Tag Archives: New England Fights

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UNDEFEATED AMATEURS WILL SQUARE OFF IN BANGOR FOR BANTAMWEIGHT STRAP

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Bangor, Maine (November 14, 2022) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine on February 11, 2023, with its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event “NEF 51: Banger in Bangor.”  The fight promotion has announced an amateur title fight for the card.  Key Baltazar (2-0) is scheduled to face Nate Dorr (2-0) for the vacant NEF Amateur Bantamweight Title.

Key Baltazar remains undefeated after debuting as an amateur in 2022.  His first fight took place at “NEF 46” last February in Portland.  Baltazar submitted Quinn Poirier that evening in the second round.  He would return this past summer at “NEF 48” to take on Hannon Sanford.  After a hard-fought, three-round battle, Baltazar got the win by unanimous decision on the judges’ scorecards.  He currently represents Nostos MMA based in Somersworth, New Hampshire.

“I like the energy Nate brings into the cage,” noted Baltazar.  “But that’s about it. I’m excited to show a different side of my style. The bantamweight belt will go home with me to Nostos.”

Like Baltazar, Nate Dorr also made his amateur MMA debut in 2022 and is currently undefeated with two wins.  His first fight was against Tyler Parent last spring at “NEF 47” in Auburn, Maine.  Dorr was able to pull out a unanimous decision victory in that bout.  He would return at “NEF 48” for his sophomore fight against Clifford Redman.  Dorr defeated the more experienced Redman via technical knockout in the first round.  He represents Acadia BJJ based in Ellsworth, Maine.

“The belt has always been in my sights,” said Dorr. “I’ve been training for that title shot this entire time and I feel ready. Didn’t expect a shot this early, but I have every intention of wearing that belt after the fight.”

“NEF 51: Banger in Bangor” is scheduled for Saturday night, February 11, 2023, at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine.  Tickets are available now at www.TicketMaster.com.

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.

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

LANGSTON STEPS IN TO REMATCH RICHARD AT NEF 46 THIS SATURDAY

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LANGSTON STEPS IN TO REMATCH RICHARD AT NEF 46 THIS SATURDAY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (February 8, 2022) – New England Fights (NEF) returns with its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 46: Decade of Dominance,” on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Aura in Portland, Maine. The event will commemorate NEF’s ten-year anniversary. The leading regional promotion launched on February 11, 2012. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional featherweight bout to the fight card. Carl Langston (0-6) will take on Zac “Rocky” Richard (1-0) at a fight weight of 145 pounds.

Langston stepped in on short notice to replace Richard’s previous opponent Urias Osorio (0-0) who pulled out of the fight earlier in the week.  Likewise, Langston was recently left without an opponent on the “NEF 46” card when his originally-scheduled opponent Shaun Ray (2-1) revealed to promoters that he could no longer pass medicals to obtain a fight license.

The bout will now be a rematch of the first meeting between Langston and Richard that took place last November at “NEF45.”  That fight, which was Richard’s professional debut, saw Richard defeat Langston by technical knockout in the first round.  Langston says the outcome will be different this Saturday.

“When I got asked to take this rematch on short notice it was a no brainer for me,” said Langston.  “Thank you to NEF for the opportunity and Zac’s team. This fight is going to have a very different outcome.”

“I’m very disappointed in the original fight being dropped,” noted Richard. “However, I worked too hard to sit on the sidelines and watch. I’m thankful to still have the opportunity to fight.”

“NEF 46: Decade of Dominance” takes place this Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Aura in Portland, Maine.  The event will commemorate NEF’s ten-year anniversary. Doors open at 6 pm with first fight at 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now at www.Ticketmaster.com.  The event will also stream live in its entirety at www.CombatSportsNow.com at a price of $29.99.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

LANGSTON IN SEARCH OF FIRST PRO WIN AT NEF 46 ON FEBRUARY 12

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (January 11, 2022) – New England Fights (NEF) returns with its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 46: Decade of Dominance,” on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Aura in Portland, Maine. The event will commemorate NEF’s ten-year anniversary. The leading regional promotion launched on February 11, 2012. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional lightweight bout to the fight card. Carl Langston (0-6)is scheduled to take on Shaun Ray (2-1) at a fight weight of 155 pounds.

