Category Archives: New England Fights

FIRST WOMEN’S MMA BOUT ANNOUNCED FOR PORTLAND FIGHT CARD

 

 

Portland, Maine (April 24, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to Aura in Portland, Maine with its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 34: Home of the Brave,” on Saturday night, June 16, 2018 Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of an amateur women’s bantamweight bout to the card.  Brianne Genschel (0-1) will return to take on Amanda Gallo (1-1) at a fight weight of 135-pounds.

 

 

 

Genschel made her MMA debut at “NEF 26” in the fall of 2016 in a losing effort to a much more experienced Jessica Borga who already had five amateur fights to her credit.  Despite the disadvantage in cage experience, Genschel held her own for a full three rounds and forced Borga to the judges’ scorecards.  Genschel is the owner and operator of the Farmington branch of The Foundry Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) school.  She has practiced BJJ for more than a decade and holds a black belt in the martial art.  Genschel is also a member of First Class MMA based in Brunswick, Maine.

 

 

 

“I’m really excited to get back in the cage,” said Genschel. “I have a feeling Amanda Gallo will be a great opponent, and certainly won’t make this an easy fight. I’m up for the challenge, and definitely respect anyone who puts in the time and dedication it takes to get out there. Thank you to Amanda for committing to this fight, and I plan to leave it all in the cage putting on a good show in the process!”

 

 

 

Amanda Gallo, like Genschel, is a one-fight veteran of the NEF cage.  In February of this year, she stunned the Maine fight community by handing top-prospect Jayda Bailey (1-1) her first loss in dominant fashion.  Gallo will make her second trip to Maine to fight on June 16 from her home state of Florida where she trains at the Tampa branch of Robson Moura Nations United (RMNU).

 

 

 

“Thank you to NEF for allowing me to fight for them again,” said Gallo. “I had a lot of fun fighting Jayda at NEF 32 – she was a tough opponent. I’m sure Brianne will also be a fun match. I’m looking forward to putting on a good show for Maine and hopefully bringing home another win to Florida.”

 

 

 

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 34: Home of the Brave,” will take place at Aura in Portland, Maine on Saturday, June 16, 2018.  Tickets are on-sale now online at www.AuraMaine.com.

LIGHT-HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT IN PORTLAND WILL FEATURE THE RETURN OF MAINE MMA FAN-FAVORITES

Portland, Maine (April 23, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to Aura in Portland, Maine with its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 34: Home of the Brave,” on Saturday night, June 16, 2018.  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of a professional light-heavyweight bout to the card.  Mike “The Mustache” Hansen (5-9) is scheduled to meet Buck “Knuckles” Pineau (1-5) at a fight weight of 205-pounds.

Mike Hansen, a veteran combat engineer with the US Army and former state wrestling champion out of Mountain Valley High School in Rumford, Maine, will look to get back on the winning track after five straight losses in the MMA cage.  His last victory was in the fall of 2016 when Hansen handed Matt Andrikut (2-1) his first taste of defeat as a professional.  He is determined to snap his losing streak on June 16 in Portland against Pineau.  Hansen is a founding member of Berserkers MMA based in Rumford.

“I’m excited to get back in the cage,” said Hansen. “I had to take some time off to let some injuries heal and coach the wrestling team. Now that that’s done, it’s time to get back at it. I’m happy to fight a guy like Buck. I know we have both been on a rough patch and lost some fights, but by the end of the night on June 16th, someone’s losing streak will end. I’m going to make sure I leave with a win in June.”

On June 16 it will have been 45 months – nearly four years – since Buck Pineau last competed in the NEF cage.  Pineau was a staple on early NEF cards.  From the company’s inception in February 2012 until “NEF 14” in September 2014, Pineau fought on a total of eight NEF events.  At “NEF 9” in Biddeford, Maine, he fought in what is regarded as one of the most memorable bouts in the promotion’s history, tearing ligaments in his knee early in the fight but still pulling out a unanimous decision victory over Isaiah Queen (2-4).  Despite staying active in recent years outside of Maine, Pineau has never competed in the NEF cage as a professional.  He has lost his last four-in-a-row, and like Hansen, is looking to get back on track with a much-needed win at “NEF 34.”  Pineau is currently a member of First Class MMA based in Topsham, Maine.

