Category Archives: New England Fights

SANDERS AND BOHN WILL BATTLE FOR THE GOLD IN PORTLAND

 

 

Portland, Maine (October 11, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) will hold its final mixed-martial-arts event of 2018, “NEF 36: Battle for the Gold,” on Saturday, November 17 at Aura in Portland, Maine. Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of a professional lightweight championship bout to the card.  “The” Ryan Sanders (17-9) is scheduled to defend the NEF Professional Lightweight Title against Jacob “Jaguar” Bohn (7-5).

 

 

 

It is only fitting that the lightweight championship will be defended at the top of the card titled “Battle for the Gold.”  The NEF 155-pound strap is the most-coveted in all of New England.  It has been known as the jumping off point for many athletes from the regional scene onto the national level of the sport.  Current UFC competitor Devin Powell (9-3) held the title just prior to signing with the world’s biggest MMA promotion.  Desmond “The Predator” Green (21-8), also currently on the UFC roster, signed with Bellator just days after winning the NEF lightweight belt in 2013.  And Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington (16-11), another of the NEF 155-pound titleholders, went on to compete nationally for the World Series of Fighting.

 

 

 

Despite holding such a prestigious regional championship, the fight opportunities at lightweight for Ryan Sanders have been few and far between.  To say it has been frustrating for him and his coaches at Young’s MMA would be a major understatement.  Sanders has called out virtually every top 155-pound competitor in the New England region, but none have been brave enough to step in the cage with him.  Even the casual observer cannot really blame them.  Sanders literally tore current Glory Kickboxing signee Vince McGuiness’ (5-8) arm out of its socket earlier this year at “NEF 34” and then followed-up that performance with a dominant submission win over Mando Montoya (10-7) at “NEF 35” last month. 

 

 

 

“I was sitting around, eating my feelings because I was convinced that there was no one that would fight me,” said Sanders. “But (NEF owners) Nick (DiSalvo) and Matt (Peterson) went out of New England where I assume there are less cowards and found a quality opponent in Jacob. I look forward to methodically breaking Jacob, showing my ever improving skill set and defending my lightweight belt. I have the mindset and work ethic to be the greatest fighter that has ever come out of Maine and on November 17, I will show why I am ready for the next level.”

 

 

 

Jacob Bohn, based out of Waterville, New York, is coming off two big wins in lightweight bouts earlier this year.  He defeated longtime veteran Kenny Foster (12-13) via split decision on a card in Long Island, New York.  Bohn went on to submit Lewis Corapi (8-4) in the first round of a bout in Rhode Island this past summer. 

 

 

 

“I’m excited to visit Maine and can’t wait to make my NEF debut against Ryan Sanders for the lightweight belt,” stated Bohn when reached for comment. “I only take fights that I think will take me to the next level, and Sanders looks like a game opponent. Get ready for a show New England, I’m coming for that strap!”

 

 

 

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 36: Battle for the Gold,” will see the company make its return to Aura in Portland, Maine.  The event is scheduled to take place Saturday, November 17, 2018 with a bell time of 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now at www.AuraMaine.com.

 

 

 

About New England Fights

 

 

 

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

MATT PROBIN TO MAKE LONG-AWAITED NEF DEBUT ON NOVEMBER 17 CARD

Portland, Maine (October 4, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) will hold its final mixed-martial-arts event of 2018, “NEF 36: Battle for the Gold,” on Saturday, November 17 at Aura in Portland, Maine. Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of a professional featherweight bout to the card.  Matt “The Pugilist” Probin (2-0) will take on Lionel “Boogz” Young (7-15) at a fight weight of 145-pounds.

 

 

 

Despite several previous attempts that fell out due to injury, Blackpool, England-native and current Maine resident Matt Probin has yet to compete on an NEF card.  Probin has fought all over the world in numerous combat sports disciplines, including competing in Muay Thai in Thailand and boxing in Boston, Massachusetts.  In recent months, he has scored back-to-back first-round knockout wins in Vermont MMA bouts.  Probin currently trains with Recon Fitness in Westbrook, Maine.