Carl Langston will look for the first win of his professional career – a career stretching back to 2018.  Prior to that time, Langston won seven fights as an amateur. He is a lifelong martial artist, having practiced taekwondo since the age of six and medaling in the sport at the Junior Olympic level.  Langston is currently competing as an independent fighter.

“This fight is make it or break it for me,” noted Langston.  “I have every tool to best Shaun and any of my last opponents, I just have to show up mentally. I have had some major positive life changes with the start of this New Year with more to come, and I feel that’s going to help play a major role in this fight. I’m ready to bite down on my mouthpiece and get this finish. I don’t feel like Ray is a true 55er—he’s very small for the weight class—so the jump up to 55 to fight him is a testament to my skill set. I’m going to be the breakthrough fighter of 2022.”

Shaun Ray made his NEF debut last summer at “NEF 44” in Milford, New Hampshire in a losing effort to Caleb Hall (4-0).  Ray is a graduate of Easton High School in Easton, Maryland.  He is currently a resident of Waterville, Maine.  Like Langston, Ray is also an independent fighter.

“I am thankful for the opportunity to test my skill against a very well-seasoned striker,” said Ray.  “I have known Carl and followed his fight career for seven years. I have a lot of respect for him as a fighter. As for myself, I am just doing what I love to do. I feel this is an excellent match up.”

“NEF 46: Decade of Dominance” takes place on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Aura in Portland, Maine.  The event will commemorate NEF’s ten-year anniversary. Doors open at 6 pm with first fight at 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now at www.Ticketmaster.com.

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

AL KINANI TO MAKE PROFESSIONAL DEBUT AT NEF 46 ON FEBRUARY 12

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (January 6, 2022) – New England Fights (NEF) returns with its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 46: Decade of Dominance,” on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Aura in Portland, Maine. The event will commemorate NEF’s ten-year anniversary. The leading regional promotion launched on February 11, 2012. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional lightweight bout to the fight card. Mohammad Al Kinani (0-0)is scheduled to face Chris “Ironfist” Rooney (0-1) at a fight weight of 155 pounds.

The fight will be the professional debut for Al Kinani who finished his amateur career with an impressive record of 9-1.  He leaves the amateur division as the number-one ranked lightweight in both New England and the Northeast. Six of Al Kinani’s nine victories have been finishes, including a 34-second knockout in his final amateur fight last fall. The fight with Rooney will be Al Kinani’s first in his home state of Maine in over three years.  He represents Evolution Athletix based in Saco, Maine.

“This fight on February 12th is the first step of a long journey that I’ve been dreaming of for quite some time,” said Al Kinani. “It’s going to be a fight that’ll start and end with a handshake, but you know how I roll once I’m locked in there. It’s all business, baby. That’s what I do: I take care of fucking business.”

Chris Rooney will make his first appearance in the NEF cage on February 12, but he is a longtime MMA veteran, having competed in the sport since February 2011.  He won twelve fights as an amateur prior to making his professional debut last September.  Rooney trains at Sargent Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in St. Albans, Vermont.

“I am very excited to announce that my next fight will be against Mo Kinani for New England Fights,” stated Rooney. “Though this will be my second fight as a professional, this will be my debut with NEF. I am looking forward to showcasing my knockout power and overall abilities as a mixed martial artist. Even though the fans in Maine may not yet know the name Rooney, they won’t forget it after they witness my iron-fist power.”

“NEF 46: Decade of Dominance” takes place on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Aura in Portland, Maine.  The event will commemorate NEF’s ten-year anniversary. Doors open at 6 pm with first fight at 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now at www.Ticketmaster.com. 

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

GRIMARD AND VASTA SET TO GO PRO AT NEF 46

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (November 30, 2021) – New England Fights (NEF) returns with its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 46: Decade of Dominance,” on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Aura in Portland, Maine. The event will commemorate NEF’s ten-year anniversary. The leading regional promotion launched on February 11, 2012. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional featherweight bout to the fight card. Former NEF Amateur Featherweight Champion Nathaniel Grimard (0-0) is scheduled to take on Anthony Vasta (0-0) at a fight weight of 145-pounds.

