Damon “The Omen” Owens Signs Multi-Fight Deal with NEF MMA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Rumford, Maine (July 26, 2013) – New England Fights (NEF) today announced the signing of Young’s MMA prospect Damon “The Omen” Owens (1-0) to a multi-fight promotional contract. While the specifics of the contract were not disclosed, the mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion’s officials did confirm that the deal is structured long-term over the course of several fights.

“We are ecstatic to announce that we have signed Damon Owens,” stated NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson. “Damon had a hot and cold amateur career, but all of Northern Maine got a taste of what he is capable of without shin pads smothering his power when he faced longtime NEF mainstay John Raio at ‘Nations Collide’ a couple of weeks ago and knocked out ‘First Class’ cold with a beautifully timed head kick.”

“John Raio had never been knocked out before,” stated NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo. “So for Damon to do what he did to someone as durable as John Raio was impressive. Knockouts like the one Damon delivered on July 12^th captures the imaginations of combat sports fans the world over so we’re elated at the idea of what he could come out with next.”

Owens, 28, struggled as an amateur amassing an unremarkable 1-4 record. The dynamic striker’s precision style of stand-up fighting was stifled by the excess padding that amateurs are required to wear by rule. However, Owen’s game was set free on July 12^th when he made his professional MMA debut against John Raio and finished the Topsham, Maine resident via head kick just 35 seconds into the first round of their highly anticipated rematch. The two fighters had fought previously as amateurs with Raio walking away with a unanimous judge’s decision win over Owens.

“I’m very excited that my upcoming fights will be for NEF,” stated Owens. “NEF puts on the best show in the East.”

At the time of the announcement of the signing, NEF officials revealed that Owens would be getting right back to work in a scheduled bout against rugged journeyman Josh Parker (4-6) set for “NEF X” on September 21^st at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.

“A fight between Parker and I is sure to be a crowd-pleaser,” stated Owens. “I like Parker’s fighting style, but I think I can exploit it and put him out.”

“NEF X” is the tenth anniversary show of New England Fights (NEF), Maine’s undisputed #1 promotion for full-contact mixed martial arts action. In less than two years since being in business, NEF has held more events in more locations than any other active promotion in the Northeast during that time. “NEF X” is a complete evening of combat sports entertainment featuring the top professional and amateur athletes from around the United States competing in cagefighting. Purchase your tickets today and come cheer on your favorite NEF athletes on September 21^st in Lewiston, Maine to support the fastest-growing, most thrilling sport in the world. Brought to you by Shipyard Brewing Company and the Maine Army National Guard: “Bayonets Forward.”

NEF X is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 21, 2013 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine. Tickets start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com.   The card will feature Maine State Featherweight Champion Ray "All Business" Wood (4-0) defending his title against Rhode Island's Joe Pingitore (4-0-1).

New England Fights! presents its next MMA event, NEF IX, onAugust 3, 2013 in Biddeford, Maine at the Biddeford Ice Arena.  Tickets start at $20 and are on sale now atwww.newenglandfights.com.  You can watch NEF videos atwww.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 Mixed Martial Arts 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.

For Bangor-Native, and MMA Legend, Marcus Davis, You CAN Go Home Again

Lewiston, Maine (May 7, 2013) – “But why had he always felt so strongly the magnetic pull of home, why had he thought so much about it and remembered it with such blazing accuracy, if it did not matter, and if this little town, and the immortal hills around it, was not the only home he had on earth? He did not know. All that he knew was that the years flow by like water, and that one day men come home again.”

Those words were penned by Thomas Wolfe some 75 years ago and published posthumously in 1940 in Wolfe's novel "You Can't Go Home Again," two years after the author's death.  Three-quarters of a century having passed, the nation, and indeed the entire world, having become a much different place, yet that statement holds as true today as it did in the World War II era.  The idea that one can always look to one's home for a sense of comfort and familiarity, no matter how long and how far one has strayed from that home, is a timeless sentiment immortalized in tales and song stretching to the dawn of history.  Such is the case of the prodigal son.  Such is the case of Marcus Davis (21-9).

