Tag Archives: Ray Wood

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

BELLATOR VETERANS SET TO SQUARE OFF IN LEWISTON

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (May 1, 2017) – Between them they have a dozen fights in the Bellator cage.  Now, they have signed to face each other in the New England Fights (NEF) hexagon.  Ray “All Business” Wood (8-3) will meet Alexandre “Popo” Bezerra (19-5) in the main event of “NEF 29: STARS & STRIPES.”  The event, which will feature a full slate of mixed-martial-arts and professional boxing bouts, is scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 17, 2017 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.

 

“This would be a main card fight on any nationally-televised event,” said NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo.  “It doesn’t get any bigger or better than this on the regional level.  This is the kind of fight we love to deliver to the NEF fans.”

 

Wood grew up in Bucksport, Maine and became a top MMA prospect after joining Young’s MMA in Bangor.  He was victorious in ten of his first eleven fights over the course of his amateur and early professional careers.  Wood’s sole loss during that impressive run came when he moved up to the lightweight division to face a larger Shane Manley (3-3).

 

It took Wood just over a minute to submit Lenny Wheeler (9-5) at “NEF 8.”  In doing so, Wood became the first NEF Featherweight Champion.  He went on to successfully defend the title against tough Brazilian prospect Gabriel Baino (6-2) with a second-round TKO.  Months later, Wood would drop the title to Anthony Morrison (20-11) via fifth-round submission.

 

The next few years would see Wood travel away from Maine to settle first in South Carolina and later Texas.  Since leaving Maine, he has been training at some of the top gyms in all of mixed martial arts with world-class athletes, and he has fought for national promotion Bellator three times.  Wood’s Bellator debut saw him finish Chris Jones (10-5) in the first round.  He is now looking to rebound from a unanimous decision loss to AJ McKee, Jr. (8-0) at Bellator 166 late last year.  The fight with Bezerra will be Wood’s first on Maine soil since February 2015.

 

“I’m excited to fight in front of the New England  fans once again,” said Wood when reached for comment at his home in Amarillo, Texas.  “It’s been way too long.  It’s time to get back to where all my success began. The last time I fought in Maine, I left with a loss, and I have no easy task in front of me this time. Alexandre is no joke, and has fought some of the best in the world, and with me coming off back-to-back losses, I have no choice but to have my hand raised by the end of three rounds. I have never lost three straight in anything.”

 

A native of Sao Paolo, Brazil, Alexandre Bezerra now lives and trains in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he is a member of Daddis Fight Camps.  Bezerra holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and he is also a teacher of the sport.

 

Bezerra has nine Bellator bouts under his belt.  He competed in both the Season Six and Season Eight featherweight tournaments, making it past the quarterfinal rounds but losing in the semifinals each time.  Most recently, Bezerra competed for national promotion Titan Fighting Championships in late 2016.  Like Wood, Bezerra is looking to bounce back from a loss.
“I am very excited to compete for NEF, they are a fantastic organization and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity,” said Bezerra.  “My opponent is a tough, up-and-coming prospect, and this should be a great fight. Both of us are looking to finish fights, so the fans are in for a treat!”

 

“Everyone in Maine and New England fight sports knows the talent that is Ray Wood,” stated NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson.  “He cut his teeth in NEF and after going on to compete in several high-profile Bellator fights, he’s coming back home to where it all began for him. His opponent, a native of Brazil, is a seasoned veteran that has a black belt in jiu-jitsu. Fans can expect to see the highest level of mixed martial arts skill on display in this blockbuster main event.”

 

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

 

For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

A NEW NEF LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPION CROWNED IN LEWISTON

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Lewiston, Maine (April 30, 2017) – Again, blood flowed from the head of Jon Lemke. Again, “The” Ryan Sanders had his hand raised in victory.

This time, however, there was zero controversy or conjecture about the finish, and that authoritative ending made Sanders an NEF mixed martial arts champion for the first time.

Sanders used a guillotine choke to stop Lemke just 22 seconds into the second round and win the vacant New England Fights lightweight championship at “NEF 28: Invincible,” held Saturday night at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston.

Their previous non-title confrontation in November 2016 ended with Lemke unable to continue due to an accidental cut. Sanders earned the victory by winning the first two rounds on all three judges’ scorecards.

In the title-bout rematch, Sanders likely was behind on those cards after Lemke used a late takedown to punctuate what had been a back-and-forth, stand-up opening session.

“He hit me right in the … gut, and it … hurt,” Sanders said, peppering the statement with the smile and the expletives that are his calling card. “I knew the first round was going to tough, because he’s a killer, and I tend to be a slow starter.”

Sanders (14-8) wasted no time getting Lemke (6-8) to the mat and earning the tap in round two. It was his seventh win in nine NEF appearances.

The Bangor-based battler dedicated the win to his wife, Vanessa, who was in the cage to put the belt around her husband’s waist. The couple celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary Friday.

“She saved my life,” Sanders said. “She’s the reason I’m here, the reason I fight, and the reason I’m a champion.”

In the co-main event, Josh Harvey (4-0) stayed undefeated with a brutal, 50-second knockout of Derek Shorey.

Shorey (4-9) returned to the NEF cage to raise funds for four of his children and their mother, who lost their home in a recent New Hampshire apartment fire.

“He’s a great guy and a super warrior. I’m glad he stepped up to fight,” Harvey said. “Next I’d like to fight someone else who’s undefeated.”

Matt Denning of Auburn ended his four-fight winless streak with authority. “Ken Doll” made his long-awaited return to the NEF cage with a first-round verdict over Josh Parker.

Denning used his grappling strength to win the grudge match. He rallied from an early takedown, dominated on the ground, and used a guillotine to put it away in the fourth minute.

“It feels good to win. I finally got one,” Denning said. “I’m at 145 pounds, which is where I belong.”

Bellator veteran Walter Smith-Cotito improved his NEF record to 3-0, and he has done it against eye-opening opposition. On the heels of past wins over Bruce Boyington and Elias Leland, Smith-Cotito defeated Andre Belcarris via rear naked choke at 2:05 of the second round. Belcarris was making his pro debut after 34 amateur bouts.

