Category Archives: NEF
HEAVYWEIGHT CLASH ADDED TO NEF 22 FIGHT CARD
Lewiston, Maine (March 10, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE” on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine. The fight card will feature a mix of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing bouts. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur heavyweight bout to the MMA portion of the “NEF 22” fight card. Nick Gulliver (2-0) will meet Dave Smith (2-1) at a fight weight of 265-pounds.
Nick Gulliver is a product of John Raio’s First Class MMA gym of Brunswick, Maine, as well as the Foundry – a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) academy located in Farmington, Maine. He made his amateur debut last June at “NEF XVIII,” submitting Sonny Spratt (0-2) in the first round. Gulliver followed up that victory with a technical knockout (TKO) win over Jason Field (0-2) this past November a mere 12-seconds into the first round. He hopes another win on April 23rd will put him in line for a shot at the NEF MMA Amateur Heavyweight Title currently held by Billy Leahy (3-1).
“I’m looking forward to fighting again for NEF on April 23rd, and I’m thankful for the opportunity that Matt Peterson and Nick Disalvo give me to fight for their amazing organization,” said Gulliver. “I’ll be fighting who I think is now the number one heavyweight fighter fighting for NEF, Dave Smith. This kid is a great fighter and good athlete. I’m looking forward to a great fight. I fight for two amazing schools and organizations, the Foundry and First Class MMA. This fight will be the first time I won’t be fighting in front of my father who is sick. It’s a lot for him to go to these events being so sick and on oxygen all the time. But my father stated he would make it to one last fight if I get a title shot. I think fighting Dave Smith and winning would put me in a good spot to fight for a title. I’m looking to get that fight in front of my father who pushes me to be the man I am today. So, for three rounds on April 23rd, I’ll be pushing harder than I have in the past to get that opportunity. I’m always looking to impress the crowd. I think fighting someone like Smith will keep the crowd on their feet.”
Dave Smith is a member of Berserkers MMA based out of Rumford, Maine. Smith has an extensive wrestling background, having gone 147-17 while competing for Mountain Valley High School (MVHS) and winning two state titles in the process. He also wrestled for Plymouth State University (PSU) in New Hampshire. Like Gulliver, Smith finished his first two opponents in the opening round. He is looking to bounce back from a loss to Brendan Battles (2-0) at “NEF 21” last month.
“I’m glad to be on another NEF card,” exclaimed Smith. “I am also very excited to be fighting Nick Gully. Nick has had a couple impressive wins and I think this will be a good fight! So get ready because it’s going to be a hell of a show.”
New England Fights’ next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE,” takes place Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine. Tickets for “NEF 22” start at just $25 and are on sale now at http://www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525. For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at http://www.NewEnglandFights.com. In addition, you can watch NEF videos at http://www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”
AMATEUR MMA CHAMPION VACATES TITLE TO MAKE PROFESSIONAL DEBUT AT NEF 22
[NEF Press Release]
Lewiston, Maine (March 9, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE” on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine. The fight card will feature a mix of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing bouts. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional featherweight contest to the MMA portion of the “NEF 22” fight card. Aaron “Relentless” Lacey (0-0) will make his professional debut against tough veteran “Shatterproof 2.0” Derek Shorey (3-5) at a fight weight of 145-pounds.
Aaron Lacey leaves behind a legacy of victory in the amateur ranks. He put together an impressive record of 6-1 since his debut in the fall of 2012. Lacey capped off his amateur stint by winning the inaugural NEF MMA Amateur Featherweight Championship last November, handing Caleb Horner (4-1) the first loss of his career in the process. Lacey is currently the number-one ranked amateur featherweight in the northeast. He is a member of Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine, and on April 23rd Lacey will make his professional debut alongside training partner, and NEF MMA Amateur Lightweight Champion, Josh Harvey (0-0). Lacey will vacate the amateur featherweight title to enter the professional division. NEF executives are expected to make an announcement on the status of that championship in the very near future.
