andre Belcarris (0-2) round amabili, but he dominated the first and third sessions to eke out a unanimous verdict.

Arnold was triumphant in his MMA debut, dropping Glenn Kasabian (1-3) to his knees and finishing with a resounding right-left combination for a TKO at 1:54 of the emzuliswaneni wokuqala.

Walker (4-1) won her fourth consecutive bout in an eagerly anticipated women’s strawweight scrap with Sarah Ziehm (1-1). The New Hampshire native locked in an armbar late in the first round, resulting in a technical submission at the referee’s discretion with three seconds remaining.

The Lamour-Boyington bout was ballyhooed as Maine’s version of Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor, and Boyington’s unorthodox style gave the veteran Lamour some difficulty. The second round was stopped twice briefly, and finally halted for good after an accidental head butt sent a bloodied Boyington face-first to the deck. Since it was too early to take the bout to the scorecards at that stage, the fight was ruled a no-contest.

Kramlich defeated Bellator MMA veteran Bryan Goldsby by third-round knockout. A right cross sent Goldsby to one knee, where he remained for the count of 10.

Quirk dispatched veteran Borngod Washington by second-round TKO.

"NEF 30: Rumble in Bangor” will be held at Cross Insurance Center in Maine’s Queen City ngomgqibelo. August 5. Tickets are available beginning Monday at ticketmaster.com.

Ukuze uthole ukwaziswa okwengeziwe mcimbi fight updates ikhadi, sicela uvakashele iwebhusayithi ukukhuthazwa sika at www.NewEnglandFights.com. Ngaphezu kwalokho, ungakwazi watch NEF imiqophi at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England ayalwa."

About New England ayalwa

New England ayalwa ("NEF") Yimpi izenzakalo ukukhushulwa inkampani. Mission NEF ukwakha esezingeni izenzakalo for fighters Maine kanye fans ngokufanayo. Executive team NEF has olutheni management combat ezemidlalo, izenzakalo production, ubudlelwane media, marketing, kwezomthetho kanye nokukhangisa.

ubuciko bokulwa exubile, MMA, New England ayalwa

DIRIGO ALUM DALEY BALANCES WORK, FAMILY AND MMA CAGEFIGHTING

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Uyekele NGOKUSHESHA: Lewiston, Maine (June 14, 2017) – Derek Daley believes that his mixed martial arts training gives him an edge in his career. He also recognizes that training with First Class MMA makes him a better mixed martial artist.

 

It’s a busy life for Daley, a law enforcement officer and father of a 6-year-old daughter, Ella. He will break away for a few frenzied moments on the night ofSaturday, June 17, when he returns to the New England Fights hexagon for the first time in a year.

 

Daley, 27, is one of seven fighters who will represent his Brunswick gym at “NEF 29: Stars & Stripes.” The opening bell is set for 7 p.m. at Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston.

 

“I’ve improved in every area, and I’ve really improved my cardio,"Daley kusho. “My first fight I was worried about what might happen if I got to the third round.”

 

There was barely time to break a sweat. Daley, a two-time Maine high school wrestling champion at Dirigo High School in Dixfield who later played college football at Husson University, dispatched Johel Stephenson in only 55 seconds.

 

“We had a game plan to hit him with a straight jab to set him up for an overhead right, then get it down to the mat and finish it with ground-and-pound,"Daley kusho. “It actually went exactly as we planned it, which was great.”

 

Ngalesi sikhathi, Daley (1-0) takes on the more seasoned Frank Johanson (2-2) of Lewiston’s Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a featherweight amateur scrap.

 

Daley joins Ras Hylton, Dominic Jones, Rafael Velado, Josh Jones, Jake Deppmeyer and Jon Tefft in the First Class contingent on the docket. He was lured to the training center and the MMA phenomenon by another local police officer with fighting in his blood, Nick Gulliver of Jay.

 

“I had been training jiu-jitsu at the Foundry in Farmington,"Daley kusho. “Nick said (MMA) would translate well to law enforcement, and he was right. Okuningi, John and Jody (Ray) are just great people.”

 

Raio’s experience on the high school and college wrestling mat has made him a natural mentor for Daley, who hit the 100-win plateau early in his junior year at Dirigo.

Daley won the 119-pound state title as a sophomore and backed it up as a senior at 135 amakhilogremu, not far from where he fights today at 145.

 

“Derek is a tremendous athlete and one of our best wrestlers,” Raio said. “He has a solid attitude and gives 100 percent every class and sparring session.”

 

It’s admittedly difficult for Daley to balance his competitive passion with his blossoming police career.

 

He began as an officer in Wilton. After moving to Richmond, he applied for work in three surrounding cities. Augusta was first to make him an offer.

 

“I’ve been there since November and it’s a perfect fit for me,"Daley kusho. “I have a great sergeant and a great team.”

 

Police work is a family tradition. Daley’s father, Hart, is Chief Deputy of the Oxford County Sheriff’s Department.

 

It was not a case of a father wanting his son to fill his shoes.

 

“I majored in physical education,” Daley noted. “Dad said, ‘Be a teacher. Don’t go into law enforcement.’ But it’s one of those things that must be pretty stubborn in the family, because my brother and I both are police officers. The schedule is tough and unpredictable.”

 

First Class MMA helps Daley bring his commitments as cop and fighter under one roof. “It’s a great workout. I’m not really into traditional weight lifting. Ngisho, I did it when I played college football (Husson). This way I get a workout, but it doesn’t feel like I’m working,"Uthe. “It definitely makes me feel more comfortable if I ever have to get into a physical confrontation as an officer.”