 

 

 

“It’s about bloody time,” exclaimed Probin when reached for comment.  “It’s been a long journey with many hurdles to get me on an NEF card. But it’s here, it’s happening, and I’m pumped about it to finally be fighting in my own back yard. I’m glad family, friends, fans and sponsors will finally be able to watch me fight live, and this is going to be a great fight and match up. I’m fighting a crafty vet who has fought the top talent in New England. And this will be no different. I respect his game, but it’s my time. I feel unstoppable at the moment with Team Recon behind me. I’m coming prepared. Don’t miss it!”

 

 

 

Lionel Young is a longtime veteran of the New England cage wars.  He has just entered his tenth year as an MMA competitor.  And while Young’s record might look like that of a journeyman, he has faced some of the top talent the region has to offer, including the likes of current 11th-ranked UFC bantamweight Rob Font (15-4).  Like Probin, Young has spent his fair share of time as a professional in the boxing ring – a veteran of seven bouts.  Hailing from the fighting city of Brockton, Massachusetts – home of legendary boxing world champions Rocky Marciano and Marvin Hagler – Young currently trains with Redline Fight Sports in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

 

 

 

“I’m happy to get this chance to showcase my talent,” said Young.  “I have angels watching over me, so I have to give them an out-of-this-world show. I tribute this to my uncle and brother that recently passed. I go to war for them and my family and my fight family.”

 

 

 

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 36: Battle for the Gold,” will see the company make its return to Aura in Portland, Maine.  The event is scheduled to take place Saturday, November 17, 2018 with a bell time of 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now at www.AuraMaine.com.

LIGHTWEIGHT PROSPECT LOOKS TO REBOUND AGAINST PURPLE BELT

Portland, Maine (September 27, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) will hold its final mixed-martial-arts event of 2018, “NEF 36: Battle for the Gold,” on Saturday, November 17 at Aura in Portland, Maine. Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of an amateur lightweight fight to the card.  Mohammad Al Kinani (4-1) is scheduled to face Jamie Sprague (0-0) at a fight weight of 155-pounds.

 

 

 

Mohammad Al Kinani will look to rebound from the first loss of his amateur career against Ramano Medina (5-0) last summer in New Hampshire.  Prior to that time, Al Kinani had won the first four fights of his career, the most recent three emphatically by first-round knockout.  He is a perfect 2-0 in the NEF cage.  Al Kinani is a member of Evolution Athletix, a team housed in a brand new, state-of-the-art training facility opened earlier this year just off Route 1 in Saco, Maine.

 

 

 

“Jamie is definitely dangerous, but I always go in there knowing my opponent is dangerous,” Al Kinani stated.  “I’d like to think I am too. More than ever. I’m feeling extremely sharp and I know I can bring in all the heat to that cage. Sprague has been training for a long time under one of the best schools in the area and probably thinks I’m an easy win, but I have been training and putting in more work than ever with the best of the best to come back from a first recent loss. He will understand the pressure of being locked up in there with me. I’m ready to shock everyone November 17th.”

 

 

 

Despite his lack of cage competition experience, Jamie Sprague is no newcomer to the combat sports world.  As Al Kinani indicated, Sprague has trained for some time in the martial arts.  He holds a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and is a member of Nostos MMA based in Somersworth, New Hampshire under current UFC competitor, and former NEF Pro Lightweight Champion, Devin Powell (9-3).

 

 

 

“Mo’s a tough guy,” said Sprague, “no doubt about that. But with all due respect, I want to make a statement. I want his neck.”

 

 

 

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 36: Battle for the Gold,” will see the company make its return to Aura in Portland, Maine.  The event is scheduled to take place Saturday, November 17, 2018 with a bell time of 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now at www.AuraMaine.com.

 

 

 

About New England Fights

 

 

 

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

 

DEPPMEYER AND RICHARD TO COLLIDE AT NEF 36 IN PORTLAND, MAINE

 

 

Portland, Maine (September 18, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) will hold its final mixed-martial-arts event of 2018, “NEF 36: Battle for the Gold,” on Saturday, November 17 at Aura in Portland, Maine. Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of an amateur catchweight bout to the card.  Jacob Deppmeyer (1-1-1) will face Zac Richard (2-0) at a fight weight of 140-pounds.