“I am super excited to finally be making my pro debut come April,” said Lacey. “This is a goal I have had for a long time and something I have always been working towards. Derek Shorey is a very tough challenge as a debut fight. He has a tremendous skill set and a ton of experience. As far as vacating my belt, I had always viewed capturing the title as the capstone to my amateur career. In the moment, it was an incredible feeling and it is something I will always be proud of. Part of what has made me successful is that I always keep looking forward for my next big challenge and my coaches along with myself believe that those challenges are within the professional ranks.”
After getting off to a 3-2 start in his professional career, Derek Shorey is looking to bounce back from a three-fight skid. Last September, Shorey scored a career-defining, highlight-reel knockout of Tollison Lewis (0-5), but would go on to taste defeat in his next three matchups. A 1998 Class-C Maine state wrestling champion for Foxcroft Academy, Shorey is the founder and head coach of the Shatterproof Combat Club based out of Dexter, Maine. He served his country in the United States Navy for four years of active duty and did a tour of Iraq with SEABEE Battalion NMCB 27. Shorey is hoping to find his rhythm in the cage against Lacey at “NEF 22.”
“Aaron is an incredibly tough, resilient fighter,” noted Shorey. “He keeps coming at you, solid technique. Nothing but respect for him and his skills. That being said, I’ve been growing rapidly under new instruction, but have been unable to find my rhythm in the cage. I feel that Aaron will bring his steady, solid pace and be met by my speed and power. I’m excited to welcome him into the professional ranks.”
New England Fights’ next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE,” takes place Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine. Tickets for “NEF 22” start at just $25 and are on sale now at http://www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525. For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at http://www.NewEnglandFights.com. In addition, you can watch NEF videos at http://www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”
WOMEN’S MMA FIGHT CONFIRMED FOR NEF 22 IN LEWISTON
[NEF Press Release]
Lewiston, Maine (March 8, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE” on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine. The fight card will feature a mix of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing bouts. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur women’s featherweight contest to the MMA portion of the “NEF 22” fight card. “Hollywood” Hannah Sparrell (1-0) will battle Angela Young (0-1) at a fight weight of 140-pounds.
Hannah Sparrell was introduced to the sport when she began taking her daughter to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) classes. Sparrell soon found herself training at John Raio’s First Class MMA in Brunswick, Maine. She made her in-cage debut last fall against Young’s teammate Kira Innocenti (0-1) at “NEF XIX” in Lewiston. Sparrell was victorious that evening, scoring a unanimous decision from the judges after an exhausting three-round fight. She looks forward to representing First Class MMA for a second time at “NEF 22.”
“I’m excited to be entering the NEF cage again, on April 23rd, against Angela Young,” said Sparrell. “Angela, coming from the school recently named New England’s ‘team of the year,’ has proven to be a heavy hitter, as we saw in her blood-shedding battle at ‘NEF XIX.’ That being said, First Class has been putting its name on the map, displaying our skilled training, coaches and leadership, and I couldn’t be more thrilled about going head-to-head against Young’s MMA once again. I learned a lot from the experience from my last fight and have used it as a catalyst in my focused training this winter. I will be entering the NEFXXII cage confidently and ready for a good solid fight.”
Angela Young is the wife of Young’s MMA founder and head coach Chris Young. Like Sparrell, Young made her debut in the NEF cage last fall at “NEF XIX.” In a wild, “fight of the night” performance, Young battled back and forth with Rachel Reinheimer (2-0) of Team Sityodtong. Reinheimer would win the decision on the judges’ scorecards, but Young would win the respect of the entire New England MMA community with her valiant effort. On April 23rd, Young vows to chalk up the first win on her record.
“I am beyond ecstatic for the opportunity to fight for NEF again,” stated Young. “Especially against an opponent as respectful and professional as Hannah. I’ve put the work in, I’ve improved my game and I’m aiming for another ‘fight of the night.’ This time, however, my hand will be raised.”
New England Fights’ next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE,” takes place Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine. Tickets for “NEF 22” start at just $25 and are on sale now at http://www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525. For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at http://www.NewEnglandFights.com. In addition, you can watch NEF videos at http://www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”
FIGHTERS HOPE TO SETTLE THEIR DIFFERENCES IN THE CAGE AT NEF 22
[NEF Press Release]
Lewiston, Maine (March 4, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE” on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine. The fight card will feature a mix of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing bouts. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional lightweight contest to the MMA portion of the “NEF 22” fight card. Matt “Ken Doll” Denning (2-1) will meet Josh “Hook On” Harvey (0-0) at a fight weight of 150-pounds.
