Tag Archives: New England Fights

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

CALEB AUSTIN AND DILLON HENRY TO MEET IN FLYWEIGHT MATCHUP AT NEF 42

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (December 13, 2019) – New England Fights (NEF) will hold its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Merrill Auditorium in Portland.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur flyweight fight to the card.  Caleb “Dr. Feelgood” Austin(3-0) will meet Dillon Henry (0-3) at a fight weight of 125 pounds.

Undefeated Caleb Austin returned to NEF this past fall after more than two years.  It took Austin just over a minute to pound out a victory over Cory Richards (0-1) at “NEF 40” in September.  In November, Austin went into the second round with Ryan Fogg (0-1) before picking up another technical knockout win.  With current amateur flyweight champion Nate Boucher (6-3) turning pro at “NEF 42,” Austin will be considered one of the top contenders to the vacant strap should he get past Henry.

Success in athletics is nothing new to Caleb Austin.  He put together an impressive record of 208-11 wrestling for Mountain Valley High School in Rumford, Maine and won state titles at 126 pounds his junior and senior years.  The Lewiston Sun Journal named Austin the “Wrestler of the Year” in 2017.  After graduation, Austin continued wrestling while attending the University of Southern Maine.  He currently represents Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) of Lewiston, Maine.

“The amount of support that I’ve received since September when I made my return to the MMA cage has been humbling,” said Austin. “I’m in the gym and running every single day with February on my mind. Going 2-0 this fall season was great, but I’ve got bigger things in front of me for 2020. I will win the NEF Flyweight Championship next year and Dillon Henry is just the next obstacle in front of me on my way toward that goal. I want to win more quickly and more cleanly every time I get in the cage. It’s an honor every time I get to fight in front of the NEF fans—and I can’t wait to do it again at the Merrill Auditorium on February 8th.”

Dillon Henry comes to the cage on February 8 looking for the first win of his amateur career.  Henry debuted last February against the aforementioned Nate Boucher who already had six fights under his belt at the time.  This past September Henry competed against Stephen Desjardins who came into that bout as a seven-fight veteran.  Henry was getting the upper hand against Desjardins until he dislocated his own shoulder throwing a punch in the first round.  He currently represents First Class MMA of Brunswick, Maine.

“I was going say a lot, but life can take unexpected turns and you start fighting for new reasons,” said Henry.  “I look forward to February 8th, enough said.”

“A fighter is more than his record and Dillon Henry is a great example of that,” noted NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson.  “Dillon is always taking tough fights with the goal of getting better as an amateur so that he can eventually make his mark as a pro. Caleb is his next challenge and I’m certain that Dillon will bring the fight and make this a fun one for us as fans. Caleb came in quickly made an impact over the fall season. Can he continue his undefeated streak to start off a new year and a new decade? We’ll find out February 8th.”

New England Fights’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine. Tickets are on sale now at www.PortTix.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.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

TOP RANKED LIGHTWEIGHT RETURNS TO NEF CAGE AGAINST DECORATED ARMY RANGER

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (December 12, 2019) – New England Fights (NEF) will hold its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Merrill Auditorium in Portland.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur lightweight fight to the card.  Mohammad Al Kinani (7-1) will take on Justin Middleton (1-0) at a fight weight of 155 pounds.

Mohammad Al Kinani is currently the number-one-ranked lightweight amateur in all of New England MMA.  He last appeared in the NEF cage in November 2018.  Al Kinani holds a perfect record of 3-0 with the promotion and has finished all three opponents in the first round via technical knockout.  One of the top prospects in the region, Al Kinani represents Evolution Athletix based in Saco, Maine.

“I’m excited as always to fight in Portland,” noted Al Kinani.  “It’s different fighting in Portland.  I have a lot to prove against Justin Middleton February 8th at Merrill Auditorium. Be ready to see a different animal to start up the New Year. Portland is my town – my territory.”

Justin Middleton burst onto the NEF fight scene with an upset victory over Jon Assam (1-2) last month at “NEF 41” in Portland.  Middleton came into the bout as the underdog as it was both his debut against the more experienced Assam and Assam represented an established fight team while Middleton was an independent competitor.  He submitted Assam via rear-naked choke in the first round.  Middleton is a longtime, distinguished, and heavily-decorated Army Ranger that served the United States proudly in Iraq.

