Tag Archives: Walt Shea

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

FOUR MMA CHAMPIONS CROWNED AT COLLISION COURSE IN PORTLAND

Leave a comment

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

Leave a comment

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

NEF DROWNS PORTLAND WITH RIPTIDE BEFORE CAPACITY CROWD; CHOI INSTITUTE SHINES IN PRO FIGHTS

Leave a comment

Portland, Maine (April 15, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) made its return to Portland on Saturday night with the fight promotion’s latest mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 33: Riptide.”  For the second time in as many events at the venue, NEF packed Aura with a sold-out crowd.

On the amateur portion of the card, Kam Arnold (3-0) continued his winning ways with a highlight-reel, one-punch knockout of David Thompson (1-3).  Arnold, a hot prospect out of Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in nearby Lewiston, Maine, dropped Thompson with a right hand in the first round to remain undefeated.

Walt Shea (3-1) and Nate Boucher (2-3) met in the amateur headliner at a catchweight of 130-pounds.  Both athletes were looking to bounce back from losses in their last respective NEF appearances, but it was Shea who took the victory late in the third round when referee Kevin MacDonald stopped the fight due to strikes.  Earlier in the evening, Shea’s First Class MMA teammate, Ben Murtiff (1-0) won his amateur debut, making for a perfect 2-0 night for the Topsham, Maine-based team.

On the professional side of the card, Ernesto Ornelas (3-7) picked up the win over Carl Langston (0-1) via unanimous decision. Moments later, Ornelas’s teammate at the Choi Institute Caleb Hall (1-0) was successful in his pro debut with a first-round submission of veteran John Ortolani (8-13).

The main event of the evening saw longtime Maine MMA veteran Bill Jones (13-11) defeat Matt Denning (5-8) via technical knockout in the second round.  Denning announced his retirement from cage competition immediately following the bout.  Jones’ win capped a successful night for Nostos MMA of Somersworth, New Hampshire.  The team went 3-0 on the night with Zac Richard (1-0) and Killian Murphy (1-0) taking home wins on the amateur card.

NEF announced that its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 34: Home of the Brave” would take place back at Aura in Portland onJune 16, 2018.  Already announced for that card, Ross Dannar (1-1) and Devin Corson (1-1) will square off in an amateur lightweight contest, while Aaron Lacey (5-1) returns to the NEF cage to take on Da’mon Blackshear (4-1) in a professional featherweight bout.

The results from Portland, Maine:

PROFESSIONAL

Bill Jones def. Matt Denning via TKO, round 2

Caleb Hall def. John Ortolani via Von Flue Choke, round 1

Ernesto Ornelas def. Carl Langston via unanimous decision

 

AMATEUR

 

Walt Shea def. Nate Boucher via TKO, round 3

Killian Murphy def. Krishna Scott via TKO, round 1

Ben Murtiff def. James Lewis via TKO, round 1

Kam Arnold def. David Thompson via KO, round 1

Mark Gardner def. Brandon Schwinck via rear-naked choke, round 1

Duncan Smith def. Taylor Bartlett via standing guillotine, round 1

Zac Richard def. Gabriel Diaz via TKO, round 1

Liam Fagan def. Curtis Ouellette via unanimous decision

Carol Linn Powell drew Chelsea Tucker (Grappling Match)

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 34: Home of the Brave,” will take place at Aura in Portland, Maine on Saturday, June 16, 2018.  Tickets are on-sale now online at www.AuraMaine.com.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

BOUCHER AND SHEA MEET AT THE CROSSROADS FOR PORTLAND MMA FIGHT

Leave a comment

Portland, Maine (April 6, 2018) – Nate Boucher grew up in the world of amateur wrestling, where the rewards, penalties and path to winning and losing are cut-and-dried.

 

 

 

 

Takedown, two points. Escape, one point. Reversal, two points. The same clock that tells everyone how much time remains in the fight consistently informs the fighters where they stand.