“I am very excited and for this opportunity to step back into the NEF cage and put on a show,” exclaimed Pineau when reached for comment. “I’ve had a lot of memorable fights with NEF, and I’m looking to make this another one! I’ve seen the majority of Mike’s fights. I know he’s a rugged guy who always brings it, so I’m extra excited to get in there and spill some blood together. As usual, I will be looking to keep the distance and let these hands and feet go! This is going to be a good fight!”

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 34: Home of the Brave,” will take place at Aura in Portland, Maine on Saturday, June 16, 2018.  Tickets are on-sale now online at www.AuraMaine.com.

LACEY LOOKS TO SHOWCASE SKILLS AT NEF 34 IN PORTLAND

Portland, Maine (April 18, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to Aura in Portland, Maine with its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 34: Home of the Brave,” on Saturday night, June 16, 2018.  Earlier today, the fight promotion officially announced a professional featherweight bout for the card.  Aaron “Relentless” Lacey (5-1) is scheduled to face Da’Mon “The Diamond” Blackshear (4-1).

After suffering the first loss of his professional career in late 2017 – a doctor stoppage due to a cut on his head during a bout in New Hampshire – Lacey bounced back this past February with a big victory at “NEF 32” in Lewiston, Maine.  He came out aggressive in the first round against veteran Josh Parker (6-10), forcing Parker to tap late in the first-round to a rear-naked choke. And while it certainly was an impressive win for the 2016 NEF Fighter of the Year and product of Young’s MMA, Lacey felt that he had more to showcase for his fans.  He will get the opportunity again on June 16 against Blackshear.

“It’s time once again to do what I love in front of the fans that I love,” said Lacey. “My last fight was really quick, and I didn’t get to showcase what I have been working on. Although I’m always going for the finish, I will be looking to put on an entertaining show that fans will not soon forget!”

Based out of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Da’Mon Blackshear began his MMA career in the fall of 2014.  He put together a stellar amateur record of 7-1, capturing two championships in the southeastern region of the country.  Upon turning professional, Blackshear, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt, has taken three of his four pro victories by way of submission.  He has earned gold in numerous submission-only grappling events, regularly defeating black belts and larger opponents.  Blackshear serves as a coach of Team R.O.C. in Fayetteville.

“I’m ready,” exclaimed Blackshear when reached for comment.  “June 16th it’s going down, so Aaron Lacey come prepared!”

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 34: Home of the Brave,” will take place at Aura in Portland, Maine on Saturday, June 16, 2018.  Tickets are on-sale now online at www.AuraMaine.com.

NEF DROWNS PORTLAND WITH RIPTIDE BEFORE CAPACITY CROWD; CHOI INSTITUTE SHINES IN PRO FIGHTS

Portland, Maine (April 15, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) made its return to Portland on Saturday night with the fight promotion’s latest mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 33: Riptide.”  For the second time in as many events at the venue, NEF packed Aura with a sold-out crowd.

On the amateur portion of the card, Kam Arnold (3-0) continued his winning ways with a highlight-reel, one-punch knockout of David Thompson (1-3).  Arnold, a hot prospect out of Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in nearby Lewiston, Maine, dropped Thompson with a right hand in the first round to remain undefeated.

Walt Shea (3-1) and Nate Boucher (2-3) met in the amateur headliner at a catchweight of 130-pounds.  Both athletes were looking to bounce back from losses in their last respective NEF appearances, but it was Shea who took the victory late in the third round when referee Kevin MacDonald stopped the fight due to strikes.  Earlier in the evening, Shea’s First Class MMA teammate, Ben Murtiff (1-0) won his amateur debut, making for a perfect 2-0 night for the Topsham, Maine-based team.

On the professional side of the card, Ernesto Ornelas (3-7) picked up the win over Carl Langston (0-1) via unanimous decision. Moments later, Ornelas’s teammate at the Choi Institute Caleb Hall (1-0) was successful in his pro debut with a first-round submission of veteran John Ortolani (8-13).

The main event of the evening saw longtime Maine MMA veteran Bill Jones (13-11) defeat Matt Denning (5-8) via technical knockout in the second round.  Denning announced his retirement from cage competition immediately following the bout.  Jones’ win capped a successful night for Nostos MMA of Somersworth, New Hampshire.  The team went 3-0 on the night with Zac Richard (1-0) and Killian Murphy (1-0) taking home wins on the amateur card.

