Category Archives: New England Fights

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

HARVEY PREDICTS FIGHT TO THE FINISH WITH DIBARTOLOMEO

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (August 21, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its nineteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XIX: HOMECOMING,” on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Headlining the amateur portion of the fight card will be Josh Harvey (4-1) defending the NEF MMA Amateur Lightweight Title against Ryan Dibartolomeo(4-3).  Recently, Harvey was the guest of NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson on the NEF Podcast.

 

Harvey was introduced to the mats early in life.  He started wrestling in junior high school and continued through his high school years.  He began boxing at the age of 15 and trained in the ring for the next seven years.  It was not until he attended “NEF VIII: Nations Collide” in Bangor that Harvey realized he could have a future in the sport of MMA.

 

“When NEF came to Bangor and I watched Ray Wood capture the title, and I remembered him from high school wrestling, that was my cue to get in on this,” said Harvey.  “I knew it was a true possibility to go somewhere in MMA.  After college, there’s nowhere for wrestlers to go.  MMA, that’s the outlet.  That’s why you see wrestlers dominating in MMA all the way to the top.”

 

Soon after the event, then Young’s MMA wrestling coach Mark Heathcote reached out to Harvey through Facebook to invite him to train with the team.  Harvey quickly found a home at the Bangor gym founded by Chris Young.  He joined in on the massive success the team had already found in the MMA cages of New England.

 

“I was greeted very warmly at Young’s,” Harvey recalled.  “Everyone was very kind over there.  Bruce (Boyington, current NEF MMA Professional Lightweight Champion) was the first person to take me, not to say under his wing, but to get together outside of the gym and we became friends.  As far as the success Young’s has had as a team, I’m not gonna say you can chalk it all up to superior coaching, but we’ve got the best around, at least in this state, possibly in New England.”

 

On his way to claiming the NEF MMA Amateur Lightweight Championship this past June, Harvey finished all three of his NEF opponents in a total of just over three minutes.  Harvey, however, sees his future in the sport in the featherweight division.

 

“I don’t train to finish them all in the first round,” said Harvey.  “That’s just how it wound up.  Maybe you’ll see me go the distance as the competition gets thicker.  That’s why I love this fight with Ryan (Dibartolomeo).  He is, I believe, ranked number-two, so this is a good way to find out where I lay in that level.  I’m not a 55er.  As far as I’m concerned, I’m a 45er that’s fighting at 55.  Best 45er?  Amateur in New England?  Yes.  The game’s gonna change when I go professional.  We’ll see where I stack up there.”

 

When Harvey began discussing potential opponents for “NEF XIX” with NEF matchmakers, he was very clear that he wanted the toughest opponent they could find for him.  If he wanted tough, he will get just that in Ryan Dibartolomeo.  Dibartolomeo is out of John Fain’s Team Triumph/Boston BJJ of Nashua, New Hampshire.  After dropping his first three, Dibartolomeo has won his last four fights in a row, an impressive streak that began at “NEF X” in September 2013.

 

“All his fights that he’s won have been by decision,” said Harvey.  “In my mind, he let the judges win those fights for him.  Fights aren’t won by judges.  Fights are won by fighters.  My prediction is it’s gonna be a finish.  I’m gonna go out there, kill or be killed.  He’s either gonna finish me or I’m gonna finish him.  That’s how it’s gonna happen.”

 

You can listen to the entire NEF Podcast interview atwww.NewEnglandFights.com/Podcasts/

 

You can follow Josh Harvey on his official Facebook fan page “hookonharvey.”  For more information on Young’s MMA, please visit their Facebook page “Young’s MMA.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XIX: HOMECOMING,” takes place onSaturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF XIX: HOMECOMING” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.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

DEXTER GETS SECOND CHANCE TO WIN GOLD IN A NEW WEIGHT CLASS

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Lewiston, Maine (August 19, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its nineteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XIX: HOMECOMING,” on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  That night, Team Irish’s Ricky Dexter (3-1) is scheduled to meet CJ Ewer (3-2) in an NEF MMA Amateur Welterweight Title eliminator.  Recently, Dexter was the guest on the NEF Podcast hosted by NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson.

