Category Archives: New England Fights

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

FLYWEIGHT TITLE ELIMINATOR ADDED TO NEF XIX FIGHT CARD

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Lewiston, Maine (July 9, 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 flyweight bout to the fight card.  “Crispy” Mike Crespo (3-2) is scheduled to face Ryan “Gordo” Burgess(1-0) at a fight weight of 125-pounds.  The bout will be a title eliminator for a future shot at the NEF MMA Amateur Flyweight Championship currently held by Dustin Veinott (4-3).

 

Crespo is a member of MMA Athletix in Bath, Maine where he instructs in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).  He is also a member of Victory Church, located in Bath as well, which is the ministry affiliated with the MMA Athletix gym.  After getting off to a 2-0 start in 2014, Crespo was nominated for the “Rookie of the Year” award.  He dropped two in a row to start 2015, but bounced back with an impressive win over Caleb Costello (2-4) last month at “NEF XVIII.”

 

“I’m excited to be in the cage again,” said Crespo.  “Sadly, there’s nothing I can say about  Ryan Burgess, except that he’s another wrestler.  I know he won’t stand with me, like most of the wrestler and Jiu Jitsu-based fighters I have gone against so far.  If he does stand with me, great – but I doubt he will.  If he chooses to go to the ground with me, even better.  I am prepared and definitely have the mindset.  I wish my opponent the best, but let Dustin (Veinott, 125-pound title holder) know I’m coming for him very soon.”

 

Ryan “Gordo” Burgess, a native of Mexico, Maine, is a 2011 graduate of Mountain Valley High School where he was a three-time state wrestling champion and one of the most winning wrestlers in Mountain Valley’s history under coach Gary Dolloff.  Burgess made his MMA debut last month at “NEF XVIII” in Lewiston.  That night, he defeated the more experienced Justin Witham (0-3) via unanimous decision.

 

“Crespo is an experienced fighter with a different style than most fighters in this division,” said Burgess,  “and I can’t wait to step in the cage and put on a show with another hungry opponent.  I love this sport, and I can’t wait to see what it has to offer me as I journey towards an amateur championship fight.”

 

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

MMA COACH’S WIFE TO MAKE CAGE DEBUT AT NEF XIX

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Lewiston, Maine (July 8, 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 women’s amateur fight to the card. Angela Young (0-0) will make her debut against Rachel Reinheimer (1-0) at a fight weight of 130-pounds.

 

Angela is the wife of Chris Young, the founder, owner and head coach of Bangor, Maine-based gym Young’s MMA.  She has spent the last several years being trained by her husband in combat sports.  Her debut fight is a moment Angela has prepared for for some time, and she is excited to finally step into the NEF cage.  OnSeptember 12, she will look to continue the tradition of success Young’s MMA has come to be known for on NEF events.

 

“Chris, my husband, has been my coach from the very beginning, and I’m ecstatic to have the opportunity to test myself in the sport I’ve loved for so long,” said Angela. “My opponent comes out of a great gym, but then again, so do I.”

 

Rachel Reinheimer does, in fact, come from one of the longest active and most respected fight camps in New England – Sityodtong in Somerville, Massachusetts.  A graduate of Simmons College in Boston, a mother and employee of the United States Department of Labor, Reinheimer has trained with Sityodtong for the past six years, honing her skills in all areas of the martial arts.  This past spring, she made her MMA debut, decimating Hillary Cooledge (0-2) on her way to a unanimous decision victory.

 

“My first amateur fight was an incredible experience, and I owe everything to my Sityodtong family who pushes me every step of the way,” said Reinheimer.  “I love this sport, and I am completely driven to keep evolving and getting better every day. I feel so lucky to have this opportunity to fight for NEF in September.”

 

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

A FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPION TO BE CROWNED AT NEF XIX

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Lewiston, Maine (July 7, 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 a fight on the card that will determine the first-ever NEF MMA Amateur Featherweight Champion.  Aaron “Relentless” Lacey (5-1) is scheduled to face Dylan Lockard (3-0) at a fight weight of 145-pounds with the winner to be crowned the inaugural amateur featherweight kingpin.

 

Aaron Lacey has been a standout of the NEF amateur roster since debuting with the promotion in the fall of 2013.  He is undefeated in the NEF cage, holding victories over the likes of Dom Cofone (6-5) and Caleb Hall (5-3).  His only loss to date was on a fight card in New Hampshire to Matt Tullos (7-0).  Lacey represents Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine.

