Lewiston, Maine (September 27, 2013) – New England Fights Mixed Martial Arts (NEF MMA) today announced that coaches and trainers will face off when Central Maine Brazilian Jiu Jitsu’s (CMBJJ) Jesse “The Viking” Erickson (1-1) will meet MMA Athletix’s Ryan Cowette (0-2) at a catchweight of 160-pounds at “NEF XI” on November 9th at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.
Both Cowette and Erickson handle management and coaching responsibilities at their respective schools. Cowette is the owner and coach of MMA Athletix, while Erickson is the team manager and head trainer at CMBJJ.
Jesse Erickson last stepped into the cage in May of this year at “NEF VII” when he submitted powerhouse puncher Josh Parker (4-7) via armbar less than one minute into their bout. Erickson was scheduled to appear at “NEF X”, but was stood up at the scale when his opponent, Babatunde Odumosu (0-1), failed to arrive at weigh-ins. Frustrated by his failed appearance at the anniversary event of NEF MMA, Erickson is charged-up at the prospect of facing top grappler Cowette.
“Ryan Cowette has been in this game for awhile,” stated Erickson when reached for comment. “He is a brown belt in BJJ and he outweighs me by quite a bit, but I’m going to send a message that none of that matters when I get in the cage with him on November 9th. I’m really looking forward to this fight and I will come prepared for anything. I’m still sour about my last opponent not showing up, but I’m going to use that as fuel for this training camp and come back strong.”
Ryan Cowette, a high level grappler and the founder of MMA Athletix, has had a frustrating start to his professional MMA career. A top-ranked middleweight as an amateur, Cowette has been steadily moving down in weight since deciding to turn professional last year. Stunned in his pro debut when he was stopped by Josh Bellows (1-2) in the first round, Cowette was the victim of an early stoppage in his most recent bout at “NEF X” when referee Jimmy Bickford halted the action when Cowette was caught in a standing guillotine. Cowette protested the stoppage and pointed out that he didn’t tap to the chokehold. Irritated by the event, Cowette vowed to get right back to action on November 9th and continue lowering in weight when he debuts at 160-pounds as part of his plan to eventually compete at lightweight.
“The horse is prepared against the day of battle,” Cowette stated when reached for comment. “But safety is of the Lord. I am just the horse. I will prepare. The rest is in God’s Hands. I respect all my opponents. I am looking to have a great battle. Thanks to Jesse Erickson for taking this fight. Thank you to everyone who buys tickets to NEF. Thanks to Matt and Nick for putting on a great show. Thanks to my team for preparing this crotchety old horse.”
NEF MMA’s next event, “NEF XI,” is scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 9, 2013 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine. Maine State MMA Bantamweight Champion Paul Gorman (9-8) is scheduled to defend his title that night. Tickets start at just $10 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.”