Tag Archives: Milford

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

WOMEN’S FIGHT WILL MARK THE RETURN OF GLORY WATSON TO THE NEF CAGE

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Milford, New Hampshire (July 16, 2021) – New England Fights (NEF) returns with its next event, “NEF 44: Back in Black,” on August 21, 2021, at the Hampshire Dome in Milford, New Hampshire.  The show will feature both mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and kickboxing fights.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional women’s strawweight bout to the fight card.  Glory Watson (0-1) is scheduled to meet Rebecca Brygmann (0-1) at a fight weight of 115 pounds.

Glory Watson last appeared in the NEF cage in November 2019, suffering her first and only amateur loss in a strawweight title fight to a very tough Cara Greenwell (10-5).  Prior to that time, Watson had rattled off six wins in a row to start her amateur career, capturing the NEF Women’s Amateur Bantamweight Championship in the process.  She made her professional debut during the pandemic on a fight card in Florida, losing via first round submission to Ariana Melendez (1-1).  Watson looks to get her first win as a professional on August 21.  She currently represents Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine.

“I am looking forward to returning to the cage for an amazing promotion and to do so against an experienced opponent,” said Watson. “This will be my second professional fight, and I am beyond excited for the cage doors to lock behind me! Wishing my opponent a healthy fight camp and best of skill on August 21st!”

Like her opponent, Rebecca Bryggman will also be looking for the first win of her professional career at NEF 44.  Bryggman made her pro debut for national promotion Bellator in a losing effort to Elise Reed (4-0) in October 2019.  She was 2-1 as an amateur, undefeated in MMA with her sole loss coming in a kickboxing bout.  Bryggman fights out of New York.

“It’s all about divine timing and I’ve been hungry, patiently waiting to get back in the cage,” noted Bryggman.  “Now is the time.  A starved animal is a dangerous animal, and I’m that animal.”

Tickets for “NEF 44: Back in Black” are on sale now at www.NewEnglandFights.com/Tickets/.  The MMA and kickboxing event will take place at the Hampshire Dome in Milford, New Hampshire on Saturday, August 21, 2021, with a bell-time of 7 pm. 

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 fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

CALEB HALL SET TO RETURN TO ACTION AT NEF 44 IN MILFORD, NH

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Milford, New Hampshire (June 30, 2021) – New England Fights (NEF) returns with its next event, “NEF 44: Back in Black,” on August 21, 2021, at the Hampshire Dome in Milford, New Hampshire.  The show will feature both mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and kickboxing fights.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional lightweight bout to the fight card. Caleb Hall (3-0) is scheduled to face Shaun Ray (2-0) at a fight weight of 155 pounds.

Caleb Hall is riding a six-fight win streak in the NEF cage dating back to his amateur days.  He has not lost a fight with the promotion since 2015.  Hall is a former NEF Amateur Featherweight Champion.  He turned pro in 2018 with a first round submission victory over tough veteran John Ortolani (11-14).  In fact, all three of Hall’s wins as a professional have come via first round submission.

Hall is a product of Dirigo High School in Dixfield, Maine where he captured two state titles on the wrestling team.  In recent years, Hall has taken up residence in Las Vegas, Nevada where he trains at Syndicate MMA.

“I’m excited to make my return to the cage under NEF once again,” said Hall.  “I’m looking forward to getting out and testing my skill against my opponent.”

Hall’s opponent, Shaun Ray, is also undefeated as a professional fighter with two wins to his credit.  He is a graduate of Easton High School in Easton, Maryland.  Ray currently resides in Waterville, Maine.

“This has been a long time dream to be able to fight in the cage,” said Ray.  “I’ve been training for this for years off and on. I get to test my skills against a worthy opponent. Thank you for making this possible and much respect to all involved!”  

Tickets for “NEF 44: Back in Black” are on sale now at www.NewEnglandFights.com/Tickets/.  The MMA and kickboxing event will take place at the Hampshire Dome in Milford, New Hampshire on Saturday, August 21, 2021, with a bell-time of 7 pm. 

