Category Archives: New England Fights

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

BANTAMWEIGHTS POISED TO STEAL THE SHOW AT NEF XVIII

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (April 30, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its eighteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XVIII: Made in America,” on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.   Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of a professional bantamweight bout to the fight card.  The contest will feature Elias “Danger Mouse” Leland (2-1) stepping into the cage opposite Chad “Machine Gun” Kelly (3-2) at the bantamweight limit of 135-pounds.

 

“Chad Kelly and Eli Leland are two guys who couldn’t put on a boring fight if they tried,” said NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo.  “Chad had the ‘Fight of the Night’ on one of the first cards I ever promoted in Massachusetts years ago.  I’ve followed his career since and have seen how far he’s come.  Eli’s fights always steal the show on the NEF events.  Fans will only need the edge of their seats for this one.”

 

Kelly last appeared in the NEF cage in the fall of 2013 at “NEF X.” That night, he defeated NEF regular Ernesto Ornelas (1-5) via second-round submission.  Kelly has regularly competed in the flyweight 125-pound division throughout his career, but he and his coaches at The Fighting Arts Academy (FAA) in Leominster, Massachusetts decided to make the transition up to bantamweight beginning with the upcoming fight against Leland.

 

“I’m very excited to be fighting for NEF in Lewiston, Maine again,” stated Kelly when reached for comment.  “I fought for them my second pro fight and I loved the way they treat their fighters and how smooth everything went – plus, getting the ‘W’ was nice.  This fight I’m moving up to bantamweight.  My coaches and I thought it was the right time.  I started fighting at 19 and just have gained weight and have a massive cut to 125, plus I train with good 35ers and 45ers and do better when I’m heavier.  Elias Leland is a tough grappler with good submissions. I’m sure he will be tough, but I think I will have an advantage everywhere the fight goes.”

 

Leland, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt from the Academy of MMA in Portland, Maine, will look to avenge a loss he suffered earlier this month to Jay Perrin (2-0) at “NEF XVII.”  The loss was his first since his amateur debut against Ray Wood (5-1) in September 2011. Leland has become known as a finisher over the years, submitting four opponents and defeating one via technical knockout (TKO) at previous NEF events.

 

“I have nothing but respect for anyone that is willing to fight me,” said Leland. “However, coming off a loss, I’m pissed and hungry as hell.  This will be an exciting fight for anyone that sees it.  So you all better be there to see an amazing show.”

 

NEF’s next MMA event, “NEF XVIII: Made in America” will originate from the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine on June 13, 2015.  Tickets for “NEF XVIII” 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

MMA ATHLETIX PROSPECT TO MEET RETURNING FAN FAVORITE AT NEF XVIII

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Lewiston, Maine (April 28, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its eighteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XVIII: Made in America,” on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.   Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of an amateur lightweight bout to the fight card.  That bout will feature Jason “Second Chance” Lachance (1-1) taking on the returning “Dangerous” Dom “Hands of Stone” Cofone (5-5) at a fight weight of 155-pounds.

 

Jason Lachance of Brunswick, Maine made his MMA debut in May of 2014 at “NEF XIII.”  He dropped a decision that night, but Lachance impressed many with his performance against the more-experienced Jarrod Tyler (3-1).  He would return to the NEF cage this past February with a victory over Steve Bang, Jr. (3-3) via unanimous decision.  Lachance is a product of Ryan Cowette’s (2-2) MMA Athletix gym and Victory Church ministry, both located in Bath, Maine.

 

“God has blessed me with another opportunity to step inside the NEF cage and do what I love to do,” said Lachance.  “An opportunity I am truly grateful for.  I am focused on the task at hand and on June 13th, I will be ready for whatever comes my way.”

 

A true veteran of the NEF amateur ranks, Dom Cofone has produced many memorable moments in the promotion’s cage over the years.  Cofone won a Class A State Championship in 2001 wrestling for Westbrook High School in Westbrook, Maine.  He put together a stellar record of 117-28 during his high school wrestling career.  Cofone has taken the last few months off from MMA competition to concentrate on coaching the Westbrook youth wrestling team.  With his previous gym, Balanced Ground MMA, on hiatus, Cofone has recently begun training at Jay Jack (12-7) and Amanda Buckner’s (11-5) Academy of MMA in Portland, Maine.