“I’m honored to have such a seasoned and accomplished opponent so early in my career,” said Middleton.  “I know that it’s going to be a challenge, and I will be training accordingly. 155 is the optimum performance weight for me, and I will be coming with everything I’ve got. I’m sure Mo and I will give the fans a war.”

New England Fights’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine. Tickets are on sale now at www.PortTix.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.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

FOURTH PRO BOUT ANNOUNCED FOR FEBRUARY 8 MMA EVENT IN PORTLAND

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (December 10, 2019) – New England Fights (NEF) will hold its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Merrill Auditorium in Portland.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional catchweight fight to the card.  Nate “Backpack” Boucher will make his professional debut against “Sleepy” Norman Fox (0-1) at a fight weight of 130-pounds.

2019 was a banner year for Boucher.  He finished his amateur career with a stellar 6-3 record and captured NEF’s amateur flyweight title at “NEF 41” last month in what would be his final amateur fight.  Boucher has won his last four fights in a row – all by first round rear-naked choke submission.  Shortly after his title victory, Boucher engaged in a heated exchange on Facebook with Fox who challenged Boucher to enter the pro ranks to fight him.  Boucher was quick to accept the challenge.  He currently represents Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) of Lewiston, Maine.

“I closed out 2019 by doing exactly what I said I was going to do,” stated Boucher.  “I went 3-0 and won the New England Fights Amateur Flyweight Title. I planned on taking time off to focus on my unborn child’s arrival. However, Norman had quite a mouthful to say and asked for the fight. So, I did what fighters do and took the fight immediately. Norman is in for a long night on February 8th. I hope for his sake that he fully prepares for this. The way I see it, I was given a gift to kick off my pro career. Thank you to Cure Cannabis and the rest of my loyal sponsors and supporters for helping me get to this point in my career—I look forward to the next level with all of you.”

Norman Fox returns to the NEF cage after a four year hiatus from competition.  He was last seen at “NEF 21” in February 2016 in a losing effort in his professional debut.  Fox went 4-2 as an amateur, finishing his opponents in all four of his wins.  Fox is currently a member of First Class MMA based in Brunswick, Maine.

“Nate is one-dimensional,” declared Fox.  “All he can do is wrestle. If he doesn’t immediately shoot for a takedown, he will as soon as my hands touch his face. I’m dangerous everywhere. If he does get the fight to the ground, he will regret it.”

The catchweight bout joins an already star-studded lineup on the professional portion of the card.  Previously announced for “NEF 42” is a five-round professional lightweight title fight between former NEF champion and World Series of Fighting veteran Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington (17-11) and WEC and UFC veteran Josh “The Fluke” Grispi (14-5).  Another lightweight fight announced for “NEF 42” will feature two Maine fan-favorites as reigning NEF Professional Featherweight Champion Josh “Hook On” Harvey (7-0-1) puts his undefeated record on the line against Jesse “The Viking” Erickson (9-8) in a non-title encounter.  And Bellator veteran Dominic “Domnation” Jones (2-3) and Carl Langston (0-4) will square off in a professional featherweight contest.

New England Fights’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine. Tickets are on sale now at www.PortTix.com.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

FOUR MMA CHAMPIONS CROWNED AT COLLISION COURSE IN PORTLAND

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (November 10, 2019) – New England Fights (NEF) held its most recent mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 41: Collision Course,” on Saturday night at Aura in Portland.  Four titles were decided on a thirteen-fight card held before a capacity audience.

In the main event, Cara Greenwell (10-4) played the role of spoiler, winning the NEF Amateur Women’s Strawweight Championship with a unanimous decision over Bangor, Maine’s Glory “The Fury” Watson (6-1).  Greenwell came all the way from Oklahoma for the fight.  It is the first blemish on the previously-undefeated Watson’s amateur record.

“Killa” Kam Arnold (6-1) retained the NEF Amateur Bantamweight strap with a devastating second-round knockout of Walt Shea (3-2) in the evening’s co-main event.  It was Arnold’s second successful defense of the title and the sixth knockout victory of his amateur career.

