NFL VETERAN TO DEFEND MMA HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE ON LEWISTON FIGHT CARD

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (December 17, 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 a professional heavyweight championship bout to the fight card.  Tyler King (7-2) will defend the NEF Heavyweight Title against Terry "The Polar Bear" Blackburn (5-2).

"Everyone loves a big-time heavyweight title fight and this certainly is one," said NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson.  "You have two guys with knockout power, but also two guys who know their way around a mat. Tyler King is looking to make a statement in his return against a combatant in ‘The Polar Bear’ that has a jaw that you could crack an anvil on. This fight is massive and fans won’t want to miss it.”

Prior to his MMA career, King built quite the resume in the sport of football.  The son of New England Patriots linebacker (1973-1981) Steve King, Tyler played defensive end for the University of Connecticut where he recorded 19 sacks, sixth all-time for the Huskies.  He would follow his father's footsteps to the National Football League (NFL) where he played for the San Diego Chargers and St. Louis Rams.  King arrived in the NEF MMA cage in May 2013.  He submitted Travis Bartlett (8-4) that night in the first round to become the first-ever NEF MMA Heavyweight Champion. King's first defense of the title will come against Blackburn at "NEF XVI."

"I'm back," was King's only comment on returning to defend the NEF Heavyweight Title.

Terry Blackburn represents Team Riot and First Coast Full Contact (FCFC) in Orange Park, Florida.  He is a veteran of the United States Navy.  With a solid background in boxing, kickboxing, Taekwondo and Judo, to name just a few of his many disciplines, Blackburn has also earned his blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).  His wrestling coach is University of Southern Maine (USM) wrestling alum, and current number-one contender to the NEF MMA Lightweight Championship, Jamie Harrison (5-1).  Blackburn made his NEF MMA debut in September 2013 with a highlight-reel knockout of Jason Dolloff (6-18).

"Every fighter dreams of this opportunity in his career, and Tyler King is my opposition to try and stop me from fulfilling that dream that NEF has so graciously afforded me," said Blackburn.  "It will not be a wasted opportunity."

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.

Ex-NFL Player Tyler King Replaces Randy Smith in Maine State Heavyweight MMA Title Fight on May 18 in Lewiston

Lewiston, Maine (April 30, 2013) – Just days after announcing the first-ever Maine State Heavyweight Title fight between Randy “The Wolf” Smith (14-13-1) and  Travis "The Showstopper" Bartlett (8-3), New England Fights! (NEF) was informed that Smith had been injured and would be unable to compete on May 18.  Taking Smith's place in the fight with Bartlett in Lewiston will be number-one ranked heavyweight in the northeast Tyler King (6-1).

"Our hats are off to Tyler King for taking such a huge fight on such short notice," said NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo.  "His camp was quick to accept just moments after we were informed of Randy Smith's injury."

The son of Steve King, New England Patriots linebacker from 1973 to 1981, Tyler played defensive end for the University of Connecticut where he recorded 19 sacks, sixth all-time for the Huskies.  Later, Tyler followed his father’s footsteps into the NFL, playing for the San Diego Chargers and St. Louis Rams among other teams.

When his football career had ended, King, still hungry for competition, decided to make the mixed martial arts (MMA) cage his new stomping grounds.  In just over two years, King has amassed an impressive 6-1 record as a pro, with four of his wins coming in the first round.  King’s sole loss was via decision to the much more experienced Smith in a five-round heavyweight title war in the summer of 2011.  Tyler King is currently the number-one ranked heavyweight fighter for the entire northeastern region of the United States.

"I couldn't be more excited to be fighting Travis," said King when reached for comment. "The fact it is for the first ever Maine heavyweight belt just makes it that much sweeter.  You aren't going to find a tougher guy than Travis on the MMA scene in Maine.  I'm going to have to bring it harder than I ever have before.  The fans are in for a treat!"

This is not the first time Tyler King and Travis Bartlett have been scheduled to meet in the NEF cage.  The two were scheduled to meet last June at NEF III before a respiratory illness sidelined Bangor-native Bartlett.

"This is just a really good heavyweight fight that we've waited a year now to put on," said NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson.  "And it's for the heavyweight title, making the fight all the more prominent.  No doubt all eyes will be on Lewiston on May 18."

At the time of this writing, the fight card for May 18 in Lewiston 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. 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.

