[NEF Press Release]
Lewiston, Maine (August 12, 2013) – New England Fights (NEF) today announced the addition of a middleweight feature fight between The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) veteran Jimmy “Crash” Quinlan (3-1) and undefeated prospect Luc Bondole (2-0) to the mixed martial arts promotion’s tenth event entitled “NEF X” to be held on September 21st at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.
“When I received the call that Jimmy was looking for a fight fresh off of his solid run in the TUF house, I jumped at the opportunity to book him,” stated NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson. “Quinlan’s grappling credentials are bulletproof and he forged his skills the old fashioned way—through hard work. He’s exactly the type of athlete we aim to work with here at NEF MMA and we can’t wait to watch him compete against a top prospect in Luc Bondole who we’ll be bringing in from California for the occasion.”
“Bondole and Quinlan is an interesting matchup,” stated NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo. “Jimmy is a menace for anyone on the ground, but Bondole has the size, strength and athleticism to avoid going there if he doesn’t want to. Jimmy’s wrestling will be substantial and a challenge for Bondole to deal with, but Luc is a massive middleweight and has never tasted defeat in any of his seven fights. This is an intense addition to a card that runs leagues deep with talent.”
Jimmy “Crash” Quinlan completed a successful four-year wrestling career at Bridgewater State College before he began exploring Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ). Quinlan, who recently earned his black belt, is a world and multiple-time Pan Am champion in BJJ. His wrestling and BJJ hybrid style of fighting have proven lethal in the cage. He scored multiple victories in the TUF House during the most recent “Team Jones vs Team Sonnen” edition of the popular reality television show and was picked-up by the UFC for a fight in the season finale. Quinlan lost in his UFC debut, but is determined to notch some wins and earn his way back to the big show. His journey back begins with Luc Bondole on September 21st.
“NEF always showcases the region’s best talent, so it was an easy choice to fight for them and begin my climb back to MMA’s biggest stage,” stated Quinlan.
Luc Bondole amassed a perfect 5-0 amateur career before deciding to go pro in late 2012. Bondole made his NEF debut earlier this year at “NEF VI” when he took on a very tough Ryan Hodge (5-7). The 6’2” Bondole won a unanimous judges’ decision on the scorecards after a workman-like fifteen rounds of fighting. Originally from Portland, Maine, Bondole now lives and trains in California with aspirations of someday competing in the biggest promotions in the world. Bondole and his management team understand that a win over Quinlan will exponentially move him up the rankings and that much closer to a shot at Bellator or the UFC.
“I’m excited and honored to be fighting Jimmy Quinlan,” stated Bondole. “It will be a night to remember.”
“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 at www.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). Also scheduled is a 155-pound bout between Jon Lemke (3-1) and John Ortolani (7-7) to fill the recently vacated Maine State Lightweight Championship. 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.