 

 

 

Jacob Deppmeyer is coming off a “fight of the night” performance earlier this month at “NEF 35” in Bangor, Maine.  Deppmeyer went the distance with Taylor Bartlett (1-1-1) in a back-and-forth war that was ultimately ruled a draw on the judges’ scorecards.  That bout marked Deppmeyer’s return to the cage after more than a year off from competition.  He defeated Glenn Kasabian (2-3) via first-round technical knockout at “NEF 28” in the spring of 2017.  Deppmeyer trains with First Class MMA based in Brunswick, Maine.

 

 

 

“Zac looks like a tough guy, fast with good pressure,” said Deppmeyer.  “I don’t know much more about him, but I know I will train hard with my team, as I’m sure he will, and we will have some good fun in the cage come November 17!”

 

 

 

Undefeated Zac Richard has been one of the emerging stories of the 2018 NEF season.  Richard has won both of his previous bouts this year by first-round technical knockout.  A win over Deppmeyer would put Richard in serious contention for “Rookie of the Year” honors at the close of 2018.  Richard is a native of Waterboro, Maine where he wrestled for Massabesic High School.  He won a Class-A state championship in wrestling in 2015.  He currently trains at Nostos MMA in Somersworth, New Hampshire under former NEF Professional Lightweight Champion, and current UFC competitor, Devin Powell (9-3).

 

 

 

“I can’t wait to get back in the NEF cage in Portland, close to home for my family and friends,” said Richard.  “Fighting in NEF has helped me find new purpose in my life – it’s taken me back to my wrestling roots and given me a competitive outlet to continue testing my skills. This fight is the day after the anniversary of my sister’s passing, so it’s a very meaningful date for me. I’m excited to get out there and notch my third win on November 17th in honor of her memory.”

 

 

 

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 36: Battle for the Gold,” will see the company make its return to Aura in Portland, Maine.  The event is scheduled to take place Saturday, November 17, 2018 with a bell time of 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now at www.AuraMaine.com.

TOP BANTAMWEIGHT CONTENDERS TO SQUARE OFF AT NEF 36 IN PORTLAND, MAINE

Portland, Maine (September 17, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) will hold its final mixed-martial-arts event of 2018, “NEF 36: Battle for the Gold,” on Saturday, November 17 at Aura in Portland, Maine. Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of an amateur bantamweight bout to the card.  Henry Clark (4-4) is scheduled to meet Killian Murphy (1-1) in a battle of top contenders to the promotion’s 135-pound amateur title.

Henry Clark is a member of the Choi Institute based in Portland.  After starting his amateur career at 3-1, Clark would lose his next three in a row.  He would bounce back this past June with a first-round submission of Jack Greene (2-6) via D’Arce choke at “NEF 34” in Portland.  It was a return to form as Clark had picked up all three of his previous wins by submission – all various forms of chokeholds.  He previously challenged for the amateur bantamweight title in early 2016 in a losing effort to Johnny Crafts (4-1).

“I’m hyped about this fight with Killian,” said Clark.  “He’s as game as they come, but he is nowhere near ready for me. I’ll smash him up, and then next I’ll take that belt and put it around my waist with my own hands. This is my time to shine.”

Killian Murphy is a former Maine state wrestling champion.  He captured a title for Marshwood High School in Elliott in 2015.  Murphy made his amateur MMA debut earlier this year at “NEF 33” in Portland with a technical knockout of Krishna Scott (0-1).  Like Clark, he would also make an unsuccessful bid for the amateur bantamweight title.  Murphy lost to current champion Kam Arnold at “NEF 34” in a hard-fought battle that will certainly be a contender for “Fight of the Year” at the end of 2018.  He trains with Nostos MMA of Somersworth, New Hampshire under former NEF Professional Lightweight Champion, and current UFC fighter, Devin Powell (9-3).

“I’m excited to fight Henry,” said Murphy. “Beating Henry gives me another shot at the title – and winning that belt has always been my goal.”