 

“I’m super excited for this fight,” exclaimed Lacey.  “It’s a tough matchup between two top ten guys.  I have a new secret weapon on my side and her name is Vanessa Sanders.  Vanessa has been transforming my strength and conditioning, so come September 12th,  I’m going to display a side of me that no one has seen before. I’m a different, more dangerous fighter.  Don’t miss this one – I’m bringing that belt home.”

 

Dylan Lockard holds the only victory to date over Lacey’s teammate, and reigning NEF MMA Amateur Lightweight Champion, Josh Harvey (4-1).  Lockard burst onto the regional scene last year and, like Lacey, also holds a win over Caleb Hall.  He is a member of Tim Barchard’s Professional Martial Arts Academy (PMA) in Derry, New Hampshire.  Prior to competing in MMA, Lockard wrestled for Timberlane Regional High School in Plaistow, New Hampshire and later the University of New Hampshire (UNH).

 

“I’m excited to come up and fight for the NEF belt against a tough opponent like Aaron Lacey,” said Lockard.  “I haven’t had an easy fight yet, and this one is no different.  We’re going to steal the show on September 12th.”

 

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.”

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

WELTERWEIGHT TITLE QUALIFIER ADDED TO NEF XIX FIGHT CARD

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Lewiston, Maine (July 6, 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 an amateur welterweight title qualifier had been added to the fight card.  Ricky Dexter (3-1) will meet CJ Ewer (3-2) at a fight weight of 170-pounds.  The winner of the bout will get a shot at becoming the inaugural NEF MMA Amateur Welterweight Champion at a later date.

 

Ricky Dexter is a member of Team Irish in Brewer, Maine and a protégé of the legendary Marcus “The Irish Hand Grenade” Davis (22-11).  Dexter got off to a remarkable 3-0 start in his amateur career, finishing all three of his opponents in the first round.  Last month, Dexter faced CJ Ewer’s teammate Josh Harvey (4-1) in a losing effort for the NEF MMA Amateur Lightweight Title.  Dexter will look to avenge that loss on September 12.

 

“The taste of defeat definitely left a foul taste in my mouth,” recalled Dexter of his most recent fight.  “You better believe I’m more hungry than ever to get this win.  Expect to see a Ricky Dexter you’ve never seen before.”

 

Similarly, CJ Ewer also got off to a 3-0 start in his amateur career.  The summer of 2013 saw Ewer defeat his first three opponents in a matter of a mere ten weeks.  He would put his MMA career on hold to serve his country in the United States Air Force security forces before returning to NEF this past spring to face Connor Barry (5-1).  Barry would be Ewer’s second loss in a row.  He recognizes that to get back on the winning track will not be easy with Dexter standing in his way.  Ewer is a member of Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine.

 

“Ricky  Dexter seems like a really tough fighter,” said Ewer.  “You can’t judge him on his last fight because Josh Harvey is elite – he’s the next Ray Wood.  I feel like this will be a great match up.”

 

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

FIRST TITLE FIGHT ANNOUNCED FOR NEF XIX

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Lewiston, Maine (July 3, 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 Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.  Earlier today, the promotion announced the first amateur title bout on the fight card.  Josh Harvey (4-1) will defend the NEF MMA Amateur Lightweight Championship against Ryan Dibartolomeo (4-3).  The fight will take place at the lightweight limit of 155-pounds.

 

Harvey won the title at “NEF XVIII” last month by defeating Ricky Dexter (3-1) via first-round submission.  He is a perfect 3-0 in the NEF cage since debuting with the promotion in the fall of 2014.  All of Harvey’s victories in Lewiston have been first-round stoppages. He is a member of Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine.

 

“Any time you can get two title-holding, top-ranked fighters, it’s bound to peak interests and get attention,” said Harvey.  “Since that is exactly what this title defense is, I believe we have all the necessary ingredients for the fight-of-the-night.  This will be yet another step in the right direction.  Ryan, get ready to hook on, Bub.”

