NEF ANNOUNCES 2014 YEAR-END AWARDS WINNERS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (December 17, 2014) –New England Fights (NEF), America's number-one regional fight promotion, earlier this week announced the results of the 2014 NEF Year-End Awards presented by Origin.  Winners were selected from five categories: Fighter of the Year; Rookie of the Year; Fight of the Year; Submission of the Year; and Knockout (KO)/Technical Knockout (TKO) of the Year.  The results were based solely on fan vote.  A total of 5,598 ballots were cast in the online polls.  Each winner receives a gift certificate from Origin.

Fighter of the Year was awarded to Crowsneck Boutin (6-6). Boutin went 3-0 in the NEF MMA cage this year with two finishes. He arrived in NEF nearly three years ago as a street fighter with no formal training in the martial arts.  Since joining the Choi Institute in Portland, Maine, however, Boutin has shown incredible improvement, especially in his striking game.

"This has been a very special year for me, inside and outside of the cage," stated Boutin when reached for comment.  "I'm healthy.  I'm focused.  I've been reconnected with my daughter, and, for the first time in near ten years, I don't have any warrants for my arrest. These changes have allowed me to finally apply myself fully.  I'm proud, honored, and thankful to have been voted for the Fighter of the Year.  On February 7th in Lewiston, the Choi Institute will continue to represent."

The award for Rookie of the Year went to Johnny Crafts (2-0).  A member of Team New England United (NEU), Crafts made the transition from the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) mats to the MMA cage this past year, and he did it flawlessly.  The Lisbon Falls, Maine-native made it look easy with two wins coming by way of submission.

"I am very happy about all the support from the people who voted," said Crafts.  "This just gives me another reason to train hard and prove to be an exciting fighter for all the NEF fans on February 7th."

Jesse "The Viking" Erickson (3-4) was awarded the Submission of the Year for his triangle choke victory over Tollison Lewis (0-4) at "NEF XII" last February.

"It means a lot to me that the fans voted for my submission," said Erickson when reached for comment. "I am lucky to have a great Jiu-Jitsu team in NEU/CMBJJ (Central Maine BJJ in Auburn, Maine), and I thank my coaches for giving me the tools to win. Thanks again so much to everyone who took the time to vote. "

It was the second award Erickson won this year as he also shared the Fight of the Year award with NEF Lightweight Champion Bruce "Pretty Boy" Boyington (9-7) for their title rematch last month at "NEF XV."  The hard-fought battle went deep into the third round before Boyington submitted Erickson to retain.  Erickson was the only multi-award recipient this year.

"I'm honored that our fight was chosen as fight of the year by the fans," continued Erickson.  "Even though I lost, I am happy to have put on a great show for the fans. Thanks so much to everyone who voted."

Jarrod Tyler (3-1) was the recipient of the KO of the Year award for his third-round KO punch on Mike Robinson (0-2) at "NEF XIV" last September.  Tyler had a banner year himself in 2014, going 2-0.  He is based out of Team Irish in Brewer, Maine.

"It is an incredible honor just to be nominated for the KO of the year award," exclaimed Tyler.  "I go to every NEF event and I have seen some amazing knockouts. Winning the award feels great. It was a very hard battle with Michael Robinson.  So, to be awarded for that fight is awesome. He was clearly winning the fight over the first two rounds, so going into the third round my corner told me I had to knock him out to get the win.  After being stood up by the ref with a little over half of the final round remaining, I knew there was little time left.  When we exchanged, I was able to catch him with a hard cross which sent him to the cage.  All I remember is the crowd starting to go crazy, so I just kept looking for openings to strike.  After a flurry of punches, Robinson moved to my right allowing me to step in with a straight right to get the KO.  Stepping back, seeing my team in my corner going crazy, as well as all the amazing fans going nuts was the greatest feeling I have ever had.  I would like to thank both New England Fights and Origin and all the incredible fight fans who voted for me.  Thank you all."