 

Ray, now retired from the cage after a run as one of NEF’s most popular fighters in its infancy, understands the home vs. work vs. family balance. He is the father of two and was employed full time with the U.S. Postal Service when he got the itch to try combat sports once again.

 

Still, he is high on his pupil’s potential if Daley ever decides to focus fully on the cage.

 

“The sky is the limit for him in this sport. I can see him getting to the UFC or Bellator if that is the path he chooses,” Raio said. “He is an outstanding police officer and a great father as well. He puts his daughter first in everything he does.”

 

Daley returns the compliments, insisting that even if his foray into MMA winds up being a cup of coffee, he will continue to train at First Class for fitness purposes. He describes the atmosphere as a tight circle of friends and a brotherhood.

 

“It’s a great group of guys. There are no egos,"Daley kusho. “I was kind of worried about that when I first showed up. Was I going to be (a target) because I’m a police officer, or were there a bunch of guys all looking to be the alpha dog? But it’s quite the opposite. It’s like a big family. You’re punching a guy in the face, but you’re family.”

 

That goes double for his friendship with Gulliver, who is undefeated as an amateur heavyweight.

 

“I feel like a baby gorilla with its mom when I’m working out with Nick,” he quipped. “I think for him it’s enjoyment just to pound on me.”

 

It certainly reduces the stress when he gets the opportunity to pick on someone his own size at an NEF card, although Daley knows better than to take the veteran Johanson lightly.

 

The CMBJJ fighter enters on a two-fight winning streak, and he defeated First Class’ Deppmeyer in February.

 

“Frank is a tough opponent. I saw his fight against Jake,"Daley kusho. “He has a tough chin. He takes shots and just keeps coming forward.”

 

Even though he fought in front of thousands at the state wrestling showcase four times as a high school student, Daley is humble enough to acknowledge that an NEF show is a different animal.

 

“I was a complete nervous wreck, like almost to the point where I was ready to puke behind the curtain,” he said of his debut. “Then once I stepped in the cage, it went away and I just did what I had to do. I was able to shake off the rust a little bit.

 

“But it’s still different from wrestling. Back then I wasn’t getting punched in the face.”

 

The June 17 card features four professional MMA fights, four pro boxing matches, and seven amateur skirmishes in the cage. Tickets to “NEF 29: Stars & Stripes” start at $25 futhi ayatholakala ngokubiza (207) 783-2009 ext. 525 noma at www.thecolisee.com. For more information on the fight card, sicela uvakashelewww.newenglandfights.com.

Amateur MMA, ubuciko bokulwa exubile, MMA, New England ayalwa

AGE IS NOTHING BUT A NUMBER IN LEWISTON TITLE FIGHT

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Uyekele NGOKUSHESHA: Lewiston, Maine (June 12, 2017) – There are wink-and-nudge undertones when 38-year-old Rafael Velado declares “I’m the young guy, for once” as he contemplates his New England Fights amateur lightweight title defense on Saturday, June 17. Then again, he is, by nearly a decade-and-a-half.

 

It’s a disservice to label hall of fame competitor and coach Pat Kelly a sentimental favorite in his quest to win the 155-pound strap. Yet the 52-year-old assuredly is, as evidenced by at least one internet poll that shows him as the clear people’s choice to win the fight.

 

Velado vs. Kelly is a bundle of contradictions, an intriguing mix of styles, perhaps even a pairing that defies logic. It’s certainly a spotlight neither man would have predicted for himself five years ago. It’s also a clash of undefeated warriors that promises to rock the house at Androscoggin Bank Colisee.

 

“You can buy a ticket for this fight, but I truly believe you’re only going to need the edge of your seat,” Kelly, an amateur wrestling legend from the Camden-Rockport region. “I think we’re going to light the place up.”

 

“Everybody seems excited, and wouldn’t that be a cool story? If I end up saying later on, ‘I fought a guy when he was 52, and he beat my butt,’ the moral of the story is don’t ever count anybody out,” Velado said.

 

Just to clarify, Velado (4-0) doesn’t expect that to happen. A black belt in jiu-jitsu fighting out of First Class MMA of Brunswick, he looks to extend his winning streak over fighters from Young’s MMA of Bangor.

 

Velado claimed the vacant crown with a first-round demolition of Jimmy Jackson last September. Ngaphambi kwalokho, Mike Peitersen took Velado the distance in his toughest test to date.

 

“It makes sense from a record standpoint, but I’ve fought four times since the last time Pat did, and two of those were against his training partners,” Velado said. “If you look at strength of opposition, I don’t know that it’s that close. I’m not saying that means it won’t be a good match. I just don’t think it’s very comparable. But we all know the MMA magic can happen.”

 

Due to lengthy rehabilitation from a knee injury, Kelly (3-0) hasn’t fought since June 15, 2015 at “NEF 18: Made in America,” when he won by technical knockout over Steve Bang Sr. He beat Bang’s son and namesake in the same manner and also defeated Frank Dellasala in his debut, which came at welterweight.

 

The champion wrestler (University of Maine) and coach (Camden Hills High School, where he mentored now-UFC star Tim Boetsch) weighed in at over 200 pounds before he began the three-hour round trip to and from Bangor, four times each week.

 

“I’m an amateur’s amateur,” Kelly said. “I got into this four years ago to stay in shape, make contacts, make new friends and enjoy the experience. When they asked me if I’d like to try getting in the cage, bekuyi, ‘Yeah, I’ll give that a shot.’