 

 

 

 

In his two most recent sojourns as a mixed martial artist with New England Fights, Boucher, a native of Rumford and graduate of Mountain Valley High School, had no such compass. MMA is a more subjective science. That’s one of the many reasons an impressive winning percentage is harder to come by.

 

 

 

 

“MMA judging is one of the worst things to figure out. There’s not really a solid standard,” Boucher said. “The last two fights didn’t end the way I wanted, obviously. Part of being an amateur is it gives you a chance to learn what the judges want.”

 

 

 

 

Boucher (2-2) hopes to halt a two-fight losing skid Saturday, April 14, when he takes on Walt Shea at “NEF 33: Riptide.” The card will take place at Aura in Portland.

 

 

 

 

A solid contender at the flyweight limit of 125 pounds despite those defeats at the hands of Justin Witham and Ryan Burgess, Boucher will meet Shea in the middle at a catch weight of 130.

 

 

 

 

Staying busy is part of Boucher’s strategy to learn everything he can about the sport, even if the immediate lessons are frustrating and humbling.

 

 

 

 

 

The criteria for MMA judging, in order of priority, are effective striking, effective grappling, effective aggressiveness and fighting area control. Boucher learned the hard way that his style may have cost him the ‘W’ in both the title fight against Witham and the hometown showdown versus Burgess.

 

 

 

 

“Everybody just kind of goes with whoever is throwing more punches. People don’t seem to care if you’re on top the whole time or not,” Boucher said. “But, you know, I can complain, or I can adapt.”

 

 

 

 

Boucher pointed out that the two judges who saw the fight go Burgess’ way had it two rounds to one, a 29-28 margin, while the 30-27 assessment in his favor indicated that he had won every round.

 

 

 

 

Best-case scenario, of course, is to end it early, the way Boucher did with a triangle choke in his second amateur outing against former high school wrestling legend Jeremiah Barkac.

 

 

 

 

“Even though I lost the last two fights, they couldn’t have gone any better for me as far as learning the game goes,” Boucher said. “It’s kind of opened my eyes a lot more, not necessarily to anything about myself, but as far as what the judges are looking for. It’s helping me learn more about the sport.”

 

 

 

 

Even though the fight is five pounds above Boucher’s natural weight, how he performs will have a heavy impact on whether he is still considered a viable threat in the 125-pound class or takes a huge step backward.

 

 

 

 

“Nate called me about a week after his fight with Burgess and said, straight up, ‘Get me back in there in April, and I want a tough opponent,’” NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson said. “He has a lot on the line in this one. A loss leaves him with a long climb back.”

 

 

 

 

The crossroads clash with Shea (2-1) is sure to be a learning experience. Shea, who trains of out of First Class MMA in Topsham, also lost his last fight. Fred Lear won that August battle for the vacant amateur bantamweight title on his home turf in Bangor.

 

 

 

 

No battle in the hexagon has been as daunting for Shea as his personal journey to get there. He initially followed his cousin, Nicholas, to the MMA gym as part of a fitness regimen after his weight crested at more than 270 pounds.

 

 

 

 

In other words, when he walks through the door on any given fight night, Shea is literally half the man he used to be.

 

 

 

 

“I was just going there to train a little bit in jiu-jitsu, and John (Raio) said to me, ‘Before we’re through, I’m going to get you in the cage.’ I’m thinking, ‘Yeah, right,’” Shea said. “I lost about 80 pounds right off the bat training with those guys. It got me healthy, and then it was kind of, why not take the next step?”

 

 

 

 

Shea now walks around at 155 to 160 pounds. He is making a slightly deeper weight cut this time, and fighting a natural flyweight, to find out if the title picture in that division is an attainable goal.

 

 

 

 

Win or lose, if his inspirational story helps a fan or friend make the commitment to a healthier lifestyle, Shea is all for it.

