Tag Archives: mma

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

WOMEN’S FIGHT AT NEF 29 IS A MATTER OF RESPECT

Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (May 9, 2017) – “I wanna knock her out!”  Those were the emphatic words of Alex Walker (3-1) when asked last weekend at “NEF 28” for her prediction on her upcoming fight with Sarah Ziehm (1-0).  The crowd at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee erupted in response.

 

Walker and Ziehm are scheduled to face off when New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Colisee onSaturday, June 17, 2017 with the fight promotion’s next event, “NEF 29: STARS & STRIPES.”  Walker, a two-fight veteran of the NEF cage and a member of Lancaster, New Hampshire’s Team Kaze, has made it her mission to teach Ziehm a lesson in respect for what Walker viewed as a “cocky” performance in Ziehm’s debut earlier this year.

 

“I have respect for 99% of the females I do battle with, but I do not respect her,” said Walker when reached for comment.  “I don’t like the way she handled herself in her first fight, I think she needs to be humbled and I will do that in June – if she even shows up! My manager told (NEF matchmaker) Matt Peterson to have a backup because she will come up with an excuse not to get a beating.”

 

Ziehm made her MMA debut last February with a win over Nicole Burgess (0-2).  She submitted Burgess in the third round after a dominant performance.  (Of note, Walker also submitted Burgess in the third round just a few months earlier.)  Ziehm trains with Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) in Lewiston.

 

“This will be a good battle,” predicted Ziehm.  “Alex is a seasoned and skilled warrior. I’m not underestimating her at all. I’m excited to get back into cage and do some work.”

 

New England Fights returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine with its next event, “NEF 29: STARS & STRIPES,” on Saturday, June 17, 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 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.

M-1, M-1 Challenge, mixed martial arts, MMA, Russia

Fast & furious 4-week period, May 19 & June 15 M-1 Global to promote four M-1 Challenge events 

Leave a comment
M-1 GLOBAL NOTEBOOK
                                 

              Alexander Shlemenko                                             Sergei Kharitonov
ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (May 5, 2017) – M-1 Global action will be fast and furious as the Russia-based MMA promotional company will present four major M-1 Challenge events, starting May 19. in less than a four-week period.
All four events will be streamed live in high definition on www.M1Global.TV. Viewers will be able to watch the preliminary fights and main card by logging on to register at www.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all the action on their computers, as well as on Android and Apple smart phones and tablets.
M-1 Challenge 77 – May 19 – Sochi, Russia
Former two-time M-1 Challenge light heavyweight champion Viktor Nemkov(24-6-0, M-1: 17-5-0) will take on M-1 Global-debuting Ronny Markes (16-4-0, M-1: 0-0-0), of Brazil, in the main event.
Undefeated Russian middleweight prospect Artiom Frolov (8-0-0, M-1: 5-0-0) vs. Talekh “The Azerbaijan Terminator” Nadzhafzade (4-1-1 (M-1: 2-1-0), Russian featherweight Viktor Kolesnik (9-2-1, M-1: 0-0-0) vs. Brazlian Felipe Rego (8-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), and Ukrainian welterweight Audrey “Iron” Lezhnev(11-7-0, M-1: 3-3-0) vs. Russian Kurbanali Abdusalamov are also scheduled to be in action.
M-1 Challenge 78 – May 26 – Orenburg, Russia
Former M-1 Challenge lightweight champion Maxim Divnich (13-2-0, M-1: 7-2-0), of Ukraine, and Kazakhstan native Damir Ismagulov (10-2-0, M-1: 6-1-0), fighting out of Russia, will square off in the main event for the vacant M-1 Challenge lightweight title.
German heavyweight Frank “Tattoo” Kortz (4-1-0, M-1: 0-0-0) faces Nikolay Savilov (4-2-0, M-1: 1-0-0).
M-1 Challenge 79 – June 1 – St. Petersburg, Russia
Former Bellator champions, Russian great Alexander “Storm” Shlemenko(55-7-0, M-1: 5-0-0) and M-1 Global debuting Brandon “Bull” Halsey (9-2-0, M-1: 0-0-0) throw-down in the main event of a rematch originally won by the American.
Russian middleweight Valery “The Russian Hammer” Myasnikon (11-1-2, M-1: 2-1-2) meets veteran Enoc Solves Torres (19-9-1, M-1: 5-6-1), of Spain.
M-1 Challenge 80 – June 15 – Harbin, China

Russian heavyweight star Sergei “The Paratrooper” Kharitonov (23-6-0, M-1: 3-0-0) returns to M-1 Global against Brazilian invader Marcus Vinicius “Montanha” Lopes (11-5-0, M-1: 2-1-0). In the main event.