 

A veteran of the United States Navy, Dexter joined Marcus Davis’s Team Irish gym after moving home to Bangor, Maine at the conclusion of his military service.  Eventually, Dexter took over the fitness program at the gym, now known as “207 Athletes.”  Dexter touched on his progression from joining the gym to becoming a trainer.

 

“I wanted to keep working out and keep in good shape,” said Dexter of his return home to Maine from military service.  “I figured I’d go work out with the guys at Team Irish.  I started doing their workout regimen.  I dabbled a little bit with MMA training.  Slowly I got more into it over time.  It was a good workout.  As time went on, I got better at it.  I got more addicted with the more I learned, with Marcus’s knowledge, I got addicted to it.  He hired me to run his fitness class.  After that, I figured I’d take a fight.  I was in pretty good shape.”

 

Earlier this year, Dexter engaged in a grueling slugfest with Cory Trial (1-1) at “NEF XVI.”  It was just Dexter’s second fight in the MMA cage.  The bout ended in a knockout victory for Dexter.  The highlight-reel knockout will, no doubt, be in the running for a nomination for “KO of the Year” at the “NEF 2015 Year-End Awards.”

 

“The first round I pretty much remember,” recalled Dexter.   “The second round I kind of went into a trance.  I don’t really remember much of it, just from watching the video.  When you get to that point your training takes over.  You kind of black out and, before you know it, you’re getting your hand raised.”

 

In all, Dexter finished his first three amateur bouts on his way to getting a shot at the NEF MMA Amateur Lightweight Championship at “NEF XVIII” this past June against Josh Harvey (4-1).  Dexter would lose the bout by first-round submission.  At “NEF XIX” on September 12, Dexter will have a chance to avenge that loss when he meets Havey’s Young’s MMA teammate CJ Ewer in a bout that will be a title eliminator for the NEF MMA Amateur Welterweight Championship.

 

“He’s a really good wrestler, a big guy,” Dexter said of Ewer.  “He looks like he’s pretty skilled.  He comes from a respected school in Young’s.  We all know what he’s gonna do, and we all know what I have to do.”

 

You can listen to the entire NEF Podcast interview atwww.NewEnglandFights.com/Podcasts/

 

For more information on the Team Irish Fitness Academy, please visit their website www.TeamIrishMMA.com.  You can also follow “207 Athletes” on Facebook to learn more about Ricky Dexter’s training program.

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XIX: HOMECOMING,” takes place onSaturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF XIX: HOMECOMING” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.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

CROWSNECK BOUTIN: “IT’S ALWAYS FUN TO KNOCK PEOPLE OUT”

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Lewiston, Maine (August 17, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its nineteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XIX: HOMECOMING,” on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Featured on the professional portion of the card will be a light-heavyweight matchup between Crowsneck Boutin (1-0) and Mike “The Mustache” Hansen (2-2).  Both men are competing under NEF developmental deals.

 

Recently, Boutin was NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson’s guest on the NEF Podcast.  Boutin discussed, among other topics, growing up in Lubec, Maine, the upcoming bout with Hansen, and his recent signing to a multi-fight NEF development deal.  Boutin and Peterson touched on their first meeting some three-and-a-half years ago, shortly before Boutin made his amateur debut at “NEF III.”

 

“I was hanging out with a few buddies who got tickets to your (NEF) first event, so I went to that and it was the greatest thing,” recalled Boutin.  “I remember talking with people and then contacting you.  I really wasn’t doing anything at that time.  I was feeling kind of lost.  I was kind of clinging to the feeling of want.  I just wanted to do something.  Plus, I liked to fight and scrap.  I always watched the sport.  I guess it just all came together at that time.”

 

With no formal training, Boutin would lose his first bout.  Shortly thereafter, Peterson put Boutin in contact with coach Jon Pinette of the Choi Institute in Portland, Maine.  It is there that Boutin found his footing in the martial arts while, at the same time, forging strong friendships and relationships with teammates.

