Tag Archives: Josh Harvey

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

JOSH HARVEY TO MAKE LONG-AWAITED RETURN TO MMA CAGE AT NEF 35 IN BANGOR

Leave a comment

 

 

 

Bangor, Maine (July 16, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) will hold its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 35: Wicked Season,” on September 8 at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor.  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of a professional lightweight bout to the fight card.  Josh “Hook On” Harvey (4-0) will return to the cage to take on Jay Ellis (15-79) at a fight weight of 155-pounds.

 

 

 

The fight with Ellis will take place just over 16 months since the last time Harvey did battle in the NEF cage.  The former amateur lightweight champion is undefeated thus far in his professional career.  Harvey has entered the cage four times in the pro ranks and has finished all four opponents in the first round with two knockouts and two submissions to his credit.  He is a member of Young’s MMA based in Bangor, and “NEF 35” will be Harvey’s first opportunity to fight in front of his hometown fans, family and friends since “NEF Presents Dana White: Lookin’ for a Fight” which took place at the Cross Insurance Center in August 2016.

 

 

 

“I’m excited to display the improvements I made since my last fight,” Harvey said. “Thankful for any opponent willing to hook on, will be one for the highlight reel for sure!”

 

 

 

Harvey’s opponent, Jay Ellis, is a longtime veteran of the sport based out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he trains with Team Knockout.  Ellis regularly travels to New England to compete and has gained a cult following throughout the region. Last summer, he shocked Bangor fight fans by taking the fight to Ryan Sanders (16-9) and nearly upsetting the hometown favorite with a submission attempt before Sanders was able to score a come-from-behind victory.

 

 

 

“I’m so happy to be coming back to Maine to put on another great performance,” stated Ellis when reached for comment. “This time my hand will be raised high as the victorious one.”

 

 

 

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 35: Wicked Season,” will see the company make its return to the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine.  The event is scheduled to take place Saturday, September 8, 2018 with a bell time of 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now at www.CrossInsuranceCenter.com.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

A NEW NEF LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPION CROWNED IN LEWISTON

Leave a comment

Lewiston, Maine (April 30, 2017) – Again, blood flowed from the head of Jon Lemke. Again, “The” Ryan Sanders had his hand raised in victory.

This time, however, there was zero controversy or conjecture about the finish, and that authoritative ending made Sanders an NEF mixed martial arts champion for the first time.

Sanders used a guillotine choke to stop Lemke just 22 seconds into the second round and win the vacant New England Fights lightweight championship at “NEF 28: Invincible,” held Saturday night at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston.

Their previous non-title confrontation in November 2016 ended with Lemke unable to continue due to an accidental cut. Sanders earned the victory by winning the first two rounds on all three judges’ scorecards.

In the title-bout rematch, Sanders likely was behind on those cards after Lemke used a late takedown to punctuate what had been a back-and-forth, stand-up opening session.

“He hit me right in the … gut, and it … hurt,” Sanders said, peppering the statement with the smile and the expletives that are his calling card. “I knew the first round was going to tough, because he’s a killer, and I tend to be a slow starter.”

Sanders (14-8) wasted no time getting Lemke (6-8) to the mat and earning the tap in round two. It was his seventh win in nine NEF appearances.

The Bangor-based battler dedicated the win to his wife, Vanessa, who was in the cage to put the belt around her husband’s waist. The couple celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary Friday.

“She saved my life,” Sanders said. “She’s the reason I’m here, the reason I fight, and the reason I’m a champion.”

In the co-main event, Josh Harvey (4-0) stayed undefeated with a brutal, 50-second knockout of Derek Shorey.

Shorey (4-9) returned to the NEF cage to raise funds for four of his children and their mother, who lost their home in a recent New Hampshire apartment fire.

“He’s a great guy and a super warrior. I’m glad he stepped up to fight,” Harvey said. “Next I’d like to fight someone else who’s undefeated.”

Matt Denning of Auburn ended his four-fight winless streak with authority. “Ken Doll” made his long-awaited return to the NEF cage with a first-round verdict over Josh Parker.