The full results in the voting for the 2014 NEF Year-End Awards:

FIGHTER OF THE YEAR

 

Crowsneck Boutin 35.71%

Bruce Boyington 23.22% 
Mike Vangelist 20.85%

Matt Denning 20.22%

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

 

Johnny Crafts 35.70%
Josh Harvey 18.90%

Billy Leahy 15.70% 
Mike Crespo 15.34%

Caleb Farrington 14.36%

 

FIGHT OF THE YEAR
Bruce Boyington vs. Jesse Erickson (NEF XV) 39.80%

Ray Wood vs. Gabriel Baino (NEF XIV) 28.92% 
Jason Carpenter vs. Dan Thayer (NEF XII) 16.42%
Jarod Lawton vs. Joel Bishop (NEF Boxing) 14.86%

 

SUBMISSION OF THE YEAR
Jesse Erickson arm triangle on Tollison Lewis (NEF XII) 46.05% 

Bruce Boyington Kimura on Jesse Erickson (NEF XV) 29.55% 
Devin Powell standing guillotine on Jon Lemke (NEF XIII) 12.65%

Caleb Farrington Americana on Nash Roy (NEF XIV) 11.75%

KO/TKO OF THE YEAR
Jarrod Tyler KO on Mike Robinson (NEF XIV) 41.98%

Dustin Veinott TKO on Dan Thayer (NEF XIII) 28.81%
Crowsneck Boutin TKO on Dan Connaughton (NEF XIII) 17.99% 
Jarod Lawton KO on John Ortolani (NEF XII) 11.22%

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 combat sports 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.

About Origin

 

ORIGIN brand was created by BJJWeekly.com co-creator Pete Roberts back in 2009. Pete's vision was not to create a "fight brand," but instead a BJJ lifestyle brand that spoke directly to the needs of the everyday BJJ enthusiast. As a designer and entrepreneur, Pete brings 15 years of branding experience into an industry which he is passionate about growing.

JAMIE HARRISON RETURNS AT NEF XV TO FACE TOLLISON LEWIS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (October 6, 2014) –New England Fights (NEF), America's number-one regional fight promotion, will present its fifteenth mixed martial arts (MMA) event, entitled “NEF XV,” on November 15, 2014 at the historic Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.  Today, NEF announced the addition of a professional catchweight feature fight to the card.  Fan-favorite Jamie Harrison (4-1) will make his return to the promotion to face Tollison Lewis (0-2) at a weight of 158-pounds.

"Maybe more than for any other fighter," stated NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo, "we get asked by fans 'when will Jamie Harrison be back?'  Well, the wait is over.  Jamie Harrison is back and he will be in the NEF cage on November 15 in Lewiston!"

The bout will mark the long-awaited return of Harrison to his home state of Maine.  He wrestled for Windham High School, placing second and third in state during his tenure with the team.  Later, Harrison went on to wrestle at the University of Southern Maine under assistant coach, and future UFC star and World Champion, the legendary Mike Thomas Brown (25-9).  Recent years have seen Harrison relocate to Jacksonville, Florida where he trains fighters at First Coast Full Contact (FCFC).  In 2012, Harrison returned to Maine four times to fight on NEF MMA cards, going 4-0 for the year and becoming the number-one contender in the promotion's lightweight division.  His last appearance for NEF saw Harrison score a victory over Josh Parker (4-8) in September 2012.  He has since accompanied several of his fighters from FCFC up to Maine to fight on NEF events.

"I am really excited to come back to Lewiston once again and fight for NEF," said Harrison when reached for comment.  "After sorting out life changes, I now have regained focus on my return the cage.  In the past two years as a coach we have fought for numerous promotions up and down the east coast, and nothing compares to NEF's crowds and event production.  I have never stopped training and have added much confidence to my game.  I cannot wait to face a game and respectful opponent like Tollison Lewis in November.  He has never taken an easy fight and is now surrounded by top-notch coaches, so this will be an exciting fight."