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 fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

LACEY AND MANLEY HEADED FOR SHOWDOWN AT NEF 44 IN MILFORD, NH

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Milford, New Hampshire (June 29, 2021) – New England Fights (NEF) returns with its next event, “NEF 44: Back in Black,” on August 21, 2021, at the Hampshire Dome in Milford, New Hampshire.  The show will feature both mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and kickboxing fights.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional featherweight bout to the fight card.  Aaron “Relentless” Lacey (6-2) will meet “Super” Shane Manley (5-5) at a fight weight of 145 pounds.

Aaron Lacey will return to the NEF cage for the first time since September 2018 when he submitted Jon Lemke (7-9) in the main event of “NEF 35” in Bangor, Maine.  Lacey has been a longtime member of the NEF roster, debuting with the promotion as an amateur in the fall of 2013.  He went on to win the promotion’s amateur featherweight title before turning pro in 2016.  Lacey opened his professional career with four straight wins in the NEF cage.  He represents Young’s MMA in Bangor.

“It’s been far too long since I have felt the NEF canvas beneath my feet,” exclaimed Lacey.  “I’m going to show everyone why this is the fight to watch! I’m super grateful to Matt Peterson and New England Fights for making this happen, fighting during the pandemic at the local level has been next to impossible. One thing that definitely excites me is sharing this card with some awesome teammates! A fun scrap is about to happen!”

Shane Manley is making his return to the NEF cage after nearly a decade’s absence.  Manley competed on the NEF 1 and NEF 2 cards, downing Jesse Erickson (10-8) and Ray Wood (8-5) in respective amateur bouts back in early 2012.  Manley turned pro in 2013 and has faced some of the country’s toughest competitors, including current UFC fighter Cody Garbrandt (12-4).  In 2017, he fought for national promotion Bellator.  Manley’s most recent outing saw him hand Jeff Perez (5-2) the first loss of his career on a fight card in Massachusetts.  That bout took place in 2019, prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Manley currently represents Team Andrello of Liverpool, New York.

“I’ve been a part of NEF since the beginning, competing as an amateur on the NEF 1 and NEF 2 cards,” stated Manley when reached for comment.  “It feels like the right fit to have me back after such a long layoff since their last show. I’m beyond excited to be a part of NEF’s debut in New Hampshire! I’m ready to come back to the promotion right where I left off… with another win! 3-0.”

Tickets for “NEF 44: Back in Black” are on sale now at www.NewEnglandFights.com/Tickets/.  The MMA and kickboxing event will take place at the Hampshire Dome in Milford, New Hampshire on Saturday, August 21, 2021, with a bell-time of 7 pm. 

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 fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

CARLTON CHARLES RETURNING TO THE MMA CAGE AT NEF 44 IN MILFORD, NH

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Milford, New Hampshire (June 25, 2021) – New England Fights (NEF) returns with its next event, “NEF 44: Back in Black,” on August 21, 2021, at the Hampshire Dome in Milford, New Hampshire.  The show will feature both mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and kickboxing fights.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur middleweight fight to the card.  Carlton Charles (3-2) will meet Josh Banks (0-0) at a fight weight of 185 pounds.

Carlton Charles, now representing Recon Fitness based in Westbrook, Maine, was a standout athlete on the football field.  He played for Windham High School in Windham, Maine and later coached the team to a state championship as an assistant in 2009.  Charles went on to play for the Division 1 University of Maine Black Bears.

He made his MMA debut in the summer of 2017 at “NEF 30” with a blistering knockout of Josh Jones (2-4) just 23 seconds into the first round.  Charles would follow up that performance with a 12 second knockout of Delmarkis Edwards in early 2018 at “NEF 32.”

After making an unsuccessful challenge for the NEF Amateur Welterweight Title against Duncan Smith (5-3) at “NEF 34,” Charles picked up a victory in his last fight on a card in the Granite State in the spring of 2019.  The fight against Banks will mark Charles’ return to cage action after a 28-month absence.