Dominic Jones made a triumphant pro debut, taking out NEF mainstay Tollison Lewis with only 30 seconds remaining in the first round.  Jones won all his amateur fights by decision, but be used his wrestling acumen to dominate his taller opponent on the ground and earn the TKO.

First-round stoppages also were the rule in the amateur portion of the card, with all four fights ending in under two minutes.

The most controversial result involved Caleb “Dr. Feelgood” Austin, an 18-year-old senior out of Mountain Valley High School in Rumford, taking on James Ploss of Kaze Dojo in Lancester, New Hampshire. It was the cage debut for both combatants.

Ploss was the aggressor from the opening bell and immediately took the action to the mat. That also played to the strengths of Austin, who amassed an astonishing 208-11 record while winning two state championships as a schoolboy wrestlers.

At about the 30-second mark, Ploss applied a guillotine and forced a tap from Austin.  Unfortunately for Ploss, the referee did not see Austin tap and he allowed the fight to continue after Ploss had released the hold.

Austin took full advantage of the reprieve and showed power in both his stand-up and striking game, eventually earning a TKO in the flyweight fracas at the 1:57 mark.

Josh “Basketball” Jones left no doubt whatsoever in his debut victory over Sean Worcester (0-3).

Jones, 29, who was drafted by the NBA Development League before embarking on a professional career in Germany and Canada, went on the early attack with looping haymakers. He dropped Worcester to the canvas and ended the middleweight scrap with a barrage of haymakers after only 20 seconds.

Jacob Deppmeyer evened his ledger in the amateur hexagon at 1-1 with a 77-second dismissal of Glenn Kasabian at a catch weight of 140. The wins by Dominic and Josh Jones as well as Dettmeyer made First Class MMA a perfect 3-0 on the evening.

Mason Travers joined the parade of fighters making a successful amateur debut with his win over Nigel Moye at 1:10 of the opening stanza.

Many big announcements were made concerning “NEF 29: Stars and Stripes,” which will be held Saturday, June 17 at Androscoggin Bank Colisee. The main event will feature the Maine homecoming of Ray “All Business” Wood.  Former NEF bantamweight champion Paul Gorman will also be featured.

Professional boxing will return to share the spotlight, led by local favorites Brandon Montella of North Anson and Russell Lamour of Portland, and with a special guest: Former heavyweight champion James “Buster’ Douglas will be in attendance to greet fans and sign autographs.

Tickets start at $25 and are available at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 525.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

PHIL DAVIS REAFFIRMS HIMSELF AS LIAM MCGEARY’S NEXT CHALLENGER WITH WIN OVER KING MO

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Full Event Photos Here

San Jose, Calif. (May 14, 2016) — In the main event of Bellator MMA’s return home to San Jose, Phil Davis and King Mo showcased why their widely regarded as two of the top light heavyweights on the planet. In the end, it was Davis who emerged victorious, taking home a unanimous decision with scores of 29-28, 30-27, 30-27.

The first ten minutes of action were razor thin, with both men using their strengths to gain the upper hand. For Lawal, the American Top Team standout relied heavily upon his power punching, throwing overhand rights with frequency. Davis used his lower limbs, keeping Mo at distance with leg kicks and short jabs. The tides really began to shift in the final frame though, as Davis clipped his opponent with a shot that he parlayed into a single-leg takedown, nearly finishing the bout with a kimura.

After his hand was raised, Davis was joined inside the cage by current Bellator 205-pound kingpin Liam McGeary who will likely face Davis in “Mr. Wonderful’s” next action. The two traded words and passed the eye test when it comes to a future Bellator MMA main event matchup.

Welterweight Bloodbath Ends in TKO Victory for Saad Awad

In the co-main event of “Bellator 154: Davis vs. King Mo,” Saad Awad (19-7) provided one of the most entertaining performances of the night with a first round TKO win over “Cyborg” Santos (21-17). The knockout came just 4:31 into the bout, when Awad unleashed a flurry of hammer fists that left forced referee Jason Herzog to call a stop to the action. “Assassin” fought off a brutal toe hold earlier in the round and countered with relentless blows to the sides of Santos’ head, eventually opening a large cut that spilled blood onto the canvas. With victories in four of his last five bouts and now a victory at 170-pounds to boot, the options for Awad’s future with the promotion remain endless.

San Diego-Labiano Give it All in Swing Bout on SPIKE 

With two quick stoppages to start the card, Bellator aired a swing bout between Josh San Diego (7-1) and Jeremiah Labiano (9-5). A native of San Jose, “JSD” took full advantage of his opportunity on the big stage, and capped off the fight with a rapid flurry of attacks to end the final frame, earning himself a unanimous decision (29-28) victory over Labiano in front of a loud, hometown crowd. The win is “JSD’s” second with the promotion, both of which ended via unanimous decision.

Piccolotti Continues to Submit Opponents, Finishes Wood on Short Notice

In a highly emotional bout, Adam Piccolotti (8-0) thoroughly dominated Ray Wood (7-2) over the course of their lightweight bout, sealing the deal after 3:17 with a standing rear-naked choke submission. The win was Adam “Bomb’s” second first-round finish and the quickest of his budding career. With the victory, the Half Moon Bay, Calif. native remains undefeated and has solidified himself as one of the company’s brightest young prospects. Piccolotti was originally slated to fight Jordan Parsons before his death, which Bellator instated a memorial scholarship fund in his honor earlier on in the day.

Fialho Remains Unbeaten With Monstrous Hammer Fist Knockout

 

In the opening bout of the main card on SPIKE, Andre Fialho (7-0) finished Rick Reger (7-2) with a vicious hammer fist knockout 2:11 into the first frame. Fialho was the aggressor from the get-go, setting the tone early and often with heavy fists and quick combinations. The 22-year-old Portuguese star continues to climb the ranks in a stacked Bellator welterweight division, as he remains undefeated with six consecutive knockouts and back-to-back first round finishes since joining the Bellator fray. At the conclusion of the fight, Fialho took a moment to acknowledge the significance of his win, dedicating the victory to his friend who had recently passed away.

