AARON LACEY SET TO MAKE LONG-AWAITED RETURN TO CAGE AGAINST NICK SPENCER

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (January 5, 2015) –New England Fights (NEF), America's number-one regional fight promotion, presents its sixteenth mixed martial arts (MMA) event, “NEF XVI,” on February 7, 2015 in Lewiston, Maine.  The event is scheduled to originate from the Androscoggin Bank Colisee. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur catchweight bout to the fight card.  Aaron "Relentless" Lacey (4-1) returns to take on Nick Spencer (7-4) at a weight of 140-pounds.

Aaron Lacey fights out of Holden, Maine and is a member of Young's MMA based in nearby Bangor, Maine.  He got off to a quick start to his amateur career, winning his first three bouts before suffering his first loss at the hands of Matt Tullos (7-0) on a fight card in New Hampshire last spring.  Just weeks later, Lacey would rebound from that loss, defeating "Dangerous" Dom "Hands of Stone" Cofone (5-5) via unanimous decision at "NEF XIII."  At the time, many observers on the northeast MMA scene were calling Lacey the "heir apparent" to his Young's teammate, and current NEF MMA Featherweight Champion, Ray "All Business" Wood (5-0), predicting that Lacey would ascend to the top of NEF's featherweight division when he turned professional and Wood got the call to the national stage of the sport.

Lacey would take the next several months off from competition, concentrating on training his Young's teammates for their NEF bouts in the second half of 2014.  He is now looking forward to his long-awaited return to the NEF MMA cage, as are the NEF and Young's MMA fans.

"I'm excited to fight Nick," said Lacey of the upcoming bout with Spencer.  "He's very well-rounded and has a lot of cage time. That being said, I'm going to go in there and do what I do."

Portland, Maine's Nick Spencer has been a mainstay of NEF since his debut fight in June 2012.  He has not lost in the NEF MMA cage in over two years.  Spencer last appeared in Lewiston, Maine with a win over Caleb Serra (0-1) via technical knockout (TKO) at "NEF XV."  Just a few weeks earlier, he had similarly stopped Carl Langston (3-7) via TKO at "NEF XIV."  Spencer is on a roll, having won four of his last five bouts.  The product of Portland, Maine's Choi Institute will look to add to that streak at the expense of Aaron Lacey on February 7.

NEF's next MMA event, "NEF XVI," takes place on February 7, 2015with an all-star lineup of fights scheduled.  Ray "All Business" Wood (5-0) returns that night to defend the NEF MMA Featherweight Title against Bellator and WEC veteran Anthony "Cheesesteak" Morrison (16-9).  NFL and UFC The Ultimate Fighterveteran Tyler King (7-2) puts the NEF MMA Heavyweight Title on the line against Terry "The Polar Bear" Blackburn (5-2).  In the feature bout of the evening, UFC, Bellator and Strikeforce veteranNah-Shon Burrell (10-5) makes his NEF MMA debut against Ryan Hodge (6-9).  Tickets start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling The Colisee box office at207.783.2009 x 525.  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.

UNDEFEATED BANTAMWEIGHTS PUT UNBLEMISHED RECORDS ON THE LINE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (December 23, 2014) –New England Fights (NEF), America's number-one regional fight promotion, presents its sixteenth mixed martial arts (MMA) event, “NEF XVI,” on February 7, 2015 in Lewiston, Maine.  The event is scheduled to originate from the Androscoggin Bank Colisee. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur bantamweight bout to the fight card.  Mike "Crispy" Crespo (2-0) returns to the promotion to take on Johnny Crafts (2-0) at a weight of 135-pounds.

Crespo trains out of MMA Athletix in Bath, Maine.  He is a  Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) instructor at the gym.  Crespo made his NEF MMA cage debut this past May defeating Phil Exner (0-2) via submission in the second round.  At "NEF XIV" this fall, Crespo entered the cage for the second time and picked up his second victory over Trevor Hebert (1-5) by unanimous decision.  After the bout, Crespo delivered one of the most memorable non-fight moments in NEF history by proposing to his girlfriend in the cage.  The two victories in 2014 earned Crespo a nomination for the "Rookie of the Year" award.