 

Kelly said he was welcomed with open arms, then “beaten to a pulp,” by the likes of Bruce Boyington, Ryan Sanders and Aaron Lacey – all accomplished pro fighters from the Bangor gym.

 

It wasn’t long, predictably, before he fell in love with the concepts of competition and self-discipline all over again.

 

“There’s a bold truth to this sport,” Kelly said. “It’s one-on-one, locked in a cage with the other guy, and what are you going to do to survive? I love that feeling.”

 

Conventional wisdom dictates that the fight will go to the ground quickly. Then it’s a case of which fighter can assert his will and expertise.

 

Velado doesn’t lack for training partners who test his mettle every day. Six of them are scheduled to appear in the same cage at NEF 29. First Class owner John Raio also mirrors Kelly in terms of size and decorated wrestling background.

 

“Pat and I have been in (combat sports) a long time. We’ve both won against some excellent people and some not-so-excellent people,” Velado said. “The road to winning against me, a guy has to be better in two disciplines and also have a better game plan.”

 

Interesting choice of words, when you consider Kelly’s admission that he is more inclined to fly by the seat of his pants.

 

“My coaches talk about a game plan, but I don’t know if I’m a game plan kind of guy. I go right back to how I know to survive. That’s the warrior in me,” Kelly said. “What you have are two guys who are not going to give up. I think that’s part of the interest. That’s what makes it a good fight.

 

“Raf is experienced,” he continued. “He’s undefeated. He’s the champion. I’m the old guy coming in and trying to knock him off. There are a number of parallels that make this a fascinating fight.”

 

The combatants’ thoughtful words in separate interviews even followed the same wavelength.

 

Velado graciously said he understands the fans’ desire to see Kelly keep turning back time, extend his own record as the oldest winner in NEF history and add the distinction of oldest champion to that list.

 

“I actually am a fan of Pat,” Velado said. “The MMA fan in me is rooting for him. I’d like to see him have whatever level of success is just short of winning. Mentally it wouldn’t wreck me if I lost the fight.”

 

Likewise, Kelly is prepared for the possibility that the outcome won’t go his way.

“I don’t ever train to lose, but often times winning comes in unique ways,"Uthe.

If his four children perceive the merits of his commitment to MMA as more than a midlife crisis, Kelly believes he has already won the greatest battle of all.

 

“Yes, of course you want to win, but I also want them to see that when you have a personal goal, you can’t just say you want it. You have to go get it,"Uthe. “When I spend all that time driving back and forth, whether I’m talking to myself to thinking or listening to music, most of the time when I’m chasing this thing, I’m on my own. And I know my kids and students can see that.”

 

The June 17 card tentatively features four professional MMA fights, four pro boxing matches, and seven amateur skirmishes in the cage. Tickets to “NEF 29: Stars & Stripes” start at $25 futhi ayatholakala ngokubiza (207) 783-2009 ext. 525 noma at thecolisee.com.

 

Ukuze uthole ukwaziswa okwengeziwe mcimbi fight updates ikhadi, sicela uvakashele iwebhusayithi ukukhuthazwa sika at www.NewEnglandFights.com. Ngaphezu kwalokho, ungakwazi watch NEF imiqophi at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England ayalwa."

 

About New England ayalwa

New England ayalwa ("NEF") Yimpi izenzakalo ukukhushulwa inkampani. Mission NEF ukwakha esezingeni izenzakalo for fighters Maine kanye fans ngokufanayo. Executive team NEF has olutheni management combat ezemidlalo, izenzakalo production, ubudlelwane media, marketing, kwezomthetho kanye nokukhangisa.

 

ubuciko bokulwa exubile, MMA, New England ayalwa

AMATEUR TITLE FIGHT PROMISES TO BE AN ALL-OUT WAR

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Uyekele NGOKUSHESHA: Lewiston, Maine (May 3, 2017) -New England ayalwa (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on Saturday, June 17, 2017 with the fight promotion’s next event, “NEF 29: STARS & STRIPES.” The event will feature a full slate of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing bouts. The amateur portion of the card will be headlined by a lightweight title fight that will see Rafael “Deez Nuts” Velado (4-0) defend against Pat Kelly (3-0).

 

A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, Velado made his NEF debut in the fall of 2015. He submitted Kelly’s Young’s MMA teammate Jimmy Jackson (3-3) at “NEF 25” to claim the amateur lightweight title. Kuze kube manje, only Mike Peitersen (3-1), another member of Young’s, has gone the distance with Velado who has established himself as a master of arm bars and Kimuras. Velado is a member of First Class MMA in Brunswick, Maine.

 

“Here we go again,” exclaimed Velado. “We’ve got a friendly rivalry going between First Class MMA and Young’s MMA. They throw a badass at me and I answer the call. PK (Pat Kelly) is a legend of sorts. If you wrestle in Maine and you don’t know who he is, you’re out of touch. I think PK a different kind of challenge for me than my previous four fights. I’ve shown that I can get the fight to the ground and that I’m dangerous when I get there, but that’s a wildcard with Pat. This fight is very exciting to me because we are both undefeated and the winner is going to have to prove that they are ready for the next level by bringing a well-rounded game. I have no doubt as to whether PK is capable of taking me down. Umbuzo uwukuthi; will he regret his decision to take me there? We will see on June 17th.”