Preliminary Results:

James Chapman (1-0) defeated Sean Tucker (0-1) via TKO (punches) at 4:41 of round two

Anthony Taylor (1-1) defeated Victor Jones (0-2) via KO at 0:27 of round one

Danasabe Mohammed (4-0) defeated Martin Sano (4-2) via KO (punches) at 1:18 of round one

Josh Paiva (8-1) defeated Steven Gruber (5-2) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:14 of round two

Sam Spengler (9-5) defeated Doyle Childs (2-2) via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Joshua Hardwick (1-0) defeated Jorge Acosta (1-2) via submission (guillotine choke) at 1:21 of round one

Jamielene Nievara (4-1) defeated Stephanie Frausto (5-6) via TKO at 2:43 of round three

Mark Dickman (11-2) defeated Thomas Diagne (5-6-1) via TKO (punches) at 3:05 of round three

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

Two Main Card Fights Complete ‘Bellator 154: Davis vs. King Mo’ on May 14

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SAAD AWAD-‘CYBORG’ SANTOS & ADAM PICCOLOTTI-RAY WOOD ARE OFFICIAL

SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (May 5, 2016) – A welterweight matchup pitting “Cyborg” Santos (21-16) against Bellator MMA veteran Saad Awad (18-7) and a lightweight meeting featuring Adam Piccolotti (7-0) versus Ray Wood (6-1) have been added to the main card of “Bellator 154: Davis vs. King Mo,” which airs LIVE and FREE on SPIKE and takes place on May 14 at the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif.

These matchups join an electric main event between light heavyweight phenoms “King Mo” (19-4, 1 NC) and Phil “Mr. Wonderful” Davis (15-3, 1 NC). In addition, a heavyweight bout between Sergei Kharitonov (23-5) and Josh Appelt (12-5) will serve as the evening’s co-main event and undefeated Andre Fialho (6-0) will face Rick Reger (7-1) in a welterweight feature fight.

The contests make up the televised portion of “Bellator 154: Davis vs. King Mo,” which airs LIVE and FREE on SPIKE at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT while the preliminary card will stream live on Bellator.com and The Bellator Mobile App beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET. Tickets start at just $30 and are on sale now at Bellator.com, Ticketmaster, and the SAP Center Box Office.

After beginning his career with five consecutive victories, the 32-year-old Saad Awad has continued to put together an impressive resume, including significant wins over the likes of Joe Duarte, Sergio Rios, and most recently Rob Sinclair. A 10-time veteran of Bellator MMA, “Assassin” has three first-round knockout wins, two of which came in the first 45 seconds of the bout. In 2013, the California native handed Will Brooks the only loss of his career thus far, stopping hiim with a punch only 43-seconds into the fight.

“Cyborg” Santos has begun his 2016 campaign with a bang, recording victories in each of his first two bouts, including a crowd-silencing win over hometown favorite Brennan Ward in his Bellator MMA debut at “Bellator 153: Koreshkov vs. Henderson.” Of his 21 career wins, the 38-year-old welterweight has recorded 12 knockouts, 10 of which came in the opening frame of the bout. The heavy-handed Brazilian originally made four appearances under the Strikeforce banner from 2009 to 2011, before signing a multi-fight contract with Bellator MMA in March of 2016. “Cyborg” will look to add to his current winning streak when he challenges Saad Awad, who will be moving up in weight class to 170-pounds.

The 27-year-old Piccolotti has been flawless early in his young career, earning victories in all seven of his professional bouts, including three wins since joining the Bellator MMA team. A native of Northern California, he made his promotional debut against Andrew Ramm at “Bellator 133: Manhoef vs. Shlemenko,” with a unanimous decision win and then added to his admirable resume by finishing his 2015 campaign with a victory over Mario Soto at“Bellator 147: Thomson vs. Villaseca.” Making his 2016 debut, the submission specialist will have little time to prepare for his new opponent Ray Wood as the two look to square off on May 14 at the SAP Center.

Ray “All Business” Wood made a splash in his Bellator MMA debut, when he finished Chris Jones with a spinning-back fist that resulted in a first round knockout at “Bellator 151: Warren vs. Caldwell.” The 26-year-old Maine native has begun his professional career with a flashy 6-1 record, including four knockout victories and two first-round finishes. After beginning his career under the direction of regional promotions, Wood now has his eyes set on establishing himself among the top of Bellator’s always-competitive featherweight division. Watch the fight below.

Complete “Bellator 154: Davis vs. King Mo” Fight Card:

Bellator MMA Light Heavyweight Main Event: Phil Davis (15-3, 1 NC) vs. Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal (19-4, 1 NC)

Bellator MMA Heavyweight Co-Main Event: Sergei Kharitonov (23-5) vs. Josh Appelt (12-5)

Bellator MMA Lightweight Feature Bout: Adam Piccolotti (7-0) vs. Ray Wood (6-1)

Bellator MMA Welterweight Feature Bout: Saad Awad (18-7) vs. Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos (21-16)

Bellator MMA Welterweight Feature Bout: Andre Fialho (6-0) vs. Rick Reger (7-1)

 

Preliminary Card:

Bellator MMA (160 lb.) “VOW” Prelim Bout: Joshua Hardwick (Debut) vs. Jorge Acosta (1-1)

Bellator MMA Featherweight Prelim Bout: Victor Jones (0-1) vs. Anthony Taylor (0-1)

Bellator MMA Welterweight Prelim Bout: Danasabe Mohammed (3-0) vs. Martin Sano (4-1)

Bellator MMA Flyweight Prelim Bout: Josh Paiva (7-1) vs. Steven Gruber (5-1)

Bellator MMA Welterweight Prelim Bout: Sam Spengler (8-5) vs. Doyle Childs (2-1)

Bellator MMA Bantamweight Prelim Bout: Josh San Diego (6-1) vs. Jeremiah Labiano (9-4)

Bellator MMA (130 lb.) Catchweight Prelim Bout: Alvin Cacdac (16-12) vs. Darren Uyenoyama (10-5)

Bellator MMA Featherweight Prelim Bout: Thomas Diagne (5-5-1) vs. Mark Dickman (10-2)

Bellator MMA Strawweight Prelim Bout: Stephanie Frausto (5-5) vs. Jamielene Nievara (3-1)

Bellator MMA Middleweight Prelim Bout: Andres Alcantar (3-0) vs. Nick Pica (5-0)

Bellator MMA Heavyweight Prelim Bout: James Chapman (Debut) vs. Sean Tucker (Debut)

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

EPIC FIGHT CARD ANNOUNCED FOR MILESTONE TWENTIETH NEF EVENT

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Lewiston, Maine (October 23, 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 full fight card for the event.