M-1 Challenge featherweight champion Ivan “Buki” Buchinger (31-5-0, M-1:6-1-0), of Slovania, will defend his crown against Russian challenger Timur Nagibin (9-2-0, M-1: 5-1-0).
 
INFORMATION:

www.M1Global.tv

Twitter & Instagram:
@M1GlobalNews
@VFinkelchtein
@M1Global
Facebook:
 
M-1 CHALLENGE EVENT CALENDAR:
 
M-1 Challenge 77: Nemkov vs. Markes – May 19, 2017 Sochi, Russia
M-1 Challenge 78: Divnich vs. Ismagulov – May 26, 2017 in Orenburg, Russia
M-1 Challenge 79: Shlemenko vs. Halsey – June 1, 2017 in St. Petersburg, Russia
M-1 Challenge 80: Kharitonov vs/ Lopes – June 15, 2017 in Harbin, China
mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

ONLY ONE CAN MAKE IT TWO-IN-A-ROW AT NEF 29

Leave a comment

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (May 5, 2017) –New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on Saturday, June 17, 2017 with the fight promotion’s next event, “NEF 29: STARS & STRIPES.”  The event will feature a full slate of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing bouts.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional featherweight bout to the fight card.  Matt “Ken Doll” Denning (4-6) will take on Dominic “Domination” Jones (1-0) at a weight of 145-pounds.  Both athletes are coming off wins last weekend at “NEF 28.”

 

Denning entered the cage six days ago looking to break a four-fight skid.  The Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) featherweight worked his ground game and submitted Josh Parker (5-9) with a Guillotine Choke in the first round.  He donated a portion of his earnings for the fight to Derek Shorey’s (4-9) family members recently left homeless by a fire in Somersworth, New Hampshire.  Denning has now vowed revenge for his teammate, Tollison Lewis (1-6), who fell to Jones last weekend, and he has committed to going undefeated for the remainder of the year.

 

“I’m excited to continue my fighting career with New England Fights,” said Denning. “I’m coming for another win against someone who just TKO’d my teammate. He seems like a nice kid and a solid wrestler, but I’m a better striker and have far superior jiu-jitsu! I’m not losing again this year! See you guys June 17th.”

 

After a takedown early in the first round, Dom Jones was able to do exactly what his nickname says – dominate – against Tollison Lewis last Saturday night at “NEF 28.”  Jones used his wrestling to smother Lewis, defending submission attempts in the process, and pounding a TKO win out of Lewis in the final minute of the first round.  The bout was Jones’ first in Maine after a lengthy amateur career in his previous home state of Florida.  Jones predicts that he will be the one walking away with a two-fight win streak on June 17.

 

“I’m excited for this match up,” stated Jones.  “Wrestling versus jiu-jitsu! Once again, our gyms clash! It’s a good fight for me. Denning has worked to get where he is now, and I respect his work he has put in. I have to fight smart and not get caught. Come June 17th, when that cage door closes, I’m walking out 2-0! Thank you NEF for having me again.”