 

“I took some time off to help coach my son’s youth wrestling team – shout out to all the Westbrook Wolfpack kids,” said Cofone.  “I also needed to heal up a bit from a very active two years in and out of the cage.  I’m feeling rejuvenated.  I just started training back at the Academy and am super excited to learn as much as I can from such a great team.  I’ve met Jason before – he seems like a really great guy.  I was at both of his fights, so I know he’s going to be a tough-as-nails, game opponent.  I was in the stands for the last NEF event and it just didn’t seem right without ‘Dominick The Donkey’ ringing out of the speakers.  This is a great match-up for the fans and I hope to see the Androscoggin Bank Colisee packed.  Thank you to everyone who comes out to support local MMA.”

 

NEF’s next MMA event, “NEF XVIII: Made in America” will originate from the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine on June 13, 2015.  Tickets for “NEF XVIII” 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

THE FLYWEIGHTS WILL COMPETE FOR GOLD IN REMATCH AT NEF XVIII

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Lewiston, Maine (April 24, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its eighteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XVIII: Made in America,” on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.   Earlier today, the promotion announced that the inaugural NEF MMA Amateur Flyweight Champion will be determined that evening when Dustin Veinott (3-3) rematches “Sleepy” Norman Fox (4-1) at the flyweight limit of 125-pounds.  Veinott and Fox initially met in their double amateur debut at “NEF IX” in Biddeford, Maine nearly two years ago with Fox taking the win via first-round technical knockout (TKO).

 

Dustin Veinott, a striking coach at Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) in Auburn, Maine, got off to a slow start in his MMA career, losing his first three bouts in the NEF cage.  Not one to give up due to a setback, Veinott came roaring back and is currently on a three-fight win streak.  In fact, he has defeated all three of his most recent opponents in the first round, two by submission and one by TKO. Veinott was considering retiring from the cage after his most recent victory over Dave Brown (1-3), but decided against it when the chance to fight for the flyweight title was presented.  Regardless of the outcome this time around, Veinott predicts an exciting contest against Fox.

 

“This is going to be a very entertaining fight,” said Veinott of the rematch.  “Don’t blink though because this fight will not go the distance – either Norman or myself will be finished during the fight. So expect a high-action fight between two guys that are at the top of their game right now.”

 

Norman Fox is undefeated in the NEF cage.  The only loss of his career to date came on a fight card in Plymouth, Massachusetts on which Fox was competing for a regional title.  He is currently a member of Ryan Cowette’s (2-2) MMA Athletix gym, as well as Cowette’s Victory Church ministry.  Fox realizes that he and Veinott are not the same fighters who stepped into the cage for the first time on that balmy night in the summer of 2013.

 

“Normally I don’t like rematches, but Dustin and I have grown as fighters so anything can happen,” said Fox when reached for comment.  “Once they lock the cage door, it’s all in God’s hands.”

 

NEF’s next MMA event, “NEF XVIII: Made in America” will originate from the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine on June 13, 2015.  Tickets for “NEF XVIII” 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

FATHER SEEKS TO AVENGE SON IN MMA CAGE

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Lewiston, Maine (April 23, 2015) – It sounds like the plotline of a two-star 1980s action flick.  This story, however, is not playing out on basic cable on a weekday afternoon. There are no explosions, no car chases, no semi-automatic weapons.  Brian Dennehey plays the role of neither the villain nor the heroic patriarch.  Instead, this story is playing out in the New England Fights (NEF) mixed-martial-arts (MMA) cage, and it stars not one but two middle-aged men possessing the drive, ability and athleticism that most men half their age can only dream of.