Tollison Lewis has gotten off to a slow start to his professional career, losing his first two fights.  His fight game, however, has come a long way since his amateur days, and Lewis is on the verge of breaking out in the professional ranks.  Observers have commented on the major improvement in his striking skills with more strikes available to him now as per professional rules, as well as a huge step up in his wrestling game as showcased in his bout last month with Ricky Sylvester (2-0).  Lewis is predicting his first victory as a professional will come at NEF XV when he meets Harrison.

"First, I'd like to thank NEF for once again allowing me to fight for them.  I've fought very tough opponents, but I must say Jamie may be my toughest fight to date!  Jamie has dominant wrestling skills, but I'll be prepared to throw down with him in any aspect of the fight and show that every fight I'm only improving and will get to the top ranks in New England.  I'm training hard for this fight and it'll be a big win for me to get.  This is a fight fans don't want to miss.  It'll be an all out war.  Thank you again NEF for having me, and Jamie for taking the fight, brotha."

"NEF XV" takes place on November 15, 2014 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine. "NEF BOXING" takes place onOctober 11, 2014, also at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee. Tickets for both events 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 events 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.

PROFESSIONAL LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT ADDED TO NEF XIII LINEUP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (February 17, 2014) – New England Fights Mixed Martial Arts (NEF MMA) today announced the addition of a professional lightweight bout to the fight promotion's May 10 card scheduled to take place at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.  The fight, which will be contested at a weight of 155-pounds, will feature "The Junkyard Dog" Ryan Cowette (2-2) in action against Tollison Lewis (0-1).

Cowette is the owner and head coach of MMA Athletix in Bath, Maine.  After a stellar amateur career that saw him ranked amongst the region's elite, Cowette got off to a slow start in his professional career, going 0-2.  In recent months, however, Cowette has stormed back, earning decisive victories over Jesse Erickson (2-2) and Dave Claroni (0-2) in November 2013 and February 2014 respectively. Just days after his victory over Claroni, NEF MMA offered Cowette a multi-fight contract to remain with the fight promotion for an extended period.

"I'm excited to sign with NEF and confident they will do a great job promoting me as a Fighter, and MMA Athletix as a school," said Cowette when reached for comment.  "Also, I'm looking forward to Fighting Tollison in my first fight as a lightweight. He is a strong opponent.  I feel I have the edge in this fight.  I'm on a roll, strong in every area of the fight game, and will be pushing hard to fight as much as possible. My goal is the Lightweight Belt."

Lewis, who trains out of Balanced Ground MMA in Windham, Maine, is coming off a loss at NEF XII earlier this month to Jesse Erickson. The bout was Lewis' professional debut for NEF MMA, and it ended via submission with only seconds remaining in the first round. Although Lewis lost the fight, many in attendance were quick to notice a new maturity to Lewis' game accompanied by a chiseled physique and superb striking.  Several pundits have predicted Lewis to play a leading role in the professional lightweight division of NEF MMA.  Undoubtedly, he will be looking to make his impact on the division with a victory on May 10.

"I'm very excited to fight again," said Lewis.  "I wish it weretomorrow. I have the utmost respect for Ryan.  He owns and operates a gym and that makes him even more of a viable threat. However, I also know I will come into this fight with superior striking and  conditioning, with a daily improvement of BJJ.  Ryan likes to come in heavy for fights and I think this will negatively affect him.  Come May, he better be ready because losing is not an option for me.  I know he will be ready, so it should be a hell of a fight.  Thanks to NEF and the Maine fans for supporting mixed martial arts.  Hope to see you all in May."

“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.  Already announced, Maine State MMA Bantamweight Champion Paul Gorman (10-8) defends against undefeated Kin "Kong" Moy (5-0).  In addition, "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.