Tim Sylvia on Randy Smith: “… I’m Going to Smash Him”

Lewiston, Maine (June 11, 2012) – Former two-time UFC World Heavyweight Champion is feeling good heading into his bout at this Saturday’s New England Fight’s (NEF) Fight Night III event at The Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.  Sylvia will step into the cage with New York’s Randy “The Wolf” Smith as his opponent in a heavyweight showdown.

Sylvia (30-7, 19 KO’s, 4 Submissions), will be fighting in his home state for the first time as he takes on the respected veteran Smith (14-10-1, 7 KO’s, 2 submissions), who of-late has become a fixture on the Northeast regional circuit, racking up an impressive list of victories and a collection of title belts.

 “I’ve seen a little bit of him on Youtube,” Sylvia said about his opponent, “He’s a tough kid and he likes to stand and bang.  And that’s going to be a recipe for disaster for him because I’m going to smash him.”  While confident, Sylvia says he’s not overlooking Smith, “I’m not looking at him as a stepping stone. I’m looking at him as a guy who wants a big name on his record with me being the victim. That’s not happening.”

Fighting in his home state for the first time in a 13 year pro career, Sylvia is looking forward to giving his fans a good show, “When I was at the last NEF show in Biddeford, it brought tears to my eyes when I heard the ovation from the crowd that I would be fighting in Maine at Fight Night III.”

In many media appearances, Sylvia has made it abundantly clear that he would ultimately like a return to the UFC before he retires. This has stirred up rumor after rumor about re-joining either the UFC or Strikeforce, “There’s nothing factual about any of those rumors at the moment, but if it happens then great. I’m ready and willing to fight anyone.”

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 this event are on sale now at TheColisee.com or by calling The Colisee box office at 207-783-2009.

New England Fights! Announces 21 Fights on Tap for June 16 Card

Lewiston, Maine (June 1, 2012) – New England Fights! (NEF) is proud to announce a total of 21 fights set to take place as part of Fight Night III on June 16^th at The Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.

“It’s a privilege to once again be featuring the most talent-rich MMA card in Maine’s history,” stated NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson.  “We started with Tim Sylvia and Randy Smith at the top of the ticket and built the rest of the card from there.  The state is represented in all directions by decorated veterans and newcomers alike. This lineup is a thrilling speed-rap that will be the fireworks before the 4^th of July this year, so come be a part of history on June 16^th!”  

Along with the Sylvia-Smith battle, and a heavyweight co-main event featuring former NFL defensive end Tyler King and Travis Bartlett, the rest of the card is filled by NEF mainstays and Maine state favorites like Ryan Sanders, John Raio, Jesse Erickson, Brent Dillingham, and Buck Pineau.

“I’m really excited for the women’s fight,” said NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo.  “In five shows as the promoter-of-record, this will be the first time I’ve had a female fight on a card.  Maria Rios and Kylie Christine will be just the beginning of, what we hope to be, many women to enter the NEF cage.  We are an equal-opportunity promotion.  If women want fights, we’ll do our best to make it happen.”

NEF smashed the all-time attendance record for a mixed martial arts show back in February when over 3,100 fans turned out at the Lewiston Colisee for Fight Night I. With a national television broadcast deal recently announced, NEF looks to enter the second half of 2012 with the same zeal it opened the year out of the gates.

The fight card (subject to change):