Zac “Rocky” Richard (5-2-1) captured the NEF Amateur Lightweight Title with a unanimous decision win over “Magic” Mike Murray (2-1).  The fight went back and forth for five grueling rounds and looked at one point like the doctor at cageside would stop the bout due to an injury on Richard’s knee.  The fight continued, however, and Richard pulled out the win on the judges’ scorecards.

Nate Boucher (6-3) defeated Steve Desjardins (5-4) via submission in the first round to become the new NEF Amateur Flyweight Champion.  The win was Boucher’s fourth in a row.

In addition to the fights, NEF announced that its first event of 2020 would take place on February 8 as the promotion debuts at the 1900-seat Merrill Auditorium in Portland.  The show is titled “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction” and tickets went on sale Saturday night at www.PortTix.com. 

Already announced for “NEF 42” is a five-round professional lightweight title fight between former NEF champion Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington (17-11) and WEC and UFC veteran Josh “The Fluke” Grispi (14-5).  Boyington has not fought in his home state of Maine in two years, while Grispi has been absent from competition since his release from the UFC in 2013.  Boyington previously held the promotion’s lightweight title before vacating it to sign with the World Series of Fighting.

Another lightweight fight announced for “NEF 42” will feature two Maine fan-favorites as Josh “Hook On” Harvey (7-0-1) puts his undefeated record on the line against Jesse “The Viking” Erickson (9-8).  Harvey is the reigning NEF Pro Featherweight Champion and one of the top prospects in the entire country.  Erickson will be looking to bounce back from a loss last summer in his attempt to capture the lightweight strap.

A third pro fight was announced for “NEF 42” that will feature locals Dominic “Domnation” Jones (2-3) and Carl Langston (0-4).  Jones most recently competed for global promotion Bellator on a fight card in Connecticut.  Langston, after a solid amateur career, will be looking for his first professional win in front of his hometown crowd.

The official results from Portland, Maine:


Cara Greenwell def. Glory Watson via unanimous decision
Kam Arnold def. Walt Shea via knockout, round 2
Zac Richard def. Mike Murray via unanimous decision
Nate Boucher def. Steve Desjardins via tap to rear-naked choke, round 1
Solomon Spigel def. George Pissimissis via technical submission, round 1
Joe Howard def. Jesse Fitzsimmons via doctor stoppage, round 1
Greg Ishihara def. Dylan Williams via technical knockout, round 1
Justin Middleton def. Jon Assam via tap to rear-naked choke, round 1
Brian Cosco def. Clifford Redman via technical submission, round 1
Caleb Austin def. Ryan Fogg via technical knockout, round 2
Nate White def. Austin Hamilton via technical knockout, round 1
Brandon Maillet-Fevens def. Tyler Knights via tap to rear-naked choke, round 2
Chandler Chapman def. Tim Bergeron via unanimous decision

New England Fights’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine. Tickets are on sale now at www.PortTix.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.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

FOUR TITLE FIGHTS HEADLINE FINAL NEF CARD OF 2019 IN PORTLAND

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (October 23, 2019) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to Aura in Portland, Maine on November 9, 2019 with its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 41: Collision Course.”  Tickets for the event are currently on sale at www.AuraMaine.com. Earlier today, NEF announced the full fight card for the event – a total of 17 bouts scheduled for the evening.

Four amateur title fights will headline the card.  It will be the first time since “NEF 9” in August 2013 that an amateur fight has been the main event of one of the promotion’s cards.  (Of note, “NEF 9” was an all amateur event.)

“NEF 41” will also mark the first time a women’s bout has headlined one of the promotion’s events as undefeated Glory “The Fury” Watson (6-0) takes on Cara Greenwell (9-4) to crown the inaugural NEF Amateur Women’s Strawweight Champion.  Watson will have a chance to make history in the bout by becoming the first NEF athlete to simultaneously hold titles in two weight divisions.  She is the reigning NEF Amateur Women’s Flyweight Champion.

“Killa” Kam Arnold (5-1) will defend the NEF Amateur Bantamweight strap against Walt Shea (3-1) in the evening’s co-main event.  Arnold has held the title since June 2018 and most recently defended it at “NEF 38” last spring with a 21-second knockout of Henry Clark (5-5).  It will be Shea’s second attempt at capturing the title after a losing effort at “NEF 30” in August 2017.