Nathaniel Grimard made his NEF MMA debut in September 2019 at “NEF 40: School of Hard Knocks.” That night, Grimard submitted Justin Kangas (0-3) via armbar in the first round. During the pandemic lockdown, Grimard competed twice in Florida and improved his record to 3-0. His unbeaten record positioned Grimard to challenge for the then vacant NEF Featherweight Championship. In August, Grimard stopped Brandon Maillet-Fevens (3-2) in the second round at “NEF 44: Back in Black” to become the 145-pound titleholder. Grimard got right back in the cage at “NEF 45: Uprising” to defend his strap against Billy Wilson (7-1) from the famed Jackson Wink MMA camp in New Mexico. Grimard lost a laborious five-round decision that made Wilson the new champion. Now, Grimard hits the reset switch as he plans to turn professional against NEF newcomer, Anthony Vasta. Grimard represents Nostos MMA of Somersworth, New Hampshire where he trains under UFC and Bellator veteran, and former NEF Professional Lightweight Champion, Devin Powell (10-5).

“I can’t imagine a better way to start my pro career than on NEF’s 10th anniversary card,” Grimard stated. “I have big goals for myself and I’m ready to take on anybody in my way. I have nothing but respect for Vasta and his martial arts skills, but I have never been more focused.” 

Anthony Vasta will also be making his professional debut at NEF 46. Vasta and Grimard made their respective MMA amateur debuts within a couple of months of each other. Vasta and Grimard share another common tie, as both competed on the same card in Florida during the pandemic. Vasta has a 1-1 amateur record and trains at Defensive Edge Martial Arts Academy in Wakefield, Massachusetts.

“Being able to make my professional debut against another rising New England fighter that I respect is exciting,” Vasta stated. “It’s time to take the next step in my career, put my skills to the test, and seize the opportunity. My style is really unorthodox and hard to prepare for. I plan to go out there and put on a dominant performance against another tough prospect of this division.”

“NEF 46: Decade of Dominance” takes place on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Aura in Portland, Maine.  The event will commemorate NEF’s ten-year anniversary. Doors open at 6 pm with first fight at 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now at www.Ticketmaster.com. 

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

ASSAM VS KANGAS SET TO STRIKE AT NEF 46 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY EVENT

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (November 24, 2021) – New England Fights (NEF) returns with its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 46: Decade of Dominance,” on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Aura in Portland, Maine. The event will commemorate NEF’s ten-year anniversary. The leading regional promotion launched on February 11, 2012. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur welterweight bout to the fight card. Jon Assam (2-3) is scheduled to take on former lightweight Justin Kangas (0-3) at a fight weight of 170-pounds.

Jon Assam will have fought for NEF for four straight years when he steps in the cage on February 12th. The Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) staple most recently made Austin Hamilton (0-3) retire on the stool in between rounds when they faced-off at the Hampshire Dome last August at “NEF 44: Back in Black” in New Hampshire. Assam will be looking to extend his win streak to two when he shares the cage with Kangas in February.

“I’m very excited to be part of another NEF event, always good cards and good fights,” Assam stated. “I don’t like to do much talking outside of the cage, but my opponent can expect the same thing I expect from him—the best version of ourselves—and we’ll see whose best is better.”

Justin Kangas has struggled to find his first win in NEF, having dropped losses to a who’s who of young up and coming talent including Nate “The Mule White (5-0) and former NEF Featherweight Champion Nathaniel Grimard (4-1). Standing 6’3”, the cut to 155-pounds has always been a struggle for the moonlighting mixed martial artist who spends his days working as a school principal. Having finally found the rhythm between his professional life and passion for training, Kangas is confident that the move up in weight class will help him secure that elusive first win in the NEF hexagon.

“I am extremely excited to step back into the NEF cage. It has been far too long. Covid has been rough on us all in a variety of ways, but if there is a silver lining, it’s that it gave me a ton of time to work on my deficits. When I first started fighting for NEF, I was only nine months into my training, and I was a fish out of water on the ground. Each fight gave me a lot to reflect on and gave me a full picture of what needed to change. Covid may have stopped a lot of things in our country, but it didn’t stop me from training and growing as a fighter.

“My weaknesses have become new passions and strengths for me. Losing and identifying faults doesn’t break me down. It excites me. Nothing is more rewarding than improving yourself. Have no doubt, I have done just that. 

“After all the time off, I made the decision to jump up a weight class. I have been working hard to put on weight the right way over the last year and a half and have come leaps and bounds in my confidence and technique on the feet, the cage and the ground. I am a far more well-rounded and skilled fighter. I look forward to showing off that work. 

