Tag Archives: Mixed Martial Arts

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights, women's MMA

FEMALE STRAWWEIGHT BOUT RESCHEDULED TO NEF 28

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (March 16, 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 an amateur women’s bout to the card.  Alex Walker (2-1) will meet Katie Baker (0-0) at the strawweight limit of 115-pounds.

 

Walker and Baker were originally scheduled to face each other last month at “NEF 27.”  Unfortunately, a medical issue forced Walker to withdraw from the contest just days before the fight.  Now fully healed, Walker is back training regularly at the Kaze Dojo in Lancaster, New Hampshire in preparation for “NEF 28.”

 

“Injuries have plagued me and my team for the last two years, but I am healthy now, so watch out,” exclaimed Walker.  “I am going on a run and nothing will stop me!”

 

Losing her opponent so close to the event was definitely a disappointment for Baker and her many fans.  Training in the martial arts from an early age, the eighteen-year-old had waited years to compete in the MMA cage.  Baker is a member of Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine.  She made her amateur boxing debut last year.

 

“I was really bummed when Alex withdrew from our fight,” said Baker.  “You make the sacrifices it takes to train and diet, not to mention the disappointment of those who purchased tickets. But I knew, and our fans knew, Alex is a warrior and would not back out unless something was wrong.  I’m looking forward to finally meeting her in the cage on April 29th.”

 

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.”

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, regulatory affairs and advertising.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

Two New Main Card Bouts Complete Bellator 175 on March 31

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LOS ANGELES –(March 15, 2017) A lightweight feature fight pitting undefeated knockout artist Steve Kozola (7-0) against Jake Roberts (7-1) and a featherweight feature clash pairing AKA phenom Noad “Neo” Lahat (10-2) against Lloyd Carter (10-8) completes the main card of Bellator 175: Rampage vs. King Mo 2 on Friday, March 31 at Allstate Arena in Chicago, IL.

The stacked main card is headlined by a heavyweight rematch pitting “Rampage” Jackson (37-11) against “King Mo” Lawal (20-6, 1 NC), as the two powerhouses look to run it back following nearly three years since their first meeting. Also featured on the Spike-televised main card is a featherweight co-main event pitting Emmanuel Sanchez (14-3) against Marcos Galvao (18-7-1) and a heavyweight battle between sluggers Sergei Kharitonov (23-6) and Chase Gormley (14-5).

Bellator 175: Rampage vs. King Mo 2 will be broadcast live and free on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary action will stream on Bellator.com and the Bellator Mobile App. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at the Allstate Arena Box Office, as well as Ticketmaster and Bellator.com.

Please see below for a complete list of preliminary action.

Complete Bellator 175: Rampage vs. King Mo 2Main Card:

Heavyweight Main Event: Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (37-11) vs. Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal (20-6, 1 NC)

Featherweight Feature Bout: Emmanuel Sanchez (14-3) vs. Marcos Galvao (18-7-1)

Heavyweight Feature Bout: Sergei Kharitonov (23-6) vs. Chase Gormley (14-5)

Lightweight Feature Bout: Steve Kozola (7-0) vs. Jake Roberts (7-1)

Featherweight Feature Bout: Noad Lahat (10-2) vs. Lloyd Carter (10-8)

 

Bellator.com-Streamed Preliminary Card:

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Joaquin Buckley (6-1) vs. Justin Patterson (9-1)

Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Prince McLean (8-8) vs. Adam Maciejewski (13-6)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Damian Norris (7-2) vs. Tom Shoaff (8-2)

Light Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Matt Paul (2-1) vs. James Bochnoviv (5-1)

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Nate Williams (25-15) vs. Manny Vazquez (9-2)

Lightweight Preliminary “VOW” Bout: J.D. Hardwick (2-0) vs. Tim Cho (4-2)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Tom Holder (Pro Debut) vs. Josh Streaker (Pro Debut)

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Cory Galloway (8-7) vs. David Garcia (4-3-1)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Brian Akins (1-0) vs. Mike DeLaVega (1-2)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: James Esposito (0-1) vs. Asef Askar (Pro Debut)

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Max Fuentes (2-0) vs. Brandon Shelhart (3-1)

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

FORMER WRESTLING STANDOUTS SET TO THROW DOWN AT NEF 28

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (March 15, 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 pair of amateur bouts to the card. Ken Dunn(0-4) is set to face Eddie DeRoche (0-1) in a catchweight bout and double amateur debut fighters Caleb Austin (0-0) of Rumford, Maine and James Ploss (0-0) from Kaze Dojo in Lancaster, NH are set to tangle in a feature flyweight bout.