On May 18 in Lewiston, Davis will step into the cage in Lewiston, Maine to face Darrius Heyliger (4-1) before more than 3,000 fans packed into the Androscoggin Bank Colisee. The welterweight battle is scheduled to headline a fight card stacked with home state competitors, the good majority of which are at the very beginnings of their careers.  Mixed-Martial Arts (MMA) not having been regulated in Maine until 2011, Davis, who began competing in the sport in 2003, was not afforded the same pleasure nor the comforts of competing in his home state early on in his career.  Instead, Davis, now 39 years-old, traveled to other parts of New England and as far away as Atlanta, Georgia to hone his craft before entering the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).  At the pinnacle of the sport, "The Irish Hand Grenade" became one of the most recognizable stars in the game, his rivalries with names like Dan Hardy (25-10), Chris Lytle (31-18-5) and Mike Swick (15-5) delivering some of the most memorable bouts in the promotion's storied history.

While Davis got to travel the world with the UFC and other international promotions, competing in each corner of the United States and all points between, trekking to foreign locales such as Birmingham, England, the frozen landscape of Alberta, Canada, and Malmo, Sweden, Davis's finest moments may have come fighting in his home state of Maine in the past two years since the sport's legalization and regulation there.  In September 2011, Davis competed for the first time ever in a cage on Maine soil.  That night he defeated Travis Coyle (11-6) in Portland before a raucous crowd of over 2,000 fans, all there to witness Davis's much-anticipated homecoming.  Then, just six weeks ago in Lewiston, Davis once again came home to face Waachiim Spiritwolf (7-11-1) before a crowd of 3,000 jammed into the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on a card presented by fight promotion Bellator and broadcast throughout the world on Spike TV.  Unfortunately, this time the home crowd left disappointed, the bout having ended as a "no contest" just three minutes into the first round when Spiritwolf could not continue following an alleged low blow.  Moments later, when the May 18 bout between Davis and Heyliger was officially announced, the sense of disappointment subsided and tickets for the next New England Fights! (NEF) card in Lewiston started to move quickly out of the box office.

" I’m always pumped when I get to fight in my homeland of Maine,” stated Davis.  “The last time I was able to do so, I was absolutely floored by the support I received, heard and felt that night."

Looking to spoil Davis's latest homecoming is Darrius Heyliger, a 6'4," 24 year-old stud out of Ithaca, New York.  Heyliger trains with Ryan Ciotoli's Team Bombsquad, one of the most respected (and feared) camps in the entire country.  Indeed, it was the same team that produced current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon "Bones" Jones (18-1). Heyliger has competed in Maine twice before, making his auspicious debut against world-class BJJ brown-belt Jarod Lawton (2-1) in April 2012 with an impressive victory.  He returned to Maine five months later, scoring a third-round TKO victory over Josh Bellows (1-2).  Darrius Heyliger is the real deal, with all the tools to make it to the big show, and he knows that a win over Davis on May 18 will propel him quickly to that level.

May 18 may very well be the last opportunity Maine fans will have to see their hometown hero fight live in the state.  Just two weeks ago, Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney announced that Davis had signed a long-term contract with the promotion.  While the exact details of the contract have not been revealed, it is understood that this new contract will likely take Davis into retirement.  With what very well could be his final fight on home turf, "The Irish Hand Grenade" will no-doubt come to this fight with Heyliger all-guns-blazing, looking for one last win before his massive legion of Maine fans.

Whether or not Davis competes again in-state after May 18 remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain - each and every time Marcus Davis returns to Maine, there will be thousands of fans there to welcome the prodigal son, just as they will do in Lewiston eleven days from now.  For Davis, no matter how far or how long the road traveled, and though the years may flow by like water, he can always go home again.

At the time of this writing, the fight card for May 18 in Lewiston consisted of more than thirty fights.  The co-main event will see UFC veteran Henry Martinez (9-5) squaring off with Dez Green (8-1) for the Maine State Lightweight Title.  In another title fight, Travis Bartlett (8-3) meets former NFL player Tyler King (6-1) for the Maine State Heavyweight Championship. 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, visit www.NewEnglandFights.com. You can watch NEF videos atwww.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 Mixed Martial Arts 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 England Fights! Re-Launches Website at NewEnglandFights.com

Lewiston, Maine (April 18, 2013) -- New England Fights! (NEF) announced today the re-launch of its website NewEnglandFights.com.  Several months in the works, the project was completed earlier this week.  The site will play host on the web to the Mixed-Martial Arts (MMA) promotion's massive media library and news archives.