“Jon Assam is a veteran in the NEF cage and he always goes to war. I am excited to share the cage with him and I know the fans won’t be disappointed. I took this fight because I knew it would push me to my limits and that’s how exciting fights are made. I don’t take fights looking for an easy win to pad my record. I’m here to push and challenge myself. My past three opponents have a combined record of 12-4. Expect nothing less than a battle in that cage.”

“NEF 46: Decade of Dominance” takes place on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Aura in Portland, Maine.  The event will commemorate NEF’s ten-year anniversary. Doors open at 6 pm with first fight at 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now at www.Ticketmaster.com. 

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

MURRAY VS FAULKNER SET TO CLASH FOR WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (November 23, 2021) – New England Fights (NEF) returns with its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 46: Decade of Dominance,” on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Aura in Portland, Maine. The event will commemorate NEF’s ten-year anniversary. The leading regional promotion launched on February 11, 2012. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur championship bout to the fight card. Former NEF Lightweight Contender “Magic” Mike Murray (3-2) is scheduled to move up in weight to face Zach Faulkner (4-1) for the currently vacant NEF Welterweight Championship at a fight weight of 170 pounds. The Championship was recently vacated when former title holder Mike Bezanson (5-0) publicly stated that he will be turning professional in his next bout.

Mike Murray has dazzled fans since he made his NEF debut in June 2019. After rattling off impressive back-to-back first-round rear-naked-choke submission victories in his first two fights, Murray faced off against Zac Richard (1-0) for the then vacant NEF Lightweight Championship. After a lively five-round fight, Murray lost a decision to Richard. Murray rebounded with a win in Florida. Murray recently retired from a successful service career in the US Marine Corps.

“I’m extremely grateful and excited to be back after two years outside of the cage, and to be given the opportunity to fight for the 170-pound title against an absolutely game opponent,” Murray stated. “I personally feel like we are each other’s best match up after seeing his striking and jiu jitsu in his last fight. I’ve been two years out of the cage, but not two years out of the fight. This past summer alone, I went undefeated in Muay Thai, and had 15 jiu jitsu matches, and placed increasingly higher in each tournament. My prediction for this fight is that it’ll be the most entertaining amateur fight on this card – if not this year. I’ve been putting in the work to be the most lethal version of myself, and I believe this is the best I’ve ever been coming into a fight. There’s no animosity going into this one, this is purely two dogs getting locked in a cage. I’m so thrilled to be a part of this incredibly special 10-year anniversary card. This will for sure be a night to remember.”

Zach Faulkner made his triumphant NEF debut in 2017 at “NEF 30: Rumble in Bangor” and has remained perfect inside the NEF hexagon ever since. He most recently won a unanimous decision victory over Curtis Ouellette (1-3) last August at “NEF 44” in New Hampshire. He trains with Jon Deupree (1-0) at Recon Fitness in Westbrook, Maine.

“I’m super excited to not only have the opportunity to fight for the NEF welterweight title, but also to be able to fight on such a big card against a tough, game opponent,” Faulkner stated. “Winning would mean a lot to me because it would show that my fight journey is moving in the right direction and show that I’m ready to start to think about moving up to the next level.”

“NEF 46: Decade of Dominance” takes place on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Aura in Portland, Maine.  The event will commemorate NEF’s ten-year anniversary. Doors open at 6 pm with first fight at 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now at www.Ticketmaster.com. 

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

NEF RETURNS TO MAINE WITH STACKED FIGHT CARD FEATURING FOUR TITLE FIGHTS

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NEF RETURNS TO MAINE WITH STACKED FIGHT CARD FEATURING FOUR TITLE FIGHTS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (October 22, 2021) – When the bell rings at 7 pm EST to start the show on Friday, November 5, it will be the first time New England Fights (NEF) has presented a mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event in its home state of Maine in 21 months.  Shortly after the venerable fight promotion held “NEF 42” at Merrill Auditorium in Portland on February 8, 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic gripped the state and the nation.  The resulting shutdown forced the indefinite postponement of “NEF 43” which was scheduled to take place in Orono, Maine later that spring.  With the state not fully opening for combat sports events until well into 2021, NEF decided to turn to neighboring New Hampshire to hold “NEF 44” last summer.  “NEF 45: Uprising” on November 5 will see the fight promotion make its long-awaited return to action in Maine, as well as close out its first decade of business.  The event will originate from Aura in Portland.