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 36: Battle for the Gold,” will see the company make its return to Aura in Portland, Maine.  The event is scheduled to take place Saturday, November 17, 2018 with a bell time of 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now at www.AuraMaine.com.

LACEY AND JONES TO VIE FOR FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE AT NEF 36

Portland, Maine (September 13, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) will hold its final mixed-martial-arts event of 2018, “NEF 36: Battle for the Gold,” on Saturday, November 17 at Aura in Portland, Maine. Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of a professional featherweight title fight to the card. Aaron “Relentless” Lacey (6-2) is scheduled to meet Bill Jones (13-10) for the vacant NEF Professional Featherweight Championship.

Lacey is coming off one of the biggest wins of his professional career to date. Last weekend at “NEF 35” before his hometown fans in Bangor, Maine, Lacey submitted Jon Lemke (7-9) just under two minutes into the first round. It was a rebound win for Lacey who lost a decision to a very tough Da’Mon Blackshear (5-2) earlier this summer in Portland. At “NEF 36,” Lacey will look to capture gold in the promotion for the second time – he won the NEF Amateur Featherweight Title at “NEF 20” in November 2015 in what would be his final amateur fight. Lacey is a member of Young’s MMA based in Bangor.

“I’m excited to be fighting for this strap,” exclaimed Lacey. “I was NEF’s first amateur 145-pound champion and I look forward to being one of the first people to hold amateur and professional belts for New England Fights! I have a very formidable and experienced opponent, but this belt has been calling my name for a long time and I am going to take what I have worked for all along!”

Bill Jones is one of the pioneers of the New England MMA scene, having competed in the region since 2007. He holds wins over some of the top fighters ever to come out of the area such as UFC veteran Tateki Matsuda (13-9) and current UFC competitor Matt Bessette (22-9). Jones has competed at the national level for the World Series of Fighting (WSOF). Like Lacey, he also holds a first-round submission of Jon Lemke to his credit. At “NEF 33″ in Portland last spring, Jones was victorious over Matt Denning (5-8) via technical knockout in the second round. He is currently a member of Nostos MMA in Somersworth, New Hampshire.

“I’m at my most dangerous when I’m focused—and you best believe that I’ll be bringing a whole new level of commitment to my camp with the NEF Featherweight title on the line, a belt that I’ve had my eyes on for a long, long time,” stated Jones. “I have a lot left in the tank and I’m out to prove in this fight that I’m no journeyman—I’m hard work for anyone that wants some. I can’t wait to be back in the NEF cage and put on a show for everyone!”

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 36: Battle for the Gold,” will see the company make its return to Aura in Portland, Maine. The event is scheduled to take place Saturday, November 17, 2018 with a bell time of 7 pm. Tickets are on sale now at www.AuraMaine.com.

SECOND WOMEN’S FIGHT ANNOUNCED FOR NEF 36 IN PORTLAND, MAINE

Portland, Maine (September 12, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) will hold its final mixed-martial-arts event of 2018, “NEF 36: Battle for the Gold,” on Saturday, November 17 at Aura in Portland, Maine. Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of an amateur women’s flyweight fight to the card. B.J. Garceau (1-0) is scheduled to face Chelsea Tucker (0-3) at a fight weight of 125-pounds.

B.J. Garceau made national headlines earlier this year as she prepared for her in-cage debut with NEF. Diagnosed with Type-1 juvenile diabetes in 1993, Garceau became an inspiration to those within the diabetic community looking to practice the martial arts. At “NEF 32” last February, she went the distance with Sarah Ziehm (1-2) in a back-and-forth contest, ultimately picking up the win via split-decision on the judges’ scorecards. Garceau is a member of Young’s MMA based in Bangor, Maine.

“When Coach (Chris) Young asked me if I was free November 17th, I thought he wanted me to be the water girl for the guys on the card,” Garceau quipped. “I say this jokingly, but we’ve had some struggles finding match ups for the Young’s WMMA (women’s mixed-martial-arts) team in the past. Me and my girls are hungry to fight. So when he asked if I’d fight Chelsea, who is a warrior that doesn’t back down from anything, of course my answer was ‘yes.’ I adore Chelsea and am ready to put on a hell of a show for the fans, my team and the beautiful city of Portland, Maine this November.”