 

 

 

 

“It’s a lot better than standing on a treadmill,” Shea said of his unique path to fitness. “I tell people if you can just find one aspect of MMA that works for you – the grappling, the striking, whatever – it’s a great workout.”

 

 

 

 

Boucher said he has nothing but high esteem for Shea’s circuitous route to success in the sport. Admittedly, without a title up for grabs or a so-called grudge match in his sights, motivation could be more elusive.

 

 

 

 

The former Falcon, who trains out of Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Lewiston, insisted that won’t be a problem.

 

 

 

 

“That’s an impressive accomplishment. I’m very respectful of that. Not just anybody can start out where Walt did and get in the cage for a fight at 125, 130 pounds,” Boucher said. “Unfortunately when you’re talking MMA, not every ending is like a fairy tale. I’m going in there to win the fight, to end it early and leave no doubt, not leave it in the hands of the judges this time.”

 

 

 

 

Doors open for “NEF 33: Riptide” at 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 14. For tickets, call 207.772.8274 or go to www.auramaine.com.

 

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

BOUCHER & SHEA LOOKING TO BOUNCE BACK FROM LOSSES AT NEF 33

Leave a comment

Portland, Maine (February 8, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to Aura in Portland on April 14, 2018 with the fight promotion’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 33: Riptide.”  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur catchweight bout to the card.  Nate Boucher (2-2) will face Walt Shea (2-1) at a fight weight of 130-pounds.

 

 

 

 

Nate Boucher will be looking to bounce back from back-to-back losses in the NEF cage.  The former wrestler from Mountain Valley High School in Rumford, Maine lost very close split decisions at both “NEF 31” and “NEF 32″ recently.  The first was an amateur flyweight title fight against Justin Witham (4-4) in Portland.  Last weekend, Boucher dropped his second split decision in as many events to Ryan Burgess (3-2) in a number-one-contender’s fight.  Prior to those two losses, Boucher had been undefeated in the NEF cage.  He currently trains with Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) in Lewiston, Maine.

 

 

 

 

“I’m coming off of two close back-to-back losses, but I’m still committed to my goal of one day winning the NEF championship belt,” said Boucher. “Rather than sit on the sidelines, I’m getting right back in there in April. Walt Shea is coming off of his title fight loss to Fred Lear last August, so I know he will be motivated to get back in the win column too. Two motivated guys that are hungry to get back to their winning ways are the ingredients for an awesome battle. I can’t wait!”

 

 

 

 

Like Boucher, Walt Shea was undefeated prior to his last loss in the NEF cage.  Shea had defeated Joel Downing (0-1) at “NEF 25” and then Alan Bustamante (0-1) at “NEF 27.”  Both victories came by way of unanimous decision.  Shea earned himself a shot at the NEF amateur bantamweight strap, but lost to Fred Lear (6-2) by TKO in the second round at “NEF 30” last summer.  Shea is a member of First Class MMA in Brunswick, Maine.

 

 

 

 

“I’m excited to be finally making my return to the cage at ‘NEF 33,'” said Shea. “I was live for my opponent Nate’s last two fights – both razor close decisions that could have gone his way, but didn’t. I’m expecting a technical battle with a chance for some exciting grappling exchanges. I’m hoping to put on a show for the fans.”

 

 

 

 

NEF returns to Portland, Maine, at Aura on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Tickets are on sale now at www.AuraMaine.com.  For more information on the event, please visit www.NewEnglandFights.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

NEF SELLS-OUT AGAIN IN BANGOR AS LOCAL FIGHTERS SHINE IN THE CAGE

Leave a comment

Bangor, Maine (August 6, 2017) –There was no place like home Saturday night for C.J. Ewer, Ryan Sanders and Fred Lear of Young’s MMA in Bangor.

Fighting in front of a sold-out ballroom a stone’s throw from their training headquarters, the three fighters atop the card at “NEF 30” Rumble in Bangor” all posted impressive victories at Cross Insurance Center.