NEF announced that its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 34: Home of the Brave” would take place back at Aura in Portland onJune 16, 2018.  Already announced for that card, Ross Dannar (1-1) and Devin Corson (1-1) will square off in an amateur lightweight contest, while Aaron Lacey (5-1) returns to the NEF cage to take on Da’mon Blackshear (4-1) in a professional featherweight bout.

The results from Portland, Maine:

PROFESSIONAL

Bill Jones def. Matt Denning via TKO, round 2

Caleb Hall def. John Ortolani via Von Flue Choke, round 1

Ernesto Ornelas def. Carl Langston via unanimous decision

 

AMATEUR

 

Walt Shea def. Nate Boucher via TKO, round 3

Killian Murphy def. Krishna Scott via TKO, round 1

Ben Murtiff def. James Lewis via TKO, round 1

Kam Arnold def. David Thompson via KO, round 1

Mark Gardner def. Brandon Schwinck via rear-naked choke, round 1

Duncan Smith def. Taylor Bartlett via standing guillotine, round 1

Zac Richard def. Gabriel Diaz via TKO, round 1

Liam Fagan def. Curtis Ouellette via unanimous decision

Carol Linn Powell drew Chelsea Tucker (Grappling Match)

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 34: Home of the Brave,” will take place at Aura in Portland, Maine on Saturday, June 16, 2018.  Tickets are on-sale now online at www.AuraMaine.com.

CALEB HALL REACHES MILESTONE IN MIXED-MARTIAL-ARTS CAREER

Portland, Maine (April 10, 2018) – We all celebrate certain milestone birthdays in our youth that furnish a new level of freedom.

 

 

 

Perhaps the possibility of getting a driver’s license was the be-all, end-all at one point. Some eagerly await the option to vote or to serve their country through the military. And yes, many count the days to when they can toast responsibly with an adult beverage.

 

 

 

Caleb Hall’s grown-up goal, before he knew there were any restrictions against it, was to enter the mixed martial arts cage. He was 17, a senior wrestler and football player at Dirigo High School, when he learned of an upstart enterprise known as New England Fights.

 

 

 

“Ever since I started wrestling, I started watching MMA and became obsessed with it,” Hall said. “Then when I found out the promoter (Matt Peterson) was from my area and that there were actually fights in Lewiston, I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t even know I had to be 18.”

 

 

 

Eleven fights later, his face a tad more weathered but his spirit emboldened from taking on the top amateur competition in northern New England, Hall is turning professional.

 

 

 

Hall will step into the hexagon against 20-fight veteran John Ortolani at “NEF 33: Riptide.” The card will take place at Aura in Portland on Saturday, April 14.

 

 

 

“He’s a tough opponent. He’s been a pro lacrosse player, so he’s definitely an athlete,” Hall said of Ortolani. “He’s been knocked out nine times to strikes, so I’d say he definitely has a questionable chin. That’s something I can try to capitalize on.”

 

 

 

Teenagers and young adults approached Peterson in droves when he and Nick DiSalvo launched the local organization.

 

 

 

All were enamored with the idea of taking their athletic acumen and fighter’s heart to the cage, so Hall’s interest was nothing new to the matchmaker. Taking the next step to sign a contract was always a different story.

 

 

 

“Caleb is a special athlete,” Peterson said. “He called me when he was 17 years old and asked for a fight. I had to explain to him at that time that he was too young to compete, and to call me when he reached the legal age of 18. To my surprise, he actually called me back when he turned 18, and he’s been an NEF mainstay ever since.”

 

 

 

With family, friends and former teammates packed into the cage side seats, Hall stopped John Parker in 51 seconds that September night.

 

 

 

“That was crazy,” he said. “I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into.”

 

 

 

Hall went 8-3 as an amateur, winning his last three fights. His only NEF losses were to Aaron Lacey and Josh Harvey.

 

 

 

A run that started with a few-months-premature phone call ended with championship gold. Hall picked up the vacant NEF amateur featherweight title by submission over Erik Nelson in April 2016 and defended it by split decision against Johnny Crafts in September of that year.

 

 

 

“He never shies away from a challenge,” Peterson said. “Consistently during his time in the cage, he has embraced the opportunity to face the toughest guys. Whether it was Josh Harvey or (Brazilian jiu-jitsu) brown belt Johnny Crafts, he always goes for it. I don’t think he’s ever turned down a fight that I’ve approached him with, and that’s pretty much unheard of in the combat sporting space.”