"My words will be said in the cage," was Crespo's only remark on the fight when he was reached for comment.

Johnny Crafts is viewed as one of the true rising stars on the New England MMA scene.  Hailing from Lisbon Falls, Maine, Crafts is a member of Team New England United (NEU) - the largest BJJ camp in the region. Crafts is ranked as a brown belt in BJJ.  He has twice taken his pedigree with him into the NEF MMA cage, and he has twice walked away with a submission victory.  Crafts was voted the "2014 Rookie of the Year" by NEF fans.  He is confident that he will come away with his third consecutive win on February 7 at "NEF XVI."

"I'm very happy to be fighting again on February 7th," said Crafts. "I believe it is a good matchup for the fans, and it is going to be an exciting fight. Both of us are 2-0 which means one will be walking away with their first loss, and I am confident it will not be me."

NEF's next MMA event, "NEF XVI," takes place on February 7, 2015.  Ray "All Business" Wood (5-0) returns that night to defend the NEF MMA Featherweight Title against Bellator and WEC veteran Anthony "Cheesesteak" Morrison (16-9).  Tickets start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling The Colisee 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 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.

INSPIRATIONAL MIDDLEWEIGHTS TO FACE OFF IN NEF MMA CAGE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (December 22, 2014) –New England Fights (NEF), America's number-one regional fight promotion, presents its sixteenth mixed martial arts (MMA) event, “NEF XVI,” on February 7, 2015 in Lewiston, Maine.  The event is scheduled to originate from the Androscoggin Bank Colisee. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur middleweight bout to the fight card.  The bout will feature two of the promotion's premier amateur fighters as Crowsneck Boutin(6-6) will take on Nash Roy (2-1) at a fight weight of 185-pounds.

"This fight is the story of two men who have made lifestyle changes for the better through MMA," said NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo.  "They have both become respected athletes within this organization.  Crowsneck Boutin and Nash Roy are prime examples of bettering oneself through hard work and determination.  No matter the outcome, there are no losers in this fight."

A former street fighter from Lubec, Maine with no formal training in the martial arts, Boutin entered the NEF MMA ranks during the promotion's infancy in 2012.  After suffering a pair of losses to start his career, Boutin joined the Choi Institute in Portland, Maine. There, Crowsneck reformed himself and embraced the martial arts.  He has since developed into a well-disciplined fighter with advanced striking skills.  Boutin has been victorious in his last three fights, earning himself the "2014 Fighter of the Year" award as voted by NEF fans.  He will look to continue that streak in 2015, beginning with his "NEF XVI" bout against Nash Roy.

"I've always been quite fond of the month of February," said Boutin when reached for comment. "Its cold is brutal and honest. It's a beautiful, moonlit month to harvest from the low water. I've always preferred working in the cold."

At just 20-years-old, Nash Roy is one of the youngest fighters on the NEF MMA roster.  Overweight and inactive, he had joined Young's MMA in Bangor, Maine as a way to get in shape.  After losing an amazing 100-pounds, Roy decided to join his Young's MMA teammates in competing in the NEF MMA cage.  (Additionally, Roy decided to assist others in developing healthy lifestyles, recently obtaining his personal trainer's certificate and opening the Warrior's Way Athletics training program based out of Young's MMA.)  Roy started his MMA career on the plus side, winning his first two bouts as an amateur both by first-round stoppage.  Roy would experience his first loss in the cage this past fall against Caleb Farrington (1-0).  He will be looking to get back on the winning track on February 7 in Lewiston against Boutin.

"I am really excited to fight Crowsneck, and have been trying to make this matchup happen for awhile," said Roy.  "I have trained with Crowsneck and have the utmost respect for him, his work ethic, and his skills. That being said, as always, there will be no feeling-out process. My style is kill or be killed, and that's the only gear I have in the cage. I'm excited for this opportunity to represent my great team and coaches. To the fans - prepare to experience another war."