Ewer defeated Mike “The Mustache” Hansen by submission at 1:46 of the first round to capture the vacant NEF pro middleweight title. Lear landed the NEF amateur bantamweight belt, while Sanders tightened his grip on New England’s pro lightweight scene in a non-title triumph.

It was the second consecutive August sellout in the Queen City, a tradition that began with “NEF Presents Dana White: Lookin’ For a Fight” last summer.

After his hard-fought win over the much-traveled Jay Ellis, NEF pro lightweight champion Sanders, ranked No. 1 in the region, kept his comments short and sweet while calling out the aforementioned Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) president.

“You took the wrong guy last year,” Sanders said. “Come get me now.”

Sanders (15-8) didn’t have an easy road against Ellis, a veteran of more than 80 pro bouts. Ellis had Sanders under control for most of the fight but left himself vulnerable to a triangle choke at 2:34 of the first round.

Ewer dispatched Hansen with a similarly swift maneuver.

“It’s a great feeling to win it in front of the home crowd,” Ewer said. “As hard as we worked (in training camp), I didn’t think anything could stop me.”

The sudden ending spoiled Hansen’s hopes of winning a title for the first time in his 13-year mixed martial arts career.

“This was by far the best training camp I ever had. We were just getting warmed up,” Hansen said. “I had a lot more to give, and I’m sure C.J. had a lot of more to give. But hey, we could do it again.”

Lear highlighted the amateur portion of the card with an authoritative second-round knockout of Walt Shea.

Only the bell saved Shea from Lear’s onslaught at the end of the opening chapter. Lear gained the advantage with a kick to the head midway through that round. After nearly locking in an arm bar that could have ended the fight, Lear bloodied the previously unbeaten Shea with a series of strikes.

The end appeared inevitable when Shea needed Lear’s help to find his corner between rounds, and another interrupted attack hastened the finish only 14 seconds later.

An emotional Lear lauded his coach, Chris Young of Young’s MMA, before fastening the belt around the teacher’s waist.

“A lot of people around here know his name, but they don’t know the man,” Lear said. “He’s the first guy in the gym in the morning and the last one to leave at night. He’s the reason we’re all here. He’s the reason we’re successful. He’s the reason some of us aren’t in jail.”

In the first two fights of Josh Jones’ amateur MMA career, Jones dispatched his opponents by one-punch knockout in a total of 24 seconds. It took Carlton Charles one fewer tick of the clock to take out Jones in the stunning conclusion to a touted tangle of former star collegiate athletes.

Charles, a product of the University of Maine football program taking his initial walk to the NEF cage, turned the tables on Jones (2-1) in a middleweight scrap. Jones again went for the early stoppage with a pair of looping shots, but Charles calmly ducked them before landing one of his own and taking the issue to the mat.

“I just love the competition,” Charles said. “You don’t get hit in the face like this on the football field.”

When the combatants regained their feet, Charles backed Jones against the cage and landed two right hands to the jaw. Jones dropped to one knee and absorbed a sharp left to the head. That persuaded the referee to step in and stop the fight, a verdict that left Jones and his First Class MMA camp visibly puzzled.

It was Charles’ second one-sided combat sports victory in a week’s time. He previously delivered a first-round TKO in the amateur boxing ring. Jones suffered his first defeat since making the transition from basketball, which he played professionally in Europe after starring at Bangor’s Husson University.

One look at Friday’s official weigh-in suggested that the bout between Roger Ewer (251 pounds) and Dustin Freeman (220) might be the typical stand-up, slug-it-out heavyweight affair. Instead, it turned into a ground-and-pound showcase that was right in Ewer’s wheelhouse. C.J.’s older brother, making his debut in the NEF hexagon at 44 years of age, hammered out the advantage throughout and earned a TKO via unanswered strikes at 2:31 of the second stanza.