Coach Pat Kelly after defeating Steven Bang, Jr. at NEF XV
Coach Pat Kelly after defeating Steven Bang, Jr. at NEF XV

50-year-old Pat Kelly (2-0) is a true legend of Maine wrestling.  A teacher and coach at Camden Hills Regional High School in Rockport, Maine, Kelly was inducted into the Maine Amateur Wrestling Alliance Hall of Fame in 2007.  With numerous state and regional wrestling titles as a competitor and coach to his credit, he made his MMA debut as a member of Young’s MMA in 2014.

 

Dr. Steve Bang arrives for his fight at NEF XVI
Dr. Steve Bang arrives for his fight at NEF XVI

Kelly’s opponent on June 13 in Lewiston, Maine, 45-year-old Dr. Steve Bang (1-0), has a wrestling background himself, as do his sons Steven Bang, Jr. (3-3), Sheldon Bang (2-2), Shawn Bang (1-1) and Skylar Bang.  At “NEF XV” last November, Dr. Bang watched from cage-side as Pat Kelly finished his son Steven via technical knockout (TKO).  It will be that loss Dr. Bang will seek to avenge when he meets Kelly on June 13 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee at “NEF XVIII: Made in America.”

 

“My son Steven and Pat have previously met in the cage and Pat took that victory,” said Dr. Bang.  “I see myself as already being down 0-1.  NEF 18 is about redemption and showing the boys how it’s done.  As I always say, in the end, we will embrace with a bond of brotherhood and respect that is unique to combat but until then, it is war.

 

“I am excited and honored to once again enter the cage on June 13th.  This will be one for the record books.  Together, Pat and I bring over 95 years of life experience to the cage.  We bring the fights to a different level because of all that we have at stake.  This is for real and certainly not your mid-life cattle drive across the plains with Curly nor your week on a Harley with The Wild Hogs. I truly hope all will be entertained but when I enter the cage, I enter with nothing but bad intentions.  As a result of training with Central Maine Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (CMBJJ), every move, every combination, every strike is dealt with the intent to finish and that may be in the first round.  However, if this goes to the latter rounds, you will see the genius of Central Maine Conditioning Clinic and Prime Variable Athletics.  They have equipped me with the nonstop cardiovascular system used by world class Ironman triathletes.”

 

“This fight is between two gentlemen that still embrace the warrior mentality,” said Coach Kelly when reached for comment. “Personally, I will train for this fight with a driving force that cannot be put into words.  Also, with a sense of gratitude that Young’s MMA has taken the time to train me and appreciation of NEF for offering me this opportunity to enter their cage.”

 

An accomplished bariatric surgeon by day, Dr. Bang had the opportunity to fight alongside his sons Steven and Sheldon on the “NEF XVI” card this past February.  When he steps into the cage at “NEF XVIII” against Kelly, however, it will be Dr. Bang, and Dr. Bang alone, representing the family.

 

“I try to identify and truly appreciate those singular opportunities that come along in life,” stated Dr. Bang.  “‘NEF XVI’ was one of those rare opportunities when all the pieces fell into place. Fighting on the same card as two of my boys was epic.  Steven is now rehabilitating from a devastating training injury and Sheldon will be leaving the state in May for a two year service mission for the church.  Shawn has one year remaining on his mission and Connor (Murphy) is in the Coast Guard in California.  A similar opportunity may be a long time coming, so for ‘NEF XVIII,’ it is all about me.  I alone will represent the Bang Clan.

 

“Trash talking doesn’t suit me well.  I even tried it once just for effect.  Nope, still doesn’t suit me.  I like Pat.  I definitely respect him and I’m sure we will be great friends but right now, he’s just got something that doesn’t belong to him.  I am actually very thankful to Pat.  In response to those who have tried to reconcile the dichotomy of my life, I maintain that this has always been a part of my life at some level.  Making the leap into the MMA venue, however, was huge and the stakes are high.  It took a while before the time was right and even then, I didn’t recognize it until I watched Steven and Pat fight.  There is nothing like watching your son battle while you are only feet away and helpless.  As stressful as it is to prepare for and execute your own battle, it is ten times worse for me to watch them.   I would much rather fight the fights than watch my sons fight them.  It was during that fight that I knew it was time and what better way than a redemption match?  It has taken some time to make it happen but I’m gonna get what I asked for.  Thank you for that Pat.