 

Pat Kelly is, as Velado noted, a legend in the Maine wrestling world. He put together an impressive 116-20 career record at the University of Maine, captured a New England title and wrestled in the NCAA Championships in 1986. The 52-year-old is no stranger to the championship circle as a coach either, having led the Camden Hills team to several state titles over the years, earning himself an induction into the Maine Amateur Wrestling Alliance Hall of Fame in the process. Kelly famously coached current UFC star Tim Boetsch (20-11) to four state wrestling titles during Boetsch’s time at Camden Hills.

 

As a member of Young’s MMA, Kelly made his MMA debut at “NEF 14.” Known for his intense in-cage performances, Kelly has finished all three of his opponents. A knee injury has forced him to the sidelines since his last victory in the summer of 2015.

 

“Okokuqala, my sincere thanks to NEF for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and to Coach Chris Young and Ernie Fitch along with all my teammates at Young’s MMA,” said Kelly. “I am so pumped-up to get back into the NEF cage. I am now fully recovered from a serious knee injury and am felling better than ever. This fight makes perfect sense in that you have two undefeated fighters that are willing to wage war for the belt.

 

“I am honored to share the cage with a fighter of Raf’s caliber,” Kelly continued. “I respect the fact he is currently the undefeated champ. To fight him means that my time has come to offer him a challenge worthy of title contention. I have been training for an opportunity like this for the past four years. I will bring to the cage a sense of unpredictability and true grit. In essence, Raf will do what he has to do and I will do what I have to do. Kungakhathaliseki ukuthi kwenzekani, happens.”

 

New England Fights returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine with its next event, “NEF 29: STARS & STRIPES,” ngomgqibelo, June 17, 2017. Tickets are on sale now at the Colisee box office 207-783-2009 x 525 futhi online atwww.TheColisee.com.

 

Ukuze uthole ukwaziswa okwengeziwe mcimbi fight updates ikhadi, sicela uvakashele iwebhusayithi ukukhuthazwa sika at www.NewEnglandFights.com. Ngaphezu kwalokho, ungakwazi watch NEF imiqophi at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England ayalwa."

 

About New England ayalwa

New England ayalwa ("NEF") Yimpi izenzakalo ukukhushulwa inkampani. Mission NEF ukwakha esezingeni izenzakalo for fighters Maine kanye fans ngokufanayo. Executive team NEF has olutheni management combat ezemidlalo, izenzakalo production, ubudlelwane media, marketing, kwezomthetho kanye nokukhangisa.

boxing, ubuciko bokulwa exubile, MMA, New England ayalwa

VELADO CAPTURES GOLD, HALL RETAINS AT NEF 25

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Lewiston, Maine (September 10, 2016) - New England ayalwa (NEF) held its most-recent event, “NEF 25: HEROES & VILLAINS” Saturday night at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine. The event featured both mixed-martial-arts and professional boxing bouts.

 

On the boxing portion of the card, John Webster (9-7-1) wanqoba Zenon Herrera (0-3) via unanimous decision on the eve of Webster’s 48th birthday. Webster’s last boxing victory came back in 2004, also in Lewiston, prior to his taking off a decade from active competition.

 

Also in the boxing ring, Casey Kramlich (5-0-1) remained undefeated as he stopped John Ortolani (0-1) in the fourth round via technical knockout. Likewise, Brandon Montella (5-0) kept his pro record perfect with a second-round stoppage of Tollison Lewis (2-2).

 

Rachael Joyce (2-0) won a unanimous decision over Jessica Borga (2-2) in a highly-anticipated women’s amateur bout. Rafael Velado (4-0) captured the amateur lightweight title with a first-round submission of Jimmy Jackson (3-3). Caleb Hall (8-3) retained the amateur featherweight title, and in doing so handed bantamweight champion Johnny Crafts (4-1) ukulahlekelwa lokuqala umsebenzi wakhe, in a very close split decision on the judges’ scorecards.

 

Aaron Lacey (3-0) kept his unbeaten streak alive with a first-round submission of Cory Trial (0-1) on the professional MMA portion of the card. Mike Hansen (5-4) zilambatha Matt Andrikut (2-1) the first loss of his career in the co-main event, ngenkathi Jesse Erickson (8-5) elethwe Crowsneck Boutin (2-3) in the main event of the evening.

 

NEF also announced that it would co-promote its next event with Classic Entertainment & Sports (CES). The two largest fight promotions in New England will present a joint card titled “Supremacy” on November 4 in Lewiston at the Colisee.

 

Imiphumela kusuka Lewiston, Maine:

PROFESSIONAL MMA

 

Jesse Erickson def. Crowsneck Boutin via rear-naked choke, round 1

Mike Hansen def. Matt Andrikut via armbar, round 1

Taylor Trahan def. Matt Denning via armbar, round 1

Aaron Lacey def. Cory Trial via rear-naked choke, round 1

Walter Smith-Cotito def. Elias Leland via D’arce Choke, round 2

 

Amateur MMA

 

Caleb Hall (c) def. Johnny Crafts via split decision (145 Isihloko)

Rafael Velado def. Jimmy Jackson via Kimura, round 1 (155 Isihloko)

Frank Johanson def. Caleb Swoveland via armbar, round 1

Rachael Joyce def. Jessica Borga via unanimous decision

Walt Shea def. The Slenderman via unanimous decision

 

PROFESSIONAL Boxing

Casey Kramlich def. John Ortolani via TKO, round 4

Brandon Montella def. Tollison Lewis via TKO, round 2

John Webster def. Zenon Herrera via unanimous decision

 

NEF and CES present “SUPREMACY,” a night of mixed-martial-arts cagefights, on November 4, 2016 e Lewiston, Maine. Amathikithi ukuqala at $25 futhi ayatholakala www.TheColisee.com noma ngokuthi Colisee ibhokisi ehhovisi ngesikhathi 207.783.2009, extension 525.

ubuciko bokulwa exubile, MMA, New England ayalwa

FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO A SHOT AT THE GOLD, JACKSON AND VELADO TAKE MMA CAREERS TO A NEW LEVEL AT NEF 25

Shiya amazwana

 

By: Kalle Oakes

Humility is the undertone for any conversation with Jimmy Jackson about his mixed martial arts career. It was a humbling experience that twisted Rafael Velado’s arm into the world of combat sports in the first place.

