RYAN SANDERS LOOKS TO REBOUND AFTER BACK-TO-BACK LOSSES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (October 21, 2014) – New England Fights (NEF), America's number-one regional fight promotion, today announced the addition of a professional catchweight bout to the company's fifteenth mixed martial arts (MMA) event, "NEF XV."  The bout will feature "The" Ryan Sanders (6-6) facing Florida's Mark DeFord (0-2) at a weight of 160-pounds.  "NEF XV" is scheduled to originate from the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine on November 15, 2014 with a bell time of 7:00 pm.

Sanders got off to a great start in 2014, scoring a victory over his former coach, and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) veteran, Marcus "The Irish Hand Grenade" Davis (22-11) in what was the biggest fight of Sanders' career to date.  Three months later, Sanders would drop a decision to NEF Welterweight Champion Gil de Freitas (16-5).  Last month, Sanders lost his second decision in a row to Ryan Quinn (10-4-1).   Now, the product of Young's MMA in Bangor, Maine will look to finish the year the way he started it - with his hand raised in victory in the NEF cage.  Sanders will have that opportunity when he meets DeFord on November 15 at "NEF XV." 

"I'm excited to fight Mark," said Sanders of the upcoming bout.  "His record doesn't show how good he really is.  I'm excited to fight.  I hope he wants to fight and not have a hugging contest. I'll be there to fight and put on a show for the fans."

Sanders faces stiff competition in the form of Mark DeFord.  A native of Gainesville, Florida, DeFord served four years with the United States Marine Corp (USMC) from 2006 to 2010.  Presently, he coaches MMA at Gainesville's F2 Arena/Darkside Athletics under head coach, and NEF veteran, Ryan Hodge (6-9).  DeFord put together an impressive 4-2 record as an amateur, with three wins coming by way of submission, before dropping his first two professional fights. 

"The guys that train under Ryan Hodge are tough as nails," said NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson.  "Mark DeFord has been in the sport for nearly a decade, only taking time off to serve our country.  This will, in no way, shape or form, be an easy fight for Ryan Sanders.  F2 Arena has proven that they are capable of beating anyone on any given night."

NEF's next mixed martial arts event, "NEF XV" takes place Saturday, November 15, 2014 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.  In the main event of the evening, Bruce "Pretty Boy" Boyington (8-7) will defend the NEF Lightweight Championship against Jesse "The Viking" Erickson (3-3) in a rematch from "NEF XIV."  Tickets start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.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 fight videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow the promotion 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.

SIX YEARS IN THE MAKING; SANDERS AND QUINN TO SQUARE OFF AT NEF XIV

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (July 10, 2014) – New England Fights Mixed Martial Arts (NEF MMA), the Northeast’s premier mixed martial arts promotion, today announced the addition of a professional catchweight bout to the company's "NEF XIV" event.  The fight will feature "The" Ryan Sanders (6-5) taking on Ryan Quinn (10-4-1) at a weight of 165-pounds.  "NEF XIV" is scheduled to take place on September 6, 2014 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine with a bell time of 7:00 pm.

The move down in weight will be Sanders' first foray into a weight class below the welterweight limit of 170-pounds.  The fight will mark the initial step in a strategically-planned transition to the 155-pound lightweight division by Sanders and his camp at Bangor, Maine's Young's MMA.  He plans to leave the welterweight division where he is currently the top-five-ranked professional fighter in all of New England.

"I'm excited to start my move down to lightweight and start a new chapter in my fighting career," stated Sanders when reached for comment. "I've always been a small welterweight, and now I'll be a big lightweight."

After scoring back-to-back victories over Rashaun Spencer (4-6) and the legendary Marcus "The Irish Hand Grenade" Davis (22-11), Sanders' win streak came to an end last May with a loss to Maine State MMA Welterweight Champion Gil de Freitas (16-5) via unanimous decision, an athlete many consider to be a "larger" welterweight when compared to Sanders.  On September 6, Sanders will not only be looking to erase the memory of that loss, but he will also look to avenge a loss to his opponent, Ryan Quinn, back in 2008.  The pair met as amateurs in Boxborough, Massachusetts with Quinn taking the victory via judges' decision.  The fight marked Sanders' first-ever taste of defeat in the MMA arena.