Earlier today, NEF announced the full fight card for “NEF 45.”  It is scheduled to feature a total of 21 bouts with four championships to be decided.

In the main event of the evening, Josh “Hook On” Harvey (7-1-1) will defend the NEF Professional Featherweight Title against the challenge of Aguilando Brandao (9-8).  Harvey has held the championship since February 2019.  Brandao is a tough veteran with more than 15 years of cage experience.

The co-main event will see Mark “Pockets” Gardner (1-2)take on Nick Alley (7-4) in a professional welterweight contest.  Both competitors are veterans of global promotion Bellator’s cage.  Both will be looking to bounce back from losses in their respective previous bouts.

Zac “Rocky” Richard (0-0) will make his professional debut against Carl Langston (0-5) after a successful amateur career that saw Richard capture the NEF 155-pound title.  Langston seeks his first win as a professional fighter.

In other pro bouts, Matt “Ken Doll” Denning (5-10) meets former University of Southern Maine wrestling standout Jon Deupree (0-0) in Deupree’s pro debut, while former NEF Professional Middleweight Champion CJ Ewer (3-3) battles Shaun Ray (2-1) in the welterweight division.

The amateur portion of the fight card will be headlined by three title fights: Caleb Austin (5-0) faces Tyler Smythe (2-1) for the vacant flyweight belt; Felipe Günter (3-0) is scheduled to square off with Teddy Politis (2-0) for the vacant bantamweight championship; and Nathaniel Grimard (4-0) will defend his newly-won featherweight strap against Billy Wilson (6-1).

The sole women’s fight of the evening will also take place on the amateur card as BJ Garceau (1-1) meets the debuting Hayley Martin (0-0) in a strawweight bout.  Garceau last appeared in the NEF cage three years earlier at “NEF 36.”

“It feels like forever since we had a fight in Maine—and what a card to come back with,” said NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson.  “So many prospects in this lineup, so many undefeated fighters putting their perfect records on the line, so much at stake for so many impressive athletes putting themselves to the test on November 5th. Four title fights. For headliner Josh Harvey, his next fight could be the last chance to see him compete before he gets the call to the UFC —he’s that close. Leading up to the main event we have several undefeated amateur athletes that are on the cusp of turning pro and trying to follow in Harvey’s footsteps. AURA is the place to be November 5th!”

The full “NEF 45” fight card (subject to change):

PROFESSIONAL MMA

145 POUND TITLE: Josh Harvey (c) vs. Aguilando Brandao

170 POUNDS: Nick Alley vs. Mark Gardner

140 POUNDS: Carl Langston vs. Zac Richard

170 POUNDS: Jon Deupree vs. Matt Denning

160 POUNDS: Jay Ellis vs. Rodrigo Almeida

170 POUNDS: CJ Ewer vs. Shaun Ray

AMATEUR MMA

125 POUND TITLE: Caleb Austin vs. Tyler Smythe

145 POUND TITLE: Billy Wilson vs. Nathaniel Grimard (c)

135 POUND TITLE: Felipe Günter vs. Teddy Politis

115 POUNDS: BJ Garceau vs. Hayley Martin

200 POUNDS: David McCarthy vs. Danny Dray

170 POUNDS: Brian Cosco vs. Tyler Kingsbury

265 POUNDS: Tucker Olinsky vs. George Pissimissis

170 POUNDS: Curtis Ouellette vs. Derek Lambert

185 POUNDS: Bryant Wade vs. Brandon Oldenberg

185 POUNDS: Brett Martin vs. Justin Philbrook

155 POUNDS: Jonas Ryerson vs. RJ Janeczek

165 POUNDS: Austin Hamilton vs. David Hart

115 POUNDS: Julian Menjivar vs. Matt Miles

155 POUNDS: Jacob Routon vs. Emmett Huber

135 POUNDS: Tyler Parent vs. Randall Hathorn

“NEF 45: Uprising” takes place on Friday, November 5, 2021, at Aura in Portland, Maine.  Doors open at 6 pm with first fight at 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now at www.Ticketmaster.com.  The event will also be live streamed on pay-per-view for the price of $29.99 at www.CombatSportsNow.com.

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.

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

BJ GARCEAU WILL RETURN TO THE CAGE AT NEF 45 AGAINST HAYLEY MARTIN

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (October 7, 2021) – New England Fights (NEF) returns with its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 45: Uprising,” on Friday, November 5, 2021, at Aura in Portland, Maine.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur women’s strawweight bout to the fight card.  BJ Garceau will meet Hayley Martin at a fight weight of 115 pounds.