One of the men will depart Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston wielding a source of pride – the New England Fights amateur lightweight championship belt – after their clash at “NEF 25: Heroes and Villains” this Saturday, September 10.

Mention the idea of his earning a title shot in the hexagon and Jackson (3-2) almost can’t withhold a laugh.

“It’s a big opportunity for someone like me,” Jackson said. “I never thought I would be fighting for a title. I’ve had a ton of teammates come up to me and say, ‘You deserve this! Way to go!’ I just never thought of myself as that top-tier fighter. I’ve always been the guy kind of behind the scenes.”

Easy enough for the Bangor fighter to blend in, considering that he trains at Young’s MMA with the likes of Aaron “Relentless” Lacey, “The” Ryan Sanders, and Josh “Hook On” Harvey.

Fighting for the belt vacated by stablemate Harvey isn’t an endeavor that would have entered Jackson’s mind back in 2012, when he accepted a fight in Vermont on a relative lark. He won via submission, with a choke, in 96 seconds.

“My training started out as me and a few other guys messing around in a basement,” Jackson said. “My first fight was spur of the moment. I won and it sort of got the adrenaline going, like, ‘I can do this. I did pretty good.’”

Through a co-worker, he connected up with Young’s MMA.

After a learning curve that included back-to-back losses in 2013, Jackson steadily improved and defeated two consecutive opponents to earn his title opportunity.

“It’s a blessing and a curse. It’s truly a family. These are guys who truly stand by each other, in hard times, bad times, in and out of the gym,” Jackson said of wearing Young’s colors. “But on the flip side, everybody’s watching you, expecting a certain amount of entertainment from you. I want to perform at such a level that people are excited to watch me fight.”

While most fighters go through the drudgery of training in order to bask in the glory of fight night, Jackson contends that it’s the training he loves most. And entering the cage, he claims, is not about him.

“Fighting, kimi, is just what I can do to show everybody what my coaches have accomplished,” Jackson said. “They sacrifice so much to give us fighters the recognition and they get very little recognition in return. The only reason I get in the cage is to represent them.”

Jackson gravitated to MMA with minimal experience in combat sports. Velado, of Norridgewock, brought a decade of jiu-jitsu and a black belt to the table.

That journey had less glamorous beginnings, Nokho.

“In July 2005, I was playing basketball and a guy on my own team, if you can believe it, punched me in the face. He took exception to something and he messed me up pretty good,” Velado said. “From watching UFC, I thought I knew what to do to defend myself, and I pulled him down with an arm bar. Pathetically, but I pulled him down.”

Velado called it a reality check, one that led him to enroll in jiu-jitsu classes taught by Aaron Blake in Boothbay Harbor.

“I think all guys think they will be able to defend themselves in a situation, and most of those guys are wrong,” Velado said.

In more than three years of tournament competition, Velado said he fought more than 50 times and lost only three matches.

He grew restless and sought a new challenge. It led him to John Raio’s First Class MMA in Topsham. Velado was primed for his debut, but a sparring session with heavyweight teammate Nick Gulliver led to a torn MCL in his knee.

“That took about six to eight months before I fully recovered,” Velado said. “I dropped in on John again in April 2015, and we got a plan together. He got me in there with a lot of good wrestler types, including himself. He let me train with Marcus Davis and some other guys to expand my skill set.”

Velado has won three times in NEF, capped by a split decision over Mike Peitersen of Young’s.

“You’re in for a war. Young’s guys, they’re great. They’re all respectful. They train like savages,” Velado said. “Look who he’s training against…Those guys could fight anywhere in the United States and do well. You can’t not get better training against guys like that. You can’t not be a stud.”

Jackson, who said that MMA has lowered his stress level while reminding him that there is nothing else in life he can’t handle, hinted that he is the underdog on paper.

“He went three rounds with Mike Pietersen, and Mike is a tough dude. I know he’s a black belt in jits,” Jackson said. “I’m taking a realistic approach. I’m more focused on what I need to do and can’t worry about what he’s going to do. I don’t think he’s going to show me anything that I can’t handle.”

The question, Velado said, is whether or not Jackson’s modesty suggests any level of uncertainty.

“The difference between us is that I know I have jiu-jitsu in my tool box. He doesn’t have anything like that in his tool box that I know of,” Velado said. “He’s going to see what level he’s at in this fight. He’s going to find a way to get past me, or he’s going to take a step back and say is this something I really want to be doing? He definitely has to have confidence if he wants to beat me.”

The opening bell on this Saturday, September 10 isethwe for 7 p.m. The current docket for “NEF 25: Heroes and Villains” includes three professional boxing matches, five pro mixed martial arts bouts and five amateur MMA scraps. Amathikithi ukuqala at $25 futhi ayatholakala www.TheColisee.com noma ngokuthi Colisee ibhokisi ehhovisi ngesikhathi 207.783.2009, extension 525.