 

“To win is to overcome others, victory is to overcome yourself,” said Dr. Bang in conclusion.  “On June 13th I will be looking to do both.”

 

NEF’s next MMA event, “NEF XVIII: Made in America” will originate from the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine on June 13, 2015.  Tickets for “NEF XVIII” 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

AMATEUR FEATHERWEIGHT MMA TITLE UP FOR GRABS ON JUNE 13 IN LEWISTON

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Lewiston, Maine (April 22, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its eighteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XVIII: Made in America,” on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.   Earlier today, the promotion announced that the first-ever NEF MMA Amateur Featherweight Champion will be crowned that evening when Aaron “Relentless” Lacey (5-1) takes on Alex Johnson (2-1).  The fight will take place at the featherweight limit of 145-pounds.

 

A member of Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine, Aaron Lacey had a phenomenal start to his amateur career, finishing his first three opponents before dropping a decision to Matt Tullos (7-0) on a card in New Hampshire.  Lacey fired back, winning his next two in a row over Dom Cofone (5-5) and Nick Spencer (5-4) respectively. Lacey is a perfect 4-0 in the NEF cage and he will look to continue that streak and take home the featherweight title on June 13.

 

“It’s an honor to be fighting for the first ever NEF amateur featherweight belt,” stated Lacey when reached for comment. “Alex is a game opponent who likes to be in your face. He presents a very interesting challenge he is aggressive and powerful. It just so happens I fight the same way. Be sure not to miss it this fight has fireworks written all over it.”

 

Alex Johnson will look to avenge his first, and only, loss to Lacey’s teammate Josh Harvey (3-1).  That fight was Johnson’s amateur debut back at “NEF XIV” last September.  Johnson has been on a tear since, winning his next two in a row including a memorable, hard-fought decision over Team Irish’s Rick Matthews (1-2). Johnson is a member of Josh Parker’s (4-8) Ruthless MMA & Boxing gym in Benton, Maine, one of the newest and most promising teams to appear on the New England scene in recent years.

 

“I’m grateful for this opportunity, but it’s just a small step on the path to my big goals,” said Johnson.  “It’s just another fight, and when they close the cage door in June it doesn’t matter who’s in front of me.  I’m ruthless in every aspect and that’s what I’ll be bringing in June.  I train with the best around and nothing will surprise me.  I’ll be ready for wherever the fight goes.  Ruthless all the way baby!”

 

NEF’s next MMA event, “NEF XVIII: Made in America” will originate from the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine on June 13, 2015.  Tickets for “NEF XVIII” 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

UNFINISHED BUSINESS LEADS TO LONG-AWAITED REMATCH

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Bruce Boyington protests to referee Jimmy Bickford after his first fight with John Raio is stopped

Lewiston, Maine (April 21, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its eighteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XVIII: Made in America,” on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.   Earlier today, the promotion announced that NEF MMA Professional Lightweight Champion Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington (10-8) will meet John “First Class” Raio (2-7) on the card in a non-title bout at a weight of 150-pounds.

 

Boyington and Raio first met in February 2014 at “NEF XII” in Lewiston.  Boyington dominated the early moments with his striking.  Coming towards the end of the first round, Raio would take Boyington’s back and apply a rear-naked choke on the mat. The future lightweight champion waved his hand in the air, a signal which referee Jimmy Bickford took to indicate Boyington’s submission.  Bickford stopped the bout and awarded the fight to Raio, drawing an immediate protest from Boyington who stated he was waving to his fans in the crowd as a sign that he was not in danger.

 

In the days that followed, a heated debate would rage on social media over the controversial finish to the fight.  Both fighters, boasting arguably the two largest fan bases in all of New England, were at the center of an epic war of words between their respective supporters.  It seemed as though everyone had an opinion, and the entire state of Maine was split.