Zac “Rocky” Richard (4-2-1) will face “Magic” Mike Murray (2-0) for the vacant NEF Amateur Lightweight Title.  Both athletes are coming off wins last month in Orono, Maine at “NEF 40.”  Richard knocked his opponent out with a slam in the first round of his bout while Murray submitted his opponent – also in the first round.

Nate Boucher (5-3) and Steve Desjardins (5-3) are scheduled to meet for the vacant NEF Amateur Flyweight Championship.  Boucher is on a three-fight win streak, finishing all three opponents in the first round by submission.  Desjardins returned with a first-round victory last month at “NEF 40” after an absence of several years from cage competition.

As of press time, NEF executives were searching for an opponent for NEF Amateur Welterweight Champion Duncan “The Highlander” Smith (5-3).  Unfortunately, Smith’s original challenger, Jordan Norman, recently pulled out of the fight when he could not gain medical clearance.

Matt “Ken Doll” Denning (5-10) and Keegan “The Flu” Hornstra (4-11) will square off in a professional catchweight contest.  Both will be looking to rebound from recent losses.  Denning was defeated on a card in Massachusetts last Saturday night, while Hornstra lost to Dominic Jones at “NEF 39” this past summer in Lewiston, Maine.  The fight will take place at an agreed-to weight of 176 pounds.

The full “NEF 41” fight card (subject to change):

AMATEUR TITLE FIGHTS

115*TITLE: Glory Watson (Young’s) vs. Cara Greenwell (Independent)

135*TITLE: Kam Arnold (c) (Recon) vs. Walt Shea (First Class MMA)

155*TITLE: Zac Richard (Nostos) vs. Mike Murray (Camden Combat/Foundry)

125*TITLE: Steve Desjardins (Independent) vs. Nate Boucher (CMBJJ)

PROFESSIONAL MMA

155: Josh Harvey (Vision Quest Muay Thai) vs. Jonathan Hines (Independent)

176: Matt Denning (Independent) vs. Keegan Hornstra (Evolution Athletix)

AMATEUR MMA

145: Jesse Fitzsimmons (Nostos) vs. Joe Howard (CMBJJ)

265: George Pissimissis (Wai Kru/Pedro’s Judo) vs. Solomon Spigel (First Class)

135: Andrea Howland (Michigan Top Team) vs. Megan Rosado (Evolution Athletix)

170: Justin Middleton (Independent) vs. Jon Assam (First Class)

170: Greg Ishihara (Recon) vs. Dylan Williams (Independent)

155: Clifford Redman (Independent) vs. Brian Cosco (Redline)

155: Lucas Donald (Independent) vs. Will McCall (Evolution Athletix)

205: Henry Jeffs (Independent) vs. Titus Pannell (T4 Survival)

130: Ryan Fogg (Team Elemental) vs. Caleb Austin (CMBJJ)

175: Roland Beaulieu (Maineiac Militia) vs. Austin Hamilton (Independent)

145: Tyler Knights (Independent) vs. Brandon Maillet-Fevens (CMBJJ)

New England Fights’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 41: Collision Course,” will take place on Saturday, November 9, 2019 at Aura in Portland, Maine. Tickets are on sale now atwww.auramaine.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.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

NATE WHITE STEPS IN AT LAST MINUTE TO SAVE LIGHTWEIGHT FIGHT AT NEF 40

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Orono, Maine (September 3, 2019) – New England Fights (NEF) will debut in Orono this Saturday, September 7, 2019 at the Collins Center for the Arts with the promotion’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 40: School of Hard Knocks.”  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur lightweight fight to the card.  Nate “The Mule” White (2-0) returns to the cage to face Ryan Savage (0-1) at a fight weight of 155-pounds.

