Lossis Archives: Maine

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New hais Fights

FAN FAVORITE INKS MULTI-FIGHT DEAL WITH NEF; WILL COMPETE AT NEF XIX

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Lewiston, Maine (Lub Xya hli ntuj 14, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its nineteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XIX,” Rau hnub Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine. Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of a professional light-heavyweight bout to the fight card. Crowsneck Boutin (1-0) will face Mike “The Mustache” Hansen (2-2) at a fight weight of 205-pounds. The promotion further announced that Boutin had signed a long term, multi-fight deal with the company.

 

Crowsneck Boutin debuted as an amateur fighter with NEF in June 2012. After going 3-0 nyob rau hauv 2014, Boutin was voted the “Fighter of the Year” by NEF fans. His successful run continued into 2015 when Boutin downed veteran Ryan Cowette (2-3) in his professional debut. He currently trains out of the Choi Institute in Portland, Maine under coach Jon Pinette.

 

“A few years ago, after losing my first fight, Matt Peterson gave me Jon Pinette’s (Choi coach) phone number,” recalled Boutin. “I didn’t know it at the time, but that one phone call would become the most important call I’d ever make. Ups and downs, yea? We all come by them. We find the light. I’m blessed with this opportunity to call the NEF cage my home and it’ll be a true privilege to honor those who have loved me unconditionally and have supported me through this, from when I started as a fugitive, to now, as a professional.”

 

“Hopefully it’s a war and things get bloody,” stated Boutin when asked about his upcoming clash with Hansen on September 12th. “I understand he has a mustache and it’s extremely cool, but I can’t let that distract me from ripping him open.”

 

Mike Hansen, himself an NEF-signed athlete, won a state championship in wrestling for Mountain Valley High School in Rumford, Maine in 2004. Hansen began competing in MMA soon after graduating high school, but then took nearly a decade off from the sport during which time he served in the United States Army as a combat engineer. Returning to the cage earlier this year, Hansen founded Berserkers MMA in Rumford where he trains with other Mountain Valley wrestling alum.

 

“Crowsneck is a hard worker out of a great school and he’s dedicated,” stated Hansen when reached for comment. “I’m sure he’s going to throw a lot of volume on his feet, kicking and punching, but it’s not like he’s going to take me down. So, it looks like we are going to stand and bang it out. I expect him to come fully prepared for battle—and battle we will.”

 

New hais Fights’ next event, “NEF XIX,” takes place on Hnub vas xaum, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine. Daim pib mus “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. tsis tas li ntawd, 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 hais 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 hais Fights

A FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPION TO BE CROWNED AT NEF XIX

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Lewiston, Maine (Lub Xya hli ntuj 7, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its nineteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XIX,” rau Hnub vas xaum, 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 hais Fights’ next event, “NEF XIX,” takes place on Hnub vas xaum, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine. Daim pib mus “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. tsis tas li ntawd, 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 hais Fights

PRO LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT ANNOUNCED FOR NEF XIX

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Lewiston, Maine (Rau hli ntuj 29, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its nineteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XIX,” Rau hnub 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 hais Fights’ next event, “NEF XIX,” takes place on Hnub vas xaum, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine. Daim pib mus “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. tsis tas li ntawd, 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 hais 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 hais Fights

NEW ENGLAND FIGHTS ANNOUNCES THE RESULTS OF NEF XVIII

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Lewiston, Maine (Rau hli ntuj 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,” Rau hnub 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) thiab 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, thiabJosh 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” rau 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 hais Fights’ next event, “NEF XIX,” takes place on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine. Daim pib mus “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. tsis tas li ntawd, 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 hais 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 hais Fights

BOYINGTON GOES HEAD-TO-HEAD WITH RAIO DAYS BEFORE FIGHT: “I’M GONNA GO IN THERE AND DESTROY HIM”

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Lewiston, Maine (Rau hli ntuj 10, 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,” hnub Saturday no hmo ntuj, Rau hli ntuj 13, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine. Recently, headliners Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington (10-8), the NEF MMA Professional Lightweight Champion, thiab John “First Class” Raio(2-7) joined NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson on a special “Head-to-Head” edition of the NEF Podcast. Boyington and Raio discussed the upcoming rematch and the controversy surrounding their first meeting in February 2014, among other topics.