"I am excited to fight Ryan," Sanders said of Quinn.  "He's a tough, well-rounded fighter.  We fought as ammys, and he gave me a good beating, and took my lunch money.  This time around I'm going be leaving with his lunch money and my hand raised.  It'll be another exciting fight for sure."

Ryan Quinn, a native of Connecticut, is one of the most-recognizable and respected competitors on the New England MMA scene. Currently ranked at number-two amongst the region's professional lightweights, Quinn has spent his recent days training as a member of the world-renown American Top Team (ATT) in Coconut Creek, Florida.  A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, Quinn trains with teammate, and Maine fight legend, Mike Thomas Brown (26-9) at ATT.  Quinn holds an impressive record of 6-0 in the Bellator cage, with victories on the national stage over the likes of Matt Lee (13-9-1), Alan Calandrelli (6-4) and Brett Oteri (12-5) to name a few.  Quinn acknowledges that both he and Sanders have developed as fighters over the past six years since their last meeting, and he predicts an exciting fight for Maine fans.

"I honestly didn't want to fight up north for a while to try and reach out to other regions, particularly Florida where I live now," said Quinn when reached for comment.  "However, we got this offer and really liked the fight, so I took it. Ryan and I have both matured as fighters since our last meeting as amateurs, so I'm sure the fight is going to be a lot more technical. We both bring the heat, so I'm sure the Maine crowd will appreciate the product."

"This is yet another example of NEF bringing in the best to fight the best," stated NEF MMA co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson. "It's two top-ranked fighters squaring off.  There are now five fights at the top of this September 6 card that could each be a main event atop any card anywhere in New England right now.  And we're giving it to the fans all in one night. I can't remember a card more stacked than this one ever taking place in this region.  The fans are in for something truly special on September 6 in Lewiston."

NEF MMA's next event, “NEF XIV,” is scheduled to take place onSaturday, September 6, 2014 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine with a bell time of 7:00 pm.  In the main event of the evening, Tim "The Maine-iac" Sylvia (31-9) returns to Maine to face fellow UFC veteran Christian Morecraft (8-3) for the Super-Heavyweight Title.  Featherweight Champion Ray "All Business" Wood (4-0) returns from injury after a year of recovery against Brazil's Gabriel Baino (6-1).  Bantamweight Champion Paul Gorman (10-8) defends against Tim "The Terror" Goodwin (8-4).  Plus, Bruce "Pretty Boy" Boyington (6-7) and Jesse "The Viking" Erickson (3-2) will meet for the Lightweight Title, Ryan Sanders (6-5) faces Ryan Quinn (10-4-1), and John "First Class" Raio (2-5) competes in his final fight.

Tickets for "NEF XIV" start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.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 MMA 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 Mixed Martial Arts (“NEF MMA”) is a Mixed Martial Arts promotions company. NEF MMA’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF MMA’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

NEF MMA ANNOUNCES WEIGH-IN RESULTS FROM LEWISTON, MAINE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (May 9, 2014) – The weigh-ins for New England Fights Mixed Martial Arts' (NEF MMA) next event, “NEF XIII,” took place earlier today at the Fusion Lounge of the Ramada Conference Center. “NEF XIII” will take place at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee located at 190 Birch Street, Lewiston, Maine 04240, tomorrow, Saturday, May 10 with doors opening at 6 p.m.  The first fight is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. There will also be an announcement made regarding Tim "The Maine-iac" Sylvia's (31-9) next fight in Maine.