 

 

 

Hall was set to make his pro debut when NEF made its initial Portland appearance last November, but he suffered a broken hand in training. The injury required surgery to install a plate, followed by months of physical therapy.

 

 

 

 

It all makes Ortolani (8-12), a Massachusetts native fighting out of Tampa, Florida, an interesting choice for getting those hands dirty once again. While the veteran has lost eight of his past 10 fights, he owns a win over a name synonymous with NEF, Bruce “Pretty” Boy” Boyington. Ortolani also took Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Bellator Fighting Championships veteran Des Green to the cards before dropping a unanimous decision.

 

 

 

“If you want to make it in the pros, you’ve got to beat some guys, man,” Hall said. “I think it’s a perfect situation for my first pro fight. I hope his style plays into my hands. I’m going to be head hunting and going for that knockout.”

 

 

 

The fight will take place at the 155-pound lightweight limit. With the exception of two bouts, Hall’s amateur career was contested in the featherweight (145) class.

 

 

 

Hall chalks up the change to the normal growth pattern of young adulthood, although he added that his strength and conditioning routine also played a role.

 

 

 

“He’s a rare kind of competitor, a champion, and when he digs deep and slides it into the next gear, watch out,” Peterson said. “I’m looking forward to witnessing how he will define himself in the pro ranks. If his amateur career is any indication, he’s destined to make a name for himself and turn out some lights in the process.”

 

 

 

Look no farther than Hall’s recent travel itinerary for evidence of that commitment.

Hall, who relocated to Portland to attend college and train at Choi Institute shortly after his NEF debut, recently was in Florida for a two-week stint with the renowned American Top Team.

 

 

 

The eager 17-year-old has evolved into a man with a plan.

 

 

 

“There’s a Maine connection there with (UFC veteran) Mike Brown, who is one of the head coaches. He originally trained at Choi Institute,” Hall said. “It was two weeks, just to get some training and see where I’m at. There are all kinds of UFC guys there to train and spar with. It’s a step up in the level of competition for sure.”

 

 

 

Opening bell for “NEF 33: Riptide” is set for 7 p.m. this Saturday, April 14. For tickets, call 207.772.8274 or go to www.auramaine.com.

BOUCHER AND SHEA MEET AT THE CROSSROADS FOR PORTLAND MMA FIGHT

Portland, Maine (April 6, 2018) – Nate Boucher grew up in the world of amateur wrestling, where the rewards, penalties and path to winning and losing are cut-and-dried.

 

 

 

 

Takedown, two points. Escape, one point. Reversal, two points. The same clock that tells everyone how much time remains in the fight consistently informs the fighters where they stand.

 

 

 

 

In his two most recent sojourns as a mixed martial artist with New England Fights, Boucher, a native of Rumford and graduate of Mountain Valley High School, had no such compass. MMA is a more subjective science. That’s one of the many reasons an impressive winning percentage is harder to come by.

 

 

 

 

“MMA judging is one of the worst things to figure out. There’s not really a solid standard,” Boucher said. “The last two fights didn’t end the way I wanted, obviously. Part of being an amateur is it gives you a chance to learn what the judges want.”

 

 

 

 

Boucher (2-2) hopes to halt a two-fight losing skid Saturday, April 14, when he takes on Walt Shea at “NEF 33: Riptide.” The card will take place at Aura in Portland.

 

 

 

 

A solid contender at the flyweight limit of 125 pounds despite those defeats at the hands of Justin Witham and Ryan Burgess, Boucher will meet Shea in the middle at a catch weight of 130.

 

 

 

 

Staying busy is part of Boucher’s strategy to learn everything he can about the sport, even if the immediate lessons are frustrating and humbling.

 

 

 

 

 

The criteria for MMA judging, in order of priority, are effective striking, effective grappling, effective aggressiveness and fighting area control. Boucher learned the hard way that his style may have cost him the ‘W’ in both the title fight against Witham and the hometown showdown versus Burgess.

 

 

 

 

“Everybody just kind of goes with whoever is throwing more punches. People don’t seem to care if you’re on top the whole time or not,” Boucher said. “But, you know, I can complain, or I can adapt.”

 

 

 

 

Boucher pointed out that the two judges who saw the fight go Burgess’ way had it two rounds to one, a 29-28 margin, while the 30-27 assessment in his favor indicated that he had won every round.