Denning used his grappling strength to win the grudge match. He rallied from an early takedown, dominated on the ground, and used a guillotine to put it away in the fourth minute.

“It feels good to win. I finally got one,” Denning said. “I’m at 145 pounds, which is where I belong.”

Bellator veteran Walter Smith-Cotito improved his NEF record to 3-0, and he has done it against eye-opening opposition. On the heels of past wins over Bruce Boyington and Elias Leland, Smith-Cotito defeated Andre Belcarris via rear naked choke at 2:05 of the second round. Belcarris was making his pro debut after 34 amateur bouts.

Dominic Jones made a triumphant pro debut, taking out NEF mainstay Tollison Lewis with only 30 seconds remaining in the first round.  Jones won all his amateur fights by decision, but be used his wrestling acumen to dominate his taller opponent on the ground and earn the TKO.

First-round stoppages also were the rule in the amateur portion of the card, with all four fights ending in under two minutes.

The most controversial result involved Caleb “Dr. Feelgood” Austin, an 18-year-old senior out of Mountain Valley High School in Rumford, taking on James Ploss of Kaze Dojo in Lancester, New Hampshire. It was the cage debut for both combatants.

Ploss was the aggressor from the opening bell and immediately took the action to the mat. That also played to the strengths of Austin, who amassed an astonishing 208-11 record while winning two state championships as a schoolboy wrestlers.

At about the 30-second mark, Ploss applied a guillotine and forced a tap from Austin.  Unfortunately for Ploss, the referee did not see Austin tap and he allowed the fight to continue after Ploss had released the hold.

Austin took full advantage of the reprieve and showed power in both his stand-up and striking game, eventually earning a TKO in the flyweight fracas at the 1:57 mark.

Josh “Basketball” Jones left no doubt whatsoever in his debut victory over Sean Worcester (0-3).

Jones, 29, who was drafted by the NBA Development League before embarking on a professional career in Germany and Canada, went on the early attack with looping haymakers. He dropped Worcester to the canvas and ended the middleweight scrap with a barrage of haymakers after only 20 seconds.

Jacob Deppmeyer evened his ledger in the amateur hexagon at 1-1 with a 77-second dismissal of Glenn Kasabian at a catch weight of 140. The wins by Dominic and Josh Jones as well as Dettmeyer made First Class MMA a perfect 3-0 on the evening.

Mason Travers joined the parade of fighters making a successful amateur debut with his win over Nigel Moye at 1:10 of the opening stanza.

Many big announcements were made concerning “NEF 29: Stars and Stripes,” which will be held Saturday, June 17 at Androscoggin Bank Colisee. The main event will feature the Maine homecoming of Ray “All Business” Wood.  Former NEF bantamweight champion Paul Gorman will also be featured.

Professional boxing will return to share the spotlight, led by local favorites Brandon Montella of North Anson and Russell Lamour of Portland, and with a special guest: Former heavyweight champion James “Buster’ Douglas will be in attendance to greet fans and sign autographs.

Tickets start at $25 and are available at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 525.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

KNOCKOUT ARTIST UP NEXT FOR HARVEY AT NEF 28

Leave a comment

Lewiston, Maine (March 8, 2017) – New England Fights (NEF) presents its next mixed-martial-arts event “NEF 28: INVINCIBLE” on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of a professional featherweight bout to the card.  Josh “Hook On” Harvey (3-0) will meet Eric “Money” Mendiola (2-1) at a fight weight of 145-pounds.

Harvey, the former NEF amateur division lightweight champion, is undefeated to date since making his professional debut last spring.  With a solid amateur boxing background, as well as the pedigree of a two-time Maine state wrestling champion, matchmakers have had difficulty in finding opponents willing to step into the cage with him.  The Young’s MMA prospect has displayed both devastating knockout power and slick submission skills throughout his career thus far.  Most recently, Harvey submitted Richie Collingham (3-4) last month at “NEF 27.”

“‘Money’ and I are the type of fight that takes the spotlight, and I know it’s one that people will be talking about for a long time,” remarked Harvey on the upcoming fight.  “I’m prepared for war in this kill-or-be-killed contest.”

