Lewiston, Maine (June 13, 2014) – New England Fights Mixed Martial Arts (NEF MMA), the Northeast’s premier mixed martial arts promotion, today announced the addition of a professional welterweight bout to the company's "NEF XIV" event. The fight will feature Jarod "Last Minute" Lawton (4-1) facing John Daniels (2-3) at a weight of 170-pounds. "NEF XIV" is scheduled to take place on September 6, 2014 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine with a bell time of 7:00 pm.
Lawton's last appearance for NEF MMA was at "NEF XII" in February of this year. The capacity crowd in Lewiston witnessed Lawton score a come-from-behind knockout of John Ortolani (7-8) late in the second round. The knockout was a bit of a departure from Lawton's signature come-from-behind, late-fight submission victories that had won him a spot in the hearts of Maine fight fans.
There is no doubt that Lawton will look to bring back his highlight-reel submission finishes in order to take home the new "Submission of the Night" bonus now offered at NEF MMA events by Lawton's sponsor Origin. The bonus is an accolade tailor-made for the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) black belt and head instructor of Augusta, Maine's Innovative Athletics BJJ - a New England United affiliate. Maybe the most decorated competitor ever to come out of Maine, Lawton's list of grappling and BJJ tournament victories reads like a short novel. Still, with his impressive wealth of accomplishments on the mat, Lawton cannot hide his excitement for a return to the NEF MMA cage.
"I'm really excited to be back in the ring for NEF," said Lawton. "Hoping to put on another exciting fight. I am constantly trying to improve not only as a fighter but as a role model to my students and the community and continue to give the sport a positive image. I want to thank NEF and my sponsor Origin for this opportunity, and I want to thank my wife and son and the entire New England United team for their continued support."
John Daniels' NEF MMA debut at "NEF XIII" did not go as planned last month. Daniels lost to Jesse "The Viking" Erickson (3-2) by submission a mere 36-seconds into the first round. Fans who have followed the sport for some time will tell you that Daniels is a tough veteran and not to be underestimated by any means. A former state wrestling champion in Connecticut, Daniels currently resides in Rockland, Maine where he trains with Rock City MMA. He will look to get back on the winning track on September 6 when he steps into the NEF MMA cage opposite Lawton.
"I am really excited for this fight," said Daniels when reached for comment. "It will be my toughest fight to date. Jarod Lawton is 4-1 with a very strong BJJ background. I have been working hard on my standup and my BJJ for this fight. I would like to thank NEF for the opportunity to fight for them and their fans."
NEF MMA's next event, “NEF XIV,” is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 6, 2014 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine with a bell time of 7:00 pm. In the main event of the evening, Tim "The Maine-iac" Sylvia (31-9) returns to Maine to face fellow UFC veteran Christian Morecraft (8-3) for the Super-Heavyweight Title. Featherweight Champion Ray "All Business" Wood (4-0) returns from injury after a year of recovery against Brazil's Gabriel Baino (6-1). Plus, Bruce "Pretty Boy" Boyington (6-7) and Jesse "The Viking" Erickson (3-2) will meet for the Lightweight Title, and John "First Class" Raio (2-5) competes in his final fight. Tickets for "NEF XIV" 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.”