 

Caleb Austin is a two-time Maine state wrestling champion and a member of the exclusive “200 Wins Club,” a rare feat in Maine wrestling. Austin recently completed his high school career with an overall record of 208-11. Caleb’s father, Eric Austin—also a former Maine state wrestling champion—is an undefeated veteran of the cage, having gone 2-0 in NEF back in 2012. Like his father, Caleb is preparing to put his wrestling on display for the NEF fans in his debut on April 29th.

 

“I’ve wrestled my entire life and grown-up around the NEF community,” stated Austin when reached for comment. “I’ve been waiting a long time to turn 18 to become eligible to compete in the sport of mixed martial arts like my father did. I’m excited to put my skills to the test, represent Rumford and put on a show in the NEF cage. I’m ready.”

 

Austin’s opponent, James Ploss, trains with Greg Williams at the well-known Kaze Dojo in Lancaster, New Hampshire. Several NEF veterans with names familiar to fans, including Allan Josselyn, Mike Bezanson and Alex Walker, hail from the Kaze Dojo. Ploss is committed to carrying on the tradition of strong debuts from the White Mountains gym and following through on a personal promise in the process.

 

“Fighting is real personal to me,” Ploss stated when reached for comment. “I promised the man that raised me that I would fight. He died shortly after that. I want to prove to him and myself that I can be successful in this sport. My goal is to inspire others to achieve.”

 

Eddie DeRoche wrestled alongside Austin for Mountain Valley High School in Rumford, Maine. During his time there, DeRoche was a two-time state finalist. He made his NEF debut in June 2016 at “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND” in a losing effort against Skyler Bang. Reinvigorated at the opportunity to make up for his debut, DeRoche is committed to finding his first win in the NEF cage on April 29th at NEF 28.

 

“My first fight was a great learning experience,” stated DeRoche, when reached for comment. “I appreciated it for what it was and have made the necessary adjustments to make sure I come out on top when I step back into the NEF cage for the second time on April 29th.”

 

DeRoche’s opponent, Ken Dunn, is also looking for redemption at NEF 28. Dunn has made three prior trips to the NEF cage since debuting with the promotion back in 2015 and is hungry for his first win inside the NEF hexagon.

 

“I want to show NEF fans that I’m worthy of a rematch and title shot at Velado and that strap,” stated Dunn when reached for comment. “Eddie Deroche is a worthy adversary. I’m excited to compete against him. It’s a long way to the top if you want to rock and roll—and I ain’t stopping until I get there.”

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.”

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

FOLLOWING INJURY TO DARRION CALDWELL, LEANDRO HIGO RECEIVES TITLE SHOT AGAINST EDUARDO DANTAS AT BELLATOR 177 IN BUDAPEST ON FRIDAY, APRIL 14

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LOS ANGELES — (March 14, 2017) – Following an undisclosed injury to Darrion Caldwell, budding superstar Leandro “Pitbull” Higo (17-2) will now challenge current champion Eduardo “Dudu” Dantas (19-4) in a bantamweight world title fight at Bellator 177: Dantas vs. Higoinside the Budapest Sports Arena on April 14.

In addition, John “Macapa”(21-1-2) will face Daniel Weichel (38-9) in a featherweight contest and Lena Ovchynnikova (11-4) meets Helen Harper (4-1) at 125-pounds. Rounding out the Spike-televised MMA action will be a featherweight matchup pitting Hungarian-born Adam “The Kid” Borics (5-0) against Anthony “Pretty Boy” Taylor(1-2).

 

Bellator 177: Dantas vs. Higowill be broadcast on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while Bellator Kickboxing 6 will air immediately following the MMA portion of the event, beginning at 11pm ET/10pm CT.