“Man, I’m just excited to get back in there and with NEF making its first appearance in NH, there’s no better time,” said Charles. “It’s been awhile since anyone has been able to get the opportunity to compete, so I feel blessed with this chance. For me, it’s been over two years now due to an injury in 2019 and then the pandemic shutting other opportunities down. I don’t know much about my opponent, other than he comes from a great gym that will have him ready to compete. I’m thankful to my coaches and his team for this opportunity. As usual, I am coming to put on a show and I know my opponent will be game. I wish him a healthy camp so we can both be at full strength for ourselves, families, and of course the fans!”

Josh Banks will be making his debut at “NEF 44.”  Banks represents the Regiment Training Center based in Fall River, Massachusetts where he trains alongside UFC veteran and former NEF Professional Cruiserweight Champion Yorgan De Castro (6-3).

Tickets for “NEF 44: Back in Black” are on sale now at www.NewEnglandFights.com/Tickets/.  The MMA and kickboxing event will take place at the Hampshire Dome in Milford, New Hampshire on Saturday, August 21, 2021, with a bell-time of 7 pm. 

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 fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

boxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE WILL BE ON THE LINE AT NEF 44 IN MILFORD, NH

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Milford, New Hampshire (June 9, 2021) – New England Fights (NEF) returns with its next event, “NEF 44: Back in Black,” on August 21, 2021 at the Hampshire Dome in Milford, New Hampshire.  The show will feature both mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and kickboxing fights.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur title fight to the card.  Nathanial Grimard (3-0) will take on Brandon “BAMF” Maillet-Fevens (3-1) for the vacant NEF Amateur Featherweight Championship.

Grimard and Maillet-Fevens were originally scheduled to meet at “NEF 43” last year until the event was indefinitely postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Grimard has not let the global pandemic slow down his fight aspirations.  With New England states closed for MMA events, Grimard ventured south to Florida last February and again just last week, picking up back-to-back wins to open his amateur career at a perfect 3-0.  The Exeter, New Hampshire native represents Nostos MMA of Somersworth, New Hampshire where he trains under UFC and Bellator veteran, and former NEF Professional Lightweight Champion, Devin Powell.

“I’m very excited for this opportunity to fight for title,” said Grimard.  “I have been improving every fight, and I believe I have the skills and hard work to win the belt. I can’t wait to show my improvements in the NEF cage. I expect to see the best version of Brandon, and I think we will put on a great fight for August 21st.”

“Nate is exactly what you’d want in a fighter,” said Grimard teammate and Nostos co-proprietor Carol Linn Powell.  “He does BJJ, striking, wrestling, drills, strength and conditioning, spars smart, even puts the Gi on. He has been working so hard for this sport and never stopped when the world did. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of a title shot and I can’t wait to see him win that belt.”

Brandon Maillet-Fevens is one of the great comeback stories of NEF history.  After losing his amateur debut at “NEF 36” in November 2018, Maillet-Fevens went on a three-fight win-streak, finishing all three of his opponents in those fights.  In his most recent outing pre-pandemic, Maillet-Fevens defeated Tyler Knights (0-1) via second-round submission at “NEF 41” in November 2019.  Maillet-Fevens represents Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) based in Lewiston, ME.

“It’s been a long year and half, but we never stopped working, never stopped perfecting our skills, because we knew this day was coming,” declared Maillet-Fevens.  “I think this is a very exciting matchup. You’ve got two proven finishers that are hungry to take that next step in our careers. I know we’re both ready to go in there, put on a great show, and leave it all in the cage. I’m grateful and excited for this opportunity and I’m looking forward to a great fight!”

“Brandon is one of those guys who shows up every day, works hard, never complains, and even when he’s not fighting he’s in the gym getting better and helping his teammates,” noted CMBJJ coach Jesse Erickson.  “He’s a role model for my up-and-comers. I’m very much looking forward to this contest!”