Mendiola, a product of Mohawk Valley MMA in the Utica, New York area, will make his first appearance in the NEF cage on April 29, but he is far from a newcomer to the sport of MMA.  He had more than twenty amateur fights prior to turning pro in 2015.  Mendiola has built a reputation as a knockout artist.  After numerous knockout finishes in the amateur ranks, Mendiola put the lights out for his first two pro opponents, both in under a minute.  He will look to rebound from his first loss as a pro last fall.

“I’m a different kind of focused for this fight, mentally and physically,” stated Mendiola when reached for comment.  “Harvey looks like a tough kid with a good record, and I’m up for the challenge. I have a bad taste in my mouth from a couple of months ago, and I’m coming to lay it all on the line and showcase all of my skills. Let’s get to it!”

New England Fights returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine with its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 28: INVINCIBLE,” on Saturday, April 29, 2017.  Tickets are on sale now at the Colisee box office 207-783-2009 x 525 and online at www.TheColisee.com.

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 the promotion on Twitter and Instagram @nefights, and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

FEATHERWEIGHT FIGHT SCHEDULED FOR NEF 27

Leave a comment

Lewiston, Maine (December 5, 2016) –New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on February 11, 2017 with its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE.”  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of a professional featherweight bout to the card.  Josh “Hook On” Harvey (2-0) will meet Richie Collingham (3-3) at a fight weight of 145-pounds.

 

Harvey is a former NEF MMA Amateur Lightweight Champion.  He turned pro in 2016 after a stellar amateur career that saw him amass a record of 5-1 while facing some of the best the region has to offer.  In his pro debut, Harvey submitted Matt Denning (3-4) in Lewiston last spring.  He would follow up that victory with a win over Zenon Herrera (0-5) in August.  Harvey is a member of Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine.

 

“I’m training for the fight I want, and this opponent is just one more step closer to where I am going,” said Harvey of the upcoming bout with Collingham. “Wishing him a healthy training camp and that he shows up.”

 

When Richie Collingham steps foot in the NEF cage on February 11 it will have been nearly a decade since his last fight.  Now training out of Lakes Region Vale Tudo in New Hampshire, Collingham has not actively competed since 2007.  He was very active on the California MMA circuit at that time and put together a string of submission victories.

 

“I’m very excited about stepping into the cage with a tough fighter like Josh Harvey and fighting for NEF and putting on a good show for everyone,” said Collingham.  “I’m putting in hard work and February 11th can’t come soon enough.”

 

NEF’s next event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE” takes place on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 7 p.m.  Tickets start at $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 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, MMA, New England Fights

FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO A SHOT AT THE GOLD, JACKSON AND VELADO TAKE MMA CAREERS TO A NEW LEVEL AT NEF 25

Leave a comment

 

By: Kalle Oakes

Humility is the undertone for any conversation with Jimmy Jackson about his mixed martial arts career. It was a humbling experience that twisted Rafael Velado’s arm into the world of combat sports in the first place.

One of the men will depart Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston wielding a source of pride – the New England Fights amateur lightweight championship belt – after their clash at “NEF 25: Heroes and Villains” this Saturday, September 10.

Mention the idea of his earning a title shot in the hexagon and Jackson (3-2) almost can’t withhold a laugh.

“It’s a big opportunity for someone like me,” Jackson said. “I never thought I would be fighting for a title. I’ve had a ton of teammates come up to me and say, ‘You deserve this! Way to go!’ I just never thought of myself as that top-tier fighter. I’ve always been the guy kind of behind the scenes.”

Easy enough for the Bangor fighter to blend in, considering that he trains at Young’s MMA with the likes of Aaron “Relentless” Lacey, “The” Ryan Sanders, and Josh “Hook On” Harvey.

Fighting for the belt vacated by stablemate Harvey isn’t an endeavor that would have entered Jackson’s mind back in 2012, when he accepted a fight in Vermont on a relative lark. He won via submission, with a choke, in 96 seconds.

“My training started out as me and a few other guys messing around in a basement,” Jackson said. “My first fight was spur of the moment. I won and it sort of got the adrenaline going, like, ‘I can do this. I did pretty good.’”