 

New England Fights returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine with its next event, “NEF 29: STARS & STRIPES,” on Saturday, June 17, 2017.  Tickets are on sale now at the Colisee box office 207-783-2009 x 525 and online atwww.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 them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

boxing, FNU Combat Sports Show, mixed martial arts, MMA, Rich Bergeron, Tom Padgett, Tony Penecale, UFC

FNU Combat Sports Show: Joshua vs. Klitschko Recap, Anderson Silva Threatens UFC Retirement

Leave a comment

The FNU Combat Sports show concentrates heavily on boxing this week with the big heavyweight bout between Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko to review and discuss first. Then we move on to preview Cinco De Mayo weekend in The Sweet Science, which is headlined by a Saturday night fight between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Julio Cesar Chavez Junior. Additionally, we discuss some additions to UFC 213, Anderson Silva’s retirement threat, the creation of a women’s featherweight division in the UFC for the next season of The Ultimate Fighter, and the viral video featuring the demolition of a Tai Chi “Master” by an MMA fighter. Listen to the broadcast below.

 

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

PAUL GORMAN RETURNING TO CAGE AFTER THREE-YEAR ABSENCE

Leave a comment

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (May 4, 2017) –New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on Saturday, June 17, 2017 with the fight promotion’s next event, “NEF 29: STARS & STRIPES.”  The event will feature a full slate of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing bouts.  The professional portion of the card will feature a high-level catchweight bout between Paul Gorman (10-9) and James “The Flyin’ Hawaiian” Blair (5-0) at 130-pounds.

 

Paul Gorman is a twelve-year veteran of the New England MMA circuit.  He captured the NEF Bantamweight Title at “NEF 5.”  Gorman would go on to successfully defend that title against Tateki Matsuda (12-8) in a five-round split decision victory that is to this day considered one of the greatest battles to ever take place in the NEF cage.  Months later, Matsuda would sign with the UFC.  Gorman finally dropped the title in the summer of 2014 to Tim Goodwin (10-6) in a hard-fought, five-round decision loss.  He has not competed in the MMA cage since.

 

Gorman received his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from Maine MMA pioneer, and head coach of the Academy of MMA in Portland, Jay Jack.  He has spent the last month training on the Indonesian island of Bali at Anthony Leone’s gym known as “Bali MMA.”  Longtime NEF fans will recall that Leone (15-7) and Gorman were the co-main event of “NEF I.”

 

“I’m happy to be returning to the NEF cage on June 17,” said Gorman when reached for comment in Bali.  “It’s been what feels like forever since I’ve been under the lights, and I can’t wait to get in there and compete again.”

 

A native of Hawaii now based in Florida, undefeated James Blair represents the world-renowned American Top Team (ATT) of Coconut Creek.  After an amateur career of 7-1, Blair turned pro in 2014.  He captured the Island Fights Flyweight Title late last year.  Blair will make his NEF debut on June 17 against Gorman.  Recently, Blair has trained with former NEF Lightweight Champion, and current UFC signee, Devin Powell (8-2) at ATT.  He even travelled north with Powell to make an in-cage appearance announcing the Gorman fight at “NEF 28” last weekend in Lewiston.

 

“I want to thank Matt Peterson and the NEF crew for offering this opportunity,” stated Blair. “It is an honor to be stepping into competition with a veteran and pioneer of the sport.”

 

New England Fights returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine with its next event, “NEF 29: STARS & STRIPES,” on Saturday, June 17, 2017.  Tickets are on sale now at the Colisee box office 207-783-2009 x 525 and online atwww.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 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.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

AMATEUR TITLE FIGHT PROMISES TO BE AN ALL-OUT WAR

Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (May 3, 2017) –New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on Saturday, June 17, 2017 with the fight promotion’s next event, “NEF 29: STARS & STRIPES.”  The event will feature a full slate of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing bouts.  The amateur portion of the card will be headlined by a lightweight title fight that will see Rafael “Deez Nuts” Velado (4-0) defend against Pat Kelly (3-0).

 

A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, Velado made his NEF debut in the fall of 2015.  He submitted Kelly’s Young’s MMA teammate Jimmy Jackson (3-3) at “NEF 25” to claim the amateur lightweight title.  To date, only Mike Peitersen (3-1), another member of Young’s, has gone the distance with Velado who has established himself as a master of arm bars and Kimuras.  Velado is a member of First Class MMA in Brunswick, Maine.