 

“It’s a pretty awesome atmosphere,” said Boutin of the Choi Institute.  “I’ve never stayed in one place very long my whole life, except for this place.  I don’t see myself leaving.  It’s a great atmosphere over here.  I called Jon.  I remember being really nervous to call Jon, I was thinking about this earlier, but he was really inviting… Everyone here has been really inviting, really supporting.  There’s a really good mix of people here.  We have young to old.  We have everything in between.  It’s a very accepting place to be.  It’s a great place to train.  Everyone gets along inside and outside the gym.”

 

Boutin made the decision to turn professional earlier this year after having competed in a total of 13 amateur fights.  He would defeat MMA Athletix head coach Ryan Cowette (2-3) in his debut.  In doing so, Boutin gained a measure of revenge as it had been Cowette’s protégé Brent Dillingham (1-1) who had handed Boutin his first loss in Boutin’s amateur debut at “NEF III.”  Boutin says that there really was no animosity between himself and Cowette, but the post-fight exchange between Boutin and Dillingham at “NEF III” in 2012 is still in the back of his mind.  He admits that he would love a rematch with Dillingham in the near future.

 

“As far as Brent Dillingham goes, he’s somebody I’d really like to fight soon at 205 if he can get in shape and meet me there,” Boutin declared.  “I’d love to have that fight sometime soon.”

 

Boutin will have his work cut out for him with Hansen on September 12 in Lewiston.  Hansen is an accomplished wrestler, having won a state championship for Mountain Valley High School in Rumford, Maine in 2004.  Boutin, however, is confident in his own abilities both standing and on the mat.

 

“I feel ready for wherever the fight goes,” said Boutin.  “If it stays on the feet, eventually over three rounds, I’m gonna try to knock him out.  It’s always fun to knock people out.  If it goes to the ground, I’ll prevail there.”

 

You can listen to the entire NEF Podcast interview atwww.NewEnglandFights.com/Podcasts/

 

For more information on the Choi Institute, please visit their websitewww.choishindo.com.

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XIX: HOMECOMING,” takes place onSaturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF XIX: HOMECOMING” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.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

FULL FIGHT CARD ANNOUNCED FOR NEF XIX IN LEWISTON

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Lewiston, Maine (August 14, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its nineteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XIX: HOMECOMING,” on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Earlier today, the promotion announced the fight card for the event featuring a full slate of professional and amateur MMA matchups.

 

The event is aptly titled “Homecoming” as it will feature the returns of several athletes who have either been recently inactive or competing outside the NEF umbrella.  One such return will feature Darrius Heyliger (5-2) from Ithaca, New York.  Maine and the NEF cage became a home-away-from-home for Heyliger and several of his Bombsquad teammates during the early days of the promotion.  Heyliger competed regularly for NEF in 2012 and early 2013.  His last appearance in the cage was in May 2013 against Marcus “The Irish Hand Grenade” Davis (22-11) in the main event of “NEF VII.”  Heyliger will make his return on September 12 against Brandon Chagnon (5-4) of Sityodtong.

 

The professional side of the card will also feature the homecoming of Matt “Ken Doll” Denning (1-0) after a 10-month extended layoff from action.  Denning made his professional debut last November with a win over Derek Shorey (2-2).   He will return in front of his hometown crowd against Zenon “Ka-bar” Herrera(0-1).

 

Speaking of hometown fighters, Jesse “The Viking” Erickson (5-4), a native of neighboring Auburn, Maine, will look to extend his win-streak to three when he faces Ricky “Savage” Sylvester (2-1).  Sylvester’s previous appearance in NEF ended in controversy when many felt he held an armbar a little too long on Tollison Lewis (0-4).

 

On the amateur side of the card, Josh Harvey (4-1) is scheduled to headline in the first defense of his NEF MMA Amateur Lightweight Title.  Harvey will meet the stiff challenge of Ryan Dibartolomeo (4-2) from John Fain’s Team Triumph/Boston BJJ of Nashua, New Hampshire.  Harvey won the vacant title this past June with a first-round submission of Ricky Dexter (3-1).