WAR OF WORDS ERUPTS ON FACEBOOK: DISRESPECTFUL OR ALL IN GOOD FUN?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (January 27, 2014) – When New England Fights Mixed Martial Arts (NEF MMA) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston on February 8, one of the fight promotion's feature bouts on that evening's card will be a professional lightweight contest between Jesse "The Viking" Erickson (1-2) and Tollison Lewis (0-0).  This will not be the first time the two have met in the NEF MMA cage in Lewiston.  The pair squared off as amateurs at NEF III in June 2012.  Erickson was victorious that night, defeating Lewis via technical knockout (TKO) when the referee stepped in to stop a barrage of unanswered strikes from Erickson. Lewis felt that the stoppage was early.  Nevertheless, the rivalry will finally be settled and all questions answered on February 8th when Tollison makes his professional debut against Erickson.

On January 11, the feud between the two lightweights heated up when Lewis took to his Facebook account with a little rhyme he had prepared for his opponent:

"As I'm walking to the ring, there stands Jesse the Viking...my eyes try to make contact. But his nowhere to be found....because the Viking knows if he stand he'll hit the ground, the bell ring and he tries to push forward thinking why can't this punishment just be over hit him with a jab hit him with a right he's showing he can't handle this fight.. (Referee) Steve Rita's growing weary ready to step in but he's just too late and the Vikings met his end..."

Mere moments later, Erickson shared Lewis's status with a cryptic reply, simply stating:

"I have no words for this... I'll do my talking in the cage..."

Erickson, a popular coach at Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and a native of Auburn, Maine, might have had few words for Lewis, but his fans and teammates were quick to give Lewis an earful.  Soon, there was a legion of Erickson supporters posting comments under his status, voicing their displeasure for what they saw as Lewis's disrespect of "The Viking."  Tollison's coach Nate Charles, owner of Balanced Ground MMA in Windham, Maine, was quick to come to his student's defense:

"C'mon it's all fun! You all know Balanced Ground has always had great sportsmanship and always will. The pre-fight gamesmanship is part of our sport, nothing personal. We all want as many people possible at this event and this post and all the reactions to it will definitely help Jesse and Tollison sell more tickets."

Cooler heads may have prevailed for the moment, but there is no love lost between Erickson and Lewis.  The two-year rivalry will finally come to a head when they take to the cage at "NEF XII" onFebruary 8.

"This isn't the first time he has disrespected me," said Erickson when reached for comment earlier today.  "He actually tried giving me advice after my loss to (Jon) Lemke for Bellator.  Who does that? Who in their right mind messages someone who beat them in 90 seconds and gives them advice on how to fight the day after a loss? This might all be fun and games and poetry to him but I am a professional and I have a job to do.  I'll see you at weigh-ins Tollison."

"We know we're in a challenging fight," stated Lewis's coach Nate Charles, choosing to focus on the fight itself rather than the drama surrounding it.  "Jesse and Tollison are similar because they both never take easy fights.  That being said, we are very confident in this fight.  I think Tollison turning pro was the best thing we could have done for him at this point in his career.  This camp has been his best ever!  His motivation is unbelievable!  With elbow and knee strikes now added to his arsenal he's a very scary individual!  With respect, I don't think Jesse has faced the complete striker Tollison has become now.  So it will be a very intriguing fight.  Jesse's superb Jiu-Jitsu versus the lights out striking of Tollison.  February 8th can't come soon enough.  Come support Balanced Ground MMA and CMBJJ.  Don't blink on this fight!  Thanks NEF for the continued support."

"Look, whether you agree with the trash talk or not, you have to admit that it makes the fight all that much more interesting and fun for the fans," NEF MMA co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo weighed-in on the matter.  "Jesse and Tollison are two of NEF's perennial athletes.  They're two guys that the public associates with our brand, and I think a lot of people have wanted to see this rematch for quite a while.  The time for talk will be over on February 8 and they will settle this in the cage once and for all that night in Lewiston before a crowd of thousands!"

 “NEF XII,” is scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 8, 2014at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine with a bell time of 7:00 pm.  In the main event, Maine MMA legend Marcus “The Irish Hand Grenade” Davis (22-10) faces his former student “THE” Ryan Sanders (5-4) in a much-anticipated welterweight contest.  In addition, Maine State MMA Middleweight Champion Jesse Peterson (7-4) will return to action for the first time in nearly a year to defend his title against “Ruthless” Mike Zichelle (6-3).  Tickets for "NEF XII" 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 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.

