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.