NEF's next MMA event, "NEF XVI," takes place on February 7, 2015.  Ray "All Business" Wood (5-0) returns that night to defend the NEF MMA Featherweight Title against Bellator and WEC veteran Anthony "Cheesesteak" Morrison (16-9).  Tickets start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling The Colisee 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 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.

SUPER-HEAVYWEIGHT REMATCH BOOKED FOR NEF XVI

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (December 19, 2014) –New England Fights (NEF), America's number-one regional fight promotion, presents its sixteenth mixed martial arts (MMA) event, “NEF XVI,” on February 7, 2015 in Lewiston, Maine.  The event is scheduled to originate from the Androscoggin Bank Colisee. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur super-heavyweight bout to the fight card.  Gravin "The Stampede" Guillen (1-1) will rematch Mladen Holman (0-1) in the 265-pound-plus division.

The first meeting between the two, at "NEF XV" last month, resulted in a victory for Guillen.  The end came 1:51 into the second-round when Guillen delivered a big right hand that dropped Holman.  As Guillen prepared to pounce on his fallen opponent, referee John English dove in and halted the fight, giving the victory to Guillen via technical knockout (TKO).  Holman swept Guillen and ended the fight in top position mere seconds after the referee stoppage, thereby drawing a chorus of jeers from the crowd who felt Holman had more to give.  NEF executives were quickly peppered with messages from fans calling for a rematch.

The crowd of more than 1500 had good reason to cheer Holman on that cold November night.  Much had been made of the fact that the Portland, Maine resident, at the age of 56, was the oldest athlete to ever step foot in the NEF MMA cage.  His story inspired many in attendance.  A member of the Choi Institute in Portland, Holman is a native of Croatia and served in the Croatian army before relocating to the United States in the 2000s.  Holman is an accomplished practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), having placed second in the world championship's 50-and-over division.

Gravin Guillen is also no stranger to combat nor combat sports.  He has practiced several forms of the martial arts, including Taekwondo and Karate, since he was very young.  He served in the United States Marine Corps (USMC) where he trained others in the Corps' martial arts program.  He did two tours of Iraq during his time with the USMC.  Guillen lost his NEF MMA debut last September to Billy Leahy (1-1), before rebounding with the victory over Holman.  He calls Somerville, Massachusetts his home and he competes as an independent fighter.

"It's an honor that Mladen is asking for a rematch," said Guillen when reached for comment. "It shows he respects me as a fighter because I respect him. It will be a great fight no doubt until the very end.  I do not believe the fight was halted too early.  I had the advantage being on top."

NEF's next MMA event, "NEF XVI," takes place on February 7, 2015.  Ray "All Business" Wood (5-0) returns that night to defend the NEF MMA Featherweight Title against Bellator and WEC veteran Anthony "Cheesesteak" Morrison (16-9).  Tickets start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling The Colisee 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 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.

FEATHERWEIGHT STANDOUTS TO OPEN THE SHOW AT NEF XVI

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (December 18, 2014) –New England Fights (NEF), America's number-one regional fight promotion, presents its sixteenth mixed martial arts (MMA) event, “NEF XVI,” on February 7, 2015 in Lewiston, Maine.  The event is scheduled to originate from the Androscoggin Bank Colisee. Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of a featherweight amateur contest to the card.  Josh Harvey (2-1) will take on Caleb Hall (5-1) at a weight of 145-pounds.   NEF executives further announced that the fight would open the event.

"This is the kind of fight we love to open the events and set the pace for the rest of the night," said NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson.  "It's a high-energy fight that will, no doubt, be a real crowd pleaser.  Fans will want to make sure they're through the doors and in the arena when this one takes to the cage!"

Josh Harvey debuted last April on a fight card in New Hampshire. He is a product of Young's MMA in Bangor, Maine.  Harvey first appeared in the NEF MMA cage this past September at "NEF XIV." He defeated Alex Johnson (1-1) via first-round submission to a rear-naked choke.  The impressive victory earned Harvey a nomination for "Rookie of the Year" in the 2014 NEF MMA Year-End Awards presented by Origin.  On February 7, he will face his toughest challenge to date in the form of Caleb Hall.