 

 

 

 

Best-case scenario, of course, is to end it early, the way Boucher did with a triangle choke in his second amateur outing against former high school wrestling legend Jeremiah Barkac.

 

 

 

 

“Even though I lost the last two fights, they couldn’t have gone any better for me as far as learning the game goes,” Boucher said. “It’s kind of opened my eyes a lot more, not necessarily to anything about myself, but as far as what the judges are looking for. It’s helping me learn more about the sport.”

 

 

 

 

Even though the fight is five pounds above Boucher’s natural weight, how he performs will have a heavy impact on whether he is still considered a viable threat in the 125-pound class or takes a huge step backward.

 

 

 

 

“Nate called me about a week after his fight with Burgess and said, straight up, ‘Get me back in there in April, and I want a tough opponent,’” NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson said. “He has a lot on the line in this one. A loss leaves him with a long climb back.”

 

 

 

 

The crossroads clash with Shea (2-1) is sure to be a learning experience. Shea, who trains of out of First Class MMA in Topsham, also lost his last fight. Fred Lear won that August battle for the vacant amateur bantamweight title on his home turf in Bangor.

 

 

 

 

No battle in the hexagon has been as daunting for Shea as his personal journey to get there. He initially followed his cousin, Nicholas, to the MMA gym as part of a fitness regimen after his weight crested at more than 270 pounds.

 

 

 

 

In other words, when he walks through the door on any given fight night, Shea is literally half the man he used to be.

 

 

 

 

“I was just going there to train a little bit in jiu-jitsu, and John (Raio) said to me, ‘Before we’re through, I’m going to get you in the cage.’ I’m thinking, ‘Yeah, right,’” Shea said. “I lost about 80 pounds right off the bat training with those guys. It got me healthy, and then it was kind of, why not take the next step?”

 

 

 

 

Shea now walks around at 155 to 160 pounds. He is making a slightly deeper weight cut this time, and fighting a natural flyweight, to find out if the title picture in that division is an attainable goal.

 

 

 

 

Win or lose, if his inspirational story helps a fan or friend make the commitment to a healthier lifestyle, Shea is all for it.

 

 

 

 

“It’s a lot better than standing on a treadmill,” Shea said of his unique path to fitness. “I tell people if you can just find one aspect of MMA that works for you – the grappling, the striking, whatever – it’s a great workout.”

 

 

 

 

Boucher said he has nothing but high esteem for Shea’s circuitous route to success in the sport. Admittedly, without a title up for grabs or a so-called grudge match in his sights, motivation could be more elusive.

 

 

 

 

The former Falcon, who trains out of Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Lewiston, insisted that won’t be a problem.

 

 

 

 

“That’s an impressive accomplishment. I’m very respectful of that. Not just anybody can start out where Walt did and get in the cage for a fight at 125, 130 pounds,” Boucher said. “Unfortunately when you’re talking MMA, not every ending is like a fairy tale. I’m going in there to win the fight, to end it early and leave no doubt, not leave it in the hands of the judges this time.”

 

 

 

 

Doors open for “NEF 33: Riptide” at 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 14. For tickets, call 207.772.8274 or go to www.auramaine.com.

 

MIDDLEWEIGHT BOUT ANNOUNCED FOR APRIL 14 FIGHT CARD IN PORTLAND

Portland, Maine (April 4, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to Aura in Portland on April 14, 2018 with the fight promotion’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 33: Riptide.”  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur middleweight bout to the card.  Mark “Pockets” Gardner (1-0) will meet Brandon Schwink (0-0) at a fight weight of 185-pounds.

 

 

Mark Gardner impressed many in attendance at his debut fight last November in Portland.  Gardner took on top middleweight prospect Carlton Charles (2-1) at Aura.  He absorbed everything Charles threw at him in the first round, eventually scoring a technical knockout victory in the second.  Gardner is a member of The Academy of Mixed Martial Arts based in Westbrook, Maine where he trains under early MMA pioneer Jay Jack.  Gardner will return to the cage after a setback earlier this year when an opponent pulled out on him prior to a scheduled bout at “NEF 32.”

 

 

“I’m pumped to get back into the cage in April for this next fight,” said Gardner. “I’ve been training hard, and I can’t wait. It should be a really fun fight.”