 

The professional boxing portion of the card will be headlined by Northeast Junior Welterweight Champion Brandon “The Cannon” Berry (9-1) in an eight-round bout against former Mexican Pacific Coast Super Featherweight Champion Roberto “El Viejo” Valenzuela (73-69-2, 56 KOs).  Berry triumphantly returned to action last summer after suffering a severe shoulder injury in a November 2014 bout.

 

A very hungry Josh Parker (0-1) returns to the ring to face Elias “Danger Mouse” Leland (0-0) in a four-rounder.  Parker and Leland are well known to NEF fans as regulars on the promotion’s MMA events.  Parker is the founder and head coach of Ruthless MMA & Boxing in Benton, Maine.  Leland is a member of Jay Jack and Amanda Buckner’s Academy of MMA in Portland, Maine.

 

In addition, Ernesto Ornelas (0-0), a professional MMA fighter from the Choi Institute in Portland, returns to his boxing roots in his pro ring debut against Brandon Ali Garvin (0-4).  Ornelas was a multiple time Golden Gloves champion as an amateur boxer in his native state of California.

 

Middleweights Tollison Lewis (1-0) and Zenon “Ka’Bar” Herrera (0-0) will round out the boxing card.  Lewis won his pro boxing debut in the first NEF boxing event in October 2014 over veteran John Webster (8-7-1), while Herrera, an experienced MMA fighter and kickboxer, is a nine-year veteran of the US military, having completed numerous tours of the Middle East where he saw combat in the Battle of Fallujah in Iraq.

 

On the professional MMA portion of the fight card, Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington (11-8) will defend the NEF MMA Professional Lightweight Title in a five-round bout against the challenge of Jimmy “Jimbo Slice” Davidson (7-1).  Boyington is coming off a huge win last weekend against Rodrigo Almeida (12-3) on the undercard of a World Series of Fighting (WSOF) nationally-televised event.  The challenger Davidson is no stranger to gold, having captured other MMA titles in the New England region.  He represents world-renown Muay Thai team Sityodtong.

 

In one of the most highly anticipated MMA fights in New England history, former NEF MMA Professional Featherweight Champion Ray “All Business” Wood (6-1) takes on Vovka “KGB” Clay (3-0).  Recognized as two of the most promising prospects in the area, Wood and Clay are both predicted by pundits to be future candidates for the major leagues of the sport.

 

Crowsneck Boutin (1-1) will look to rebound from his first professional loss last month when he meets Matt Bordonaro (2-0).  The bout will be a rematch from their amateur days when Bordonaro defeated Boutin by submission at “NEF IX” in Biddeford, Maine.  It will also be Boutin’s debut in the 170-pound welterweight division.

 

Two title bouts will headline the amateur MMA portion of the “NEF XX” fight card.  Dustin Veinott (4-3) defends the NEF MMA Amateur Flyweight Title against Ryan Burgess (1-0), while Aaron “Relentless” Lacey (5-1) does battle with Caleb Horner (6-2) to crown an inaugural NEF MMA Amateur Featherweight Champion.  A women’s strawweight fight will feature Randi Beth Boyington (1-1) facing Erin “Fun Size” Lamonte (3-0).

 

“This card has something for everyone,” said NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo.  “You like MMA?  We got it.  You like boxing?  We got it.  You like the heavyweights?  We got ’em.  You like women’s fights?  We got ’em.  This is like the Super Bowl of NEF events.  This is the one event you simply cannot afford to miss.”

 

Promotion executives further announced that the “NEF XX” event will be dedicated to the memory of NEF staff member Susan Isham, 47, who lost her life in a tragic car accident last weekend in Bethel, Maine.  Susan had worked backstage for the promotion beginning in 2013, handling check-ins at the backdoor of the Colisée.  She was a beloved mother and grandmother, known for her hard work ethic and charming, upbeat personality.  Susan was involved in many causes in the Bethel community.

 

“We’re all still in shock at Susan’s sudden passing last Friday,” said NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson. “She was a valued member of the NEF team, a good friend, and a kind, charitable person.  She will be missed by all who knew her.  Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this difficult time.  ‘NEF XX’ will be proudly dedicated to her memory.”

 

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

 

PROFESSIONAL BOXING

 

140 Brandon Berry 9-1 (West Forks) vs Roberto Valenzuela 73-69-2 (Romanza Gym)

155 Tollison Lewis 1-0 (CMBJJ) vs Zenon Herrera 0-0 (Independent)

140 Josh Parker 0-1 (Ruthless MMA & Boxing) vs Elias Leland 0-0 (AMMA)

118 Ernesto Ornelas 0-0 (Choi Institute) vs Brandon Ali Garvin 0-4 (Frazier’s)

 

PROFESSIONAL MMA

 

155*TITLE Bruce Boyington 10-8 (c) (Boyington’s TKD) vs Jimmy Davidson 7-1 (Sityodtong)

205 Matt Andrikut 1-0 (Conviction MMA) vs Jesse Baughman 0-0 (Team Link)

170 Crowsneck Boutin 1-1 (Choi Institute) vs Matt Bordonaro 2-0 (Victory MMA)

150 Jon Lemke 4-3 (Team Irish) vs Matt Denning 2-0 (CMBJJ)

145 Ray Wood 5-1 (Young’s MMA) vs Vovka Clay 3-0 (Boston BJJ NH)

145 Derek Shorey 3-2 (Shatterproof Combat Club) vs Damon Owens 2-0 (Young’s MMA)

125 Kevin Barrett 0-0 (Young’s MMA) vs James Alexander 1-10 (F2 Arena)

 

AMATEUR MMA

 

145 *TITLE Aaron Lacey 5-1 (Young’s MMA) vs Caleb Horner 6-2 (F2 Arena)

125 *TITLE Dustin Veinott 4-3 (c) (CMBJJ) vs Ryan Burgess 1-0 (Berserkers MMA)