 

The interview quickly turned to the top of the first fight. Raio appeared to apply a rear-naked choke to Boyington on the mat late in the first round. Boyington began waving his hand in the air and referee Jimmy Bickford quickly stepped in to stop the fight. Much has been made of the infamous “hand wave.” While Bickford saw it as a sign of Boyington’s submission, Boyington has contended that he was merely signaling to his fans in the crowd that the hold was not doing any damage.

 

“I can tell you how that night ended,” recalled Raio of the first bout. “Basically, Bruce had given me his back. When I took his back, I had the hooks in and I had the rear-naked choke across his jaw line. I was trying to pressure it under his throat, and as I grabbed my left bicep and my left hand was going behind his head, the ref stopped the fight… I was amazed that he had tapped because, honestly, I knew that I had a lot of pressure on his jaw… If in fact he was waving, that sucks for him.”

 

“In that situation, I specifically remember Bickford looking at me, I’m face up, he’s going for my neck and I’m waving,” said Boyington. “Everybody starts roaring real loud and I remember Bickford saying, ‘No Bruce, you can’t say that’… If you think that I’m submitting or I’m in trouble or can’t breathe, you don’t tell the fighter, “You can’t say that,” you just jump in and you stop the fight. I feel like he made a mistake. I feel like he realizes that… I see a lot of different things that John has said online, and a lot of things other people have said, and that’s when I really started to get bothered by what had happened. I felt like he could’ve handled it better.”

 

Prior to Boyington giving up his back, many felt he had been winning that first round. Indeed, Boyington’s striking seemed to be on point that evening. Peterson asked both competitors to speculate on what would have happened had the referee not stopped the bout at that point.

 

“Inevitably, I think John would’ve been knocked out,” stated Boyington emphatically. “I don’t think I’m gonna submit him, because that would be his best chance with me. He’s strong enough to defend a submission.”

 

“I think if the ref didn’t stop at the time, when I was on his jaw with my forearm and I was reaching behind his neck,” Raio speculated, “I believe my arm would’ve slid under his throat and it would’ve ended sometime soon before the round. So, I don’t think it would’ve gone to a second round.”

 

In the days, weeks and months following the fight, both Boyington’s and Raio’s massive fan-followings have been very vocal on social media regarding the outcome of the bout. The heated debate has raged between both sides for well over a year now. With so much at stake for each side at “NEF XVIII,” both athletes touched on what the rematch means to them, and what they need to prove this coming weekend.

 

“I just can’t go in there and beat John,” said Boyington. “Even his own fans are expecting that… I can’t just go in there on June 13thand beat John Raio. I gotta go in there and destroy him. Or I still lose out on this fight. I know that, and I’m gonna go in there and make that statement. And I’m gonna do it with one arm, because the other arm isn’t even working right now… I haven’t worried about this date from day one. It’s nothing to do with John Raio. I don’t disrespect the guy. I don’t not like the guy. He’s a good man. I’m just at another level. I need to show up and prove that. That’s what it is to me. It’s not about me beating John. It’s about me showing everybody where I belong.”

 

“In regard to Bruce finishing me quickly, and making it easy, and not really worrying about the fight too much, I just find it disrespectful like a lot of things he’s said to me, my family and my friends,” replied Raio. “There were times after the last fight when people were congratulating me (on Facebook) and he’d go on like a one or two paragraph rant on every single comment everyone had put on my page for like three days straight. So, after that I said ‘Bruce and I aren’t really friends anymore,’ so I deleted him. I liked him before that fight… but when people disrespect me like he has it’s hard to like the guy.”

 

To listen to the NEF Podcast in its entirety, please visitwww.NewEnglandFights.com/Podcasts/.

 

To learn more about John Raio’s gym, please visit “First Class Fitness and MMA” on Facebook. Likewise, to learn more about Boyington’s Taekwondo Academy, please visit their websitewww.BoyingtonsTKDA.com.

 

Daim pib mus “NEF XVIII: MADE IN AMERICA” 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. tsis tas li ntawd, 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 hais 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 hais Fights

PROFESSIONAL LIGHT-HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT ADDED TO NEF XVIII FIGHT CARD

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Lewiston, Maine (Tej zaum 29, 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,” rau Hnub vas xaum, Rau hli ntuj 13, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine. Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of a professional light-heavyweight bout to the fight card. Mike “The Mustache” Hansen (2-1) is scheduled to meet Cody Anderson (1-2) at a fight weight of 205-pounds.