 

Ryan Dibartolomeo is no stranger to the NEF cage.  He fought for the promotion at “NEF X” in September 2013, defeating Nermin Zilic (0-2) via unanimous decision.  It was the start of a four-fight win streak that Dibartolomeo will look to continue on September 12 in Lewiston.  He recently captured his first amateur MMA championship on a fight card in New Hampshire.  Dibartolomeo represents Team Triumph/Boston BJJ of Nashua, New Hampshire.

 

“Fighting for the NEF belt is a huge step forward in the positive direction in my career,” stated Dibartolomeo.  “It’s always an honor to fight for one of the top regional promotions, and now throwing a chance at the belt in on top of that – I couldn’t be more excited to go out and put on a show for the fans.  Josh Michael Harvey is arguably the best ammy 155 fighter coming out of Maine right now. I’m going to have to be ready in all aspects of the game and look to eliminate as many mistakes as possible.  I am going to show up ready to fight.  I’m looking to bite down on my mouthpiece and press forward until he has had enough of me up in his face and looks for a way out.  There is no room for error, but I am extremely confident in the fact that I have Coach Fain and Coach Olsen standing behind me in my corner.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XIX,” takes place on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF XIX” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at207.783.2009 x 525.  For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

mixed martial arts, New England Fights

FIRST AMATEUR BOUT ANNOUNCED FOR NEF XIX PROMISES FIREWORKS

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Lewiston, Maine (July 2, 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 Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.  Earlier today, the promotion announced the first amateur bout on the fight card.  Fred Lear (3-1) is scheduled to meet Henry Clark (2-1) at a catchweight of 140-pounds.

 

Lear made his amateur debut with NEF in the summer of 2013.  He has accumulated a perfect record of 3-0 in the NEF cage, his only amateur loss coming outside the promotion on a fight card in New Hampshire this past spring.  Two of Lear’s three victories in NEF have come by strikes while in mount position.  He has exhibited one of the most effective ground-and-pound offenses of any amateur currently on the NEF roster.  Lear is a member of Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine.

 

“In preparation for Clark, we will be looking to get 1% better every day,” said Lear of his fight camp at Young’s.  “As per usual, this will be a team effort and I recognize and respect the challenge ahead of us.  Henry is dangerous and versatile.”

 

Lear is correct in his conclusion.  Henry Clark represents the Choi Institute in Portland, Maine, and he has shown a wide array of abilities in his first three bouts both on his feet and on the mat.  In his debut fight at “NEF XV” last fall, Clark was sharp with his striking in the first round against Sheldon Bang (2-2) prior to submitting Bang off his back in the second with a triangle choke. Clark recognizes that Lear is especially deadly in top position, but is confident that he can come away with the win on September 12 in Lewiston.

 

“I’m absolutely crazy about this fight,” exclaimed Clark.  “This is the exact fight I want as a growing martial artist.  Fred is super tough and a nightmare once he gets on top of you.  That said, I feel as though I have the skill and ability to ruin Fred’s night on September 12th.  I’m hungry for this challenge.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XIX,” takes place on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF XIX” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at207.783.2009 x 525.  For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

POPULAR FIGHTER TO MAKE LONG-AWAITED RETURN AT NEF XIX

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Lewiston, Maine (July 1, 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 Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.  Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of a professional lightweight bout to the fight card.  Matt “Ken Doll” Denning (1-0) will return after a lengthy absence to face Zenon “Kabar” Herrera (0-1) at a fight weight of 155-pounds.

 

Denning last appeared for NEF in November 2014.  After a 4-1 career in NEF as an amateur, Denning debuted in the professional ranks that evening against Derek Shorey (2-2).  He would win the fight by first-round submission.  Denning will make the move up to 155-pounds from 145-pounds for this fight.  He is a member of Lewiston’s Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ).

 

“After taking some time off, it feels good to be back for NEF,” said Denning.  “It’s going to be a tough fight-Zenon has had over ten ammy fights and made his pro debut against my coach, who is a really tough opponent. The only loss I’ve had for NEF was at 155 and it’s going to be a test for me to come back and see how I do. I’m a small 155er and I’m ready to show skills win over size. This will probably be the longest dog fight I’ve had, but I’m ready for it.”

 

Zenon Herrera is hungry for a win after dropping his last two fights in a row.  Herrera made his professional debut at “NEF XVIII” last month in a losing effort to CMBJJ coach Jesse Erickson (5-4). He is an independent fighter out of Skowhegan, Maine.  Herrera is a veteran of both the United States Army and Marine Corps, having served a combined nine years between the two military branches.