Lewiston’s Matt Denning is coming off the first loss of his professional career this past November against Jon Lemke (5-4). Prior to that defeat, Denning was riding a four-fight win streak, all four of those wins coming by way of submission. He is a member of Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ). Denning acknowledges personal issues have existed in the past between he and Harvey, culminating in a cageside confrontation between the two athletes at the close of “NEF XV” in the fall of 2014.
“I’m honored to have been asked specifically for this fight,” said Denning. “Josh is the 155 ammy champ and is an amazing fighter. I’m excited to watch him continue his career as a pro and move up to the top of the professional rankings. We had some personal issues between the two of us because of a poor decision I made, and I hope with us fighting it will clear the air and I’ll be able to cross train with him and Young’s MMA. We gotta give the fans what they want and this is what they wanted. I look forward to seeing everyone April 23rd.”
The bout will indeed be the professional debut for Harvey after an amateur career in which he went 5-1. He is the reigning NEF MMA Amateur Lightweight Champion, a title which he will now vacate as a professional. Harvey capped off his amateur stint with a highlight reel knockout over Ryan Dibartolomeo (4-4), a victory that solidified his position as the northeast region’s top-ranked amateur lightweight. Harvey is a member of Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine. He recently signed a long-term NEF developmental deal.
“I’m feeling blessed to be a signed professional cage fighter,” said Harvey. “I’m one step closer to my goal and April 23rd I’ll take another. I’ve wanted a chance to fight ‘Ken Doll’ ever since I met him – he is just one of those guys. I’m thankful for the opportunity.”
“One thing is very clear in this matchup – Josh and Matt don’t like each other,” stated NEF matchmaker and co-owner Matt Peterson. “There is some deep, pent-up frustration that has been percolating between these two for a long time – and on April 23rd, the cork comes out. It’s going to be spectacular.”
New England Fights’ next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE,” takes place Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine. Tickets for “NEF 22” start at just $25 and are on sale now at http://www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525. For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at http://www.NewEnglandFights.com. In addition, you can watch NEF videos at http://www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”
CAPE COD GETS ITS FIRST MMA CAGEFIGHTING EVENT; BATTLES & LAMONTE TO MAKE PRO DEBUTS
[NEF Press Release]
Hyannis, Massachusetts (March 4, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, announced today that it will bring Cape Cod its first-ever mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event this spring. The event, entitled “NEF 23: NEF CAGES THE CAPE,” will take place on May 14, 2016 at the Hyannis Youth & Community Center (HYCC) in Hyannis, Massachusetts. Both professional and amateur MMA bouts will be presented that evening.
To date, NEF has held twenty-two events, a mix of MMA and boxing shows, in the state of Maine. The promotion was formed in 2012 by business partners Nick DiSalvo and Matt Peterson. NEF has a reputation of putting on action-packed events in venues filled with thousands of rabid fight fans. The promotion has a large, dedicated fan base unmatched by any of its competitors on the regional level. Over the years, NEF’s cage has played host to UFC veterans such as Marcus Davis (22-11) and two-time UFC World Heavyweight Champion Tim Sylvia (31-10), among others. NEF co-promoted a nationally-televised event with Bellator in the spring of 2013. Its fight highlights have been featured prominently on AXS TV, TUFF TV and the “World’s Greatest Knockouts” on Spike TV.
“The NEF brand is expanding,” noted DiSalvo. “Cape Cod is hungry for an MMA event. I’m surprised it’s taken this long to happen with so many great teams located in the area. NEF is honored to be the first to present an MMA show on the Cape.”
One MMA team whose fighters will be featured prominently on the May 14 card will be Hyannis-based Team Juniko.
“This show will be the first MMA show on Cape Cod in Team Juniko’s backyard,” remarked Team Juniko coach Mike Gresh. “Congrats NEF!”
Gresh is a longtime, respected leader in the New England MMA community. Two of his team’s members have been confirmed as making their professional debuts on May 14 – Erin “Fun Size” Lamonte and Brendan “Lockdown” Battles.