 

 

Gardner’s opponent, Brandon Schwinck, is a 43-year-old, lifelong martial artist from Windham, Maine.  He has been a regular contestant in grappling, karate and kickboxing tournaments across the state over the years.  Schwinck has trained with several different gyms, including The Academy where he worked with Gardner on the mats.  The bout on April 14 will be his first regulated MMA fight, a moment that Schwinck says he has waited years to realize.

 

 

“I’m familiar with the MMA fighter and grappler, Mark Gardner,” said Schwinck when reached for comment. “We used to train together at the Academy of MMA a few years ago. I respect Mr. Gardner’s strengths and abilities on the ground, and he has an amazing team to prepare him for this fight. I recall me and Mark being fairly well-matched on the ground. We’ve submitted each other on the mats. However, he’s a tough, hungry, young buck with lots of weapons at his disposal, so I won’t take him lightly. I know Mark’s surely stepped-up his striking game and stand-up over the last few years, but I’ve been a fighter all my life and feel the bout will be competitive. I believe my NEF debut will be far from a cake walk, though I’m always prepared to put up an exciting fight in any venue I enter. I have no intentions of letting Mark walk over me and I’ll do my best to stop him. Neither of us will achieve a victory easily. I’m looking forward to competing against this dangerous, talented fighter, be it on the ground or standing. I think it will be a great match-up. I’m totally psyched about being part of NEF 33, and in the end, may the best man win.”

 

 

NEF returns to Portland, Maine, at Aura on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Tickets are on sale now at www.AuraMaine.com.  For more information on the event, please visit www.NewEnglandFights.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.

THOMPSON RETURNS FOR ONE LAST FIGHT AGAINST UNDEFEATED ARNOLD

Portland, Maine (February 26, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to Aura in Portland onApril 14, 2018 with the fight promotion’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 33: Riptide.”  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur catchweight bout to the card.  David Thompson (1-2) will face Kam Arnold (2-0) at a fight weight of 140-pounds.

 

David Thompson will be appearing in what he says will be his last fight at “NEF 33.”  A member of the Shatterproof Combat Club, Thompson has appeared three times in the NEF cage since his debut in the fall of 2015.  He scored a first-round technical knockout victory over Richmond Pierce Wiegman (1-1) in his second amateur bout.  The fight with Arnold will be Thompson’s first since a loss to Caleb Costello (3-4) in early 2016.

 

“I’m thankful to get back in there,” stated Thompson. “Kam is an exciting fighter, and I will be ready to leave everything in the cage, one last time.”

 

Undefeated Kam Arnold has emerged as one of the most-promising new prospects on the NEF roster over the last several months. He started his amateur career with a fast finish of Glenn Kasabian (1-3) last June, and followed up that performance with a first-round technical knockout of Kyle Kenney (0-1) earlier this month at “NEF 32.”  A native of Casco, Maine, Arnold is a product of Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) in Lewiston.  A win over Thompson would position Arnold closer to a shot at the coveted bantamweight championship.

 

“I’m pretty stoked to get back in the cage against an NEF veteran like David Thompson,” said Arnold. “This should be a fun fight not only for me, but for the fans too. When all is said and done, I will be 3-0. 2018 is going to be my year. The 135-pound strap will be mine before the end of the year – mark my words! Until that day, I will continue to put in work at the gym and take it one fight at a time. David, I hope you’re ready for a war.”

 

“Kam Arnold has a unique focus and vision for his career,” said NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson. “He understands his potential to make an impact in the sport. David Thompson didn’t hesitate to accept this bout – he’s excited to have the opportunity to face a rising talent in his final fight. Both guys have promised to bring it – and when that happens, we all win.”

 

NEF returns to Portland, Maine, at Aura on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Tickets are on sale now at www.AuraMaine.com.  For more information on the event, please visit www.NewEnglandFights.com.

TURN THE PAGE: JONES & DENNING WILL WRITE NEXT CHAPTER IN STORIED CAREERS AT NEF 33

Portland, Maine (February 9, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to Aura in Portland onApril 14, 2018 with the fight promotion’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 33: Riptide.”  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional lightweight bout to the card.  Bill Jones (12-10) is scheduled to meet Matt Denning (5-7) at a fight weight of 155-pounds.