Tickets for “NEF 44: Back in Black” are on sale now at www.NewEnglandFights.com/Tickets/.  The MMA and kickboxing event will take place at the Hampshire Dome in Milford, New Hampshire on Saturday, August 21, 2021, with a bell-time of 7 pm. 

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 fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

boxing, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

NEF TO DEBUT IN NEW HAMPSHIRE; WELTERWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT ANNOUNCED

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Milford, New Hampshire (June 7, 2021) – New England Fights (NEF) announced today that the fight promotion will return with its next event, “NEF 44: Back in Black,” on August 21, 2021.  The show will originate from the Hampshire Dome in Milford, New Hampshire and will feature a mix of both mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and kickboxing fights. It will be NEF’s long-awaited debut in the Granite State, and it will also be the promotion’s first event since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in the spring of 2020.

NEF’s previously-scheduled event, “NEF 43: Rampage,” which was postponed indefinitely due to the pandemic, is still awaiting a rescheduled date at the Collins Center for the Arts at UMaine Orono. NEF executives hope that date will be sometime later in the fall, but at press time they were still waiting on a decision from the Combat Sports Authority of Maine on re-opening the regulation of MMA and boxing events in the state without restrictions.

“Fighters and fans have waited long enough,” declared NEF promoter and co-owner Nick DiSalvo.  “With Maine not fully open for combat sports events yet, the Hampshire Dome and the New Hampshire Boxing Commission presented the perfect opportunity to get fighters back in the cage and active again before summer was over.”

NEF further announced today the first fight confirmed for the “NEF 44” card in Milford would be an amateur welterweight title contest.  Duncan “The Highlander” Smith (5-3), who has held the promotion’s 170-pound championship since June 2018, is scheduled to defend against number-one-contender Mike “All Class” Bezanson (5-0).

“Coming out of COVID we’re going to find out who really wants it and is serious about accelerating in the sport,” said NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson. “Who was working during quarantine, grinding away in their basements and garages and backyards and getting better while the world was shut down? Duncan and Bezanson both believe they are those guys and we’re going to find out on August 21st. These are two of the best in the Northeast welterweight division and I can’t wait to see which one proves that they are ready to punch through into the professional division before the end of 2021.”

Reigning champion Duncan Smith is a perfect 3-0 in the NEF cage.  His last defense of the title was at “NEF 38” in April 2019 when he defeated John Tefft (2-1) via unanimous decision.  Smith represents Evolution Athletix based in Saco, Maine.

“I’ve never felt more complete and confident in all aspects of living,” said Smith. “I am extremely excited to showcase my skills against a game opponent before I enter the pro ranks. A lot can change in two years.”

Undefeated Mike Bezanson is regarded by many as one of the most exciting competitors on the entire New England scene.  He is known for his flashy striking style and explosive finishes.  Bezanson represents Team Kaze of Lancaster, New Hampshire.

“I’ve been sitting like a caged lion this last year because of COVID,” stated Bezanson when reached for comment. “Waiting eagerly for everything to open up just like everyone else. I’m very excited to be able to get back in there to perform for everyone!  I can assure you this will be the same game plan as all my previous fights. I’m going in there for two reasons, to knock out whoever is in front of me and walk out with a belt over my shoulder.”

“With everything opening up and restrictions being lifted, there is a lot to get excited about,” said Bezanson’s coach and Kaze Dojo owner Greg Williams.  “That being said, nothing excites me more than seeing Mike Bezanson bringing his unique brand of violence back to the NEF cage! He is a rare talent and I believe he will eventually realize himself on the highest level. Another amateur belt is just icing on the cake. We all look forward to seeing New England’s best amateur 170 prospect and how he has evolved in the past year!”

Tickets for “NEF 44: Back in Black” are on sale now at www.NewEnglandFights.com/Tickets/.  The hybrid MMA and kickboxing event will take place at the Hampshire Dome in Milford, New Hampshire on Saturday, August 21, 2021, with a bell-time of 7 pm. 

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 fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.