Through a co-worker, he connected up with Young’s MMA.

After a learning curve that included back-to-back losses in 2013, Jackson steadily improved and defeated two consecutive opponents to earn his title opportunity.

“It’s a blessing and a curse. It’s truly a family. These are guys who truly stand by each other, in hard times, bad times, in and out of the gym,” Jackson said of wearing Young’s colors. “But on the flip side, everybody’s watching you, expecting a certain amount of entertainment from you. I want to perform at such a level that people are excited to watch me fight.”

While most fighters go through the drudgery of training in order to bask in the glory of fight night, Jackson contends that it’s the training he loves most. And entering the cage, he claims, is not about him.

“Fighting, to me, is just what I can do to show everybody what my coaches have accomplished,” Jackson said. “They sacrifice so much to give us fighters the recognition and they get very little recognition in return. The only reason I get in the cage is to represent them.”

Jackson gravitated to MMA with minimal experience in combat sports. Velado, of Norridgewock, brought a decade of jiu-jitsu and a black belt to the table.

That journey had less glamorous beginnings, however.

“In July 2005, I was playing basketball and a guy on my own team, if you can believe it, punched me in the face. He took exception to something and he messed me up pretty good,” Velado said. “From watching UFC, I thought I knew what to do to defend myself, and I pulled him down with an arm bar. Pathetically, but I pulled him down.”

Velado called it a reality check, one that led him to enroll in jiu-jitsu classes taught by Aaron Blake in Boothbay Harbor.

“I think all guys think they will be able to defend themselves in a situation, and most of those guys are wrong,” Velado said.

In more than three years of tournament competition, Velado said he fought more than 50 times and lost only three matches.

He grew restless and sought a new challenge. It led him to John Raio’s First Class MMA in Topsham. Velado was primed for his debut, but a sparring session with heavyweight teammate Nick Gulliver led to a torn MCL in his knee.

“That took about six to eight months before I fully recovered,” Velado said. “I dropped in on John again in April 2015, and we got a plan together. He got me in there with a lot of good wrestler types, including himself. He let me train with Marcus Davis and some other guys to expand my skill set.”

Velado has won three times in NEF, capped by a split decision over Mike Peitersen of Young’s.

“You’re in for a war. Young’s guys, they’re great. They’re all respectful. They train like savages,” Velado said. “Look who he’s training against…Those guys could fight anywhere in the United States and do well. You can’t not get better training against guys like that. You can’t not be a stud.”

Jackson, who said that MMA has lowered his stress level while reminding him that there is nothing else in life he can’t handle, hinted that he is the underdog on paper.

“He went three rounds with Mike Pietersen, and Mike is a tough dude. I know he’s a black belt in jits,” Jackson said. “I’m taking a realistic approach. I’m more focused on what I need to do and can’t worry about what he’s going to do. I don’t think he’s going to show me anything that I can’t handle.”

The question, Velado said, is whether or not Jackson’s modesty suggests any level of uncertainty.

“The difference between us is that I know I have jiu-jitsu in my tool box. He doesn’t have anything like that in his tool box that I know of,” Velado said. “He’s going to see what level he’s at in this fight. He’s going to find a way to get past me, or he’s going to take a step back and say is this something I really want to be doing? He definitely has to have confidence if he wants to beat me.”

The opening bell on this Saturday, September 10 is set for 7 p.m. The current docket for “NEF 25: Heroes and Villains” includes three professional boxing matches, five pro mixed martial arts bouts and five amateur MMA scraps. Tickets start at $25 and are available at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 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, MMA, New England Fights

NEW ENGLAND FIGHTS SELLS OUT IN BANGOR

Leave a comment

Bangor, Maine (August 6, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF) held its most recent event, “NEF Presents Dana White: Lookin’ for a Fight,” Friday night at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor.  The event sold out moments before doors opened to the public.  Over 1200 fans in attendance witnessed a wild night of eight professional bouts.  The crowd included UFC President Dana White who was in attendance to film a future episode of his web series.

 

Fight of the night went to Aaron Lacey (2-0) and John Santos (3-4).  The two featherweights battled back and forth for a grueling, and bloody, 15-minutes.  Lacey was declared the winner by split decision on the judges’ scorecards.