TOLLISON LEWIS SIGNS WITH NEF MMA; WILL REMATCH JESSE ERICKSON IN PRO DEBUT

Lewiston, Maine (November 22, 2013) – New England Fights Mixed Martial Arts (NEF MMA) today announced the signing of Tollison Lewis (4-9 amateur) to fight long-term in the promotion as a professional.  It was further announced that Lewis would make his professional debut in a lightweight matchup against Jesse "The Viking" Erickson (1-2) on February 8, 2014 in Lewiston.  The two first met in the NEF MMA amateur ranks in June of 2012, resulting in a victory for Erickson by TKO.

"We are very grateful and fortunate for what NEF has done for the sport of MMA in the state of Maine," stated Lewis when reached for comment. "We’ve been fighting for them since day one and its very exciting to officially sign with them."

"Tollison has been with us since the beginning, and he's provided many exciting moments on our amateur cards," said NEF MMA co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo.  "So when he told us he was going pro, it just made sense to make him our next signing.  He made his amateur debut on our first card, and now he makes his pro debut with us almost two-years later to the day."

Lewis, who trains out of Nate Charles' Balanced Ground MMA gym in Windham, Maine, has appeared on nine of the first eleven NEF MMA cards, more than any other competitor on the promotion's roster.  To call him a "regular" would be an understatement.  In addition, Lewis has been a part of some of the most interesting storylines in the amateur division, including a rivalry with Andrew Tripp (5-0) early in his career and, more-recently, a three-fight series with Jeremy Tyler (3-1).

"I'm excited to see what Tollison is going to do as a pro," said NEF MMA co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson.  "A lot of fighters don't realize their true potential until the shinguards come off and they have an entirely new arsenal of strikes available to them in the pros.  Tollison's a great addition to the NEF MMA pro lightweight division.  He's got a tough task in front of him with Jesse Erickson though."

At "NEF X" earlier this fall, Lewis scored a highlight-reel, knock-out victory over Matt Denning (2-3) that is expected to be nominated for the "KO of the Year" award.  No doubt, Jesse Erickson will be looking for revenge on February 8th when he steps into the cage opposite Lewis.  Erickson is Denning's coach at Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ).  Coming off a loss to Ryan Cowette (1-2) in a "Coach vs. Coach" bout at "NEF XI" two weeks ago, Erickson is already champing at the bit to redeem himself in Lewiston, and he can think of no better way than by scoring a win over Lewis given the history between the two.

"Tollison brings a lot of amateur experience to the professional ranks," said Erickson when reached for comment. "He has taken a lot of difficult fights as an ammy and looks better each time he competes. That being said, we have had our differences.  We had some arguments on social media, and I've heard little remarks that insinuate that when I beat him as an ammy, it was a bad stoppage. So, I am definitely looking to finish this fight in a way that leaves no doubt in anyone's mind who won.  He always comes in shape and ready to fight and I look forward to meeting him once more in the NEF cage."

"Well he’s a great guy who I have a lot of respect for," said Lewis of Erickson.  "I have been itching to have this rematch since my ammy loss to him. I felt the stoppage was premature and this time as a pro he’ll really have to finish me to get the stoppage. I’m a completely different fighter that improves with every fight.  My head coach and cousin Nate Charles has worked hard implementing new ways to challenge our training.  From starting on baseball fields, to getting a building with four other specialty instructors, Balanced Ground will give anyone a tough fight!  I promise this fight you will not want to miss! This is the opportunity I've been waiting for and I will not disappoint! Come out and support your local MMA fighter and NEFFebruary 8^th.   Thank you."

NEF MMA's next event, “NEF XII,” is scheduled to take place onSaturday, February 8, 2014 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine with a bell time of 7:00 pm.  Maine State MMA Middleweight Champion Jesse Peterson (7-4) will return to action for the first time in nearly a year.  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 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.