 

A native of Rumford, Maine, Hansen won a state championship in 2004 wrestling for Mountain Valley High School. After graduation, Hansen began training in MMA and made a successful debut in 2005. He would put his MMA career on hold to serve his country in the United States Army as a combat engineer. Earlier this year, Hansen returned to the sport and founded Berserkers MMA in his hometown of Rumford. His first fight in the cage in nearly a decade saw him triumph over Artie Mullen (0-11) this past February at “NEF XVI.”

 

“I’m pumped to be have an opponent like Cody,” said Hansen of the upcoming fight with Anderson. “He is a real tough guy and this should be a great battle.”

 

Cody Anderson is a member of Team Triumph/Boston Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) in Nashua, New Hampshire. Formerly a top-ranked amateur, Anderson put together a perfect 5-0 record over the course of his amateur career. He turned pro in the fall of 2012, winning his debut over Hector Sanchez (3-12). Anderson’s last appearance in NEF saw him submitted in the final moments of his bout with Jarod “Last Minute” Lawton (4-2) tom “NEF VII” two years ago. Anderson had been winning the bout to that point, turning in a “fight of the night” performance along with his opponent.

 

“I’ve been away too long,” said Anderson. “Even with no fight camp and only two weeks notice, I will put my hands on this guy and put him to sleep.”

 

Daim pib mus “NEF XVIII: MADE IN AMERICA” 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. tsis tas li ntawd, 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 hais 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 hais Fights

NEF THANKS MILITARY WITH FREE TICKET GIVEAWAY

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Lewiston, Maine (Tej zaum 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,” rau Hnub vas xaum, Rau hli ntuj 13, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine. Earlier today, the promotion announced a free ticket giveaway for all past and present United States military personnel to coincide with Memorial Day weekend.

 

“This is something we’ve done in conjunction with Memorial Day and Veterans Day in the past, and we’ve given away hundreds of tickets,” said NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson. “It is the most important promotion we do all year. It’s our small way of saying ‘thank you’ to those who serve and sacrifice so much for our nation. Come down to the Colisee box office today or Hnub vas Xuvmorning, present your military ID and get your free ticket. It’s as simple as that.”

 

The ticket giveaway will take place at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee box office from the hours of noon to 5:00 pm today, Hnub plaub, Tej zaum 21, 2015, and the hours of 9:00 am to noontag kis, Hnub vas Xuv, Tej zaum 22, 2015. The Colisee is located at 190 Birch Street, Lewiston, Maine 04240. The giveaway is open to all branches of the military. Personnel must present a valid military identification card at the box office window. There will be a limit of one ticket per identification card.

 

Daim pib mus “NEF XVIII: MADE IN AMERICA” 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. tsis tas li ntawd, 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 hais 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 hais Fights

FEATHERWEIGHT BATTLE ADDED TO NEF XVIII FIGHT CARD

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Lewiston, Maine (Tej zaum 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,” rau Hnub vas xaum, Rau hli ntuj 13, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine. Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of an amateur featherweight bout to the fight card. The matchup will feature Jeremy Tyler (4-3) facing Johnny Crafts (3-0) at the featherweight limit of 145-pounds.

 

Jeremy Tyler will be making his return to the NEF cage after an extended absence of nine months. A member of Marcus Davis’s famed Team Irish gym in Brewer, Maine, Tyler will look to rebound from the first back-to-back losses of his career. Both of those losses came to Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) competitors. It is a gym affiliated with Johnny Crafts’ team New England United (NEU), so the Rau hli ntuj 13 fight will be an opportunity for Jeremy to gain a measure of revenge as well. Like his opponent at “NEF XVIII,” Tyler has proven himself a submission specialist with all four of his victories coming by way of capitulation.

 

“I’m very excited to be stepping into the NEF cage for the first time in 2015,” said Tyler. “I am looking forward to the opportunity to fight John Crafts who is a highly ranked MMA fighter with a very good Jiu Jitsu game. I believe the NEF fans will be very happy with the match-up and feel this will make for an entertaining fight. Expect to see an improved performance from me. I took some time off after my last fight to focus, build upon my technique and add to my overall skill sets. I am ready to unleash the game I’ve been developing in the cage so June 13th can’t get here fast enough.”

 

Originally scheduled to challenge for the NEF MMA Amateur Bantamweight Championship at “NEF XVIII,” Johnny Crafts was left without a fight after his original opponent pulled out due to injury. That was until Jeremy Tyler stepped up to the challenge this week. This fight will mark the first time Johnny Crafts, who holds a brown belt in BJJ, has competed above the bantamweight limit of 135-pounds. Crafts was voted the “2014 Rookie of the Year” by NEF fans.