Nate Boucher improved to 2-0 with a first-round stoppage of Jeremiah Barkac, who was making his cage debut. Barkac gained an early advantage in the bantamweight bout with a barrage of strikes, but Boucher cleverly gained leverage with his legs and locked in a triangle choke.

Win or lose, Bangor’s Angela Young announced that her battle with Jessica “The Black Widow” Borga would be the final fight of her career. Borga (6-3) erased any hopes of a Hollywood ending with a decisive TKO at 2:16 of the opening round. Young (2-3), wife of Chris, had never gone less than the distance in any of her prior wins or losses.

In a mutual NEF and MMA debut, Zach Faulkner delighted his home crowd with a second-round victory over David Hart via rear naked choke. The end came at 1:42.

Jesse Hutchinson also enjoyed a triumphant debut in the amateur ranks. He stopped Anthony LaPointe at 2:43 of the first round in a welterweight skirmish.

NEF also announced that the promotion’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 31: The Old Port,” will see the company make its long-awaited debut in Portland, Maine at the brand new, state-of-the-art venue Aura.  The event is scheduled to take place on Friday, November 3, 2017.  Tickets will go on sale this Wednesday, August 9 at www.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 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

RUMBLE IN BANGOR FIGHT CARD FILLED WITH MAINE FAN-FAVORITES

Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Bangor, Maine (July 21, 2017) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Cross Insurance Center on Saturday night, August 5, 2017 with the fight promotion’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 30: Rumble in Bangor.”  Earlier today, NEF announced the full fight card for the event.

In the main event of the evening, Bangor’s own CJ Ewer (2-0) will meet Mike Hansen (5-5) of Rumford, Maine in a five-round contest to crown a new NEF MMA Pro Middleweight Champion.  Ewer is a member of local gym Young’s MMA while Hansen represents Berserkers MMA based in the River Valley region of the state.  Ewer had a highlight-reel knockout over Ruben Redman (0-1) in his last bout at the Cross – exactly one year to the day he will meet Hansen.

The co-main event of the evening will see Ewer’s Young’s teammate, undefeated Bangor prospect Aaron Lacey (4-0) take on Bellator veteran Bryan Goldsby (17-16).  Goldsby will represent Lacey’s most-seasoned challenge to date.  Lacey has been nothing short of “Relentless” – his nickname – since turning pro.  He has submitted three of his four opponents in the first round.  Only John Santos (3-5) was able to survive three full rounds with Lacey last summer in Bangor.  Lacey won that fight via split decision in a rugged, back-and-forth, “fight of the night” performance.

Rounding out the pro card will be another Young’s cornerstone, “The” Ryan Sanders (14-8), who will meet Milwaukee, Wisconsin veteran Jay Ellis (14-68) in a welterweight contest.  Sanders is the reigning NEF MMA Pro Lightweight Champion, having defeated Jon Lemke (6-8) in a tournament final last April to claim the title.  The bout with Ellis will be a non-title affair.  Sanders is riding a four-fight win streak which began one year ago to the day at the Cross.

Headlining the amateur portion of the fight card will be an NEF MMA Amateur Bantamweight Title fight.  Fred Lear (5-2) of Bangor will do battle with Jefferson, Maine’s Walt Shea (2-0) for the vacant 135-pound championship.  Lear and Shea will continue a competitive rivalry that has developed in the amateur ranks in recent years between Lear’s camp Young’s MMA and Shea’s team of First Class MMA based in Brunswick, Maine.

Opening the night will be a women’s fight between Angela Young (2-2), wife of Young’s MMA founder and head coach Chris Young, and Florida’s Jessica “The Black Widow” Borga (5-2).  The scrap is expected to be an exciting one.  Young, a Registered Nurse at Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMMC), has put on several “fight of the night” performances that have sent audiences into a frenzy.  Borga will make her third trip to Maine in the past year to compete in the NEF cage.