Undefeated Nate White stepped up on just a few days’ notice after Savage’s original opponent, Andrew Kamakas, could not gain medical clearance to fight.  The 19-year-old Rumford, Maine native is on a roll this year and making a play for the “Rookie of the Year” nod from NEF fans.  So far, White has needed just over a combined four minutes to down his first two opponents.  In April, he forced a first-round stoppage against Clifford Redman at “NEF 38” when Redman suffered an injury less than a minute into the fight.  White followed that victory up with a technical knockout of Justin Kangas at “NEF 39” in June. White, a member of the Maine Army National Guard, will be traveling straight from being tazed and peppered sprayed only hours before his scheduled competition with Savage on Saturday night, as part of his Guard OC and tazer qualification training.

“This is a busy week in my life,” said White. “I’m in Texas right now for a job interview and will be flying back on Wednesday to head off to drill weekend with the Guard before my fight on Saturday night, but life is all about seizing opportunities when they become available. I’m excited for the chance to test myself against Ryan. I’ve heard that he is a good guy and I know he trains hard, so I’m excited to see how my skills match-up against him.”

Ryan Savage, a fellow active serviceman with the Air Guard, will be looking for the first win of his amateur MMA career this Saturday night in Orono.  At “NEF 38” last April, Savage lost via submission to Connecticut’s Arii Fernandez in the first round of Savage’s debut.  He currently represents First Class MMA of Brunswick, Maine.

“I’m very fortunate to be given another chance to showcase my true potential,” said Savage. “My first MMA fight opened my eyes to the importance of being an all around fighter, and was a very humbling experience. Nate has been on a roll these last two cards, and I know is training hard to continue his undefeated streak. Nate has great skill, but I’m ready to put that to the test and show everyone I’m here to stay.”

“Fight lore is full of legendary tales of guys stepping-up on last-minute notice to save bouts—and this is another example of that,” said Matt Peterson, NEF Matchmaker and co-owner. “Two active servicemen from respected gyms in the state—one a boxer and the other a wrestler—agreeing to an MMA fight on short notice is just one more added attraction to the stacked card that we have set to wow UMaine with this weekend. I’ve never been more excited to go back to school.”

New England Fights’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 40: SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS,” will take place this Saturday, September 7, 2019 at the Collins Center for the Arts at the University of Maine as the promotion debuts in Orono, Maine.  Doors will open at 6 pm and first fight will take to the cage at 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now atwww.collinscenterforthearts.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.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

ZAC RICHARD RETURNS TO NEF CAGE IN LIGHTWEIGHT DIVISION AGAINST BRANDON SEWALL

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Orono, Maine (July 19, 2019) – New England Fights (NEF) will debut in Orono on September 7, 2019 at the Collins Center for the Arts with the promotion’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 40: School of Hard Knocks.”  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur lightweight bout to the card.  Zac Richard (3-2-1) will meet Brandon Sewall (0-1) at a fight weight of 155 pounds.

Zac Richard has competed twice previously in the lightweight division, winning both fights in 2018.  That same year, Richard was voted “Rookie of the Year” by NEF fans.  He has yet to taste victory in 2019 with all three of his fights this year thus far taking place in the 145-pound featherweight division.  Richard went to a five-round draw with Fred Lear for the amateur featherweight championship last February in what has been a leading contender for “Fight of the Year” in 2019.  On September 7, Richard will look to bounce back from back-to-back losses in his two most recent fights this spring.  At “NEF 38,” Richard dropped a five-round unanimous decision to Tom Pagliarulo (3-1) prior to losing via first-round submission to Miguel Cuevas (6-1) in June.

“I’m very excited to get back in there after coming off two losses a month apart,” said Richard.  “I’m extremely unhappy with my fight against Tom—I definitely can’t have another off-day on fight day again. I’ve made a lot of changes to make myself happier with my life. The grind is different now.”

“Having watched Zac compete since he was a child during his youth wrestling days, I’ve seen how he navigates challenges,” noted NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson.  “He doesn’t look for the easy way out—he’s a born competitor and he always seeks out the toughest opponents. Whether it was in wrestling or now in MMA, he comes to fight. I have no doubt that he will be on the warpath on September 7th, looking to get back to his winning ways.”

Zac Richard has drawn a big one for his return to the lightweight division.  Brandon Sewall stands 6’1,” towering over most others in the weight class.  The resident of Bath, Maine will look for his first win in the NEF cage after losing his debut to Jimmy Jackson (4-3) last month at “NEF 39.”

“It is going to be simple – locate him, get at him, and strike him as hard as I can,” said Sewall when reached for comment.