 

In a rematch from 2014, NEF MMA Professional Lightweight Champion Devin Powell (8-1) took on Jon Lemke (5-6) in a non-title catchweight contest.  In a repeat of the first bout, Powell scored the win over Lemke with a first round submission.

 

Ryan Sanders (11-8) and Derrick Kennington (11-8) were the third fight of the evening to go the distance with Sanders picking up the victory via unanimous decision.

 

In the bantamweight main event, Brazilian prospect Ricardo Lucas Ramos (9-1) submitted Glendale, California’s Alfred Khashakyan (7-3) in the second round.

 

The results from Bangor, Maine:

 

Ricardo Lucas Ramos def. Alfred Khashakyan via rear-naked choke, round 2

Ryan Sanders def. Derrick Kennington via unanimous decision
Devin Powell def.  Jon Lemke via rear-naked choke submission, round 1

Aaron Lacey def.  John Santos via split decision

David Mundell def. Jarod Lawton via unanimous decision

CJ Ewer def. Ruben Redman via KO, round 1

Derrick Brown def. Brendan Battles via TKO, round 2

Josh Harvey def. Zenon Herrera via TKO, round 1

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF 25: HEROES & VILLAINS,” takes place on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets 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.  Tickets will also be available at the door the night of the event.

 

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, MMA, New England Fights

LAWTON GETS NEW OPPONENT ON BANGOR FIGHT CARD

Leave a comment

Bangor, Maine (July 30, 2016) – Jarod “Last Minute” Lawton (4-2) has a new opponent this Friday night in Bangor at “NEF Presents Dana White: Lookin’ for a Fight.”  Lawton’s original opponent, Mike Hansen (4-4), pulled out of the middleweight contest with an injury just days before the start of fight week.  NEF officials scoured the country for someone to step up on a mere week’s notice and face the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Lawton.  Not an easy task, to say the least.  NEF matchmaker Matt Peterson was able to secure a replacement opponent in the form of David “Redneck” Mundell (5-1) of Dunedin, Florida.

Mundell is a purple belt fighting out of Gracie Clearwater.  His only loss as a professional came in his last fight this past spring.  In fact, Mundell had not lost a single round in any of his previous five professional fights to that point.  He is the reigning Florida State Professional MMA Welterweight Champion.  Mundell held several titles in the amateur ranks before turning pro.

While most competitors would shy away from the prospect of facing a black belt on a week’s notice in front of UFC President Dana White, Mundell approaches the fight with a workmanlike outlook.

“It’s just another day at the office,” said Mundell when reached for comment.

“I am excited to still be a part of the show and thankful Dave Mundell was willing to step up on short notice to take the fight,” said Lawton.  “He is a well-rounded fighter, and I am expecting to put on one of the best fights of the night as always!”

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF Presents Dana White: Looking for a Fight”  takes place on Friday, August 5, 2016 at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor,  Maine.  Tickets are on sale now at www.CrossInsuranceCenter.com or by calling the box office at 800.745.3000.

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 andwww.flocombat.com, 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, MMA, New England Fights, UFC

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS FOR TOP MAINE LIGHTWEIGHTS

Leave a comment

Bangor, Maine (July 29, 2016) – Devin Powell was enjoying an evening off from his demanding life as a mixed martial arts instructor and fighter.

He was surrounded by food that probably isn’t on his normal training menu. There were celebratory beverages to fit the loud music and party atmosphere at Xfinity Center, the outdoor concert venue in Mansfield, Massachusetts.

Somehow, Powell heard his phone ring, or felt it vibrate in his pocket. The impending conversation altered his day-after plans considerably.

Powell accepted a return engagement with Jon Lemke at “NEF Presents Dana White: Looking for a Fight,” to be held Friday, August 5 at Cross Insurance Center in Bangor.

“I found out my good friend Jesse Erickson got hurt,” Powell said, “and they asked me to fill in. I said ‘of course.’ Anybody representing UFC, never mind Dana White, if you ever have a chance to fight in front of them, it’s something you want to do if you’re able. It should be a nice, intimate setting.”