 

The amateur portion of the card will also feature not one, but two women’s contests.  Young’s MMA of Bangor, Maine will be represented in both bouts with Angela Young (0-0) and Kira Innocenti (0-0) making their respective debuts.  Angela is the wife of Young’s MMA founder and head coach Chris Young.  She will meet Rachel Reinheimer (1-0) from Sityodtong while Innocenti will square off against Hannah Sparrell of First Class MMA.

 

The full fight card (subject to change and approval of the Combat Sports Authority of Maine):

 

PROFESSIONAL

265 Matt Andrikut 0-0 (Conviction Martial Arts) vs Artie Mullen 1-14 (Southern Maine MMA)

205 Michael Hansen 2-2 (Berserkers MMA) vs Crowsneck Boutin 1-0 (Choi Institute)

 

170 Darrius Heyliger 5-2 (Bombsquad) vs Brandon Chagnon 5-4 (Sityodtong)

 

155 Jesse Erickson 5-4 (CMBJJ) vs Ricky Sylvester 2-1 (Team Flo)

 

155 Matt Denning 1-0 (CMBJJ) vs Zenon Herrera 0-1 (Independent)

 

150 Derek Shorey 2-2 (Shatterproof Combat Club) vs Tollison Lewis 0-4 (CMBJJ)

 

135 Zech Lange 2-1 (Bombsquad) vs Jay Perrin 2-0 (Boston BJJ NH)

 

 

AMATEUR

205 Ryan Glover 1-1 (Berserkers MMA) vs Zak Bergeron 0-0 (CMBJJ)

 

200 Chaz Gray 0-1 (Young’s MMA) vs Dominique Bailey 0-0 (Independent)

 

200 Ian Milligan 0-0 (Team Kaze) vs Anthony Spires 0-0 (Independent)

185 Ruben Redman 1-2 (Independent) vs Nick Shea 1-0 (First Class MMA)

 

185 Caleb Farrington 2-0 (Team NEU) vs Jon McNeil 1-0 (Boston BJJ NH)

170 Ricky Dexter 3-1 (Team Irish) vs C.J. Ewer 3-2 (Young’s MMA)

 

170 Scott Godbois 0-0 (Berserkers MMA) vs Phil Pearson 0-0 (MMA Athletix)

 

155*Title Josh Harvey 4-1 (Young’s MMA) vs Ryan Dibartolomeo 4-3 (Boston BJJ NH)

 

155 Cory Trial 1-1 (Ruthless MMA & Boxing) vs Rafael Velado 0-0 (First Class MMA)

 

150 David Thompson (Shatterproof Combat Club) vs Jason Lachance 1-2 (MMA Athletix)

 

150 Kira Innocenti 0-0 (Young’s MMA) vs Hannah Sparrell 0-0 (First Class MMA)

145 Mike Pietersen 2-0 (Young’s MMA) vs Alex Johnson 2-2 (Ruthless MMA & Boxing)

140 Fred Lear 3-1 (Young’s MMA) vs Henry Clark 2-1 (Choi Institute)

135 Clifford Redman 0-2 (Independent) vs Wil Carrero 0-1 (MMA Athletix)

 

130 Angela Young 0-0 (Young’s MMA) vs Rachel Reinheimer 1-0 (Sityodtong)

 

125 Ryan Burgess 1-0 (Independent) vs Michael Crespo 3-2 (MMA Athletix)

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XIX: HOMECOMING,” takes place onSaturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF XIX: HOMECOMING” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.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

EXCITING BANTAMWEIGHT BOUT ADDED TO NEF XIX FIGHT CARD

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Lewiston, Maine (August 13, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its nineteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XIX: HOMECOMING,” on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of a professional bantamweight bout to the fight card.  Jay Perrin (2-0) will return to the promotion to take on Zech Lange (2-1) at a fight weight of 135-pounds.