"This fight has the makings of fight of the night," said Harvey.  "On our feet or on the mat, this is going to be war.  Caleb is a solid, well-rounded fighter, but I train with the best fighters at the toughest gym around.  I'm prepared and very anxious.  Christmas is coming late. When this fight is over with, you'll want to be able to say 'I was there,' so don't miss it."

Caleb Hall won two Maine state championships wrestling for Dirigo High School in Dixfield, Maine.  He would go on to compete for Plymouth State University before transferring to the University of Southern Maine where he has continued his wrestling career. Hall currently trains MMA out of the Choi Institute in Portland, Maine. He had the biggest win of his MMA career over Dom Cofone (5-5) last month at "NEF XV."  In his upcoming fight on February 7, Hall will look to avenge the sole blemish on his MMA record which was a loss in 2013 to Harvey's Young's MMA teammate Aaron Lacey (4-1).

"I'm looking forward to fighting Josh Harvey and one of the top schools in Maine, Young's MMA," said Hall when reached for comment.  "I'm very excited to face another wrestler with a similar background."

NEF's next MMA event, "NEF XVI," takes place on February 7, 2015.  Ray "All Business" Wood (5-0) returns that night to defend the NEF MMA Featherweight Title against Bellator and WEC veteran Anthony "Cheesesteak" Morrison (16-9).  Tickets start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling The Colisee 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 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.

RISING STARS TO HEADLINE AMATEUR PORTION OF NEF XVI FIGHT CARD

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (December 15, 2014) –New England Fights (NEF), America's number-one regional fight promotion, presents its sixteenth mixed martial arts (MMA) event, “NEF XVI,” on February 7, 2015 in Lewiston, Maine.  The event is scheduled to originate from the Androscoggin Bank Colisee. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur catchweight bout to the fight card.  Mike Vangelist (3-0) will meet Caleb Farrington (1-0) at a weight of 181-pounds.  The bout is scheduled to headline the amateur portion of the February 7 fight card.

Vangelist, a nominee for the "2014 Fighter of the Year" award in the NEF Year-End Awards presented by Origin, turned heads immediately upon his arrival in the NEF MMA cage in late 2013. Holding victories over tough veterans Crowsneck Boutin (6-6) and Dan Connaughton (2-2), Vangelist scored the biggest victory of his young career last September when he submitted number-one ranked amateur middleweight Buck Pineau (7-4) in the third-round.  Vangelist is a product of Jay Jack and Amanda Buckner's Academy of Mixed Martial Arts ("the Academy") in Portland, Maine. 

"As always, I’m looking to fight talented guys and Caleb certainly looks the part," said Vangelist of the upcoming fight.  "I can’t wait until February 7th to hop back in there and put on a show for everyone."

Caleb Farrington is a 2012 graduate of Mt. Blue High School in Farmington, Maine.  He won a Class A state wrestling championship in his senior year.  Farrington currently trains at New England United (NEU), the largest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) team in the northeast, where he has earned his blue belt.  Farrington made the successful transition from the mats to the NEF MMA cage this past September, handing Nash Roy (2-1) his first loss via second-round submission.

NEF's next MMA event, "NEF XVI," takes place on February 7, 2015.  Ray "All Business" Wood (5-0) returns that night to defend the NEF MMA Featherweight Title against Bellator and WEC veteran Anthony "Cheesesteak" Morrison (16-9).  Tickets start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling The Colisee 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 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.

NEW BLOOD RISING TO THE TOP OF MAINE FIGHT SCENE AT NEF XVI

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (November 24, 2014) –New England Fights (NEF), America's number-one regional fight promotion, presents its sixteenth mixed martial arts (MMA) event, “NEF XVI,” on February 7, 2015 in Lewiston, Maine.  The event is scheduled to originate from the Androscoggin Bank Colisee.  The amateur portion of the fight card will feature five athletes who represent the next generation of MMA in Maine.