265 Bryce Bamford 0-0 (First Class MMA) vs Bryce Locke 0-0 (Independent)

200 Jacob Cameron 1-5 (Independent) vs Victor Irwin 0-0 (Young’s MMA)

225 Joe Krech 0-0 (Independent) vs Mike Williams 0-0 (CMBJJ)

185 Ruben Redman 1-3 (Mass Effect MMA) vs Caleb Farrington 2-0 (Team NEU)

185 Dominique Bailey 0-1 (Independent) vs Anthony Spires 0-0 (Independent)

175 Caleb Swoveland 0-0 (Ruthless MMA & Boxing) vs TBD

155 Ricky Dexter 3-2 (Team Irish) vs Steve Bang 3-3 (CMBJJ)

155 Rafael Velado 1-0 (First Class MMA) vs Ken Dunn 0-2 (Maine Kyokushin Karate)

155 CJ Ewer 4-2 (Young’s MMA) vs Jason Lachance 2-2 (MMA Athletix)

155 Matt Hanning 1-1 (Independent) vs Levi Sewall 0-0 (Young’s MMA)

145 Caleb Hall 5-3 (Choi Institute) vs Matt Tamayo 0-0 (F2 Arena)

140 David Thompson 0-1 (Shatterproof Combat Club) vs Pierce Wiegman 0-0 (First Class MMA)

125 Justin Witham 0-3 (Shatterproof Combat Club) vs Brent Ouellette 0-0 (CMBJJ)

115 Erin LaMonte 3-0 (Gracie Fitness) vs Randi Beth Boyington 1-1 (Boyington’s TKD)

 

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 XVI RECAP: KING RETAINS; WOOD DETHRONED; YOUNG’S MMA GOES 8-1

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Tyler King after retaining the Heavyweight Title on Saturday night

Lewiston, Maine (February 9, 2015) –New England Fights’ (NEF) latest mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event “NEF XVI,” took place Saturday night at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.  With temperatures dropping to below zero, and the threat of a snowstorm looming over the area, more than 2,500 fight fans braved the elements to pack the state’s most venerable fight venue.  The crowd was treated to a total of 24 action-packed fights, including four professional bouts, two of which were for NEF MMA title belts.

 

The main event of the evening saw Anthony “Cheesesteak” Morrison (17-9) unseat Ray “All Business” Wood (5-1) to become the new NEF MMA Featherweight Champion.  The loss spoiled what was expected to be a triumphant return home for Wood.  The native of Bucksport, Maine had moved to South Carolina in 2014 to pursue his goal of competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).  Morrison was considered Wood’s toughest challenge to date, having himself competed on the national stage in Bellator and World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC).  Still, Wood was recognized as the favorite going into the bout Saturday night.  Morrison was dominant for most of the fight, out-wrestling Wood before submitting him with a guillotine choke in the fifth round to capture the belt.

 

The loss was also the sole blemish on what was otherwise a perfect night for Young’s MMA.  The Bangor, Maine-based team had won their previous eight bouts over the course of the evening, an amazing feat considering that the Young’s corners were often running back and forth from the cage to the locker room to prepare their fighters for bouts that were mere moments apart from each other.  Of particular note, the opening fight of the card featured Josh Harvey (3-1) of Young’s tearing through top-ten-ranked amateur featherweight Caleb Hall (5-2) with a technical knockout (TKO) victory a mere 36-seconds into the first round. Later, Young’s newest team member, Carl Langston (4-7), got his first win ever on Maine soil with a decision over Sheldon Bang (1-2) in a rematch of a bout Langston had lost at “NEF XIII” last year.

 

Marcus Davis’s Team Irish went 2-0 on the night with Ricky Dexter(2-0) picking up the second win of his amateur career and Rick Matthews (1-1) getting his first victory.  44-year old Matthews won a decision over Emmett Huber (0-1) while Dexter scored a big knockout on Cory Trial (0-1) in the second-round, sending Trial to a nearby hospital in the process.

 

Highlight-reel knockouts were par for the course at “NEF XVI.” Among them, UFC, Bellator and Strikeforce veteran Nah-Shon “The Rock-n-Rolla” Burrell (11-5) had already bloodied Ryan Hodge(6-10) before knocking him out in the first round of their professional middleweight contest.  The most-talked-about knockout of the evening, however, went to Caleb Farrington (2-0) of Team New England United (NEU) who dropped Brandon “The Enigma” Russell (0-1) with a single right hand just 8-seconds into the first round.  The knockout broke the all-time record of 11-seconds previously set by Buck “Knuckles” Pineau (7-4) in April 2012.

 

More history was made at “NEF XVI” when a father and not one, but two of his sons competed on the same MMA card.  Following losses by his sons, Sheldon and Steve Bang (3-3), Dr. Steve Bang(1-0), a member of Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ), entered the NEF MMA cage to a loud ovation from the crowd.  The bariatric surgeon wasted little time in going to work on his opponent, Matthew Hanning (0-1), taking him down and pounding out a victory via referee-stoppage.

 

NFL and UFC The Ultimate Fighter veteran Tyler King (8-2) successfully defended the NEF MMA Heavyweight Title in the co-main event of the night, defeating Terry “The Polar Bear” Blackburn (5-3).  King stormed into the arena with a determined fire in his eyes.  Mid-way through the first round, King took Blackburn down to the mat and worked a Kimura submission, forcing Blackburn to tap-out.  During his post-fight victory interview in the cage, King called out a slew of heavyweights and light-heavyweights including local names like Eric Bedard (6-5), as well as national stars such as Bellator’s Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal (14-4).

 

Two bouts were announced for NEF’s next MMA event, “NEF XVII,” scheduled for April 11, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee. NEF MMA Lightweight Champion Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington(10-7) faced-off in the cage with Jamie Harrison (5-1) for an interview.  Boyington will defend his title at “NEF XVII” against number-one-contender Harrison in the main event.  Jarod “Last Minute” Lawton (4-1) and Bellator veteran Dennis Olson (12-7) were also brought into the cage for an interview.  The two exciting welterweights will square off at “NEF XVII” in a bout many local observers feel could end up being a contender for “Fight of the Year” in the region.