Powell (7-1) is the NEF lightweight champion, having secured the strap with a technical knockout of Erickson at “NEF 22: All Roads Lead Here” in April. Lemke (5-5) lost to previous champion Bruce Boyington in a bid for that belt.

The fight will take place five pounds above the lightweight limit at a catch weight of 160.

“It’s a huge opportunity,” said Lemke, who lives in neighboring Brewer. “I’m very grateful. I’m looking forward to fighting in front of probably the most influential person in MMA.”

Their bout is one of eight professional skirmishes to be showcased in front of White, a native of nearby Hermon, and cohorts Din Thomas and Matt Serra. The trio travels the country in pursuit of undiscovered MMA talent in a reality show that is broadcast on White’s YouTube page as well as the UFC Fight Pass subscription-based streamed video service.

Neither man is known to shy away from the spotlight. Lemke stopped Erickson at Bellator 93 in Lewiston two years ago. Powell pushed his winning streak to five with a split-decision triumph June 17 over Tommy Marcellino on the World Series of Fighting stage at Foxwoods.

“I know they’re probably here to watch the guys in the main event,” Powell said of White and his entourage, “but I plan to put on a show that they won’t be able to sleep on. With my fighting style, very aggressive and unorthodox, I believe I definitely will get their attention. This sport is a lot about getting the right opportunity and taking advantage of it.”

When asked if he perceived any edge because Powell took the fight on three weeks’ notice, Lemke politely pointed out that he only began preparing for Erickson two weeks prior to that.

Lemke lost to Josh LaBerge on June 10.

“I only had a couple extra weeks to prepare. I was still training, but that’s all. I was in pretty good shape but not in fight shape,” Lemke said. “It’s one of those things where they ask you and you’re like, ‘Oh, man, I really want to do this, but.’ It’s just too big an opportunity not to. It’s not necessarily ideal, but as a fighter, absolutely you’re looking for that challenge, and Devin is one of the best guys in the game around here.”

He learned that first-hand, and in resounding fashion, when the two fighters previously clashed on May 10, 2014. Powell prevailed via choke-out in only 23 seconds.

That setting was Lemke’s comeback fight after his abrupt withdrawal from a title match against John Ortolani eight months earlier.

“It didn’t go very well last time. There were a lot of distractions and different circumstances for me leading up to that fight. I had to pull out of a title fight before that, which you never want to do. Three-quarters of the battle for me was just getting back in the cage,” Lemke said.

“I’m a completely different fighter now,” he added. “I think I’ve progressed everywhere, not just with my skills but with the approach I take. I’ve had quite a few fights and I’ve learned from both the wins and the losses. You always learn. Sometimes you learn the hard way.”

Lemke and Powell each enter the cage for the fourth time in less than a year. That activity is the reason neither man feels uneasy about accepting such a stern challenge after an abbreviated training camp.

In Powell’s case, fighting is simply a natural extension of his everyday life as owner and head instructor at Nostos MMA in Somersworth, N.H.

“I’m grateful for everything I have. I have a 4-year-old daughter and she likes to come to the academy and train jiu-jitsu,” Powell said. “I have a pretty amazing life. I only have to teach, train and fight. A lot of people don’t get more than a couple hours with their kids every night. We sacrifice a lot for this sport. People only see the 15 minutes of hell. They don’t see everything else.”

Powell is pleased to represent NEF for only the third time in his blossoming career.

“NEF is one of the biggest promotions in the country. They make superstars out of guys from Maine,” Powell said. “I fought for World Series of Fighting, and I don’t want to sound like I’m knocking them, but it was a much smaller show. NEF has a huge following, and now you see them going places like Cape Cod and Bangor, and that can only grow it even more. They do it right, and I’m glad to be able to step in there for them.”

Lemke faces the added pressure of fighting in front of not only White but his hometown fans from the Bangor area.

Many of them are not accustomed to the four-hour round trip for his encounters in Lewiston.