 

“Things were crazy that week after the bout,” recalled NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo.  “Our Facebook page was flooded with comments and private messages.  Everybody and their mother was weighing in.  It’s probably the most controversial moment in NEF history.  Fans have been asking us for over a year when the rematch would happen.  The time has finally come, June 13 in Lewiston!”

 

Boyington would go on to have a highly successful finish to 2014, winning not one but two regional MMA titles, including the NEF MMA Professional Lightweight Championship.  He would also win his professional boxing debut at NEF’s inaugural boxing event in October 2014.  Boyington has, in fact, won four of his last five since the Raio loss.

 

“This fight is solely about redemption and giving the fans what they have been wanting to see,” stated Boyington when reached for comment. “Sometimes you have to step outside of what is best for you in this sport and entertain and that’s what I’m doing.  I like a challenge—the biggest challenge—and that time will come, but for now, its about showing people what was about to happen last time and I can still show I’m three-levels above him by making the statement I’m about to embark on.  I’m done with mishaps in that cage.  I’m seizing every opportunity and will not let something slip again.  Mark my words, its about to get real in my fight.”

Raio is coming off two losses in a row to his archrival, Derek Shorey (2-1), including one defeat earlier this month at “NEF XVII.” In need of a win, the founder of First Class MMA may now be more determined than ever to return to the NEF cage.

 

“I know this is a fight that I want, Bruce wants, and a lot of MMA fans have asked for,” stated Raio when reached for comment. “I look forward to fighting Bruce. Hopefully when the fight is over, there will be no controversy.”

 

NEF’s next MMA event, “NEF XVIII: Made in America” will originate from the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine on June 13, 2015.  Tickets for “NEF XVIII” 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

MIDDLEWEIGHT FIGHT SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 13 HAS A HISTORY

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Lewiston, Maine (April 20, 2015) – When Crowsneck Boutin (0-0) makes his professional debut on June 13, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, it will be just days shy of the three-year anniversary of his amateur debut in the very same building.  On that warm, late-spring evening in 2012, a crowd of more than 3,000 had assembled to witness the Maine debut of former UFC World Heavyweight Champion Tim “The Maine-iac” Sylvia (31-10) at New England Fights’ (NEF) third mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event.  Earlier that night, on the amateur portion card, Boutin was in action against Brent “Frosty” Dillingham (1-1).  Dillingham won via technical knockout (TKO) in the first round.  That was not the end of the action, however, as Boutin and Dillingham exchanged in a heated post-fight confrontation, having to be separated by officials.

 

The bad blood has continued over the course of the past three years, with occasional barbs being hurled by both sides on social media.  Boutin’s opponent on June 13 will be none other than Dillingham’s coach at MMA Athletix, “The Junkyard Dog” Ryan Cowette (2-2).  When he met Dillingham, Boutin was an independent fighter with no formal training in the martial arts.  In the months that followed, Boutin would join the Choi Institute of Portland, Maine and transform himself into a prolific striker. Boutin is clear that the fighter who will step in the cage on June 13 opposite Cowette is not the same undisciplined street fighter who lost to Dillingham three years ago.

 

“As an amateur with zero days in a gym, I debuted against MMA Athletix,” recalled Boutin of his amateur debut.  “Fast forward three years later, three years straight at the Choi Institute. Here is your throat back, thanks for the loan.”

 

Not only is Cowette the head of MMA Athletix, but he is also the founder and pastor of Victory Church in Bath, Maine.  Having suffered a major disappointment when his opponent backed out of their scheduled bout during fight week of “NEF XVII” earlier this month, Cowette is optimistic in regards to the June 13 fight with Boutin.

 

“This should be a great fight for the fans,” said Cowette.  “We both show up to fight and put on a show.  I’m looking to push forward in the 185-pound division.  Crowsneck will be a good test.  I’m thankful for the opportunities NEF gives me.”

