Lewiston, Maine (March 18, 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, 2014 card scheduled to take place at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine. The fight is the third professional lightweight bout added to the "NEF XIII" fight card. The bout, which will be contested at a weight of 155-pounds, will feature Devin Powell (2-1) taking on Jonathan Lemke (3-1).
"Our pro lightweight division is one of our deepest divisions," said NEF MMA co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo. "You have Jesse Erickson (2-2), Ryan Cowette (2-2), Tollison Lewis (0-1) and John Daniels (2-2) all actively competing under long-term contracts. Now you throw Devin Powell into the mix along with the return of Jon Lemke. Any one of those guys could put together a few wins and have the vacant lightweight belt around their waist by year's end."
At "NEF X" last September, Lemke had the opportunity to take that vacant lightweight title. He was scheduled to face John Ortolani (7-9) to fill the top spot in the division which was left void when former lightweight kingpin Dez Green (11-2) signed with national fight promotion Bellator. The Lemke-Ortolani fight hit a speed bump just hours prior to weigh-ins when Lemke informed NEF MMA co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson that not only would he not be able to make the 155-pound limit to challenge for the title, but that he also did not intend to go through with the fight if he could not win the title. Lemke, who trains out of Team Irish, took the next several months off from active competition before being offered the opportunity to return to NEF MMA.
"We believe in second chances," said Peterson when reached for comment. "Jon Lemke is a great fighter, and an even better person. He's won three fights in a row in-state at 155-pounds, so he's just a win or so away from getting himself right back into the title picture."
"I am so incredibly grateful and very much looking forward to this opportunity to step back in the NEF cage and earn some redemption," stated Lemke. "It is an honor and privilege to fight for NEF in the state of Maine. I anticipate a good battle from Devin and will make the most of this opportunity."
Lemke will face stiff competition in the form of Devin Powell who will be fighting for the first time in his home state of Maine. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) Brown Belt currently training out of The Shop in Somersworth, NH, Powell was the top-ranked lightweight in the northeast region during his amateur career. Coming off a very close split decision loss to Bruce Boyington (5-7), Powell will look to get back on the winning track on May 10.
"I can't wait to fight in my home state," said an excited Powell. "Lemke is a great fighter from a phenomenal camp. I expect, and am preparing for, a war. A war which I fully intend to win."
“NEF XIII” is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 10, 2014 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine with a bell time of 7:00 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 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.”