Josh Harvey (2-1) made his cage debut last April on a card in New Hampshire.  Training out of Young's MMA in Bangor, Maine, Harvey's only previous appearance in the NEF MMA cage was this past September in a winning effort over Alex Johnson (1-1).  With a solid ground game to his credit, Harvey is expected to make quite a bit of noise in the fight promotion's stacked featherweight division in 2015, starting at "NEF XVI."

"It's an honor to be thought of as someone who will change the featherweight rankings," said Harvey.  "I'm really thankful to have the opportunity to show my skill set. Excited to entertain my friends and fight fans everywhere."

Harvey's Young's MMA teammate Billy Leahy (1-1) will also be featured on the "NEF XVI" amateur card.  At just 19-years old and standing 6'5," Leahy is a heavyweight phenomenon.  He made his NEF MMA debut this past September at "NEF XIV" with an impressive first-round victory over Gravin Guillen (1-1) via submission.  Leahy currently studies at Husson University in Bangor, Maine.  His hometown of South Paris, Maine is just a half-hour ride from the Androscoggin Bank Colisee.  Leahy looks forward to returning so close to home to fight in front of his many friends and family.

"It's truly an honor to be considered one of Maine's break out fighters, Leahy stated.  " There are a lot of great guys in the state, and it's an honor to be considered one of them when I'm only 19-years old. I love being a heavyweight fighter for New England Fights, and fighting close to my home town in Lewiston Maine. I know there are a lot of people excited for this fight. I plan on training hard and putting on a great show for my family, friends and fans February 7th."

Mike Vangelist (3-0) needs no introduction to NEF fans.  The product of Jay Jack and Amanda Buckner's Academy of MMA in Portland, Maine has stepped foot in the NEF MMA cage three times since November 2013 and three times he has vanquished his opponent.  This past September, at "NEF XIV," Vangelist took to the cage as the underdog when he met number-one-ranked middleweight Buck Pineau (7-3) in a much-anticipated matchup. Vangelist, after losing the first two rounds, cut through Pineau with reckless abandon in the third, forcing him to tap out to an armbar submission for the win.  Vangelist will look to continue his winning ways at "NEF XVI" on February 7.

"I've had a great start so far, but still have a lot to learn," admitted Vangelist.  "I'm focused and ready to go to war in this next fight.  I can't wait until February 7th to climb back in that cage at the Colisee. It's a great place to watch all the NEF action, don't miss out."

There may be no brighter star shining on the horizon than that of Johnny Crafts (2-0).  The New England United (NEU) bantamweight has showcased his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) skills twice in the NEF cage, winning via submission on both occasions.  Many insiders have predicted that Crafts will have a significant impact on the 135-pound division in New England in the near future.  With the tools to make success a reality, Crafts is excited to put on another grappling clinic on February 7 in Lewiston, Maine.

"I feel excited to get back in the cage February 7th and show everyone my improvements since my last fight," said Crafts.  "I just want to prove that I am one of the top bantamweights in this division.  I believe February's card is going to be a big night for Team NEU and just another step in the right direction for all of our fighters."

Last, but certainly not least, on the list of NEF MMA up-and-comers competing at "NEF XVI" is Caleb Hall (5-1).  A two-time Maine State Wrestling Champion for Dirigo High School in Dixfield, Maine, as well as competing for Plymouth State University and the University of Southern Maine, Hall certainly has the pedigree of a future star. He currently trains out of the Choi Institute in Portland, Maine.  Hall had a career-defining win over Dom Cofone (5-5) earlier this month at "NEF XV," and he will ride that high into his fight this February.

“I'm glad to be considered one of the next breakout fighters," stated Hall. "I'm looking forward to fighting in February and coming out with another win."

NEF's next MMA event, "NEF XVI," takes place on February 7, 2015.  Ray "All Business" Wood (5-0) returns that night to defend the NEF MMA Featherweight Title against Bellator and WEC veteran Anthony "Cheesesteak" Morrison (16-9).  Tickets start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling The Colisee 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 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.