The fight will see Garceau (1-1) return to the NEF cage after a three-year absence.  She made her debut at “NEF 32” in February 2018 with a split decision win over Sarah Ziehm (1-2).  Garceau then lost via technical knockout to Chelsea Tucker (3-3) in the third round of their bout at “NEF 36” in the fall of that year.  She had been scheduled to make her return to action at “NEF 43” in 2020 until the COVID-19 pandemic forced the postponement of the event.  Garceau represents Young’s MMA of Bangor, Maine.

“I can’t believe I’m stepping back into the cage again this November,” exclaimed Garceau. “When we had to stop training last year, I felt like I lost my family, my health, and that hit me hard mentally and physically. I was a mess. So once (Young’s MMA head coach) Chris Young and so many other amazing coaches from other gyms said ‘come home’ a/k/a ‘get back into the gym,’ I finally felt whole again once we were on the mats.  I didn’t think it would happen again, but honestly after everything that’s been going on in the world and personally the past 18-months, I’ve never wanted to fight this bad.  I’m thankful for the opportunity and honestly it could have been anyone standing across from me at this point. I am happy to throw down with Hayley, and promise I will not let anyone down in that cage!  I would say more, but I gotta go train. Let’s do this!”

Hayley Martin will be making her in-cage debut in the fight with Garceau at “NEF 45” – just a few weeks after celebrating her 50th birthday.  Martin is an independent fighter whose dream it has been to actively compete in MMA.

“I’m beyond excited to step into the cage, test my skills and show what hard work and dedication looks like,” said Martin.  “I’m on this journey because I have never felt anything that makes me feel more alive, strong and confident. And when that moment happens on November 5th, I will leave it all in the cage and fight my ass off for every woman that thought dreams can’t come true.”

“NEF 45: Uprising” takes place on Friday, November 5, 2021, at Aura in Portland, Maine.  Doors open at 6 pm with first fight at 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now at www.Ticketmaster.com. 

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.

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

FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE WILL BE UP FOR GRABS AT NEF 45 IN PORTLAND

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (September 21, 2021) – New England Fights (NEF) returns with its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 45: Uprising,” on Friday, November 5, 2021, at Aura in Portland, Maine.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur featherweight title bout to the fight card.  Reigning NEF Amateur Featherweight Champion Nathaniel Grimard (4-0) will defend his belt against Billy Wilson (6-1).

Since his debut in September 2019, undefeated Nathaniel Grimard has emerged as one of the top amateur prospects on the New England MMA circuit.  Grimard submitted Justin Kangas (0-3) in the first round at “NEF 40” in Orono, Maine.  During the Covid-19 pandemic, and the resulting shutdown of combat sports events in the northeast region, Grimard kept himself active by taking fights in Florida where he was victorious twice.  Last month at “NEF 44” he won the NEF Amateur Featherweight Title with an impressive second-round technical knockout of Brandon Maillet-Fevens (3-2).  Grimard represents Nostos MMA of Somersworth, New Hampshire where he trains under UFC and Bellator veteran, and former NEF Professional Lightweight Champion, Devin Powell (10-5).

“I’m very excited to fight in Portland against my toughest opponent yet,” said Grimard. “Billy comes from a very credible gym with a little more experience than me, but that’s what motivates and excites me about this fight. I believe this will be a great fight, and I’m expecting to put on my best performance to date.”

Billy “The Kid” Wilson comes to Maine as the challenger on November 5th.  Of his six victories, Wilson holds four finishes with three technical knockouts and one submission.  He has actively competed in the sport since summer 2017.  Wilson currently represents Jackson Wink based in Albuquerque, New Mexico – a world-renowned MMA training academy whose roster reads like a “who’s who” of UFC champions and legends like Jon Jones (26-1) and Holly Holm (33-2-3) just to name a few.

“I’m very blessed to have the opportunity to go out and travel to a whole new area to compete,” said Wilson when reached for comment.  “I had just switched my camps to Jackson Wink, and I think the fans will see a whole new fighter.”

“NEF 45: Uprising” takes place on Friday, November 5, 2021, at Aura in Portland, Maine.  Doors open at 6 pm with first fight at 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now at www.Ticketmaster.com. 

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.