 

Jay Perrin is undefeated in two previous NEF appearances.  As an amateur, he defeated Nick Spencer (5-4) via unanimous decision in February 2013 on his way to becoming the top-ranked amateur bantamweight in New England.  Perrin returned to Maine this past spring as a professional and scored a second-round TKO victory over a very tough Elias Leland (2-1).  He is a member of John Fain’s Team Triumph/Boston BJJ of Nashua, New Hampshire, a team with a reputation for crossing the border to deliver memorable moments in the NEF cage.

 

“I’m very excited to be returning to Maine to fight for NEF,” said Perrin.  “They’ve always been good to me, and I can’t wait to fight Zech Lange, he’s a tough opponent for anyone and people sleep on him a little.  But, I believe I belong with the best in this division, so come fight night I intend to prove just that.  The fans in Maine are always so amazing, I can’t wait to put on another great performance for them.”

 

Based out of Ithaca, New York, Zech Lange is a member of Team Bombsquad, another out-of-town team known for bringing their best to the cages of Central Maine.  Lange had a stellar amateur career, amassing a 5-1 record.  As a professional, he holds wins over Thane Stimson (2-3) and veteran Dan Bonnell (11-10).  Lange has been inactive from MMA competition for the past three years.  He is eager to get back in the cage and move forward in his career.

 

“I’m thankful to NEF for giving me an opportunity to fight a worthy opponent in Perrin,” said Lange.  “I look forward to the challenge, and have never been so excited to be back.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XIX: HOMECOMING,” takes place onSaturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF XIX” 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

MAINE’S KNOCKOUT KING BACK IN THE CAGE AGAINST BLACK BELT AT NEF XIX

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Lewiston, Maine (July 23, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its nineteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XIX,” on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of an amateur lightweight bout to the fight card.  Cory Trial (1-1) is scheduled to face the debuting Rafael Velado (0-0) at a fight weight of 155-pounds.

 

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

 

“I’m excited to get back in the cage,” said Trial.  “Having a seven second knockout and breaking the NEF record was nice, but it wasn’t enough.  I’ve been busting  my ass in the gym with the best coach and I’m ready for anything – but it’s inevitable. This fight will end the same way the last one did.”

 

While Rafael Velado may be making his official MMA debut at “NEF XIX,” he is no stranger to combat sports.  Velado is an accomplished practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).  Training in the sport since 2005, Velado earned his black belt in 2012 from world famous BJJ legend, and UFC veteran, Joe Moreira.  He was raised in Skowhegan, Maine and now resides in neighboring Norridgewock. Velado represents John Raio’s First Class Fitness & MMA of Brunswick, Maine.

 

“It’s been hard finding an amateur that will take a fight against a BJJ black belt, so I decided to call out the guy who is riding high from an impressive victory,” said Velado.  “I’m sure he feels unstoppable right now, and that should make this fight very interesting.  I don’t know if I would call it a classic striker versus grappler match-up, but if that’s how it’s billed, I’m not mad at that.”

 

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

FORMER MAIN EVENTER TO RETURN AFTER MORE THAN TWO YEARS

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Lewiston, Maine (July 17, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its nineteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XIX,” on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of a professional welterweight bout to the fight card.  Darrius Heyliger (4-2) has signed to face Brandon Chagnon (5-4) at a fight weight of 170-pounds.

 

Darrius Heyliger was a regular on the main card of NEF events during the promotion’s infancy.  Making the long trip from his home in Ithaca, New York several times, Heyliger built quite the fan following for himself in Maine and became one of the most popular out-of-state fighters competing in NEF.  Heyliger impressed many with his victories over Jarod Lawton (4-2) and Josh Bellows (1-2).  He would go on to headline “NEF VII” against the legendary Marcus Davis (22-11) in one of the biggest fights in NEF history.  That bout, in May 2013, was the last time Heyliger would compete in NEF, or any promotion for that matter, until “NEF XIX.”

 

“I feel like the time away from the sport was needed, and I’m now ready to take over and dominate,” said Heyliger.  “And to make my comeback fight in front of the Maine fans and for NEF, where the support is so strong, makes it that much better.”

 

“We’re really excited to have Darrius coming back,” said NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson.  “He’s one of those fighters the fans are always asking us to bring back.  His fight with Jarod Lawton was one of the most brutal to ever take place in the NEF cage.  He’ll have his work cut out for him with Brandon Chagnon though.”