Ukuze uthole ukwaziswa okwengeziwe mcimbi fight updates ikhadi, sicela uvakashele iwebhusayithi ukukhuthazwa sika at www.NewEnglandFights.com. Ngaphezu kwalokho, ungakwazi watch NEF imiqophi at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, landela them on Twitternefights futhi ukuhamba neqembu Facebook esemthethweni "New England Ilwisana."

boxing, ubuciko bokulwa exubile, MMA, New England ayalwa

THREE WOMEN’S FIGHTS, TWO TITLE FIGHTS AND NEW FACES FIND A HOME ON NEF 25 CARD

Shiya amazwana

 

Lewiston, Maine (August 19, 2016) -New England ayalwa (NEF) today announced the full fight card for the promotion’s next event, “NEF 25: HEROES & VILLAINS.” It is scheduled to take place onSaturday, September 10, 2016 e Lewiston. The dynamic card will feature professional boxing bouts, as well as both professional and amateur mixed-martial-arts (MMA) imincintiswano.

 

On the boxing portion of the card, Brandon Montella (4-0) ziyohlangana Tollison Lewis (2-1) in a ezine-round umncintiswano ukukhanya-sosondonzima, while longtime Maine middleweight John “Rumble” Webster (8-7-1) returns on the eve of his 48th birthday to battle Zénon “K-Bar” Herrera (0-2). Rounding out the pro boxing portion of the card will be Casey “Buzzsaw” Kramlich (4-0-1) futhi Connor Barry (0-1) in a four-round bout.

 

The professional side of the MMA card will feature a total of three Bellator and one Invicta veterans. Jesse “The Viking” Erickson (7-5) futhi Jon Lemke(5-6) will rematch their previous bout won by Lemke at Bellator 93 in 2013. Bellator 144 competitor Walter Smith Cotito (3-4) returns to Maine after a three-year absence to meet Elias “Danger Mouse” Leland (2-1), ngenkathi Valerie “Valociraptor” Aspaas (0-0) herself returns to Maine after three years to make her pro debut against Invicta 16 veteran Sarah “SwitchKick” Chofoza (0-1).

 

The amateur MMA card will be headlined by two title fights. Rafael “Deez Nuts” Velado (3-0) liba Jimmy Jackson (3-2) for the vacant amateur lightweight title. Amateur bantamweight champion Johnny Crafts (4-0) steps up in weight to challenge Caleb Hall (7-3) for Hall’s featherweight crown.

 

The amateur card will also feature two women’s bantamweight bouts with Brianne Genschell (0-0) futhi Melissa Trahan (0-0) making their respective cage debut against one another, ngenkathi Jessica “The Black Widow” Borga(2-1) Kulindeleke ukuba ahlangane Rachael Joyce (1-0).

 

The full “NEF 25” fight ikhadi (isihloko ukushintsha):

 

PROFESSIONAL Boxing

 

175 Amakhilogremu: Brandon Montella vs. Tollison Lewis

160 Amakhilogremu: John Webster vs. Zenon Herrera

155 Amakhilogremu: Casey Kramlich vs. Connor Barry

PROFESSIONAL MMA

 

205 Amakhilogremu: Mike Hansen vs. Matt Andrikut

155 Amakhilogremu: Jesse Erickson vs. Jon Lemke

145 Amakhilogremu: Matt Denning vs. Taylor Trahan

135 Amakhilogremu: Elias Leland vs. Walter Smith Cotito

125 Amakhilogremu: Sarah Click vs. Valerie Aspaas

Amateur MMA

155 POUND*TITLE: Rafael Velado vs. Jimmy Jackson

145 POUND*TITLE: Caleb Hall (c) vs. Johnny Crafts

155 Amakhilogremu: Caleb Swoveland vs. Frank Johanson

135 Amakhilogremu: Walt Shea vs. Joel Downing

135 Amakhilogremu: Brianne Genschell vs. Melissa Trahan

135 Amakhilogremu: Jessica Borga vs. Rachael Joyce

 

umzuliswano olandelayo New England ayalwa ', "NEF 25: HEROES & VILLAINS,” takes place on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée e Lewiston, Maine. Tickets start at just $25 futhi ukudayiswa manje www.TheColisee.com noma ngokumemeza Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.

 

Ukuze uthole ukwaziswa okwengeziwe mcimbi fight updates ikhadi, sicela uvakashele iwebhusayithi ukukhuthazwa sika at www.NewEnglandFights.com. Ngaphezu kwalokho, ungakwazi watch NEF imiqophi at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, landela them on Twitternefights futhi ukuhamba neqembu Facebook esemthethweni "New England Ilwisana."

 

ubuciko bokulwa exubile, MMA, New England ayalwa

YOUNG’S & FIRST CLASS MEET IN SECOND TITLE FIGHT AT NEF 25

Shiya amazwana

Lewiston, Maine (June 28, 2016) – Less than 24-hours after the announcement of the amateur light-heavyweight title fight between Young’s MMA’s Victor Irwin (2-0) and First Class MMA’s Nick Shea (2-0), fight promotion New England Fights (NEF) released a second championship bout between the two gyms at “NEF 25: HEROES & VILLAINS.” Ezingakanqotshwa Rafael “Air Guard” Velado (3-0), Shea’s teammate at First Class MMA, Kulindeleke ukuba abhekane Jimmy Jackson (3-2), a teammate of Irwin at Young’s MMA, for the vacant NEF mixed-martial-arts (MMA) amateur lightweight title. The title was previously held by Josh Harvey (1-0) of Young’s MMA and vacated last April when he moved up to the professional ranks.