"This has been a long time in the works," said NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo. "We're proud to put forward a website to the public that matches the level of quality that's come to be expected of our organization.  With thousands of photos and hours upon hours of fight videos, our site houses more content than any other regional fight promotion I know of."

Striving for a high-end, professional layout, NEF executives hired Boston-based, web design company GoingClear Interactive to complete the epic undertaking.  In particular, NEF sought to create a website that moved its brand of MMA forward and worked in congruence with the promotion's new iPhone and Android apps launched earlier this month.  The result is a website that is both visually attractive and easy to navigate while at the same time maintaining its integrity on all platforms desktop and mobile.

"This is just another example of our company doing things bigger and better as we grow," stated NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson.  "Our fighters deserve it and our fans deserve it.  To succeed in today's marketplace, all companies need a strong web presence.  I'm confident that the new website takes NEF to the next level in the promotional game."

NEF's next event is scheduled for May 18 in Lewiston, Maine.  At the time of this writing, the fight card consisted of more than thirty fights.  The main event is scheduled to feature Maine MMA legend Marcus "The Irish Hand Grenade" Davis (21-9) battling Darrius Heyliger (4-1).  The co-main event will see UFC veteran Henry Martinez (9-5) squaring off with Dez Green (8-1) for the Maine State Lightweight Title.  Also on the main card, Travis "The Showstopper" Bartlett (8-3) meets Randy "The Wolf" Smith (14-13-1) for the Maine State Heavyweight Title. 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, visit www.NewEnglandFights.com. You can watch NEF videos atwww.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 Mixed Martial Arts 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 England Fights! Signs 2012 Knockout-of-the-Year Award Winner Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington, First Fight of Deal Scheduled For May 18 In Lewiston, ME

Lewiston, Maine (April 8, 2013) -- New England Fights! (NEF) is proud to announce the signing of 2012’s “Knockout of the Year” Award Winner, Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington (2-5), to a multi-fight promotional contract. Boyington, a product of Young’s MMA, will compete for the first time under the new contract on May 18th at NEF VII in Lewiston, Maine.

“Bruce Boyington is one of the most unique, exciting fighters in the regional scene right now,” stated NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo. ‘We actively sought to sign him for his unmatched willingness to take chances and his ability to be creative in the cage. When he opens up, he is one of the most inventive and dynamic athletes that has ever competed in NEF. We’re proud to welcome him to the roster.”

“Signing with NEF has been a huge blessing knowing that they are the biggest and best promotion in New England,” Boyington stated. “They continue to add new things and grow at a rapid rate. The contract is just an example of things to come and I’m honored to be attached to that. When someone is promoting the biggest and best fights around, you want in! Especially right here in Lewiston, Maine, where the fans are awesome!”

Bruce Boyington began competing in mixed martial arts in 2009 when he faced then little-known former Olympian Rick Hawn (15-2). Boyington, a Tai Kwan Do black belt and former Marine, lost his career opener to Hawn and dropped a loss in his second outing when he was defeated by Harvard College wrestling coach, Muzaffar Abdurakhmanov (1-1). However, Boyington brought NEF fans to a frenzy at “Fight Night III” in June 2012 when he pulled off one of the most impressive knockouts of all time by executing a perfectly placed jump spinning hook kick “for the ages” that left Keegan Hornstra unconscious before he hit the ground. The kick came at just :10 of Round 1. The highlight reel kick went international when it was featured on Spike TV’s “MMA Uncensored Live” and AXS TV’s “MMA Live.” The YouTube clip went viral garnering hundreds of thousands of views. Boyington became an instant viewing sensation. Most recently, he was honored by receiving NortheastMMa.net’s highly respected “Knockout of the Year” Award for 2012 for his now-famous kick against Hornstra.

“Bruce’s record is incredibly deceptive,” stated NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson. “He’s mounted gutsy performances and come up short against guys like Dez Green (8-1) and John “Orto” Ortolani (7-7). When you fight the best, like Bruce has consistently in his career, you’re going to take some losses. But what we’ve seen in all of his performances is flashes of brilliance and an enthusiasm to engage. He captured the imaginations of fans worldwide last year when he knocked out Keegan. We’re excited to work with Bruce as he looks to recapture some of that magic in 2013.”