 

Complete Bellator 177: Dantas vs. Higo Main Card:

Bantamweight World Title Bout: Eduardo Dantas (19-4) vs. Leandro Higo (17-2)

Featherweight Feature Bout: Daniel Weichel (38-9) vs. John “Macapa”Teixeira (21-1-2)

Flyweight Feature Bout: Lena Ovchynnikova (11-4) vs. Helen Harper (4-1)

Featherweight Feature Bout: Anthony Taylor (1-2) vs. Adam Borics (5-0)

Preliminary Card:

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Brian Moore (9-5) vs. Ludovit Klein (6-0)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Mate Kertesz (3-0) vs. Adam Polgar (10-8)

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

DANGER MOUSE LOOKS TO CONTINUE HIS WINNING WAYS AT NEF 28

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Lewiston, Maine (March 13, 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 bantamweight bout to the card.  Elias “Danger Mouse” Leland (3-2) returns to take on Andre “The Finisher” Belcarris (0-0) at a fight weight of 135-pounds.

Leland, a resident of South Portland, Maine, is a mainstay of the NEF cage.  He fought his sophomore amateur contest at “NEF I” back in February 2012 and has competed on eight of the promotion’s cards since, including one appearance as a professional boxer.  Holding a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt from the Academy of MMA in Portland, it should come as no surprise that all three of Leland’s professional victories have come by way of submission.  He forced veteran Nick Santos to tap to an arm triangle choke last month at “NEF 27.”  In doing so, Leland snapped a two-fight losing streak.  He will look to stay on the winning track on April 29.

“I’m very excited to get back in the cage once again,” said Leland.  “I want to keep this momentum going.  I’m ready for war and putting in more work this year than I ever have before.  Be prepared for a hell of a fight – you will be sorry if you miss it! Mother f**king beast mode!”

Andre Belcarris will make his professional debut at “NEF 28,” but he already has a wealth of experience in the MMA cage.  He began competing in the sport as an amateur in 2010 and has had more than 30 fights since – an astounding number for an amateur mixed-martial-artist.  Belcarris fights out of Bennington, Vermont where he is a member of team Northeast Assassins.  In direct contrast to Leland’s mat skills, Belcarris is a striker with 11 knockout wins to his credit in the amateur ranks.

“I am honored to share the cage with a fighter of Eli’s caliber,” stated Belcarris when reached for comment.  “It means that my time has finally come. Expect fireworks!”

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 atwww.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.”

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, regulatory affairs and advertising.

Combate Americas, mixed martial arts, MMA

COMBATE AMERICAS RETURNSTO MEXICO WITH HARD-HITTING DEBUT IN TIJUANA ON THURSDAY, MARCH 30

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LIVE ON AZTECA AMERICA AND UFC FIGHT PASS®

 BANTAMWEIGHT MAIN EVENT: MARCELO “PITBULL” ROJO VS. IVAN FLORES

Featherweight Co-Main Event: 
Walter Zamora vs. Alex “Gallito” Flores

Plus:
Erick “Ghost Pepper” Gonzalez vs. Marco Antonio “La Roca” Elpidio
Joey “El Cazador” Ruquet vs. Jose Salasar

NEW YORK – March 10, 2017 – Combate Americas announced its second event of the year in a Mexican territory – a debut visit to the city of Tijuana – on Thursday, March 30, live on Azteca America (10 p.m. ET/PT) and UFC Fight Pass® (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT), from Auditorio Fausto Gutierrez Moreno.

In the bantamweight (135 pounds) main event,  Argentinian Marcelo “Pitbull” Rojo (10-4) will square off with fellow rising star and Monterrey, Mexico native Iván “El Brasil” Flores (8-1-1).

Rojo, a semifinalist on the third season of The Ultimate Fighter Latin America, will make his promotional debut in La Jaula, the Combate Americas cage, and set out to prove that he has the tools necessary to lead Combate Americas’ fast-growing, 135-pound division.

“I’m not only here as a guest. I came here to become the most important fighter in my division,” said Rojo.  “MMA has grown in Argentina, and it’s about time that we show that on this side of the continent. This fight will be a duel between the North against South.”

On the other side, Flores, who suffered his first career defeat at the hands of unbeaten Mark “The Bumblebee” Delarosa at the Combate Americas event in Mexico City, Mexico on January 19, now wants to return to the win column immediately.

“When you face a Mexican fighter, you have to be prepared for the most difficult fight of your life. I hope (Rojo) is aware of that, if he wants to be victorious” said Flores.