 

“Okokuqala nje, I appreciate the opportunity that NEF has given me to show my skills in the cage,” Said Velado. “There are other promotions in New England, but nobody puts on a show like NEF. I’ve made it very clear that I am here to fight the toughest guys I can and once again I’m getting my way.”

 

In Velado’s last fight, he took on and defeated Mike Peitersen (3-1). In doing so, Velado handed him the first loss of his career. Peitersen is another teammate of Jimmy Jackson at Young’s MMA.

 

“Leading up to the Mike Peitersen fight, he and I respectfully challenged each other to train hard and bring it,” Velado continued. “I believe that we did that and then some. Now I have another Young’s fighter in front of me and I couldn’t be happier. Jimmy Jackson has been looking good in his last few outings and I believe we are a good match-up. I see a trend of BJJ players who come over into MMA and think they are just going to jits their way through every fight. I can assure you that I am not that guy and you will see a constant evolution of skills in my fights.”

 

Jackson will have the opportunity to gain a measure of revenge for his team against Velado. After starting his amateur career at 1-2, Jackson has won his last two in a row, including a submission victory over Kris Welch (0-1) at “NEF 16” ngonyaka odlule.

 

“Fighting Raf is a huge opportunity for me – an opportunity I am very grateful for,” said Jackson when reached for comment. “This is the time for me to show how far I’ve come and how much time and work Chris Young (Young’s MMA head coach) and the rest of the coaching staff and team have put into making me the best version of myself. I do lokhu ngabo, my team and my family.”

 

“I am pumped to be fighting alongside my First Class MMA brothers and sisters in September and I will be so proud to hand that 155 NEF Championship belt to John Raio (First Class MMA head coach) and tell him, ‘There’s more where that came from,'” said Velado in closing. “As far as ‘Heroes & Villains,’ I believe every man or woman who steps in that cage is a hero, but you have to have a little villain inside you to do what’s necessary to win.”

 

umzuliswano olandelayo New England ayalwa ', "NEF 25: HEROES & VILLAINS,” takes place on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée e Lewiston, Maine. Tickets start at just $25 futhi ukudayiswa manje www.TheColisee.com noma ngokumemeza Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525. Tickets will also be available at the door the night of the event.

 

Ukuze uthole ukwaziswa okwengeziwe mcimbi fight updates ikhadi, sicela uvakashele iwebhusayithi ukukhuthazwa sika at www.NewEnglandFights.com. Ngaphezu kwalokho, ungakwazi watch NEF imiqophi at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, landela them on Twitternefights futhi ukuhamba neqembu Facebook esemthethweni "New England Ilwisana."

Amateur MMA, ubuciko bokulwa exubile, New England ayalwa

UJOHANE RAIO ochumile UMHLALAPHANSI WITH A ikilasi lokuqala TEAM

Shiya amazwana

Lewiston, Maine (September 3, 2015) - New England ayalwa (NEF), America isibalo-one zesifunda fight ukukhuthazwa, izobamba exubile-karate-arts yayo nesishiyagalolunye (MMA) umcimbi, “NEF XIX,” ngomgqibelo, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée e 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) futhi Nick Shea (1-0) kusukela Brunswick, Maine-based gym. Muva, First Class MMA Umsunguli umqeqeshi John “Class First” Ray wajoyina NEF co-umnikazi futhi wabantu Math Peterson njengoba guest on the NEF Podcast.

 

Lokhu June esidlule, 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, ezihlanganisa nokulungiselela izinkulumo Sparrell, Velado futhi Shea for iziqubu yabo oluzayo.

 

“I nakanjani abeke okuningi isikhathi more zibe fighters yami kanye nomndeni wami,” Said Ray. “The fighters, I can put a lot more time into them because it’s not all about me. When you’re fighting, lapho ubhekene ukuqeqesha for a fight, kungakhathaliseki ukuthi kungakanani zama ukugxila Nick Shea noma Nick Gully noma uHana Sparrell noma Rafael noma yimiphi fighters yethu, awukwazi ukubeka ngempela 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, umndeni wakho futhi izingane zakho.”

 

Kusukela ukuzalwa NEF ekuqaleni kuka 2012, kanye nokuqhuma alandelayo ukuthandwa mdlalo esifundazweni, gyms eziningi ezintsha kwamiswa eminyakeni yamuva, including First Class MMA. Raio enjoys, ngaphezu kwanoma yini enye, Friend-ukuluka, Umndeni-like emkhathini eliye lakhula kuleso sikhungo kusukela wavula ejimini.

 

“Into enkulu Ngithanda mayelana gym yethu, Ngiyakujabulela uya nokuba ingxenye, kuyinto kukhona iqembu othobekile kakhulu labafundi kanye abafundisi,” 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 “Class First” 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 nedumela enenhlonipho, classy, professional, ngamunye likeable, hence the pun in his nickname. Those same qualities have carried over to the students of First Class MMA.

 

“Ngizama ukwelapha wonke umuntu ngokulinganayo,” Said Ray. “I try to treat everyone respectfully. I think a lot of those guys (ejimini), esikhundleni salokho, treat each other respectfully. If I ever have an issue with a student, uma engekho ibambela enenhlonipho ukuba abafundisi noma abanye abafundi, I’ll pull them aside and if they have to leave then they have to leave. That’s part of life… Gym yethu edonsela, ngasizathu simbe, ntu abantu nje nice kukhona.”