 

NEF’s next MMA event, “NEF XVIII: Made in America” will originate from the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine on June 13, 2015.  Tickets for “NEF XVIII” 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

RIVAL BANGOR-AREA GYMS VIE FOR FIRST-EVER AMATEUR MMA LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE

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NEF_FNVXIII_madeinUSA_FB_final+(1)Lewiston, Maine (April 16, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its eighteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XVIII: Made in America,” on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.   Earlier today, the promotion announced that the first NEF MMA Amateur Lightweight Champion will be crowned that evening when undefeated Ricky Dexter (3-0), representing Marcus Davis’ Team Irish, will take on Josh Harvey (3-1) of cross-town rival Young’s MMA.  The bout will be contested at the lightweight limit of 155-pounds.

 

Dexter and Harvey are regarded as two of the top prospects currently on the NEF MMA roster.   Both athletes are undefeated in the promotion’s cage.  On June 13, they will carry on a rivalry that has raged in NEF between the Young’s MMA and Team Irish gyms for several years.

 

“Both of these young athletes are a testament to their respective gyms, as well as to  how far the sport has come in Maine,” said NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson.  “They both came along after NEF was established in the state, and we have seen both of them grow over the past year.  We in the NEF front office unanimously believe that Josh and Ricky have a bright future ahead of them in MMA and look forward to this highly competitive bout set to be contested in Lewiston on June 13th.”

 

Dexter, currently the top-nine-ranked amateur lightweight in New England, is coming off a first-round submission victory over Zenon Herrera (3-6) last Saturday at “NEF XVII.”  Dexter has taken the promotion’s lightweight division by storm since debuting last November.  He has stopped all three of his opponents in the first round to earn his shot at becoming the first NEF MMA Amateur Lightweight Champion.

 

“I’m honored to be fighting for the NEF Lightweight Amateur Title,” stated Dexter. “To me there’s a lot more on the line than just a belt. On June 13th you better believe I’m bringing it.”

 

When fans last saw Josh Harvey in the NEF cage, he had his arm raised in victory after mauling Caleb Hall (5-2) in the amateur opener of “NEF XVI” this past February.  It took Harvey a mere 36-seconds to run through Hall, himself a two-time state wrestling champion for Dirigo High School in Dixfield, Maine.  Many insiders believe this will be one of Harvey’s final amateur fights before turning professional.

 

“Two top fighters from two top schools, this is a match to be excited about,” stated Harvey when reached for comment. “I have all the respect in the world for Ricky, but there is no where this fight goes that I don’t win.”

 

NEF’s next MMA event, “NEF XVIII: Made in America” will originate from the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine on June 13, 2015.  Tickets for “NEF XVIII” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.  For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com. In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

About New England Fights

 

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

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

NEW ENGLAND FIGHTS ANNOUNCES THE RESULTS OF NEF XVII

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Lewiston, Maine (April 12, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, held its seventeenth mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF XVII,” Saturday night at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.   A crowd of more than 2,000 was on hand to take in the action.

 

The co-main event of the evening saw Dennis “The Menace” Olson (13-7) win a split decision victory over Jarod “Last Minute” Lawton (4-2).   Jamie Harrison  (6-1) stopped NEF MMA Lightweight Champion Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington (10-8) via first-round submission in a non-title bout in the card’s main event. In a women’s amateur bout earlier in the evening, Boyington’s wife Randi Beth Knowles (1-0) defeated Alex Walker (0-1) via unanimous decision in a thrilling back-and-forth contest.

 

In addition, NEF announced that the promotion’s next MMA event would take place at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on June 13, 2015.  The event is titled “NEF XVIII: Made in America” and it will feature the professional debut of Crowsneck Boutin (6-7 amateur) as he meets “The Junkyard Dog” Ryan Cowette (3-2) in a middleweight contest.  It was further announced that Ryan Glover(1-0) and Billy Leahy (2-1) will fight for the first ever NEF MMA amateur title in the heavyweight division on June 13.