 

“My biggest goal, aside from getting a win, is providing the MMA fans with a fight that they enjoy and hope to see again and again,” said Herrera.  “Last time, I honestly feel that I let those fans down.  I know that I am able to do much more than what I showcased the last time I was in the NEF cage.  This upcoming match with Matt Denning, I honestly believe that everyone will see a new and very different Zenon ‘Kabar’ Herrera.  I have all of the respect in the world for Matt Denning -I do for everyone I face in this sport.  But this time, I not only have to prove to the fans what I can do – I have to prove it to myself as well.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XIX,” takes place on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF XIX” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at207.783.2009 x 525.  For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

About New England Fights

 

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

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

NEW ENGLAND FIGHTS HAS STRONG FIRST HALF OF 2015

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (June 30, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, held its eighteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XVIII: MADE IN AMERICA,” a little over two weeks ago at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.  The event was the third held by the fight promotion at the venue in just a four-month stretch, and it capped the most successful half-year period in the promotion’s history.

 

NEF is the brainchild of Massachusetts attorney Nick DiSalvo and Maine State Representative Matt Peterson (D-Rumford).  The pair met in the fall of 2011 and formed a business partnership with the intent of promoting MMA events.  Both being avid, lifelong fans of combat sports, DiSalvo and Peterson decided to setup shop in Lewiston, Maine, the famed home of the Muhammad Ali-Sonny Liston world heavyweight championship rematch of 1965.  NEF’s first event in Lewiston, held in February 2012, outdrew Ali-Liston II by more than 800 fans with over 3200 in attendance.

 

Since that time, and in a marketplace where competitors have floundered, NEF has continued to draw huge crowds to its events. The promotion has hosted fights of many UFC veterans, including former two-time world heavyweight champion Tim “The Maine-iac” Sylvia (31-10).  In 2013, NEF co-promoted an event in Lewiston with national promotion Bellator.  That event was broadcast live on Spike TV.  Additionally, NEF’s videos on Youtube have millions of views worldwide, and the promotion’s event highlights can often be seen on AXS TV’s Inside MMA program.

 

In the first half of 2015, more than 6,000 people have been drawn to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee for three NEF events.  It is the largest attendance number the promotion has accumulated in such a brief period of time – a mere 18 weeks from “NEF XVI” onFebruary 7 to “NEF XVIII” on June 13.  It is also another example of NEF thriving in a time when other regional fight promotions struggle.

 

“It’s really just the result of a lot of hard work and business experience,” said DiSalvo, a 1999 graduate summa cum laude of Merrimack College in North Andover, MA, where he was a Presidential Scholar, and later a graduate of Suffolk University Law School in Boston, MA.  “NEF succeeds because Matt and I have a real passion for fight promotion, and we’re willing to do the not-so-glamorous grunt work that others shy away from.  You need to understand your audience.  You need to know your way around a spreadsheet, a check register, and have a good grasp on finance and budgeting.  It’s a business like any other.”

 

Due to the growth of the business, DiSalvo and Peterson decided to add a third executive to the mix earlier this year.  They hired longtime Bellator Vice President of Talent Relations Sam Caplan to serve as NEF’s Director of National Business Development.

 

“At a time of great contraction and consolidation when it comes to the regional MMA space, NEF has gone in the exact opposite direction and actually increased their overall business,” stated Caplan when reached for comment.  “To say the level of growth that NEF has been experiencing lately is rare would be an understatement. The promotion’s growth is a testament to the professionalism and business discipline of its chief proprietors, Nick DiSalvo and Matt Peterson.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XIX,” takes place on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF XIX” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at207.783.2009 x 525.  For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

About New England Fights

 

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

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

PRO LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT ANNOUNCED FOR NEF XIX

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Lewiston, Maine (June 29, 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 Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.  Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of a professional lightweight bout to the fight card.  Jesse “The Viking” Erickson (5-4) is scheduled to meet Ricky “Savage” Sylvester (2-1) at a fight weight of 155-pounds.

 

Erickson, after challenging unsuccessfully twice for the NEF MMA Professional Lightweight Championship last fall, is undefeated in 2015.  Erickson downed Mark DeFord (0-4) in April in under two minutes with an impressive knockout.  He followed up that performance with yet another first-round victory over Zenon Herrera (0-1).  Erickson will look to make it three victories in a row on September 12 in Lewiston.  He is a coach at Lewiston’s Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ).