 

The full results of “NEF XVI” in Lewiston, Maine:

 

PROFESSIONAL

 

145*TITLE Anthony Morrison def. Ray Wood (c) via guillotine, round 5 (Morrison wins title)

265*TITLE Tyler King (c) def. Terry Blackburn via Kimura, round 1 (King retains)

185 Nah-Shon Burrell def. Ryan Hodge via TKO, round 1

265 Mike Hansen def. Artie Mullen via TKO, round 1

 

 

AMATEUR

 

CATCH Aaron Lacey def. Nick Spencer via tap to rear-naked choke, round 3

CATCH Dustin Veinott def. Dave Brown via tap to armbar, round 1

145 Mike Peitersen def. Henry Clark via KO, round 3

180 Caleb Farrington def. Brandon Russell via KO, round 1

155 Ricky Dexter def. Cory Trial via KO, round 2

155 Dr. Steve Bang def. Matthew Hanning via TKO, round 1

  1. HWT Gravin Guillen def. Mladen Holman via unanimous decision

CATCH Fred Lear def. Bryant Orick via TKO, round 2

185 Frank Dellasala def. Heath Hanson via TKO, round 1

155 Jason Lachance def. Steve Bang via unanimous decision

265 Billy Leahy def. Brandon Lessard via unanimous decision

185 Nick Shea def. Jacob Cameron via TKO, round 1

CATCH Rob Kiah def. Clifford Redman via tap to rear-naked choke, round 1

135 Johnny Crafts def. Mike Crespo via tap to rear-naked choke, round 1

CATCH Jimmy Jackson def. Kris Welch via bulldog submission, round 2

205 Chris Perry def. Ruben Redman via unanimous decision

265 Ryan Glover def. Michael Freeman via TKO, round 1

140 Carl Langston def. Sheldon Bang via unanimous decision

155 Rick Matthews def. Emmett Huber via split decision

145 Josh Harvey def. Caleb Hall via TKO, round 1

 

NEF’s next MMA event, “NEF XVII,” is scheduled to take place onApril 11, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.  Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington (10-7) will defend the NEF MMA Lightweight Title against number-one contender Jamie Harrison (5-1).  In addition, Jarod “Last Minute” Lawton (4-1) meets Dennis Olson (12-7) in a welterweight contest.  Tickets for “NEF XVII” start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling The Colisee box office at207.783.2009 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 ANNOUNCES MMA RESULTS FROM LEWISTON, MAINE

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Lewiston, Maine (February 8, 2015) –New England Fights’ (NEF) latest mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event “NEF XVI,” took place Saturday night at the Ramada Conference Center in Lewiston, Maine.  A crowd of more than 2,500 was on-hand to witness the promotion’s first event of 2015.

 

In the main event of the evening, Anthony “Cheesesteak” Morrison (17-9) shocked the crowd by defeating hometown heroRay “All Business” Wood (5-1) to capture the NEF MMA Featherweight Title.  In the co-main event, Tyler King (8-2) defeated Terry “The Polar Bear” Blackburn (5-3) via submission to retain the NEF Heavyweight Title.

 

In addition, NEF announced two fights for its next event, “NEF XVII,” scheduled for April 11, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee.  On that night, NEF MMA Lightweight Champion Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington (10-7) will defend his title against the challenge of Jamie Harrison (5-1) in the main event.  Also on the card that evening will be Jarod “Last Minute” Lawton (4-1) in a professional welterweight contest against Dennis Olson (12-7).

 

The full results of “NEF XVI” in Lewiston, Maine:

 

PROFESSIONAL

 

145*TITLE Anthony Morrison def. Ray Wood (c) via guillotine, round 5 (Morrison wins title)

265*TITLE Tyler King (c) def. Terry Blackburn via Kimura, round 1 (King retains)

185 Nah-Shon Burrell def. Ryan Hodge via TKO, round 1

265 Mike Hansen def. Artie Mullen via TKO, round 1

 

 

AMATEUR

 

CATCH Aaron Lacey def. Nick Spencer via tap to rear-naked choke, round 3

CATCH Dustin Veinott def. Dave Brown via tap to armbar, round 1

145 Mike Peitersen def. Henry Clark via KO, round 3

180 Caleb Farrington def. Brandon Russell via KO, round 1

155 Ricky Dexter def. Cory Trial via KO, round 2

155 Dr. Steve Bang def. Matthew Hanning via TKO, round 1

  1. HWT Gravin Guillen def. Mladen Holman via unanimous decision

CATCH Fred Lear def. Bryant Orick via TKO, round 2

185 Frank Dellasala def. Heath Hanson via TKO, round 1

155 Jason Lachance def. Steve Bang via unanimous decision

265 Billy Leahy def. Brandon Lessard via unanimous decision

185 Nick Shea def. Jacob Cameron via TKO, round 1

CATCH Rob Kiah def. Clifford Redman via tap to rear-naked choke, round 1

135 Johnny Crafts def. Mike Crespo via tap to rear-naked choke, round 1

CATCH Jimmy Jackson def. Kris Welch via bulldog submission, round 2

205 Chris Perry def. Ruben Redman via unanimous decision

265 Ryan Glover def. Michael Freeman via TKO, round 1

140 Carl Langston def. Sheldon Bang via unanimous decision

155 Rick Matthews def. Emmett Huber via split decision

145 Josh Harvey def. Caleb Hall via TKO, round 1

 

NEF’s next MMA event, “NEF XVII,” is scheduled to take place onApril 11, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.  Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington (10-7) will defend the NEF MMA Lightweight Title against number-one contender Jamie Harrison (5-1).  In addition, Jarod “Last Minute” Lawton (4-1) meets Dennis Olson (12-7) in a welterweight contest.  Tickets for “NEF XVII” start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling The Colisee box office at207.783.2009 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

MAINE’S NEWEST FIGHT TEAM MAKING NOISE IN THE MMA CAGE

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Lewiston, Maine (February 3, 2015) –New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, presents its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event this Saturday night  at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.  The fight card, titled “NEF XVI,” will feature two members of Maine’s newest fight team, Ruthless MMA & Boxing, in amateur bouts.

 

Ruthless MMA & Boxing was founded in 2014 by veteran fighter Josh Parker (4-8).  Parker has a long history in the NEF MMA cage, having competed seven times for the fight promotion between February 2012 and November 2013.  More recently, Parker has remained out of the MMA cage to focus on his career as a professional boxer, as well as building his gym.