“Brandon embodies the martial spirit,” stated Peterson. “When I suggested Zac to him as an opponent, he didn’t hesitate at all. He’s eager to prove the validity of his training and disciplined diet in the NEF cage in front of a big audience. Brandon will be the much bigger man in the bout. Whatever the outcome, I know that both guys will be looking to set a furious pace and finish the fight quickly.”

New England Fights’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 40: SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS,” will take place Saturday, September 7, 2019 at the Collins Center for the Arts at the University of Maine as the promotion debuts in Orono, Maine.  Tickets are on sale now at www.collinscenterforthearts.com.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

NEF ANNOUNCES THE FIRST PRO FIGHT SIGNED FOR DEBUT CARD IN ORONO

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Orono, Maine (July 11, 2019) – New England Fights (NEF) will debut in Orono on September 7, 2019 at the Collins Center for the Arts with the promotion’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 40: School of Hard Knocks.”  Earlier today, NEF announced the first professional fight signed for the card.  “The Jamaican Shamrock” Ras “Rasquatch” Hylton (4-2) will take on Chris Sarro (0-0) in a cruiserweight bout.

Ras Hylton is coming off a big win last April over Charles Penn (0-1) in Portland, Maine.  The doctor stopped that fight in the first round when a cut over Penn’s eye could not be closed.  Hylton opened the gash with a straight right hand that left blood pouring down to the mat.

Hylton is a mainstay of the NEF heavyweight and cruiserweight divisions.  The 6’6″ athlete holds a second-degree black belt in Shotokan karate.  He currently trains with Dragon Fire Martial Arts in Portland and First Class MMA in Brunswick, Maine.

“I am quite fortunate to be at the point in my career when I’m called upon to introduce new professionals to our work experience,” said Hylton.  “Boxers like my opponent offer a great risk with their familiarity in the pocket and at distance, so of course we’ll both be more than happy to trade our best shots for the win! I love the arts, but it’s in the fighting aspects of martial arts that competitors like us truly live and find purpose. So we train like our lives depend on it, because to us, that’s how it is. Welcome to the school of hard knocks, Chris. MMA 101 is now in session.”

As noted by Hylton, his opponent Chris Sarro may be a newcomer to the MMA cage, but he is no stranger to the world of combat sports.  Sarro made a name for himself as an amateur boxer with a record of 7-1.  He captured the 2019 Northern New England Golden Gloves championship in the superheavyweight division.  A native of Ellsworth, Maine, Sarro currently represents Acadia Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

“I’m just excited to fight close to home,” said Sarro.  “Orono feels like my backyard. Come September 7th, I’m going to show the world there’s a new heavyweight in town. This is my time.”

New England Fights’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 40: SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS,” will take place Saturday, September 7, 2019 at the Collins Center for the Arts at the University of Maine as the promotion debuts in Orono, Maine.  Tickets are on sale now atwww.collinscenterforthearts.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.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

CORAPI OUT, LOCKARD IN AGAINST ERICKSON; FIGHT NOW FOR LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE AT NEF 39

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (June 4, 2019) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on Saturday, June 22 with its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 39: ALL-AMERICAN.”  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced that Jesse “The Viking” Erickson (9-7) will meet Dylan Lockard (5-1) for the vacant NEF Professional Lightweight Championship.  Former champion Ryan Sanders (18-9) decided to vacate the title late last year due to the extreme weight cuts he had to endure to make the lightweight limit of 155 pounds.

The bout, originally scheduled to be a non-title affair between Erickson and Lewis Corapi (8-5), came about after Corapi had to pull out due to illness.

“Jesse Erickson has been a perennial contender since the inception of the NEF Lightweight Title,” stated NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson. “In 22 bouts between his amateur and professional career, you have to go all the way back to his very first fight in 2012 to find the one time that Erickson has ever had a fight go to the judge’s scorecards. He always competes with a ferocity that leads him to securing the finish, or being finished. He’s pure fire every time he climbs in the cage. Dylan Lockard, by the same token, has only lost once between his amateur and professional outings and is one of the hottest prospects in New England right now. As an amateur, Lockard beat both Josh Harvey and Caleb Hall—two NEF staples that are undefeated and have looked unstoppable since turning professional. You couldn’t ask for a more perfectly matched fight between two experienced, hungry athletes to fill the highly coveted lightweight title.”