 

“I’m very excited to be fighting Jeremy Tyler,” said Crafts. “He’s a well-rounded fighter with good experience. I’m looking to test the waters at 145 for my first time and see how I feel fighting up. I was pretty disappointed in the title fight falling through, but I assure everyone that this fight will be just as exciting to watch.”

 

Daim pib mus “NEF XVIII: MADE IN AMERICA” 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. tsis tas li ntawd, 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 hais 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 hais Fights

NEW ENGLAND FIGHTS ANNOUNCES FULL NEF XVIII FIGHT CARD

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Displaying NEF_FNVXIII_Boyington_Raio_viral2.jpg

Lewiston, Maine (Tej zaum 19, 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,” rau Hnub vas xaum, Rau hli ntuj 13, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine. Earlier today, the promotion announced the full fight card for the event.

 

In a highly-anticipated rematch, NEF MMA Professional Lightweight Champion Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington (10-8) takes on rivalJohn “First Class” Raio (2-7) in a non-title catchweight contest. Raio scored a victory over Boyington by rear-naked choke in their initial meeting in February 2014. That win, however, was marred in controversy as Boyington contends the referee mistook his wave to his fans in the crowd as a sign of submission. Regardless, Boyington and Raio will look to settle the score on Rau hli ntuj 13 in Lewiston.

 

NEF homegrown talent, thiab 2014 “Fighter of the Year,” Crowsneck Boutin (0-0) will debut in the professional ranks against “The Junkyard Dog” Ryan Cowette (2-2) in a middleweight bout. Boutin has developed over the course of three years from a street brawler to a well-disciplined martial artist. Cowette is the head coach of MMA Athletix and the preacher of Victory Church in Bath, Maine.

 

In other professional bouts: Jesse “The Viking” Erickson (4-4) looks to follow up his commanding performance last month at “NEF XVII” with another victory when he takes on Zenon Herrera(0-0); “Shatterproof 2.0” Derek Shorey (2-1) will also try to make it two-in-a-row when he meets Canada’s Jeremy DiChiara (1-0) in a bantamweight battle; thiab Elias “Danger Mouse” Leland (2-1) hopes to rebound from a loss last month when he fights Chad “Machine Gun” Kelly (3-2) in what many are predicting to steal the show on the professional side of the card.

 

“NEF XVIII” will mark the first time NEF has crowned a set of amateur champions. The amateur card will feature five championship title bouts. Among those bouts will be a heavyweight title fight between the popular Billy “Bigfoot” Leahy (2-1) thiabRyan Glover (1-0). Glover won a 2011 state championship wrestling for Mountain Valley High School in Rumford, Maine.

 

In another amateur title fight, Ricky Dexter (3-0) squares off against Josh Harvey (3-1) for the lightweight championship. Dexter will represent Team Irish while Harvey will represent Irish’s Bangor-area rival Young’s MMA.

 

A women’s fight will also be featured on the amateur card withAlex Walker (0-1) facing Kendra Streeter (0-0). Walker thrilled the Lewiston crowd of more than 2,000 tom “NEF XVII” last month with her “Fight of the Night” performance against Randi Knowles (1-0).

 

The full fight card (subject to change):

 

PROFESSIONAL

150 Bruce Boyington 10-8 (Young’s MMA/Boyington’s TKD) vs John Raio 2-7 (First Class/Choi)

185 Ryan Cowette 2-2 (MMA Athletix) vs Crowsneck Boutin 0-0 (Choi Institute)

155 Jesse Erickson 4-4 (CMBJJ – Team NEU) vs Zenon Herrera 0-0 (Independent)

135 Derek Shorey 2-1 (Shatterproof Combat Club) vs Jeremy DiChiara 1-0 (Wulfrun MMA)

135 Elias Leland 2-1 (The Academy) vs Chad Kelly 3-2 (Fighting Arts Academy)

265 Michael Hansen 2-1 (Berserkers MMA) vs TBD

 

AMATEUR

265*Title Billy Leahy 2-1 (CMBJJ/Young’s MMA) vs Ryan Glover 1-0 (Berserkers MMA)

155*Title Ricky Dexter 3-0 (Team Irish) vs Josh Harvey 3-1 (Young’s MMA)

145*Title Aaron Lacey 5-1 (Young’s MMA) vs Alex Johnson 2-1 (Ruthless MMA & Thawv)

125*Title Norman Fox 4-1 (MMA Athletix) vs Dustin Veinott 3-3 (CMBJJ – Team NEU)

