Lewiston, Maine (July 7, 2014) – New England Fights Mixed Martial Arts (NEF MMA), the Northeast’s premier mixed martial arts promotion, today announced the addition of a professional bantamweight title bout to the company's upcoming "NEF XIV" event. The fight will feature reigning Maine State MMA Bantamweight Champion Paul Gorman (10-8) defending against Tim "The Terror" Goodwin (8-4) at a weight of 135-pounds. "NEF XIV" is scheduled to take place at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine on September 6, 2014 with a bell time of 7:00 pm.
Gorman, fighting out of the Academy of MMA in Portland, ME, has held the title since defeating Adam Toussaint (5-5) at "NEF V" in November of 2012. Shortly after receiving his Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from Academy coach Jay Jack (12-7) last year, Gorman successfully defended the bantamweight championship against Tateki Matsuda (9-5), winning a split-decision on the judges' scorecards. The bout , which took place at "NEF XI" in November of 2013, was voted "Fight of the Year" by NEF MMA fans. Since that time, however, Gorman has been forced to the sidelines after continuous pull-outs by title challengers.
"It's been difficult finding Paul opponents who actually show up to fight," said NEF MMA co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo. "It's been a real tragedy. Especially when we find these top-ten ranked guys and they pull out. I think a big part of that is that Paul is such a dangerous opponent and his challengers get cold feet. Tim Goodwin's had the same problem down south in his region. That's why we like this fight so much. It's two guys who understand each other's frustration and who are both going to bring everything they have to this fight on September 6th!"
"I'm happy to be climbing back into the cage September 6th against Tim Goodwin," said Gorman. "Tim is another tough opponent, but I wouldn't have it any other way. It's awesome to be a part of this huge card, and I will be looking to steal the show when I defend my title on the 6th."
A native of Columbia, South Carolina, Goodwin has also had difficulty finding opponents in his region willing to step in the cage with someone of his caliber. He is a veteran of national fight promotion Bellator. Goodwin has been on a roll of late, winning three of his last four, and he is looking forward to traveling north to compete against Gorman for the Maine State Bantamweight Title.
"I've been itching for a big fight opportunity and this is it," said Goodwin when reached for comment. "It's been nothing but bad luck trying to find fights in the Southeast so it looks like I'll be bringing my talents to New England. I am excited to be fighting for NEF and even more excited to take that belt and bring it back home to South Carolina."
"This is the quality of fight NEF always looks to put on for the fans," exclaimed NEF MMA co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson. "Paul's fights are always exciting, and we scour the entire country looking for opponents who can provide that next 'Fight of the Night' for the crowd. Four title fights in one night, and any of these fights could be a main event on any other card. The fans are the big winners on September 6th."
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). Bantamweight Champion Paul Gorman (10-8) defends against Tim "The Terror" Goodwin (8-4). 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.”