 

Parker opened the gym in Benton, Maine as a way of giving back to the fight community.  He sees Ruthless MMA & Boxing as a means to introduce young athletes from the area to the burgeoning world of combat sports and provide them with opportunities to compete. That includes his own sons.

 

“I’ve been thinking about starting my own gym for a while now,” said Parker.  “My first fight was almost ten years ago when my son was three.  Now he’s 13 and ready to start his own fight career, and I just had another son.  I knew it was time to build my boys a place where they can train whenever they want to.  This is a fight family.”

 

Parker introduced his first protégé, Alex Johnson (1-1), in the fall of 2014.  Johnson is coming off a win over Rick Matthews (0-1) in a brutal, back-and-forth slugfest at “NEF XV” this past November. The bout was considered by many to be the “Fight of the Night” of that card.

 

Corey Trial (0-0), another of Parker’s prospects, hopes to continue the success brought to Ruthless MMA & Boxing by his teammate Alex Johnson.  Trial makes his NEF MMA debut this Saturday night in Lewiston when he meets Ricky Dexter (1-0) of Team Irish in a lightweight contest.

 

“I’ve always dreamed of being able to punch someone in the face and not go to jail for it,” Trial stated.  “Now that I have that opportunity, you better believe someone’s getting hurt.”

 

“Our style is simple, we like to stand and bang,” Parker elaborated. “When we spar, we like to see who can hit the hardest.  Mike Tyson said it best ‘everybody’s got a plan- until they get hit.’  We want to give the fans exciting fights.  We’re looking for knockouts.

 

“The guys at Ruthless come from all walks of life- whether it was street fighting or cage fighting they all came with experience throwing fists.  They each approached me after hearing I was building a gym. Our values are simple- when you come in you leave your ego at the door.  When you’re a part of the Ruthless team, you’re expected to carry yourself as a professional- sportsmanship and respect are a must.”

 

Bryant Orick (3-5) is another Ruthless team member scheduled to make his NEF MMA debut this Saturday night.  It will not, however, be his first time in the cage.  Orick, a native of Ohio now living in Clinton, Maine, has competed in the sport for five years.  He is a veteran of eight bouts, fighting in the Buckeye State, Kansas and Indiana, to name a few states.  Orick hopes to find a home and success in NEF alongside his Ruthless MMA & Boxing teammates. At “NEF XVI” this weekend, Orick will have his work cut out for him with undefeated Fred Lear (2-0) of Young’s MMA.

 

“I’m coming out to make a name for myself at NEF,” said Orick.  “I am well-rounded and going to put on a show.  I train hard every day, have a great coach and teammates.  Nothing will surprise me in my upcoming bout.”

 

” Being a coach has taught me to slow it down and bring it back to the basics,” Parker stated.  “Fighting really is pretty simple, knock the other guy out and you win.  I demand 100% from my fighters, and I give them 100% back.  Fighting is not a hobby, it’s a lifestyle.”

 

Ruthless MMA & Boxing is located in Benton, Maine.  You can learn more about the team at their Facebook page “Ruthless MMA & Boxing.”

 

NEF’s next MMA event, “NEF XVI,” takes place this Saturday, February 7, 2015, with an all-star lineup of fights scheduled.  Ray “All Business” Wood (5-0) returns that night to defend the NEF MMA Featherweight Title against Bellator and WEC veteran Anthony “Cheesesteak” Morrison (16-9).  NFL and UFC The Ultimate Fighter veteran Tyler King (7-2) puts the NEF MMA Heavyweight Title on the line against Terry “The Polar Bear” Blackburn (5-2).  In the feature bout of the evening, UFC, Bellator and Strikeforce veteran Nah-Shon Burrell (10-5) makes his NEF MMA debut against Ryan Hodge (6-9).  Tickets 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.

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

NEF RE-SIGNS JAROD LAWTON TO MULTI-FIGHT DEAL

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Lewiston, Maine (February 2, 2015) –New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, announced earlier today that the company had re-signed Jarod “Last Minute” Lawton (4-1) to a multi-fight contract. While the exact terms of the deal were not released, NEF executives confirmed that the contract would be long-term over a course of years.

 

“I am very excited to continue to be a part of the NEF organization,” stated Lawton when reached for comment. “They have been a great supporter of my development in MMA and have done a great job building a sustainable platform for local fighters to grow and improve. I am very excited about the upcoming year with them and guarantee some great performances.”

 

“Jarod Lawton is one of the hottest prospects on the regional MMA (mixed-martial-arts) scene right now,” said NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson.  “He’s a big, strong, athletic BJJ Black Belt with very solid standup skills. We have no doubt that Jarod has next-level potential and this deal will give him the opportunities he needs to get there.”

 

Lawton, 30, holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) under Alexey Cruz, a 5th degree BJJ Black Belt under Ricardo de La Riva. Lawton is the owner and operator of Team Lawton Martial Arts – a Team New England United (NEU) affiliate located in Farmingdale, Maine.  Lawton has won his last three MMA fights in a row in the NEF MMA cage.  NEF executives anticipate that Lawton will have the first fight of his new contract this spring.

 

While Lawton’s greatest accomplishments have come on the grappling mats and the MMA cage, he proved his versatility in combat sports this past fall on the very first NEF Boxing event in Lewiston, Maine.  Lawton, in a double pro boxing debut, fought experienced amateur boxer Joel Bishop (0-0-1) to a majority draw on the judges’ scorecards.  It was a fight, however, that many in attendance felt Lawton clearly won.  NEF executives confirmed that the new agreement with Lawton would guarantee him both MMA and boxing fights with the promotion.

 

“All around, Jarod Lawton is just a great, great athlete,” said NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo.  “Matt (Peterson) and I knew it three years ago.  We’re very proud to have him back on our roster for many fights to come.”