Rojo will fight for the first time in Mexico after an extensive career in South American arenas where he has become one of the most popular fighters in the region.

In the featherweight (145 pounds) co-main event, Walter Zamora (9-2) of Costa Rica will battle Alex “Gallito” Flores (8-1) of Monterrey.

Zamora’s debut in Combate Americas will once again personify the sports rivalry between Mexican and Central American fighters.

“Mexico is always the one to beat at any sport,” Zamora explained. “It won’t be any different against Flores. We are going to put on a good show. It will be a spectacular evening because the best fighters of the Americas will be present in Tijuana.”

In other action in La Jaula, Erick “Ghost Pepper” González (5-2) of Los Angeles, Calif. will return to action just six weeks after his heroic, “Fight of the Night” performance against Danny “The Realist” Ramírez at Combate11 on February 16.

Gonzalez will battle Marco Antonio “La Roca” Elpidio (7-1) of Mexico City in a lightweight (155 pounds) affair.  Elpidio was victorious by way of split decision over Rodrigo “Kazula” Vargas at the Combate Americas event in Mexico City.

Gonzalez’s three-fight win streak was snapped when he gave up a unanimous decision to Ramirez.

In another bantamweight scrap, Joey “El Cazador” Ruquet (4-1) of Las Vegas, Nev. will collide with Jose Salasar (4-2) of Tijuana.

Ruquet notched a spectacular victory by submission (rear-naked choke) in the second round (1:47) of action against Jose “The Ghost” Ceja at the Combate Americas event in Mexico City.

Additional Combate12 bouts will be announced soon.

UFC FIGHT PASS is a digital subscription service which gives fans access to exclusive live UFC events and fights, exclusive live MMA and combat sports events from around the world, exclusive original and behind the scenes content and unprecedented 24-7 access to the world’s largest fight library.

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

TWO YEARS IN THE MAKING; LONG-AWAITED DEBUT WILL FINALLY HAPPEN AT NEF 28

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Matt Probin delivers a flying knee on a Muay Thai fight card in Thailand

 

Lewiston, Maine (March 10, 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.  Matt “Pretty Boy” Probin (0-0) will meet Rob “The Beast” Best (0-0) at a fight weight of 145-pounds.

Probin, a well known boxer, kickboxer and mixed-martial-artist, came to Maine and began training in the Pine Tree State in 2015.  A native of Blackpool, England, Probin had spent time training in North Carolina prior to arriving in Maine.   He put together a 6-2 record as an amateur MMA competitor and won a regional title in the Carolinas.  While he has not competed in MMA since moving to Maine, Probin has stayed active competing in other combat sports.  He is 2-2 as a professional boxer, and he has also spent time training Muay Thai in Thailand in recent years.  Probin even competed at the world famous Bangla Boxing Stadium – one of Thailand’s premier Muay Thai venues.  He will make his professional MMA debut on April 29 as a member of Bangor, Maine’s Young’s MMA.

“I feel like this has been a long time coming,” said Probin when reached for comment.  “I’m excited to make my debut for NEF and put on a show for my friends and fans in my adopted hometown. Don’t blink!”

With more than two-dozen fights since 2011, Rob Best has been one of the Northeast’s most continuously active MMA competitors in recent years.  As an amateur, Best captured a regional lightweight title in New York state.  He is a member of Mohawk Valley MMA based in the Utica area.  Like Probin, the bout on April 29 will be Best’s professional MMA debut.

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 atwww.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.”

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, regulatory affairs and advertising.

boxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, Tom Padgett, Tony Penecale, UFC

FNU COMBAT SPORTS SHOW: Lou Duva Tribute Show, Psychic Tom Padgett absolutely crushes UFC 209 Predictions, Garcia vs. Thurman Recap and Analysis

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Tony Penecale (left) and Lou Duva (right) at the Brockton, Massachusetts dedication of the Rocky Marciano statue.

Our show this week was dedicated to Lou Duva (above right with our co-host Tony Penecale). Lou died earlier this week at the ripe old age of 1994. He was a great friend to Rocky Marciano, a promoter of 19 world champions, and a man who had all his irons in the one fire that lit his life: boxing. The promoter/trainer/manager/legend appeared on the FNU Combat Sports show years back, but unfortunately the audio is grainy and spotty. If you listen closely the gems our talk contains outweigh the difficult spots to hear.