 

The full results from Lewiston, Maine:

 

PROFESSIONAL

CATCH Jamie Harrison def. Bruce Boyington via rear-naked choke, round 1
170 Dennis Olson def. Jarod Lawton via split decision
CATCH Kaline Medeiros def. Calie Cutler via unanimous decision

150 Derek Shorey def. John Raio via TKO, round 1

CATCH Jesse Erickson def. Mark Deford via KO, round 1

CATCH Jay Perrin def. Elias Leland via TKO, round 2

 

AMATEUR

CATCH Norman Fox def. Dave Brown via guillotine choke submission, round 1
165 Connor Barry def. CJ Ewer via triangle choke submission, round 1
155 Matthew Hanning def. Rick Matthews via KO, round 1

S.HWT Dave Smith def. Ora Spratt IV via TKO, round 1

185 Heath Hanson def. Brandon Russell via TKO, round 1
CATCH Caleb Serra def. Clifford Redman via armbar submission, round 3
135 Sheldon Bang def. Mike Crespo via unanimous decision
115 Randi Beth Knowles def. Alex Walker via unanimous decision

155 Ricky Dexter def. Zenon Herrera via Kimura submission, round 1

185 Chris Rideout def. Ruben Redman via unanimous decision

185 Chris Smith def. Dan Meuse via TKO, round 1

135 Caleb Costello def. Wilmer Carrero via guillotine choke submission, round 1

150 Alex Johnson  def. Dustin Shorey via guillotine choke submission, round 1

 

NEF’s next MMA event, “NEF XVIII: Made in America” will originate from the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine on June 13, 2015.  Tickets for “NEF XVIII” 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

NEF MMA ANNOUNCES WEIGH-IN RESULTS FROM LEWISTON

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Lewiston, Maine (April 10, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, held weigh-ins for its seventeenth mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF XVII,” earlier today at the Ramada Hotel and Conference Center in Lewiston, Maine.   “NEF XVII” will take place at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee located at 190 Birch Street in Lewiston tomorrow, Saturday, April 11 with doors opening at 6:00 pm.  The first fight is scheduled to begin at 7:00 pm.

 

The professional NEF MMA Lightweight Title bout between Bruce Boyington (10-7) and Jamie Harrison (5-1) is now a non-title catchweight fight after Harrison was unable to make the lightweight limit of 155-pounds.

 

The weights from Lewiston, Maine:

 

PROFESSIONAL

CATCH Bruce Boyington (154.0) vs Jamie Harrison (156.3)
170 Dennis Olson (170.9) vs Jarod Lawton (169.4)
CATCH Kaline Medeiros (116.2) vs Calie Cutler (117.9)

150 John Raio (150.4) vs Derek Shorey (149.3)

CATCH Jesse Erickson (156.3) vs Mark Deford (155.4)

CATCH Jay Perrin (139.0) vs Elias Leland (134.0)

 

AMATEUR

CATCH Dave Brown (125.4) vs Norman Fox (126.2)
165 Connor Barry (165.2) vs CJ Ewer (164.7)
155 Rick Matthews (153.7) vs Matthew Hanning (154.7)

S.HWT Dave Smith (292.6) vs Ora Spratt IV (282.7)

185 Brandon Russell (186.0) vs Heath Hanson (176.6)
CATCH Caleb Serra (147.1) vs Clifford Redman (145.0)

S.HWT Ryan Glover (227.6) vs Jason Field (271.0)
135 Sheldon Bang (135.4) vs Mike Crespo (134.1)
115 Alex Walker (115.1) vs Randi Beth Knowles (115.8)

155 Ricky Dexter (154.7) vs Zenon Herrera (153.8)

185 Chris Rideout (182.7) vs Ruben Redman (181.1)

185 Chris Smith (185.6) vs Dan Meuse (181.2)

135 Caleb Costello (134.7) vs Wilmer Carrero (136.0)

150 Alex Johnson  (149.2) vs Dustin Shorey (148.9)

 

Tickets for “NEF XVII” start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com, by calling the Colisee box office at207.783.2009 x 525, or by visiting the Colisee box office at 190 Birch Street, Lewiston, Maine 04240.  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.