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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About New England Fights

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

NEF TO DEBUT IN NEW HAMPSHIRE; WELTERWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT ANNOUNCED

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About New England Fights

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

COMBAT ZONE INVITES YOU TO CZ 60 “RETURN TO THE RADISSON”

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NEW ENGLAND'S PREMIERE MMA PROMOTION Combat Zone Returns to Manchester, NH !

 

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COMBAT ZONE MMA MOVES TO MANCHESTER, NH;

CZ 60 TO BE WAGED SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19

 

SALEM NH- (October 19, 2016)- Combat Zone MMA, the longest running mixed martial arts promotion in New England and one the most successful in the Northeast, is relocating its exhilarating events stacked with professional and amateur MMA and kickboxing fights to Manchester, NH and returning to its roots, co-owners Calvin Kattar and Jamison Kattar announced today.

 

After calling the recently shuttered Rockingham Park in Salem, NH home for the past eight years, Combat Zone is coming to the Armory Room on-site at the Radisson Hotel in Downtown Manchester.

 

The Armory Room is an exceptional venue that is perfectly suited to host the fights and it can accommodate comfortably up to 800 fight fans. Finished with exposed brick throughout the room it’s a perfect fit for CZ Events!

 

The first event that will be at the Aromory Room at the Radisson will be Combat Zone 60 on Saturday, November 19.

 

“I’m very excited about bringing the promotion back home to where it all first started at the Radisson. We feel the new location will allow us to make the necessary changes to appeal to a wider audience while continuing to provide action-packed fights for our loyal fan base,” said Calvin Kattar, who recently returned to action inside the cage and improved his record to 16-2 and his rank to #2 among pro featherweights in New England.

 

The Kattar brothers and matchmaker Ryan Fennelly are still putting the Combat Zone 60 card together, but fight fans can expect to be treated to the MMA Lightweight Amateur Title defense when challenger Gerald Meuse (4-1) from Boston tries to tale the belt from undefeated champion Dave Brown (3-0). Brown, who hails from Laconia, NH, earned the belt in his last fight when he beat the previously unblemished Shawn Melanson.

 

What shapes up as another terrific and intense match-up on what will be a full card of action includes the pro kickboxing fight between Ray Shawdee, who coaches at New England Top Team in Windham, NH and hails rom Lowell, MA, and Maine’s always fearsome Crowsneck Boutin. This fight has potential title implications for the winner.

 

Other expected and competitive, tough fights are MMA pros Jay Perrin 2-2 vs. Chad Kelley 4-2 matching up at 135 lbs. and Salem’s Nick Fiore (1-0) vs. Taylor Costatino (2-2) competing as amateurs at catch weight of 150 lbs.

 

The complete card will be announced shortly.

 

Combat Zone MMA will remain headquartered in Salem, NH and tickets may still be purchased through the website: www.czmma.com. Ticket prices will be $120 for ringside seating, $90, $60, $50, and $40 for general admission. Tickets are also available by calling Jamison Kattar at 978-361-6772.

 

Parking will be available in the Radisson garage or on the street.

 

The weigh-in will be Friday, November 18 at a time and place to be announced soon.

 

For ticket info or to get an updated fight card visit us at CZMMA.COM or check out our FB page “Combat Zone MMA”

 

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Event details

Combat Zone highlights from past shows to spark the excitement!
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