The casual observer should not let Chelsea Tucker’s record fool them. Scrappy, talented and full of heart, Tucker has come to fight each time she has stepped in the cage. She has appeared four times in the NEF cage, including a non-sanctioned grappling match with Carol Linn Powell that went to a draw last April in Portland. Tucker proudly serves her country as a culinary specialist with the United States Coast Guard stationed in Boothbay, Maine. She trains with First Class MMA in Brunswick, Maine.

“I am very excited to step back into the cage,” said Tucker. “I look forward to fighting B.J. This is going to be a great fight, and I look forward to representing my gym and my skill set again in the NEF cage.”

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 36: Battle for the Gold,” will see the company make its return to Aura in Portland, Maine. The event is scheduled to take place Saturday, November 17, 2018 with a bell time of 7 pm. Tickets are on sale now at www.AuraMaine.com.

WOMEN’S FIGHT IS FIRST ANNOUNCED FOR NEF 36 IN PORTLAND, MAINE

 

 

 

Portland, Maine (September 10, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) will hold its final mixed-martial-arts event of 2018, “NEF 36: Battle for the Gold,” on Saturday, November 17 at Aura in Portland, Maine. Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the first fight scheduled for the event.  Catie Denning (1-0) will take on Taylor Thompson (2-0) in an amateur women’s bantamweight contest.

 

 

 

Catie Denning made her amateur MMA debut last February at “NEF 32” in Lewiston, Maine.  She dominated Chelsea Tucker (0-3) for three rounds on her way to a unanimous decision victory on the judges’ scorecards.  Denning is a member of Young’s MMA based in Bangor, Maine where she will once again train for her sophomore cage bout.

 

 

 

“I’m excited to step back into the cage,” said Denning.  “It’s been far too long and I’m hungrier than ever. I fully understand I’m stepping up to take on a tough opponent, but I’m up for the challenge and hope I can showcase all of my hard work since my amateur debut back in February.”

 

 

 

Denning’s opponent, Taylor Thompson, will be making her NEF debut on November 17, but she is no stranger to the New England MMA scene.  Thompson is undefeated with two fights under her belt in Massachusetts.  Both wins came by way of stoppage, including a first-round submission of Tiffany McCoy (2-2) last January.  Thompson trains with BST MMA & Fitness based in Mendon, Massachusetts.

 

 

 

“I am very excited to be able to fight Catie Denning of Young’s MMA on November 17 at the beautiful Aura arena in Portland, Maine,” said Thompson when reached for comment.  “She trains with tough people at a well-respected gym, and I am so grateful that she and I will have the opportunity to throw down for the fantastic fight fans of Maine. I have wanted to fight for NEF ever since I met Coach Eddie (Benjamin) and his team at Titan Athletics in Bangor and heard about the amazing fight scene that exists in Maine. I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

 

 

 

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 36: Battle for the Gold,” will see the company make its return to Aura in Portland, Maine.  The event is scheduled to take place Saturday, November 17, 2018 with a bell time of 7 pm.  The ticket pre-sale is happening now at www.AuraMaine.com with promo code “NEF.”  Tickets will be on-sale to the general public on Monday, September 10 at 9:00 a.m. EDT.

NEF SELLS OUT BANGOR FOR THIRD STRAIGHT YEAR WITH WILD MMA CARD

 

 

Bangor, Maine (September 9, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) held its latest mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 35: Wicked Season,” on Saturday night at Cross Insurance Center in Bangor.  It was the third time in as many years that the fight promotion visited the Queen City and sold out the venue.

 

 

 

 

 

The main event featured a bout hailed as the “Battle of Bangor” as popular locals Aaron “Relentless” Lacey (6-2) and Jon Lemke (7-9) squared off.  Lacey submitted Lemke in the first round with a rear-naked choke.

 

 

 

 

 

Hometown favorite “The” Ryan Sanders (17-9) took on Mando “Big Chino” Montoya (10-7) in the co-main event.  At the 4:10 mark of the first round, Sanders, the reigning NEF Professional Lightweight Champion, forced Montoya to tap to a guillotine choke.

