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.