The full “NEF 30” fight card (subject to change):

PROFESSIONAL MMA

185*TITLE C.J. Ewer 2-0 (Young’s MMA) vs Mike Hansen 5-5 (Berserkers MMA)

170 Ryan Sanders 14-8 (Young’s MMA) vs Jay Ellis 14-68 (Team Knockout)

145 Aaron Lacey 4-0 (Young’s MMA) vs Bryan Goldsby 17-16 (Jorge Gurgel)

 

AMATEUR MMA

135*TITLE Fred Lear 5-2 (Young’s MMA) vs Walt Shea 2-0 (First Class MMA)

265 Roger Ewer 0-0 (Young’s MMA) vs Dustin Freeman 0-0 (Independent)

185 Josh Jones 2-0 (First Class MMA) vs Carlton Charles 0-0 (Charles Family Fighting/Fire&Iron Athletics)

170 Anthony Lapointe 0-1 (Titan Athletics) vs Jesse Hutchinson 0-0 (CMBJJ)

160 Zachary Faulkner 0-0 (Titan Athletics) vs David Hart 0-0 (Kenney’s MMA)

145 Robbie Kiah 1-0 (Young’s MMA) vs Robert H. Norris III (Independent)

135 Nate Boucher 1-0 (CMBJJ) vs Jeremiah Barkac 0-0 (Independent)

135 Angela Young 2-2 (Young’s MMA) vs Jessica Borga 5-3 (Champions MMA)

“NEF 30: Rumble in Bangor” will be held at Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine on Saturday, August 5, 2017. Tickets are on sale now atwww.CrossInsuranceCenter.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

A NEW NEF BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPION WILL BE CROWNED IN BANGOR

Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Bangor, Maine (June 21, 2017) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Cross Insurance Center on Saturday night, August 5, 2017 with the fight promotion’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 30: Rumble in Bangor.”  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur championship bantamweight contest to the fight card.  Fred Lear (5-2) is scheduled to meet Walt Shea (2-0) for the vacant NEF MMA Amateur 135-pound championship.

A member of Young’s MMA based in Bangor, Lear is riding a two-fight win streak into the first hometown fight of his career.  In February of this year, Lear defeated Shea’s First Class MMA teammate Michael Crespo (3-3) with a second-round technical knockout.  He is a finisher, with all but one of Lear’s five victories coming by way of technical knockout or submission.  He is promising local fans a crowd-pleasing fight against Shea on August 5th.

“Walt Shea has shown tremendous poise and fortitude in his back-to-back wins,” proclaimed Lear.  “My job over the next eight weeks is to work hard, stay humble, and listen to my teammates and coaches who have carried me to this point in my career. This is an extraordinary opportunity and it is my responsibility to seize it. This isn’t about myself or an ammy title. This is about Bangor and delivering on the fight this town deserves.”

Walt Shea has been to the judges’ scorecards twice in his time with NEF, and twice Shea has emerged victorious.  He made his debut last September with a split decision win over Joel Downing (0-1).  Shea followed up that appearance with a unanimous decision over Alan Bustamante (0-1) earlier this year at “NEF 27.”  He is a member of First Class MMA based in Brunswick, Maine, as well as The Foundry in Farmington, Maine.

“It’s an honor to be fighting for the amateur 135-pound title at “NEF 30,'” said Shea. “Honestly, it’s hard to believe considering almost two years ago I was just an overweight fan watching my cousin Nick Shea compete in the cage. My opponent, Fred Lear, is a tough kid who comes from another tough gym in Young’s MMA and always brings a ton of energy into the cage, so be ready for a war of cardio and willpower from each of us. I’d like to thank my family for standing behind me in this adventure, along with my head coach at First Class MMA, John Raio, and all my other outstanding coaches and my talented teammates.”

“NEF 30: Rumble in Bangor” will be held at Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine on Saturday, August 5, 2017. Tickets are on sale now at www.CrossInsuranceCenter.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.