 

NEF’s next MMA event, “NEF XVI,” takes place on February 7, 2015with an all-star lineup of fights scheduled.  Ray “All Business” Wood (5-0) returns that night to defend the NEF MMA Featherweight Title against Bellator and WEC veteran Anthony “Cheesesteak” Morrison (16-9).  NFL and UFC The Ultimate Fighterveteran Tyler King (7-2) puts the NEF MMA Heavyweight Title on the line against Terry “The Polar Bear” Blackburn (5-2).  In the feature bout of the evening, UFC, Bellator and Strikeforce veteranNah-Shon Burrell (10-5) makes his NEF MMA debut against Ryan Hodge (6-9).  Tickets start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling The Colisee box office at207.783.2009 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

PACKED HOUSE EXPECTED FOR “MOST ANTICIPATED” LEWISTON MMA EVENT TO DATE

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Lewiston, Maine (January 29, 2015) – One week from this Saturday, New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, presents its sixteenth mixed martial arts (MMA) event, “NEF XVI,” in Lewiston, Maine.  The event is scheduled to originate from the Androscoggin Bank Colisee.  The show will mark the three-year anniversary of the company’s inception.  NEF executives announced today that they were expecting one of the largest crowds ever for the wildly-popular fight promotion’s event.

 

“Our February events have always been our flagship,” said NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo.  “Coupled with the fact that this card is loaded with UFC, Bellator, NFL veterans, two title fights, and the return of Ray Wood (5-0), it’s no surprise that ticket sales have been going the way they’ve been going.”

 

Indeed, ticket sales have been at an all-time high for this event.  It is not unusual for the fight promotion to sell out their floor seats for any given show.  The sell-out, however, has always come on fight night.  The floor seats for “NEF XVI” were sold out a full 17 days prior to the event.  NEF executives give partial credit for the quick sales to the addition of complimentary waitress drink service for all cage-side ticketholders.  They did not confirm whether or not the promotion was considering adding more floor seats for the event.

 

As DiSalvo indicated, fans are clamoring for the return of Ray “All Business” Wood who will defend the NEF MMA Featherweight Title against Bellator and World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) veteranAnthony “Cheesesteak” Morrison (16-9).  This will be Wood’s first homecoming after moving from Maine to South Carolina in late-2014.

 

“I’m excited for this fight,” said Wood when reached for comment. “I have absolutely nothing to lose.  Anthony Morrison has fought some of the best fighters in the world and I have an opportunity to make a statement with this fight.  I improve my skills each time I step in the cage and I know that this showing will be no exception. I have respect for Anthony and where he’s been in this sport and I am honored to have the opportunity to fight him.”

 

Wood’s teammate at Young’s MMA, Fred Lear (2-0), will be featured on the amateur portion of the card in a catchweight bout against Bryant Orrick (3-5) from Ruthless MMA and Boxing.  The fight will be contested at 140-pounds.

 

“These people push me to be a better fighter, student, and person,” said Lear of his teammates and coaches at Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine.  “I am grateful for their presence in my life, it is something I will treasure forever. I am honored to be fighting for Young’s MMA.”

Not looking beyond his own fight, Lear points out three exciting matchups his teammates Josh Harvey (2-1), Mike Peitersen (1-0) and Aaron Lacey (4-1) will contest against members of the Choi Institute of Portland, Maine.

 

“Leading up to ‘NEF XVI,’ I can’t help but highlight our matchups with Choi’s,” Lear continued.  “Nick Spencer [Lacey’s opponent (7-4)] is dangerous everywhere, Henry Clark [Peitersen’s opponent (1-0)] is coming off of an impressive debut, and I’ve known Caleb[Hall – Harvey’s opponent (5-1)] since high school and there is no doubt about his grit and talent. The atmosphere at the Colisee will be electrifying as six high-caliber fighters look to leave their mark.”

 

Hall and Harvey are set to open the show in a featherweight bout at 7:00 pm sharp.  Hall has competed on six previous NEF MMA events, and he has definitely noticed an increased excitement from fans leading into “NEF XVI.”

 

“The anticipation is at an all time high because of all the good match ups on the card,” noted Hall.  “On February 7th, I’m expecting it to be the most exciting night yet.”

 

Having fought for smaller promotions in the past, Harvey is clear that the size of the crowd does not matter to him.  He will bring his A-game to the cage whether the fight be under the big lights in a world-famous arena like the Androscoggin Bank Colisee or held in a tiny, poorly-lit room with a few chairs set up around a cage.

 

“Personally it doesn’t matter who or how many people are watching,” stated Harvey.  “I’m going to put on a show whether there are 20 people or 20,000.  I love to entertain.  After Caleb hooks on to me he’ll know he’s been in a fight.”

 

Jason Lachance (0-1) from MMA Athletix in Bath, Maine is scheduled to meet Steven Bang (3-2) of Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Auburn, Maine at “NEF XVI.”  Lachance credits the level of talent on the NEF roster with bringing in large crowds like the crowd expected on February 7.

 

“NEF has a lot of talent on this night of fights, as they always do,” said Lachance.  “I expect nothing less than an exciting night for the fans.  The support from our fans means everything, and my fellow fighters and I come ready to throw down and send everyone home with even more anticipation for the next event.  God has blessed us with another opportunity to do what we love to do in front of so many.”

 

Billy “Bigfoot” Leahy (1-1) will also see action at “NEF XVI” when he steps into the cage to face debuting independent fighterBrandon Lessard (0-0) in a heavyweight bout.  Leahy got the first win of his MMA career this past September at “NEF XIV” before some 2,000-plus fans at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee.  As such, he is familiar with the feeling that comes from performing for a massive, ravenous fight crowd.

 

“I’m expecting a great night of fights,” exclaimed Leahy.  “I am honored to be on such a great card.  The NEF fans are like no other, and I can’t wait to put on a great show in front of my family, friends and fans.”

 

NEF’s next MMA event, “NEF XVI,” takes place on February 7, 2015with an all-star lineup of fights scheduled.  Ray “All Business” Wood (5-0) returns that night to defend the NEF MMA Featherweight Title against Bellator and WEC veteran Anthony “Cheesesteak” Morrison (16-9).  NFL and UFC The Ultimate Fighterveteran Tyler King (7-2) puts the NEF MMA Heavyweight Title on the line against Terry “The Polar Bear” Blackburn (5-2).  In the feature bout of the evening, UFC, Bellator and Strikeforce veteranNah-Shon Burrell (10-5) makes his NEF MMA debut against Ryan Hodge (6-9).  Tickets start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling The Colisee box office at207.783.2009 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.