Boyington is scheduled to face Tony Woodman (3-6) at “NEF VII.” Woodman, who fought at heavier weights when he turned pro in 2007, has won his last two fights in a row since dropping down to his more natural weight class of 155-pounds. Woodman most recently stopped fan favorite John “First Class” Raio at “Fight Night VI” back in February.

“May 18th is the most important fight of my life,” stated Boyington when asked to comment about his upcoming bout. “I had a chance to rest and reintroduce myself to the world. A spark has been lit and I’m coming in with very bad intentions to show why it’s a big mistake to ask to fight me!”

At the time of this writing, the fight card for May 18 in Lewiston consisted of ten professional and more than thirty amateur fights.  The main event is scheduled to feature Maine MMA legend Marcus "The Irish Hand Grenade" Davis (21-9) battling Darrius Heyliger (4-1).  The co-main event will see UFC veteran Henry Martinez (9-5) squaring off with Jamie Harrison (4-1) for the Maine State Lightweight Title.  Also on the main card, Travis "The Showstopper" Bartlett (8-3) meets Randy "The Wolf" Smith (14-13-1) for the Maine State Heavyweight Title.  Tickets start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling The Colisee box office at 207.783.2009 x  525.  For more information on the event, visit www.NewEnglandFights.com. 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 Mixed Martial Arts 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.

Peterson, de Freitas Capture Maine State Titles at Fight Night IV

Lewiston, Maine (September 17, 2012) – On September 7, 2012, New England Fights! (NEF) crowned its first Maine State MMA Champions in Lewiston, ME at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee.  On that card, Jesse Peterson (7-2) defeated Cody Lightfoot (6-4) via second-round submission to win the Middleweight Title, while Gil de Freitas (13-5) from Team Link out of Ludlow, Massachusetts, took a unanimous decision over Ryan Sanders (4-2) to capture the Welterweight Title.

“It’s a great honor to become the first Maine State MMA Middleweight champion,” stated Peterson. “Winning a championship in front of my friends and family was a dream come true and I look forward to representing the title and NEF with the respect they both deserve.”

“It was a great experience for us from Team Link to be a part of NEF’s Fight Night IV,” stated Marco Alvan, Gil de Freitas’ and Team Link’s head coach. “The event was great in a great arena with awesome fans and was very well administered by the promoters. We are looking forward to Gil defending his title many times. It was a pleasure to be part of this event.”

In other action that night, Jamie Harrison (4-1) and Dez Green (4-0) both defeated their respective opponents to qualify for a Lightweight Title fight against one another when NEF returns to the Colisee on November 17. Jon Lemke (1-0) of Team Irish defeated Nate Oses (0-1) in a double pro debut.  And Portland’s Maria Rios (3-0) was victorious over Fernanda Araujo (0-1) via second-round TKO.

“All-in-all, this was such a fantastic night of action before yet another packed house at the Colisee,” stated NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo.  “The crowd was hot the entire event.  I really believe this event put NEF at the top of the promotional heap in New England.”

Fight Night V is slated for November 17 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, ME with a special start time of 5:00 pm. For more information on this event, visit www.NewEnglandFights.com. You can watch NEF videos at www.yotube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.” Tickets for Fight Night V are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling The Colisee box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.

The full results of Fight Night IV:

PRO

185 Jesse Peterson (CMBJJ/SSSF) def. Cody Lightfoot (The Shop) rear naked choke, round 2 [Peterson wins Middleweight Title]