“A fight is still just a fight, and the next fight is the biggest fight regardless. You never know who could be there watching or what could happen as a result,” Lemke said, suggesting that he is more concerned with his opponent. “Devin is a phenomenal fighter. He has a great skill set. He’s highly touted and he has a great record to back it up. It’s definitely the challenge of a lifetime for me. He’s also a great guy outside the cage. I get along with him well. I think we respect each other.”

Powell confirmed those suspicions, although he reiterated that his objective is nothing less than another decisive victory.

“He’s a good guy. I don’t have to go to that deep, dark place. I understand that my job is to hurt someone so badly that the referee has to step in to save his life. It’s a beautiful, violent sport. I respect anyone who has the courage to get in there with the same goals as me,” Powell said. “I’m expecting a brouhaha with Lemke. He’s aggressive. He comes to fight. I like to do the same things. The first fight was short-lived. If I’m able to repeat that, I’m sure Dana White will be happy.”

“NEF Presents Dana White: Looking for a Fight” takes place on Friday, August 5, 2016 at Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine. Tickets are on sale now at www.CrossInsuranceCenter.com or by calling the box office at 800.745.3000.

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 and www.flocombat.com, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

amateur mixed martial arts, Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

YOUNG’S MMA HAS HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE ON AUGUST 5 IN BANGOR

Leave a comment

Bangor, Maine (July 28, 2016) – The dedicated delegation from Young’s MMA of Bangor usually relish their reputation as road warriors in New England Fights.

Lewiston is long established as the hub city for the organization, drawing competitors and spectators from both directions on the Maine Turnpike. Fighters and fans from the Penobscot River valley find that staying engaged for those fight cards four or five times a year requires greater commitment than most.

For only the second time in its history, the regional promotion will bring its cage to the Queen City. “NEF Presents: Dana White Lookin’ for a Fight” is slated for Friday, August 5 at Cross Insurance Center.

Young’s, the gym located just a few blocks away at 127 Hammond Street, will celebrate by showcasing one of its fighters in four of the eight scheduled professional bouts. Battle-tested Ryan Sanders and relative newcomers Aaron Lacey, Josh Harvey and CJ Ewer all are poised to take their best shot with the support of a raucous, partisan crowd.

“That’s the most exciting part for me, being from Brewer. I went to Brewer High School,” Lacey said. “It was definitely a huge, huge draw for me, seeing it in person. I went to the fights when NEF came to Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion (July 12, 2013) and all I could think is, ‘Man, I want to do this.’ This has been a goal of mine for a long time.”

Sanders (10-7) will battle Derrick Kennington (11-7) in a clash of wily lightweights that will be on the featured attractions on the docket.

His three stablemates each emerged victorious in their only previous pro bout. Lacey will lock up with John Santos (3-3) of Derry, N.H., in a featherweight fight. Harvey has an appointment at featherweight. Ewer, who won an amateur bout at the outdoor concert venue in Bangor, will be tested by Ruben Redman (0-1) in a welterweight scrap.

Even with numerous friends in attendance, the four men know it is the presence of UFC president White, who grew up in nearby Hermon, which could have career-changing ramifications.

“It’s a great opportunity. It’s awesome to know that someone like that is going to be in the building on fight night,” Sanders said. “But for me it’s just another fight. I don’t want to get caught up in all that. Just let it unfold.”

White and cohorts Din Thomas and Matt Serra travel the country in pursuit of undiscovered MMA talent in a reality show that is broadcast on White’s YouTube page as well as the UFC Fight Pass subscription-based streamed video service.

Yes, the entrepreneur’s Maine connections are well-documented. White also previously brought UFC Fight Night 47 to Bangor. Young’s talent pool suspects that the latest event is more than just a case of White throwing a bone to his home base, however.

“I’m grateful that he’s bringing it here. I’m sure he’s watched film from NEF in his spare time. He must see something in NEF that he likes in order to be doing this,” Harvey said. “It doesn’t make me more nervous. I’m excited for it. I’m going to try to put that all aside and focus on the task at hand.”

Under the tutelage of co-owners Chris Young and Ernie Fitch, roughly five or six professionals and a dozen amateurs cycle through the gym in any given training camp.