 

“Here we go again,” exclaimed Velado. “We’ve got a friendly rivalry going between First Class MMA and Young’s MMA. They throw a badass at me and I answer the call. PK (Pat Kelly) is a legend of sorts. If you wrestle in Maine and you don’t know who he is, you’re out of touch. I think PK a different kind of challenge for me than my previous four fights. I’ve shown that I can get the fight to the ground and that I’m dangerous when I get there, but that’s a wildcard with Pat.  This fight is very exciting to me because we are both undefeated and the winner is going to have to prove that they are ready for the next level by bringing a well-rounded game. I have no doubt as to whether PK is capable of taking me down. The question is; will he regret his decision to take me there? We will see on June 17th.”

 

Pat Kelly is, as Velado noted, a legend in the Maine wrestling world.  He put together an impressive 116-20 career record at the University of Maine, captured a New England title and wrestled in the NCAA Championships in 1986.  The 52-year-old is no stranger to the championship circle as a coach either, having led the Camden Hills team to several state titles over the years, earning himself an induction into the Maine Amateur Wrestling Alliance Hall of Fame in the process.  Kelly famously coached current UFC star Tim Boetsch (20-11) to four state wrestling titles during Boetsch’s time at Camden Hills.

 

As a member of Young’s MMA, Kelly made his MMA debut at “NEF 14.”  Known for his intense in-cage performances, Kelly has finished all three of his opponents.  A knee injury has forced him to the sidelines since his last victory in the summer of 2015.

 

“First, my sincere thanks to NEF for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and to Coach Chris Young and Ernie Fitch along with all my teammates at Young’s MMA,” said Kelly. “I am so pumped-up to get back into the NEF cage. I am now fully recovered from a serious knee injury and am felling better than ever. This fight makes perfect sense in that you have two undefeated fighters that are willing to wage war for the belt.

 

“I am honored to share the cage with a fighter of Raf’s caliber,” Kelly continued.  “I respect the fact he is currently the undefeated champ. To fight him means that my time has come to offer him a challenge worthy of title contention. I have been training for an opportunity like this for the past four years. I will bring to the cage a sense of unpredictability and true grit. In essence, Raf will do what he has to do and I will do what I have to do. Whatever happens, happens.”

 

New England Fights returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine with its next event, “NEF 29: STARS & STRIPES,” on Saturday, June 17, 2017.  Tickets are on sale now at the Colisee box office 207-783-2009 x 525 and online atwww.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 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.

mixed martial arts, MMA, WMMAA

Largest MMA event in The Americas July 14-15 in Monterrey, Mexico

Leave a comment
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONTE CARLO, Monaco (May 3, 2017)- The World MMA Association (WMMAA) has announced that its 2017 Pan-American Championships, the largest MMA event ever in The Americas, will be held this coming July 14-15 in Monterrey, Mexico.
National teams from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Uruguay, Brazil, along with special guest Spain, are expected to compete in the 2017 Pan-American Championships.
“Representing your country on the biggest continental competition of nations, it strikes you, your heart starts to race in anticipation of the grand journey into WMMAA history,” Pan-American Division president Tomas Yu said.
The PAN-AM Board of Directors met again this past month during a collaboration with USA Boxing, during the latter’s 2017 Western Elite Qualifier & Regional Open, when the tentative announcement was made that Monterrey (Mexico) would be the event host this July.
Albuquerque, New Mexico was a leading destination host, however, PAN-AM Board members voted in favor of Monterrey as the ultimate location.
“WMMAA Mexico, as well as Monterrey as the host city this year, is a huge step in the development of the championships and movement as a whole,” Yu added.  “Monterrey has been an active sport city. It was the first city to bid on the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics. Monterrey had never bid on an Olympic Game prior to its effort to bid for the 2014 Summer Youth Olympics. The city did host several matches of the 1986 FIFA World Cup.
“The moment we have all been waiting for is finally here as the 2017 Pan-American Championships will take place in Monterrey, Mexico this coming July 14-15. The final decision has been made and now it is time to exhale, relax, and peacefully wait for the upcoming grand event, gathering people from all around the world to watch their country’s athletes competing among the best.”
INFORMATION:
Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