The weights from "NEF XIII" weigh-ins from Friday (card subject to change):

PROFESSIONAL

170*TITLE Gil de Freitas (c) (168.6) vs Ryan Sanders (169.7)

155 Jon Lemke (155.0) vs Devin Powell (154.5)

CATCH Jesse Erickson (156.1) vs John Daniels (157.7)

CATCH John Raio (147.4) vs Amos Collins (145.9)

145 Rodrigo Ranieri de Faria (144.1) vs Jay Jay Torres (145.9)140 Rodrigo de Faria 0-0 (BGMMA) vs Jay Jay Torres 0-0 (Drum Factory)140 Rodrigo de Faria 0-0 (BGMMA) vs Jay Jay Torres 0-0 (Drum Factory)140 Rodrigo de Faria 0-0 (BGMMA) vs Jay Jay Torres 0-0 (Drum Factory)

AMATEUR

185 Buck Pineau (184.0) vs Zach Elkins (184.9)

CATCH Dom Cofone (150.4) vs Aaron Lacey (146.8)

155 Jeremy Tyler (153.7) vs Steve Bang (154.6)

125 Norman Fox (125.4) vs Mike Brown (125.6)

125 Dustin Veinott (125.5) vs Dan Thayer (124.0)

155 Jarrod Tyler (152.7) vs Jason LaChance (154.5)

190 Crowsneck Boutin (188.2) vs Dan Connaughton (190.3)

145 Phil Exner (145.3) vs Mike Crespo (142.1)

CATCH Carl Langston (137.7) vs Sheldon Bang (133.4)

165 Mike Robinson (164.5) vs Chad Jordan  (164.1)

 “NEF XIII,” is scheduled to take place this Saturday, May 10, 2014 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine with a bell time of7:00 pm.  In the main event of the evening, “The" Ryan Sanders (6-4) will rematch Maine State MMA Welterweight Champion Gil de Freitas (15-5) nearly two years after de Freitas defeated Sanders for the inaugural title.  Tickets for "NEF XIII" 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 MMA 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 Mixed Martial Arts (“NEF MMA”) is a Mixed Martial Arts promotions company. NEF MMA’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF MMA’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

NEF MMA HOSTS WEIGH-INS FRIDAY, MAY 9 AT 2 PM EST FROM THE FUSION LOUNGE IN LEWISTON, MAINE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (May 8, 2014) – The weigh-ins for New England Fights Mixed Martial Arts' (NEF MMA) next event, “NEF XIII,” will take place Friday, May 9 at 2 p.m. EST at the Fusion Lounge of the Ramada Conference Center located at 490 Pleasant Street, Lewiston, Maine 04240. “NEF XIII” will take place at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee located at 190 Birch Street, Lewiston, Maine 04240, on Saturday, May 10 with doors opening at 6 p.m.  The first fight is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

All of the participants for Saturday night’s event will be on hand at the weigh-in tomorrow, including headliners Gil de Freitas and Ryan Sanders, as well as John Raio, Jon Lemke, Jesse Erickson, the Tyler Brothers and many others. The weigh-in is open to both the public and media free of charge.

The full fight card for “NEF XIII” is listed below (card subject to change):

PROFESSIONAL

170*TITLE Gil de Freitas (c) 15-5 (Team Link) vs Ryan Sanders 6-4 (Young's MMA)

155 Jon Lemke 3-1 (Team Irish) vs Devin Powell 2-1 (The Shop/Port City BJJ)

155 Jesse Erickson 2-2 (CMBJJ) vs John Daniels 2-2 (Rock City MMA)

145 John Raio 2-4 (First Class MMA/Choi's) vs Amos Collins 1-4 (Serra BJJ Myrtle Beach)

140 Rodrigo Ranieri de Faria 0-0 (Balanced Ground) vs Jay Jay Torres 0-0 (The Drum Factory)140 Rodrigo de Faria 0-0 (BGMMA) vs Jay Jay Torres 0-0 (Drum Factory)140 Rodrigo de Faria 0-0 (BGMMA) vs Jay Jay Torres 0-0 (Drum Factory)140 Rodrigo de Faria 0-0 (BGMMA) vs Jay Jay Torres 0-0 (Drum Factory)