Erickson has attempted to capture the lightweight belt three times previously, twice against Bruce Boyington (17-11) and once against current UFC competitor Devin Powell (9-4), only to come up short in each fight.  Erickson says he will be patient in this bout in hopes of winning the title that has eluded him to date.

“First, I want to thank Dylan for stepping up to take the bout,” remarked Erickson. “He seems well-rounded and has wins over some quality opponents. I’m working hard every day and will enter the cage in the best shape I’ve ever been in. I’m not going to be in a rush in the cage on June 22nd. I have five rounds to put him away and finally walk out with that belt. Victory or Valhalla, fourth time’s the charm.”

Lockard will definitely be entering hostile territory with hundreds of Erickson’s hometown friends, family and fans in the crowd.  The fight will take place ten pounds heavier than the featherweight limit Lockard usually competes at.

Everything about Lockard’s background, however, indicates that he rises to meet any challenge.  In 2010 he won a state championship at 152 pounds wrestling for Timberlane Regional High School in Plaistow, New Hampshire, finishing his senior season with an impressive 38-9 record.  He began his amateur MMA career in 2014 and went a perfect 4-0, defeating some of the best the region has to offer including Harvey and Hall.  Lockard turned pro in the summer of 2016.  His only loss to date has been against a very tough Shane Manley (5-5), who longtime NEF fans will remember as the athlete who handed both Jesse Erickson and Ray Wood (8-5) the first losses of their respective MMA careers.  Lockard is currently on a two-fight win streak since the loss to Manley, most-recently upending previously-undefeated Anthony Wright (4-1) on a fight card in Rhode Island last fall.

“I’m excited to come up to Maine and fight for the NEF title,” said Lockard when reached for comment.  “Jesse is a really tough opponent, and I think we match up well. It’s going to be an exciting fight for the fans.”

“NEF 39: ALL-AMERICAN,” will take place on Saturday, June 22, 2019 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine with a bell time of 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

SECOND WOMEN’S BOUT ADDED TO NEF 39 FIGHT CARD

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (May 29, 2019) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on Saturday, June 22 with its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 39: ALL-AMERICAN.”  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of an amateur women’s bantamweight bout to the card.  Megan Rosado is scheduled to face Sarai Knapp at a fight weight of 135-pounds.

Megan Rosado is currently an even 1-1 since debuting in the NEF cage late last year.  She took on Glory Watson at “NEF 36” in September and went the distance in a back-and-forth, thrilling contest.  Watson was able to pull out a split decision on the judges’ scorecards to take the victory.  Rosado returned last month at “NEF 38” in Portland, Maine to face Amanda Bennett (0-2).  Again, the fight went to the judges’ scorecards, but this time it was Rosado walking out of the cage with the win.  She represents Nate Libby’s Evolution Athletix based in Saco, Maine.

“I’m super excited to step back into the cage for my third amateur fight,” said Rosado. “It’s safe to say that I’m addicted to the whole fight experience! I may not have a squeaky clean undefeated record, but getting a taste of a loss and a win is what makes you more dangerous, in my opinion. I know nothing about my opponent, but that doesn’t even begin to scare me. Im’ma bring it, and I’m going to win on June 22. Don’t miss it!”

Sarai Knapp will be making her amateur MMA debut at “NEF 39” on June 22nd.  She will make the 1,000-mile trip from her home state of Indiana to compete against Rosado.  Knapp represents Lee Brothers MMA based in Fort Wayne.

“Training mixed martial arts has changed my life,” remarked Knapp. “I’m just excited to challenge myself against a tough opponent like Megan. My coach tells me that everybody from Nate Libby’s gym is tough, so we’re getting ready for a fight.”

The bout between Rosado and Knapp is the second women’s fight announced for the “NEF 39” card.  Also on the amateur card that night, Glory Watson (4-0) will meet Caree Hill (4-1) for the vacant women’s flyweight championship.

“NEF 39: ALL-AMERICAN,” will take place on Saturday, June 22, 2019 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine with a bell time of 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.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