MONSTER ENERGY BELLATOR MMA FIGHT SERIES HITS CHARLOTTE MOTOR SPEEDWAY FOR MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR ALL-STAR RACE WEEKEND ON MAY 20

Leave a comment

 

 

ALSO, MMA LEGENDS TITO ORTIZ AND DAN HENDERSON TO MEET WITH FANS FOR AUTOGRAPH SIGNING ON MAY 19

 

LOS ANGELES – The Monster Energy Bellator MMA Fight Series visits Charlotte Motor Speedway during the Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race weekend on Saturday, May 20 and will feature several MMA bouts throughout the afternoon prior to the start of the on-track racing action. All bouts are set to take place between 3:30-5 p.m. ET at the Monster Energy display in the Charlotte Motor Speedway Fan Zone.

Additionally, fans will have the opportunity to meet two of the biggest names in the history of the sport onFriday, May 19, when former UFC champion Tito Ortiz and former PRIDE and STRIKEFORCE titleholder Dan Henderson will be available to sign autographs at the Monster Energy display in the Charlotte Motor Speedway Fan Zone between 3-4 p.m. ET.

Through Bellator MMA, along with longstanding partner Monster Energy, mixed martial arts will be included as a pre-race activation exclusively for fans in attendance. The lineup on Saturday will consist of four MMA bouts featuring some of the best regional up-and-coming talent, with the main event prospects in consideration to be signed to a multi-fight Bellator MMA contract.

The Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race takes place Saturday, May 20 at 8 p.m. ET, airing live on FS1. Tickets to the Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star race are available at ‪NASCAR.com/tickets or by calling Charlotte Motor Speedway at 1-800-455-FANS (3267).

 

Updated Monster Energy Bellator MMA Fight Series at Charlotte Motor Speedway Fight Card:

Heavyweight Main Event: Allen Crowder (7-2, Mebane, N.C.) vs. Robert Neal (4-2, Jefferson, Ga.)

Welterweight Bout: Jeremie Holloway (8-2, Charlotte, N.C) vs. Jacob McClintock (8-2, Charleston, S.C.)

Lightweight Bout: Mike Stevens (6-3, Winston-Salem, N.C) vs. Lashawn Alcocks (6-8, Wilmington, N.C.)

Light Heavyweight Bout: Allen Bose (5-0, Jacksonville, N.C.) vs. Chris Crawford (8-5, Durham, N.C)

 

Please visit Bellator.com for details.

 

*Event schedule subject to change.

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

THE HEAVYWEIGHTS WILL SEE ACTION AT NEF 29

Leave a comment

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (May 2, 2017) –New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on Saturday, June 17, 2017 with the fight promotion’s next event, “NEF 29: STARS & STRIPES.”  The event will feature a full slate of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing bouts.  On the professional portion of the MMA card, the ever-popular Ras “Rasquatch” Hylton (1-0) has signed to face Eric “Big Black” Ramsey (0-1) in a heavyweight contest.

 

Including his amateur career, the 6’6″ Ras Hylton is a perfect 4-0 in the NEF cage.  His meteoric rise to the top of the NEF heavyweight division has left a trail of broken and battered opponents in its wake.  Hylton’s first four opponents have not lasted a total of six minutes with the Taekwondo black belt.  A member of both First Class MMA and Dragon Fire Martial Arts, Hylton won his pro debut over veteran Mike Hansen (5-5) at “NEF 27” last February.

 

“I’m really excited about being able to get in the cage again,” said Hylton. “I have the opportunity to get tested by someone outside the circuit, which evokes a real ‘next level’ feeling. NEF is really pulling out all the stops to make June 17th a great start to the summer! I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Father’s Day, so I intend to relax, undefeated, with my kids on Sunday. I hope everyone comes out for this one!”

 

Eric Ramsey will make his first NEF appearance on June 17.  Based out of Clinton, Oklahoma, Ramsey has been a fixture on MMA cards in the Sooner State since 2012.  Like Hylton, he gained a reputation as a quick finisher, with his first three amateur bouts lasting a total of less than three minutes.  Ramsey comes to Maine looking for his first win as a professional.  He represents Trinity Combat Club.