The full Lou Duva interview is here:

http://hosts.blogtalkradio.com/fightnewsunlimited/2009/07/03/joey-giambra-the-uncrowned-champion

I’m also posting a couple specific remastered clips here:

 

 

 

 

 

Tom, Tony and Rich also recap Garcia vs. Thurman, The latest on Mayweather vs. McGregor, UFC 209 and the many controversies attached, GSP’s dark warning about weight cutting, and Tony Bellew’s shocking upset of David Haye.

 

Here’s the tape:  (THE TAPE DOESN’T LIE)

 

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA

RYAN GRAB NAMED SENIOR DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & ATHLETE STRATEGY FOR BELLATOR

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LOS ANGELES – Bellator President Scott Coker announced today that Ryan Grab has been named Senior Director of Communications and Athlete Strategy. Grab, who most recently served as the Director of Communications for Phoenix International Raceway, a member of the Daytona, Fla.-based ISC family of racetracks, will oversee all communications and media relations for Bellator MMA and Kickboxing effective immediately.

 

“We are pleased to welcome Ryan to our staff,” said Coker. “His years of experience in the MMA industry will have an immediate impact on our team at Bellator and we look forward to him assisting with the overall growth of the organization.”

 

Prior to his time with Phoenix International Raceway, Grab spent over five years with Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in Las Vegas. In addition to PR, Grab also held a role within the organization’s Athlete Development department where he was responsible for organizing and programming educational summits for active athletes, as well as promoting health and wellness initiatives within the sport.

 

“I am excited about the new opportunity with Bellator and Viacom,” Grab said. “I am looking forward to again working with Scott Coker to promote some of the best athletes in the world and continuing to elevate the Bellator brand as a premier global combat sports property.”

 

After earning his Master’s degree from the University of Georgia, Grab began his career in sports as an intern with UFC in 2010 and joined the communications team full-time in 2011. He also spent two years promoting the STRIKEFORCE brand following the UFC’s acquisition of the property, which saw the successful career launch of several future MMA world champions.

 

Grab will work with Director of Communications Danny Brener of BZA Public Relations, as well as current Bellator PR staff member, Public Relations Manager C.J. Tuttle, as they continue in their roles with Bellator. He will be based in Viacom’s newly opened west coast headquarters in Hollywood’s Columbia Square and can be reached by email at Ryan.Grab@bellator.com or by phone at (706)-540-3425.

 

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

LACEY TO TAKE ON BELLATOR VETERAN AT NEF 28

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (March 7, 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.  Aaron “Relentless” Lacey (4-0) has signed to face Walter “All-Day” Smith-Cotito (4-5) at a fight weight of 145-pounds.

Aaron Lacey, undefeated as a professional, has won seven in a row going back to his amateur career.  He was prepared to compete at “NEF 27” last month, but Mother Nature had other plans when a snowstorm prevented his opponent from making the trip to Lewiston from Florida.  The setback has made Lacey even hungrier to return to action, but the Young’s MMA standout knows that he has his toughest test to date in front of him in the form of Cotito.

“This is going to be an amazing fight,” said Lacey. “Walter is a skilled and dangerous opponent, and he is realistically one of the most dangerous people I have fought to date. That’s alright with me though – the tougher the opponent, the harder I work. After what went down in February, I’m chomping at the bit to get back in there.”

The fight for Cotito will represent a rubber match of sorts with Young’s opponents.  In the spring of 2013, Cotito took Ray Wood (8-3) deep into the third round before Wood, then Young’s standout featherweight prospect, was able to finish the fight.  Cotito would gain a measure of revenge against the Bangor gym when he submitted Bruce Boyington (14-10) at “NEF X” later that year.  Between a pair of recent appearances for global fight promotion Bellator, Cotito scored a second-round submission of Elias Leland (3-2) at “NEF 25” last September.

“I’m super excited to fight this kid that they’re all talking about,” exclaimed Cotito.  “He has a lot of potential, they keep saying – good, this just makes it more exciting for me! Nobody has seen the real Walter Cotito in the cage yet. Don’t miss this fight because ‘All-Day’ is coming for you!”

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.”