170 Gil de Freitas (Team Link) def. Ryan Sanders (Young’s MMA) unanimous decision [de Freitas wins Welterweight Title]

155 Jamie Harrison (First Coast Full Contact) def. Josh Parker(Littlefield’s) rear naked choke, round 1

155 Dez Green (Bombsquad) def. Bruce Boyington (Young’s MMA) arm triangle, round 2

170 Darrius Heyliger (Bombsquad) def. Josh Bellows (Littlefield’s) ref stoppage – strikes, round 2

155 Jon Lemke (Team Irish) def. Nate Oses (Wai Kru) unanimous decision

AMATEUR

130 Maria Rios (Academy) def. Fernanda Araujo (Defensive Edge MMA) ref stoppage – strikes, round 2

145 John Raio (MMA Athletix) def. Damon Owens (Young’s MMA) unanimous decision

135 Steve Sobel (Independent) def. Matt Marshall (The Shop) rear naked choke, round 1

170 Andrew Hughes (Team Irish) def. Tim Tucker (Independent) armbar, round 1

160  RJ Letendre (The Shop) def. Jesse Erickson (CMBJJ) TKO, round 1

125 Matt Almy (Bombsquad) def. Cecil Haney (Academy) guillotine, round 2

170 Greg Morse (Team Irish) def. Achelas Ankers (Moontide MMA) unanimous decision

185 Steve Kimball (The Shop) def. Crowsneck Boutin (Independent) rear naked choke, round 1

155 Will McCall (Team Irish) def. Erik Tainter (Kut Combat) rear naked choke, round 1

185 Allan Josselyn (Kaze) def. Buck Pineau (Choi’s) unanimous decision

135 Nicholas Spencer (Choi’s) def. Cody Sargent (Independent) ref stoppage – strikes, round 1

145 Caleb Hall (MV Wrestling Club) def. John Parker (Team Nitemare) rear naked choke, round 1

145 Kris Kramer (Team Irish) def. Ken Foster (Independent) rear naked choke, round 1

165 Tollison Lewis (Independent) def. Dustin Theriault (Oxford Hills) rear naked choke, round 2

135 Eric Austin (MV Wrestling Club) def. Noah Hall (Team Irish) unanimous decision

Sanders and Funch to Battle for NEF Maine State Welterweight Title on September 8

Lewiston, Maine (July 20, 2012) – New England Fights! (NEF) is proud to announce its co-main event for September 8, 2012’s FIGHT NIGHT IV in Lewiston, ME.  NEF standout “THE” Ryan Sanders (4-1) will meet UFC veteran Ricardo Funch (8-4) in a five-round war to determine the first-ever NEF Maine State MMA Welterweight Champion.

“Matt (Peterson) and I were really excited to get this fight lined up,” said NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo.  “Not only will this fight determine our first-ever Maine State Welterweight Champion, but it will also determine which of these two athletes is going to take it to the next level.  Sanders is one big win away from breaking out on the national scene.  Funch is hungry to get back to the UFC.  There’s a lot at stake here.”

Sanders is no stranger to Maine MMA fans.  The Veazie, ME resident has competed in his home state for all five of his previous pro fights, losing only once, via judges’ decision, in a contest marred by controversy. Sanders’ most recent victory came last month over a game Ray Shawdee by second-round submission to a guillotine choke at NEF’s FIGHT NIGHT III event in Lewiston.  “Its an honor to be fighting a UFC vet and top 5 regional fighter in Funch,” said Sanders.  “He is very well rounded and tough to finish. Beating him would move me to the next level. I hope he is ready for a war."

“Ryan is the face of Maine MMA,” stated NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson.  “I can think of no one more-deserving of a shot at a Maine state title.  He’s been with us since the beginning.  He’s competed on all three previous NEF cards in either the main event or the co-main event.  Chris Young and Ernie Fitch of Young’s MMA (Sanders’ camp) demand only the toughest fights for their guys.  They’ll definitely get that in Ricardo Funch.”

Peterson warns the fans not to let Funch’s four losses fool them, “All four of Ricardo’s losses have come in the UFC.  He’s undefeated outside of that organization.  He’s been in the cage with the best of the best – Dan Miller, Mike Pyle, John Hendricks – so this is a fighter who knows what it’s like to compete at the pinnacle of the sport.  He’s currently ranked #2 in the northeast.  This is going to be Ryan’s biggest test to date.  He’s defending home turf here, trying to keep Funch from returning to Massachusetts with a Maine state title.  That’s a tall order.  But, again, the Young’s fighters never back down from a challenge.”

FIGHT NIGHT IV is slated for September 8 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, ME.  That night will also feature a headline fight between Jesse Peterson (6-2) and Cody Lightfoot (6-3) for the NEF Maine State MMA Middleweight Title.  Tickets are already on sale and most of cage-side sold-out within minutes. For more information on this event, visit www.NewEnglandFights.com. You can watch NEF videos, including an interview with Tim Sylvia at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights”.  Tickets for Fight Night IV are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling The Colisee box office at 207-783-2009.

About New England Fights!

New England Fights! (“NEF!”) is a Mixed Martial Arts 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.