Pro

265 Tim Sylvia 30-7 (MFS) vs Randy Smith 14-10-1 (CNY MMA)

265 Travis Bartlett 8-2 vs Tyler King 4-1 (Connors MMA)

170 Ryan Cowette 0-0 (MMAathletix) vs Josh Bellows 0-0 (Littlefield’s Gym)

170 Ryan Sanders 3-1 (Young’s MMA) vs Ray Shawdee 2-1 (BTT/Intenze)

155 Jamie Harrison 2-1 (First Coast Full Contact) vs Antony Woodman 2-6 (Havoc)

155 Josh Parker 2-4 (Littlefield’s Gym) vs Chris Ramos 0-3 (CNYMMA)

155 Bruce Boyington 1-2-1 (Young’s MMA) vs Keegan Hornstra 0-3 (Recluse)

125 Paul Gorman 8-8 (Academy) vs TBD

135 Ernie Ornelas 0-1 (Choi’s) vs Hassan Mahmood 0-0 (Bombsquad)

Amateur

125 Dave Brown 0-1 (Andover Fight Club) vs Logan Trombley 0-0 (Kaze)

130 Maria Rios 1-0 (Academy) vs Kylie Christine 0-0 (CNYMMA)

135 Nick Spencer 0-1 (Choi’s) vs Matt Almy 4-5 (Bombsquad)

145 John Raio 2-0 (MMAathletix) vs Derek Shorey 2-3 (Bill Jones’ Shop)

155 Jesse Erickson 1-1 (CMBJJ) vs TBD

155 Jake Germano 0-0 (Academy) vs John Healey 2-2 (Bill Jones Shop)

155 Nate Charles 0-4 (Wai Nei) vs Josh Thornton 0-0 (CMBJJ)

165 Tollison Lewis 0-1 (Wai Nei) vs TBD

185 Buck Pineau 2-1 (Choi’s) vs TBD

195 Allan Josselyn 0-1 (Team Kaze) vs Matt Benner 0-0 (CNYMMA)

205 Brent Dillingham 2-0 (MMAathletix) vs Crowsneck Boutin 0-0 (Independent)

HVY Charlie Hodge 0-0 (Wai Nei) vs Matt Mahon 0-0 (Bombsquad)

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 this event are on sale now at TheColisee.com or by calling The Colisee box office at 207-783-2009.

Bangor’s Travis “The Showstopper” Bartlett To Return Home For Heavyweight Debut at Fight Night III

Lewiston, Maine (May 9, 2012) – New England Fights! (NEF) is proud to announce a professional heavyweight feature bout between Travis “The Showstopper” Bartlett (8-2) and former NFL football player Tyler King (3-1) at Fight Night III on June 16^th at The Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine. Fight Night III is being headlined by a heavyweight bout between former 5x UFC Heavyweight Champion of the World, Tim “The Mainiac” Sylvia (30-7) and Randy “The Wolf” Smith (14-10-1).

“This is a big card that keeps getting bigger,” stated NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo. “Bringing Travis Bartlett back home to make his heavyweight debut against a giant guy like Tyler King is the perfect compliment to a massive main event in Sylvia-Smith. I don’t think anyone can plan on either of these bouts going to the judges!”

Bangor, Maine native Travis Bartlett began his mixed martial arts (MMA) career in 2007 after completing an impressive amateur boxing career with a record of 77-19 and #6 national ranking to his credit. After entering MMA, he soared to the #1 regional position at light heavyweight by rattling off a number of highlight-reel knockout performances and winning a local title along the way.

After successfully defending his title, Bartlett made the decision to move from Maine to the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas, to pursue his dreams of becoming a full-time fighter. Once established in his new home, Bartlett quickly became a sought-after training partner for some of the greatest fighters of all-time, including Wanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva (35-11-1) and current number one contender for the UFC Heavyweight Championship of the World, Frank Mir (16-5). Now, returning to Maine to fight for the first time ever in his home state, Bartlett is looking to make his heavyweight debut against the fifth ranked heavyweight in the Northeast, Tyler King.

“This will be my first fight as a heavyweight and my first fight in Maine,” Bartlett stated. “I’m very excited to fight in my home state and I think Tyler is the perfect opponent to give my Maine fans a super exciting fight!”

Tyler King is no stranger to elite competition. The North Attleboro, Massachusetts native played defensive end at the University of Connecticut where he was named the team’s Defensive MVP in 2004 before moving on to professional football where he spent time with four NFL teams.  Standing 6-foot-6, all of King’s wins in MMA have come via first round finish and he feels well prepared to face Bartlett on June 16^th.

“When this fight was proposed to me, I jumped at the opportunity,” stated King. “Travis is a well-respected fighter who never has a boring fight. His last fight was an absolute war and knowing what I bring to the table, I expect nothing less than a fight-of-the-year candidate for this bout.”

This will be the second time NEF has held an event at the Colisee this year. This past February, at the inaugural Fight Night event, some 3,200 frenzied fight fans showed up to see the biggest event in Maine mixed martial arts (MMA) history; almost 800 more fans than the crowd that witnessed Muhammad Ali vs. Sonny Liston II in 1965, the most famous fight event ever to take place at the Colisee or in the state of Maine for that matter.

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 “Fight Night Mixed Martial Arts”.  Tickets for this event are on sale now at 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.