AMATEUR

190 Crowsneck Boutin 4-6 (Choi's) vs Dan Connaughton 2-1 (Defensive Edge MMA)

185 Buck Pineau 7-2 (Choi’s) vs Zach Elkins 11-5 (First Coast Full Contact/Team Riot)

165 Mike Robinson 1-2 (MMA Athletix) vs Chad Jordan 0-0 (AMMA)

155 Jarrod Tyler 1-1 (Team Irish) vs Jason LaChance 0-0 (MMA Athletix)

155 Jeremy Tyler 4-1 (Team Irish) vs Steve Bang 2-1 (CMBJJ)

145 Dom Cofone 4-3 (Balanced Ground) vs Aaron Lacey 3-1 (Young’s MMA)

145 Phil Exner 0-0 (Wes Littlefield's Hardcore Gym) vs Mike Crespo 0-0 (MMA Athletix)

135 Carl Langston 1-3 (Balanced Ground) vs Sheldon Bang 0-0 (CMBJJ)

125 Norman Fox 2-0 (MMA Athletix) vs Mike Brown 2-1 (North Shore Muay Thai Academy)

125 Dustin Veinott 0-3 (CMBJJ) vs Dan Thayer 0-1 (Choi's)

 “NEF XIII,” is scheduled to take place this Saturday, May 10, 2014 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine with a bell time of7:00 pm.  In the main event of the evening, “The" Ryan Sanders (6-4) will rematch Maine State MMA Welterweight Champion Gil de Freitas (15-5) nearly two years after de Freitas defeated Sanders for the inaugural title.  Tickets for "NEF XIII" 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 MMA 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 Mixed Martial Arts (“NEF MMA”) is a Mixed Martial Arts promotions company. NEF MMA’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF MMA’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

Q5 Labs Becomes NEF MMA’s Official Supplement Partner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Rumford, Maine (April 28, 2014) – New England Fights Mixed Martial Arts (NEF MMA), the Northeast’s premier mixed martial arts promotion and Q5 Labs, a cutting-edge, Maine-based supplement and nutrition company, announced today a new relationship making Q5 Labs the “Official Supplement Partner” of NEF MMA.

On Saturday, May 10^th, the partnership officially launches during NEF MMA’s “NEF XIII” at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine. Q5 Labs will be visible throughout the NEF MMA event experience and will offer products for sale at various consumer touch points in-arena.

In addition, Q5 Labs will be sponsoring the “Q5 Labs Stay Alpha Fight of the Night” that will be awarded to the best amateur or professional fight of the evening as determined by Q5 Labs executives. Both participants from the selected “Q5 Labs Fight of the Night” will receive special Q5 care packages worth hundreds of dollars that will include items personally selected by Q5 Labs Founder, Bill Thomas. Additionally, Q5 Labs announced that every winner of the evening at “NEF XIII” will receive Q5 Labs product to reward their victory.

"Q5 is proud to announce our partnership with NEF MMA, one of the premier combat sports promoters in the country,” stated Q5 Labs President, Bill Thomas. “Every day, in gyms across Maine and New England, dedicated athletes train tirelessly to improve and develop as mixed martial artists. It's an honor to be able to support them on May 10th as they showcase their skills in the historic Colisee, the same building where Muhammad Ali defeated Sonny Liston."

“One of our goals here at NEF MMA is to partner with like-minded Maine businesses that are committed to producing products that improve the lives of athletes and fans alike,” stated NEF MMA co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson. “It began with our alliance with ORIGIN and continues today by announcing our partnership with Q5 Labs. By combining forces, we’re able to propel a comprehensive, superior combat sports experience beyond anything that fans can access anywhere else in New England or the Northeast.”

“It’s an honor to align with another Maine business with a proven track record of success in Q5 Labs,” stated NEF MMA co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo. “Maine combat sports athletes and fans are the best in the country and we’re proud to be their conduit to Q5 Labs, which produces the highest quality supplements available.”

“NEF XIII” is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 10, 2014 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine with a bell time of7:00 pm.  In the main event of the evening, “The" Ryan Sanders (6-4) will rematch Maine State MMA Welterweight Champion Gil de Freitas (15-5) nearly two years after de Freitas defeated Sanders for the inaugural title.  Tickets for "NEF XIII" 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 MMA videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

To learn more about Q5 Labs please visit www.q5labs.com.

About New England Fights

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

About Q5 Labs

Q5 Labs is a cutting-edge, Maine-based supplement and nutrition company. President Bill Thomas, a former member of the United States Marine Corps, is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt and the co-founder of BJJWeekly.com.