 

Brandon Chagnon began competing in MMA over seven years ago.  He is a member of Mark DellaGrotte’s world-renown Sityodtong located in Somerville, Massachusetts.  Chagnon is also a trainer at TITLE Boxing Club in North Andover, Massachusetts.  He has won his last two fights in a row, both by submission.  Like his opponent, Chagnon has not competed in quite some time, his last bout taking place in the spring of 2014.  He is confident that he can defeat Heyliger on September 12 in Lewiston.

 

“I am excited I get the chance to compete in a state I haven’t previously fought in, and in front of a new crowd who might have not had the chance to see me compete before,” said Chagnon.  “This is my tenth professional MMA fight, so it is important to me to go out make a statement.  I train with what is highly regarded as the best team in the northeast and they are like family to me.  With them standing behind me, I know that if I fight at my full potential, I am trouble for any 170-pound fighter.  From what I know, Darrius seems like a tough opponent and we have similar records on paper.  However, I have no doubt in my mind that I will be walking away with another win.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XIX,” takes place on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF XIX” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the 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 STARS LOOKING TO GET BACK ON THE WINNING TRACK IN LEWISTON

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Lewiston, Maine (July 15, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its nineteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XIX,” on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of a professional bout to the fight card. Tollison Lewis (0-4) has signed to face “Shatterproof 2.0” Derek Shorey (2-2) at a fight weight of 150-pounds.  NEF further announced that Lewis had signed a long term, multi-fight contract with the company.

 

Following a lengthy amateur career that saw him compete in the cage thirteen times, Tollison Lewis got off to a slow start in his professional career.  He has been known throughout his career to take the toughest fights he can find, and Lewis’s four losses have all come at the hands of fighters who currently have winning records, with a combined win-loss tally of 16-6.  Last fall, at NEF’s first boxing event, Lewis defeated veteran boxer John Webster  (8-7-1) after taking the bout on just a day’s notice.  With a brand new NEF contract in tow, a child on the way, and a respite from the sport behind him, Lewis will now look to carry his success from the NEF boxing ring over to the MMA cage.  The 150-pound catchweight will be the first step in Lewis’s transition from the lightweight to featherweight division.

 

“First off I’d like to thank NEF for the opportunity again,” said Lewis.  “I’ve been on a long break with my baby girl on the way getting prepared for fatherhood, but I’m back now.  I’m super excited for this fight and also making my way down in weight. Shorey is a tough guy and also very genuine person.  He’s as dangerous as any man who steps in that cage.  I’ll be ready and I know he will be coming hard and dangerous with bad intentions behind everything and when that cage door closes, he’s no friend – it’s all business.  Be ready Derek, because I will be.  Let’s give these fans a show and test ourselves to the limit.”

 

The founder and head of the Shatterproof Combat Club, Derek Shorey is looking to bounce back from what he considers the worst loss of his career.  Indeed, Jeremy DiChiara (2-0) unleashed an offensive barrage on Shorey at “NEF XVIII” last month that resulted in a first-round stoppage.  Like Lewis, Shorey is also an NEF-signed athlete.  Also like Lewis, Shorey is looking to give NEF fans a show to remember at “NEF XIX.”

 

“This is a fight I’ve seen coming and I’ve wanted for a long time,” said Shorey.  “Tollison will not back down, and he’s not afraid to get hit.  I’m coming off the worst performance of my career, and my family, friends and fans deserve better than that.  I’m excited to get in there and mix it up with Lewis and give the NEF fans the best performance of my career.”

 

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

FAN FAVORITE INKS MULTI-FIGHT DEAL WITH NEF; WILL COMPETE AT NEF XIX

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Lewiston, Maine (July 14, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its nineteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XIX,” on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of a professional light-heavyweight bout to the fight card.  Crowsneck Boutin (1-0) will face Mike “The Mustache” Hansen (2-2) at a fight weight of 205-pounds.  The promotion further announced that Boutin had signed a long term, multi-fight deal with the company.