Scituate’s Erin Lamonte put together a perfect 6-0 record as an amateur competitor. She is coming off back-to-back submission victories in Lewiston, Maine.
“I cannot wait for NEF to come to the Cape,” exclaimed Lamonte. “All but one of my fights have been out of state, so I am so excited to fight in front of all my family and friends in my own backyard! Don’t miss it. May 14th ‘Fun Size’ goes pro and makes her presence known in the women’s straw-weight division!”
Brendan Battles is a native of nearby Eastham, Massachusetts where he was a three-time All-American wrestler for Nauset Regional High School. Battles won two state championships and three New England regional championships while amassing a total of 161 wins over the course of his high school wrestling career. Later, Battles played defensive end and tackle for the University of Connecticut.
“It’s an honor to fight down the street from my hometown and the gym where I train,” said Battles. “It gives me the chills to fight my very first professional fight on my home turf, with my family, friends, and all who supports me to see the work I’ve put in and the fighter I have evolved into at this point of my career.”
“NEF 23: NEF CAGES THE CAPE,” takes place Saturday, May 14, 2016 at the Hyannis Youth & Community Center in Hyannis, Massachusetts. Tickets for “NEF 23” are $40 for general admission and $60 for cageside. They are on sale now at http://www.NewEnglandFights.com/Tickets/ .
For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at http://www.NewEnglandFights.com. In addition, you can watch NEF videos at http://www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”
NEF INVADES HYANNIS ON MAY 14TH
NEF is proud to announce NEF’s first show in MA and the historic, first-ever MMA event to be held on Cape Cod! May 14 in Hyannis, MA! Tickets on sale tomorrow! #NEF23 #MAY2016 #HYANNIS #HYCC #CAGETHECAPE
Posted by New England Fights on Thursday, March 3, 2016
SECOND PRO BOXING BOUT ANNOUNCED FOR NEF 22
Lewiston, Maine (February 25, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE” on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine. The fight card will feature a mix of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing bouts. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a light-heavyweight contest to the boxing portion of the “NEF 22” fight card. Crowsneck Boutin (0-0-1) is scheduled to face Brandon Montella (3-0, 2 KOs) in a four-round bout.
Crowsneck Boutin, a regular on NEF MMA cards since 2012, made his professional boxing debut earlier this month on the “NEF 21” event in Lewiston. He fought Joel Bishop (0-0-2) to a draw in an exciting slugfest that had the Colisée crowd on the edge of its collective seat. Boutin, considered the underdog in that bout, expertly worked his jab to control the first two rounds of the fight. Like the Bishop match, Boutin is preparing for another war with Montella on April 23.
“Brandon is a very tough opponent,” said Boutin. “He’s going to present me with many obstacles. My training is grueling and I’ll be prepared for a war.”
Brandon Montella is a 1998 graduate of Carrabec High School in North Anson, Maine. Following graduation, Montella joined the United States Marine Corps (USMC) and served until 2003 with an honorable discharge. Montella worked in construction in Virginia until 2011 when he moved with his wife to the Boston, Massachusetts area. He owns and operates The Way, LLC boxing gym in Woburn, Massachusetts.
“Coming back home from to Maine after all these years to fight in a place of such history is an amazing feeling,” said Montella. “It will bring my friends and family from the past and the present together under one roof for an awesome event.”
Montella had a very successful amateur boxing career with a final record of 14-7. In 2011, he won the prestigious Rocky Marciano Tournament. Montella went on to win the New England Golden Gloves the following year. He turned pro in 2015 and has won his first three bouts with two finishes.
“As far as my opponent Crowsneck Boutin, I have seen his fights and read his back story,” Montella continued. “What I see is a man like myself – someone who is determined to change his life and take matters into his own hands instead of sitting around like too many men do today. When two men as determined as we are get in the ring in front of a large crowd, magic happens. We grow larger than life and the fans get one hell of a treat.”
New England Fights’ next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE,” takes place Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine. Tickets for “NEF 22” start at just $25 and are on sale now at http://www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525. For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at http://www.NewEnglandFights.com. In addition, you can watch NEF videos at http://www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”
WesternMassMMA.com 