 

With more and more abafundi omusha ozayo ngokusebenzisa emnyango gym yakhe, 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.

 

“Emva show last (NEF XVIII), lapho ngibona Nick (Gulliver, 1-0) ziye ingalo yakhe wazibuza yona futhi Rob (Robinson, 1-0), Ngajabula kakhulu kulabo 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), Ngathi: 'Uma siya 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.”

 

Ukuze ufunde kabanzi mayelana First Class MMA, ungavakashela page qembu Facebook “First Class Fitness & MMA.”

 

Ungalalela le NEF Podcast yaphelela atwww.NewEnglandFights.com/Podcasts/.

 

New England ayalwa’ umcimbi olandelayo, “NEF XIX,” ithatha indawo Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée e Lewiston, Maine. Amathikithi for “NEF XIX” ukuqalisa nje $25 futhi ukudayiswa manje www.TheColisee.com noma ngokuthi Colisee ibhokisi ehhovisi ngesikhathi 207.783.2009 x 525. Ukuze uthole ukwaziswa okwengeziwe mcimbi fight updates ikhadi, sicela uvakashele iwebhusayithi ukukhuthazwa sika at www.NewEnglandFights.com. Ngaphezu kwalokho, ungakwazi watch NEF imiqophi at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, landela them on Twitternefights futhi ukuhamba neqembu Facebook esemthethweni "New England Ilwisana."

 

About New England ayalwa

 

New England ayalwa ("NEF") Yimpi izenzakalo ukukhushulwa inkampani. Mission NEF ukwakha esezingeni izenzakalo for fighters Maine kanye fans ngokufanayo. Executive team NEF has olutheni management combat ezemidlalo, izenzakalo production, ubudlelwane media, marketing, kwezomthetho kanye nokukhangisa.

Amateur MMA, ubuciko bokulwa exubile, New England ayalwa

Maine'S Knockout inkosi yezinyoni neBlack ibhande AT NEF XIX

Shiya amazwana

Lewiston, Maine (July 23, 2015) - New England ayalwa (NEF), America isibalo-one zesifunda fight ukukhuthazwa, izobamba exubile-karate-arts yayo nesishiyagalolunye (MMA) umcimbi, “NEF XIX,” ngomgqibelo, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée e Lewiston, Maine. Ngasekuqaleni namuhla, the promotion announced the addition of an amateur lightweight bout to the fight card. Cory Trial (1-1) kulindeleke ukuba abhekane debuting Rafael Velado (0-0) at a isisindo ukulwa 155-amakhilogremu.

 

Trial siyeza off a win enkulu “NEF XVIII” ngenyanga edlule. He knocked out Corey Hinkley (2-4) in just seven seconds of the first round. In doing so, Trial became the new holder of the NEF fastest knockout record. The finish was so brutal that Hinkley was taken from the cage on a stretcher by paramedics. Trial trains under coach Josh Parker at Ruthless MMA & Boxing in Benton, Maine. He is confident that he will repeat his knockout performance on Velado at “NEF XIX.”

 

“Ngijabulile ukuba uthole emuva yezinyoni,” wathi Trial. “Having a seven second knockout and breaking the NEF record was nice, kodwa kwakunganele. I’ve been busting my ass in the gym with the best coach and I’m ready for anything – kodwa ayinakugwenywa. Le mpi kuzophela ngendlela efanayo elokugcina wenza.”

 

Nakuba kungenzeka Rafael Velado okwenza isembatho sakhe MMA DEBUT at “NEF XIX,” he is no stranger to combat sports. Velado is an accomplished practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Training in the sport since 2005, Velado wathola ibhande lakhe black in 2012 ezweni odumile BJJ legend, futhi UFC veteran, Joe Moreira. He was raised in Skowhegan, Maine and now resides in neighboring Norridgewock. Velado represents John Raio’s First Class Fitness & MMA of Brunswick, Maine.

 

“Kuye kanzima ekutholeni i amateur ukuthi kuzothatha kulwa a BJJ black ibhande, so I decided to call out the guy who is riding high from an impressive victory,” Said Velado. “Ngiyaqiniseka ukuthi izizwa unstoppable njengamanje, nokuthi kufanele wenze lokhu mpi kakhulu. I don’t know if I would call it a classic striker versus grappler match-up, kodwa uma lokho kanjani ukuthi saziwa, Angisona mad ngaleso.”

 

New England ayalwa’ umcimbi olandelayo, “NEF XIX,” ithatha indawo Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée e Lewiston, Maine. Amathikithi for “NEF XIX” ukuqalisa nje $25 futhi ukudayiswa manje www.TheColisee.com noma ngokumemeza Colisée box office at207.783.2009 x 525. Ukuze uthole ukwaziswa okwengeziwe mcimbi fight updates ikhadi, sicela uvakashele iwebhusayithi ukukhuthazwa sika at www.NewEnglandFights.com. Ngaphezu kwalokho, ungakwazi watch NEF imiqophi at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, landela them on Twitternefights futhi ukuhamba neqembu Facebook esemthethweni "New England Ilwisana."

 

About New England ayalwa

 

New England ayalwa ("NEF") Yimpi izenzakalo ukukhushulwa inkampani. Mission NEF ukwakha esezingeni izenzakalo for fighters Maine kanye fans ngokufanayo. Executive team NEF has olutheni management combat ezemidlalo, izenzakalo production, ubudlelwane media, marketing, kwezomthetho kanye nokukhangisa.