 

“I look forward to displaying my skills in front of a new crowd,” said Ramsey.  “I am very grateful to NEF and Ras Hylton for allowing me the opportunity to challenge myself.  I’m excited to show what Oklahoma has to offer.  Thank you, and God bless.”

 

New England Fights returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine with its next event, “NEF 29: STARS & STRIPES,” on Saturday, June 17, 2017.  Tickets are on sale now at the Colisee box office 207-783-2009 x 525 and online atwww.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 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.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

BELLATOR VETERANS SET TO SQUARE OFF IN LEWISTON

Leave a comment

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (May 1, 2017) – Between them they have a dozen fights in the Bellator cage.  Now, they have signed to face each other in the New England Fights (NEF) hexagon.  Ray “All Business” Wood (8-3) will meet Alexandre “Popo” Bezerra (19-5) in the main event of “NEF 29: STARS & STRIPES.”  The event, which will feature a full slate of mixed-martial-arts and professional boxing bouts, is scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 17, 2017 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.

 

“This would be a main card fight on any nationally-televised event,” said NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo.  “It doesn’t get any bigger or better than this on the regional level.  This is the kind of fight we love to deliver to the NEF fans.”

 

Wood grew up in Bucksport, Maine and became a top MMA prospect after joining Young’s MMA in Bangor.  He was victorious in ten of his first eleven fights over the course of his amateur and early professional careers.  Wood’s sole loss during that impressive run came when he moved up to the lightweight division to face a larger Shane Manley (3-3).

 

It took Wood just over a minute to submit Lenny Wheeler (9-5) at “NEF 8.”  In doing so, Wood became the first NEF Featherweight Champion.  He went on to successfully defend the title against tough Brazilian prospect Gabriel Baino (6-2) with a second-round TKO.  Months later, Wood would drop the title to Anthony Morrison (20-11) via fifth-round submission.

 

The next few years would see Wood travel away from Maine to settle first in South Carolina and later Texas.  Since leaving Maine, he has been training at some of the top gyms in all of mixed martial arts with world-class athletes, and he has fought for national promotion Bellator three times.  Wood’s Bellator debut saw him finish Chris Jones (10-5) in the first round.  He is now looking to rebound from a unanimous decision loss to AJ McKee, Jr. (8-0) at Bellator 166 late last year.  The fight with Bezerra will be Wood’s first on Maine soil since February 2015.

 

“I’m excited to fight in front of the New England  fans once again,” said Wood when reached for comment at his home in Amarillo, Texas.  “It’s been way too long.  It’s time to get back to where all my success began. The last time I fought in Maine, I left with a loss, and I have no easy task in front of me this time. Alexandre is no joke, and has fought some of the best in the world, and with me coming off back-to-back losses, I have no choice but to have my hand raised by the end of three rounds. I have never lost three straight in anything.”

 

A native of Sao Paolo, Brazil, Alexandre Bezerra now lives and trains in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he is a member of Daddis Fight Camps.  Bezerra holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and he is also a teacher of the sport.

 

Bezerra has nine Bellator bouts under his belt.  He competed in both the Season Six and Season Eight featherweight tournaments, making it past the quarterfinal rounds but losing in the semifinals each time.  Most recently, Bezerra competed for national promotion Titan Fighting Championships in late 2016.  Like Wood, Bezerra is looking to bounce back from a loss.
“I am very excited to compete for NEF, they are a fantastic organization and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity,” said Bezerra.  “My opponent is a tough, up-and-coming prospect, and this should be a great fight. Both of us are looking to finish fights, so the fans are in for a treat!”

 

“Everyone in Maine and New England fight sports knows the talent that is Ray Wood,” stated NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson.  “He cut his teeth in NEF and after going on to compete in several high-profile Bellator fights, he’s coming back home to where it all began for him. His opponent, a native of Brazil, is a seasoned veteran that has a black belt in jiu-jitsu. Fans can expect to see the highest level of mixed martial arts skill on display in this blockbuster main event.”

 

New England Fights returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine with its next event, “NEF 29: STARS & STRIPES,” on Saturday, June 17, 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 them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”