 

 

 

 

 

It was a successful night for the Choi Institute of Portland, Maine as Caleb Hall (2-0) and Ernesto Ornelas (4-7) were both victorious via stoppages in their respective bouts.

 

 

 

 

 

In the amateur headliner, Maine Amateur Wrestling Hall of Famer, 54-year-old Pat Kelly (4-1) put his lightweight title on the line against Massachusetts’ Ed Forlenza (3-2) in what Kelly vowed would be his final MMA fight.  Forlenza was able to score a technical knockout via referee stoppage due to strikes to capture the title.  After the fight, Kelly gave an impassioned speech, thanking his coaches at Young’s MMA in Bangor as the capacity crowd gave him a standing ovation.

 

 

 

Nostos MMA also shined on the amateur portion of the card.  The Somersworth, New Hampshire-based team went 2-0 as Zac Richard (2-0) and Andrew Brown (1-0) picked up wins under the guidance of Nostos head coach, and current UFC fighter, Devin Powell.

 

 

 

NEF announced its return to Portland, scheduled to take place at Aura on Saturday, November 17.  The event is titled “NEF 36: Battle for the Gold.”  It will be the final NEF event of 2018.

 

 

 

The full results of from Bangor, Maine:

 

 

 

PROFESSIONAL MMA

 

 

 

Jon Lemke def. Aaron Lacey via rear-naked choke submission, round 1

Ryan Sanders def. Armando Montoya via guillotine choke submission, round 1

Caleb Hall def. CJ Ewer via D’Arce choke submission, round 1

Josh Harvey def. Jay Ellis via triangle choke submission, round 1

Ernesto Ornelas def. Zenon Herrera via guillotine choke submission, round 3

 

 

 

AMATEUR MMA

 

 

 

Ed Forlenza def. Pat Kelly via TKO, round 1

Christian Barrett def. David Hart via TKO, round 1

Zac Richard def. Clifford Redman via TKO, round 1

Taylor Bartlett fought Jacob Deppmeyer to a draw

Shawn Costigan def. David Hills via TKO, round 1

Jordan Young def. Joe Howard via rear-naked choke submission, round 2

Andrew Brown def. Chris Lachcik via armbar submission, round 1

 

 

 

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 36: Battle for the Gold,” will see the company make its return to Aura in Portland, Maine.  The event is scheduled to take place Saturday, November 17, 2018 with a bell time of 7 pm.  The ticket pre-sale is happening now at www.AuraMaine.com with promo code “NEF.”  Tickets will be on-sale to the general public on Monday, September 10 at 9:00 a.m. EDT.

CALEB HALL TAKES NO SHORTCUTS IN MIXED-MARTIAL-ARTS CAREER

Bangor, Maine (September 3, 2018) – There’s no evidence that Easy Street exists in the world of professional mixed-martial-arts.

 

 

 

If it did, it’s safe to say Caleb Hall wouldn’t be able to find it, even if he were furnished the most precise global positioning system and the unlimited kindness of strangers.

 

 

 

Hall is wired to fight hard, fight often, and fight against the best available competition to give himself an accurate barometer of where he stands in the sport.

 

 

 

That won’t change this Saturday, September 8th, when he takes on C.J. Ewer in a lightweight bout at New England Fights 35: “Wicked Season.” The card will take place at Cross Insurance Center in Bangor with an opening bell time of 7 p.m.

 

 

 

Hall, 24, a multi-time state champion wrestler during his career at Dirigo High School, isn’t bothered that he’ll be taking on a hometown hero who has been a titleholder for the regional promotion. It seems he subscribes to pro wrestling legend Ric Flair’s mantra: To be the man, you’ve got to beat the man.

 

 

 

“Whoever they offer and put in front of me is who I’m going to take on,” Hall said. “It doesn’t matter to me. It’s a big fight and it’s in his hometown. That definitely makes it more interesting.”

 

 

 

The fight is a natural pairing for two of Maine’s top pros. Each is eager to get back into the NEF hexagon, for opposite reasons, after their results earlier this year.