“Four of us fighting, it just shows we’re the best gym in the area. Three of us are undefeated. We’re producing studs. People see that and want to train with the best guys they can,” Sanders said. “We definitely push each other. You have guys who kick your ass every day. We want the best for each other. That’s why we’re here.”

Harvey expects the numbers and commitment to grow after White’s visit. He has been training at Young’s for three years. The cage side seat at the waterfront inspired him to step up his own training regimen. It’s a built-in advantage, Harvey noted, that has belonged almost exclusively to Lewiston until now.

“That’s what gets most people started. They go and see the fights and they want to try it,” Harvey said. “That’s why you see places like Central Maine BJJ (Lewiston) and First Class MMA (Topsham) growing so much. The fights are right there in their backyard.”

Lacey characterizes Young’s as “a gym full of killers.”

The statistics underscore Lacey’s point. The three pros with unblemished records all won their debut in two minutes or less.

“Ryan has only gone to a decision I think one time in his career. He’s a finisher. Josh won his fight by submission in the first round. CJ is super strong,” Lacey said. “They challenge me to be the best I can be every day. They keep me focused not just in the gym but in the game of life outside the cage.”

Although he is facing an opponent with significantly greater experience, Lacey expects a helpful adrenaline rush from having so many familiar faces at his back.

“It is different. I fought I think seven times in Lewiston between amateur fights and my pro debut,” he said. “This gives me a chance to be in my comfort zone. And a lot of my fans can’t make it down there. By the time you figure in the travel, the price of the tickets, maybe staying overnight, they just can’t do it.”

Harvey agreed, pointing out that it’s the initial fight for which he hasn’t needed to pack a suitcase.

“This will be the first time I’ve slept in my own bed the night before a fight. I think it’s a huge advantage,” Harvey said. “Some people might think with more of your fans there that there’s more pressure, but I think it just builds you up.”

“NEF Presents Dana White: Looking for a Fight” takes place on Friday, August 5, 2016 at Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine. Tickets are on sale now at www.CrossInsuranceCenter.com or by calling the box office at 800.745.3000.

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 and www.flocombat.com, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights, UFC

ERICKSON OUT, POWELL IN TO FACE LEMKE IN FRONT OF UFC PRESIDENT

Leave a comment

Bangor, Maine (July 18, 2016) – When Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) President Dana White comes to Bangor onAugust 5, 2016 to check out the local talent New England Fights (NEF) has to offer, Jesse “The Viking” Erickson (7-5) will unfortunately have to watch from the sidelines.  Erickson suffered an injury while training for his bout with Jon Lemke (5-5) previously-scheduled to take place that evening.  White will be present to record a future episode of his web series Dana White: Lookin’ for a Fight in which professional mixed-martial-artists have a shot at earning a UFC contract based on their performance.

 

Within mere hours of being informed of Erickson’s injury, NEF executives had found a replacement in the form of the promotion’s reigning professional lightweight champion Devin Powell (7-1).  The bout will be a non-title contest scheduled for three-rounds at a catchweight of 160-pounds.  It is a rematch of a May 2014 NEF fight which Powell won via first-round submission.  Should Lemke win the rematch, he will be in line for a title shot in the rubber match.

 

“Once again, I am incredibly thankful and grateful to NEF for making this fight happen,” said Lemke.  “Getting an opponent change last minute is usually pretty stressful. Not this time, however, as the crew at NEF was on top of it, and the next day I had a new opponent.  I am very much looking forward to getting another crack at Devin, as I had a horrible showing in our first fight.  Devin is a highly-touted and talented fighter and I expect an all out battle for sure.  I have been looking forward to another crack at him for some time and you will see the best Jon Lemke yet.”

 

“Taking a short notice fight against Lemke was a no brainer,” stated Powell.  “No way could I pass on a chance to fight a fellow Mainer a few hours away from my mom’s hometown of Allagash, Maine.  Dana, I hope you get your popcorn, because you’re about to see a show. Hell or high water, I’m getting my hand raised.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF Presents Dana White: Looking for a Fight”  takes place on Friday, August 5, 2016 at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor,  Maine.  Tickets are on sale now at www.CrossInsuranceCenter.com or by calling the box office at 800.745.3000.

 

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 andwww.flocombat.com, 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.