 

 

 

Having begun competing in MMA back in 2007, Bill Jones is one of the longest-active fighters on the New England regional scene. His list of opponents over the years reads like a “who’s who” of local featherweights and lightweights.  He holds wins over some of the best the region has to offer like UFC veteran Tateki Matsuda (13-8) and current UFC competitor Matt Bessette (22-8).  Most recently, Jones competed on the national stage at World Series of Fighting (WSOF) 35 last spring in New York.  Jones is currently a member of Nostos MMA based in Somersworth, New Hampshire.  “NEF 33″ will be Jones’ long-awaited first appearance in the NEF cage.

 

 

 

“I’m excited to finally make my NEF debut and face Matt Denning, a fight I’ve been looking forward to for a long time,” said Jones.  “My health is at a new level since I stopped smoking. I feel refreshed and ready to put on my best performance to date against an opponent that I’m looking to dismantle in impressive fashion. Everyone knows not to sleep on me. I made my mark in the regional scene a long time age – and April 14th will be the next chapter in that story. Let’s get after it!”

 

 

 

Including his amateur career, Matt “Ken Doll” Denning is a fifteen-fight veteran of the NEF cage.  He is on a two-fight win-streak in that cage with first-round submission victories over Josh Parker (6-10) at “NEF 28” and Dom Jones (1-1) at “NEF 29.”  Like Jones, Denning is a veteran of the WSOF cage, having competed for the national promotion at Madison Square Garden in New York City.  Most recently, Denning fought for national promotion Bellator in Connecticut.  He is a member of Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) based in Lewiston, Maine.

 

 

 

“I’m excited to fight for NEF again,” said Denning. “The last two times I fought for them, I had first round submission wins. Bill is a veteran and someone that I’ve tried to fight for a while. After this fight, I don’t expect to be as active as I have been in the past. I want to focus on my job, Hollie and Becca. I look forward to a great showing and seeing all my fans.”

 

 

 

NEF returns to Portland, Maine, at Aura on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Tickets are on sale now at www.AuraMaine.com.  For more information on the event, please visit www.NewEnglandFights.com.

BOUCHER & SHEA LOOKING TO BOUNCE BACK FROM LOSSES AT NEF 33

Portland, Maine (February 8, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to Aura in Portland on April 14, 2018 with the fight promotion’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 33: Riptide.”  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur catchweight bout to the card.  Nate Boucher (2-2) will face Walt Shea (2-1) at a fight weight of 130-pounds.

 

 

 

 

Nate Boucher will be looking to bounce back from back-to-back losses in the NEF cage.  The former wrestler from Mountain Valley High School in Rumford, Maine lost very close split decisions at both “NEF 31” and “NEF 32″ recently.  The first was an amateur flyweight title fight against Justin Witham (4-4) in Portland.  Last weekend, Boucher dropped his second split decision in as many events to Ryan Burgess (3-2) in a number-one-contender’s fight.  Prior to those two losses, Boucher had been undefeated in the NEF cage.  He currently trains with Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) in Lewiston, Maine.

 

 

 

 

“I’m coming off of two close back-to-back losses, but I’m still committed to my goal of one day winning the NEF championship belt,” said Boucher. “Rather than sit on the sidelines, I’m getting right back in there in April. Walt Shea is coming off of his title fight loss to Fred Lear last August, so I know he will be motivated to get back in the win column too. Two motivated guys that are hungry to get back to their winning ways are the ingredients for an awesome battle. I can’t wait!”

 

 

 

 

Like Boucher, Walt Shea was undefeated prior to his last loss in the NEF cage.  Shea had defeated Joel Downing (0-1) at “NEF 25” and then Alan Bustamante (0-1) at “NEF 27.”  Both victories came by way of unanimous decision.  Shea earned himself a shot at the NEF amateur bantamweight strap, but lost to Fred Lear (6-2) by TKO in the second round at “NEF 30” last summer.  Shea is a member of First Class MMA in Brunswick, Maine.

 

 

 

 

“I’m excited to be finally making my return to the cage at ‘NEF 33,'” said Shea. “I was live for my opponent Nate’s last two fights – both razor close decisions that could have gone his way, but didn’t. I’m expecting a technical battle with a chance for some exciting grappling exchanges. I’m hoping to put on a show for the fans.”

 

 

 

 

NEF returns to Portland, Maine, at Aura on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Tickets are on sale now at www.AuraMaine.com.  For more information on the event, please visit www.NewEnglandFights.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.