 

“I’m looking forward to the challenges Ricky presents,” said Erickson of his opponent Ricky Sylvester.  “He is a talented athlete with power behind his strikes.  I have worked hard to develop my striking game and look forward to putting it on display against him in September.  Bring your A-game Ricky because I’ll be ready for a war!”

 

Ricky Sylvester last appeared in the NEF cage in September 2014. That night, he shocked the NEF universe with an arm bar submission win over promotion regular Tollison Lewis (0-4).  A native of Lowell, Massachusetts, Sylvester relocated to Orlando, Florida where he put in time training with the world renown American Top Team (ATT). Back home in New England, Sylvester seeks to bounce back after a loss last November in New Hampshire in his previous bout.

 

“I’m with Team Flo now and training in the same facility as the Doughboy Wrestling Club,” Sylvester stated. “They’re taking good care of my ground game. Not to say I’m ignoring my striking, I just know that’s what I’m known for, but I want to mix it up and put some emphasis on what others might think I’m lacking and really show the double threat. Jesse Erickson is a great grappler—I would be shocked to see him just trying to stand up with me and battle hands. That being said, I know what to expect. As always, expect a great show and a hard fought fight from a savage. Live fast, die young, take chances and live reckless.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XIX,” takes place on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF XIX” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at207.783.2009 x 525.  For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

About New England Fights

 

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

 

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

NEW ENGLAND FIGHTS ANNOUNCES THE RESULTS OF NEF XVIII

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Lewiston, Maine (June 14, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, held its eighteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XVIII: MADE IN AMERICA,” on Saturday night at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.  A crowd of 2,000 was on hand to see Crowsneck Boutin (1-0) win his professional debut over Ryan “The Junkyard Dog” Cowette (2-3) and Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington (11-8) gain a measure of revenge by defeating John “First Class” Raio (2-8) in their long-awaited rematch.

 

NEF crowned its first three amateur champions in the fight promotion’s history with Billy “Bigfoot” Leahy (3-1) taking the heavyweight title in a wild back-and-forth brawl with Ryan Glover(1-1), Dustin Veinott (4-3) won a close split decision over“Sleepy” Norman Fox (4-2) to capture the flyweight strap, andJosh Harvey (4-1) submitted Ricky Dexter (3-1) to claim the lightweight championship.

 

It was further announced that former NEF MMA Professional Bantamweight Champion Paul Gorman (10-9) would return at “NEF XIX” on September 12, 2015 at the Colisee after a year’s absence from the cage.

 

The results from Lewiston, Maine:

 

PROFESSIONAL

150 Bruce Boyington def. John Raio via TKO, round 2
185 Crowsneck Boutin def. Ryan Cowette via unanimous decision

135 Jeremy DiChiara def. Derek Shorey via Americana, round 1
155 Jesse Erickson def. Zenon Herrera via tap to strikes, round 1
205 Cody Anderson def. Michael Hansen via TKO, round 1

 

AMATEUR
155*TITLE Josh Harvey def. Ricky Dexter via armbar, round 1 (Harvey wins title)
125*TITLE Dustin Veinott def. Norman Fox via split decision (Veinott wins title)
S.HWT Dave Smith def. Gravin Guillen via armbar, round 1
CATCH Mike Crespo def. Caleb Costello via unanimous decision

155 Cory Trial def. Corey Hinkley via KO, round 1
125 Ryan Burgess def. Justin Witham via unanimous decision

170 Mike Bazanson def. Jeff Dustin via TKO, round 2

155 Dom Cofone def. Jason Lachance via armbar, round 2

265*TITLE Billy Leahy def. Ryan Glover via unanimous decision (Leahy wins title)

145 Rob Robinson def. Dustin Shorey via rear-naked choke, round 2

170 Alex Payson def. Alex Bronish via TKO, round 2

160 Pat Kelly def. Dr. Steve Bang via TKO, round 1

185 Ruben Redman def. Heath Hanson  via tap to strikes, round 1

265 Nick Gulliver def. Sonny Spratt via rear-naked choke, round 1

CATCH Carl Langston def. Alex Johnson via TKO, round 2

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XIX,” takes place on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF XIX” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at207.783.2009 x 525.  For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

About New England Fights

 

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