135 *Title Johnny Crafts 3-0 (Team NEU) vs TBD

S.HWT Gravin Guillen 2-2 (Independent) vs Dave Smith 1-0 (Berserkers MMA)

265 “Sonny” Ora Spratt IV 0-1 (Shatterproof Combat Club) vs Nick Gulliver 0-0 (First Class MMA)

185 Heath Hanson 1-2 (3Ronin Athletics) vs Ruben Redman 0-2 (Independent)

170 Mike Bazanson 0-0 (Team Kaze) vs Jeff Dustin 0-0 (Independent)

170 Alex Bronish 0-0 (Berserkers MMA) vs Alex Payson 0-0 (MMA Athletix)

160 Pat Kelly 2-0 (Young’s MMA) vs Dr. Steve Bang 1-0 (CMBJJ – Team NEU)

155 Corey Hinkley 2-3 (CMBJJ) vs Cory Trial 0-1 (Ruthless MMA & Thawv)

155 Dom Cofone 5-5 vs Jason Lachance 2-1 (MMA Athletix)

145 Dustin Shorey 0-1 (Shatterproof Combat Club) vs Rob Robinson 0-0 (First Class MMA)

135 Mike Crespo 2-2 (MMA Athletix) vs Caleb Costello 2-3 (Team Irish)

125 Justin Witham 0-2 (Shatterproof Combat Club) vs Ryan Burgess 0-0 (Berserkers MMA)

125 David Brown 1-3 (Plymouth Fight Cluib) vs Steve Desjardins 4-3 (Team Irish)

125 Alex Walker 0-1 (Team Kaze) vs Kendra Streeter 0-0 (Independent)

145 Jimmy Jackson 2-2(Young’s MMA) vs TBD

145 Mike Peitersen 2-0 (Young’s MMA) vs TBD

 

Daim pib mus “NEF XVIII: MADE IN AMERICA” 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. tsis tas li ntawd, 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 hais 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 hais Fights

LIGHTWEIGHT BATTLE ADDED TO PRO PORTION OF NEF XVIII FIGHT CARD

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Lewiston, Maine (Tej zaum 8, 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,” rau Hnub vas xaum, Rau hli ntuj 13, 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 (4-4) is scheduled to meet Zenon Herrera (0-0) in what will be Herrera’s professional debut.

 

Erickson is a mainstay of the NEF promotion. The native of Auburn, Maine made his amateur debut at NEF I in February 2012. All fourteen of his bouts have been hosted in the NEF cage except one which was part of an NEF co-promotion with Bellator.

 

Currently a coach at Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) – a New England United (NEU) affiliate – Erickson challenged unsuccessfully twice last fall for the NEF MMA Lightweight Title, dropping back-to-back losses to Bruce Boyington (10-8). Last month, Erickson returned to the cage against Florida’s Mark DeFord (0-4). The Viking came out aggressive, not letting up with a barrage of lefts, rights and knees. It was a departure from Erickson’s trusted ground game, but it took less than two minutes for him to knock DeFord out cold. If Erickson was looking to make a statement, then that statement was received loud and clear by the raucous crowd of over 2,000.

 

“After back to back losses, I’ve really focused in on some of my weak points,” said Erickson. “In my last fight, I felt much more confident and relaxed, and I think it showed in my performance. I will continue to get better and show everyone the fighter I’ve always known I could be. I’ll never fight safe, try to eke out a decision, or have a boring fight. Come watch me fight and see something special. The Viking is back and he’s swinging Thor’s hammer now.”

 

Zenon Herrera, an independent fighter based out of Skowhegan, Maine, began his MMA amateur career in the fall of 2012. Having fought predominantly in Florida previously, he made his NEF debut last month at “NEF XVII” in a losing effort to a very tough Ricky Dexter (3-0). Herrera is a military veteran, having served four years in the United States Army and five years in the United States Marine Corps. He looks forward to making the transition from the amateur to professional ranks and the new challenges it will bring.

 

“I’m very much looking forward to this chance of taking myself to the next level of MMA,” said Herrera. “Jesse Erickson is a tough dude and that will make this match all the better. I’m also looking forward to representing the NEF, Macho Fighter, Combatives Gear, and the USMC with all of the pride and honor that they deserve with everything I do in MMA from this point forward.”

 

NEF’s next MMA event, “NEF XVIII: Made in America” will originate from the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine on June 13, 2015. Daim pib mus “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. tsis tas li ntawd, 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 hais 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.