 

Crowsneck Boutin debuted as an amateur fighter with NEF in June 2012.  After going 3-0 in 2014, Boutin was voted the “Fighter of the Year” by NEF fans.  His successful run continued into 2015 when Boutin downed veteran Ryan Cowette (2-3) in his professional debut.  He currently trains out of the Choi Institute in Portland, Maine under coach Jon Pinette.

 

“A few years ago, after losing my first fight, Matt Peterson gave me Jon Pinette’s (Choi coach) phone number,” recalled Boutin. “I didn’t know it at the time, but that one phone call would become the most important call I’d ever make. Ups and downs, yea? We all come by them. We find the light. I’m blessed with this opportunity to call the NEF cage my home and it’ll be a true privilege to honor those who have loved me unconditionally and have supported me through this, from when I started as a fugitive, to now, as a professional.”

 

“Hopefully it’s a war and things get bloody,” stated Boutin when asked about his upcoming clash with Hansen on September 12th. “I understand he has a mustache and it’s extremely cool, but I can’t let that distract me from ripping him open.”

 

Mike Hansen, himself an NEF-signed athlete, won a state championship in wrestling for Mountain Valley High School in Rumford, Maine in 2004.  Hansen began competing in MMA soon after graduating high school, but then took nearly a decade off from the sport during which time he served in the United States Army as a combat engineer.  Returning to the cage earlier this year, Hansen founded Berserkers MMA in Rumford where he trains with other Mountain Valley wrestling alum.

 

“Crowsneck is a hard worker out of a great school and he’s dedicated,” stated Hansen when reached for comment. “I’m sure he’s going to throw a lot of volume on his feet, kicking and punching, but it’s not like he’s going to take me down. So, it looks like we are going to stand and bang it out. I expect him to come fully prepared for battle—and battle we will.”

 

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

BELLATOR & WEC VETERAN RETURNS TO DEFEND NEF TITLE

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (July 10, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its nineteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XIX,” on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of a professional featherweight championship bout to the fight card.  Anthony “Cheesesteak” Morrison (17-9) will defend the NEF MMA Professional Featherweight Title against Vovka “KGB” Clay (3-0).  The bout is scheduled for five five-minute rounds at a weight of 145-pounds.

 

Morrison stunned the NEF universe this past February when he arrived in Lewiston and submitted hometown hero Ray Wood (5-1) in the fifth round to win the championship title.  It was as if he had sucked all the air out of the Colisée with a vacuum.  Morrison played the role of spoiler that cold, snowy night in Lewiston.

 

“I’ve never seen anything like that before,” said NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo.  “The entire place just dropped into a dead silence.  I don’t think anyone in Maine saw that coming, and I certainly don’t think anyone who’s followed NEF expected a fighter to come in and do that to Ray Wood.  Everyone was shocked.  It was a surreal moment.”

 

Morrison is a seasoned veteran with more than a decade’s experience in the sport.  He has competed against the best MMA has to offer on the national stage, including a stint in World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) and Bellator.  Morrison trains out of Daddis MMA in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

 

“I am very thankful to return to the beautiful state of Maine, for my first title defense,” said Morrison.  “It will be a very entertaining fight and another victory for the five time!  Five time!  Five time!  Five time!  Five time!  Mixed martial arts champion, Anthony Morrison.”

 

Vovka Clay is undefeated as a professional.  He competed as an amateur twice in NEF and won both fights by submission in an impressive fashion.  Clay is considered one of the true rising stars of the New England fight scene.  A win over an accomplished veteran like Morrison could potentially propel Clay onto the national stage.  He is a product of Team Triumph/Boston BJJ of Nashua, New Hampshire.

 

“Every fighter has a dream of making it to the UFC,” said Clay.  “Some choose to go after meaningless titles and pad their records fighting nobodies.  I choose to fight the highest level of competition possible.  I am thrilled to be fighting Anthony Morrison for the NEF Featherweight title.  He is a very durable and crafty veteran.  It won’t be easy, but if I fight my fight, I will finish Morrison and I will be the NEF Featherweight Champion.”

 

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