 

 

 

Hall handled John Ortolani, a wily veteran with main-event experience on his 20-fight ledger, in an impressive April pro debut. His game well developed from a double-digit total of amateur scraps, Hall earned a submission via the rarity of a Von Flue choke at 2:16 of the opening round.

 

 

 

Two months earlier, Ewer sustained his first loss in the pro cage by kneebar against Kemran Lachinov. He’s tough on home turf, however, as evidenced by a stoppage of Rumford’s Mike Hansen last summer.

 

 

 

“We have similar styles and similar games,” Hall said, “I try not to think about my opponent too much and just try to fight my fight. He’s a tough matchup no matter who he’s in there against.”

 

 

 

Since making his debut only a month after he crossed the legal age threshold of 18, Hall has carved out a reputation as a relentless, crowd-pleasing competitor who isn’t picky about his opponents.

 

 

 

That’s made life easier for NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson, who can always count on Hall being ready for prime time near the top of the bill.

 

 

 

“Caleb reminds me a lot of Devin Powell, our former lightweight champion. Devin most recently won in the UFC, the largest fight promotion on the planet,” Peterson said. “Devin got to where he is through good, old-fashioned diligence – desire, dedication, discipline and hard work. Caleb’s approach mirrors Devin’s. He’s not looking for the easy path to get where he wants to go.”

 

 

 

Everything else about Hall’s progression in the sport has been measured conservatively.

He toiled in the amateur ranks for more than five years, wanting to make sure that his acumen was developed and his repertoire well-balanced.

 

 

 

“I think I’m pretty well-rounded in every area,” Hall said, “My wrestling is still probably the strongest part of my game, but everything else is starting to catch up, like my submissions and my striking.”

 

 

 

Hall never budged from his amateur weight of 145 until moving up to 155 – historically NEF’s deepest and toughest pro division – for his shot at Ortolani.

 

 

 

He and Ewer are now jockeying for position in a class that provided great success for the likes of Powell, Bruce Boyington, Ryan Sanders, Jon Lemke and Jesse Erickson. Advancing to that fray would have been foolhardy if Hall hadn’t done things the right way physically and nutritionally.

 

 

 

“For me it’s been more about training and putting it on the right way. It wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. I could still make 145, but this is a lot better for my body,” Hall said. “I was in the same weight class from the time I entered the sport when I was 18. It was a lot of weight cuts, but I was coming right out of high school wrestling where that was all part of it.”

 

 

 

When he fought at 145, Hall said his day-to-day weight when not in training was just shy of 170 pounds. He can now comfortably carry 175 to 180 between bouts. Less last-minute dehydration is necessary to reach the lightweight limit.

 

 

 

“He’s on the treadmill every day. He’s logging his training hours with commitment and focus,” Peterson said. “He’s living the lifestyle. It’s guys like Caleb that really get me excited about the sport, because they show us the best stuff that human beings are made of, and they give us a glimpse of what we’re capable of as people. If Caleb Hall hits the heights that he’s set for himself – and I’m confident that he will get there – it will be because he earned it the entire way.”

 

 

 

Hall appreciates the perception that his fight with Ewer is a big one in the NEF title picture and beyond, but as always he is eager to steer clear of the hype.

 

 

 

“I had a lot of confidence going in (against Ortolani), and that hasn’t changed,” Hall said. “I see every fight as your biggest fight, anyway. That’s just how I try to approach it. This sport has a small window.”

 

 

 

Three five-minute rounds aren’t much time in the grand scheme, either, although it’s a grueling grind when two action fighters such as Hall and Ewer are going at it.

 

 

 

Despite their first-round finishes last time around, Hall won’t be surprised to see this one venture closer to the advertised distance.

 

 

 

“We’ll see what happens. I don’t go in there thinking I’m going to take him out,” Hall said. “I expect it to be a war. It’ll probably go deep into the second and third rounds, and we’ll see who swims.”

 

 

 

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 35: Wicked Season,” will see the company make its return to the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine.  The event is scheduled to take place this Saturday, September 8, 2018 with a bell time of 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now at www.CrossInsuranceCenter.com.