Lewiston, Maine (February 2, 2015) –New England Fights (NEF), America's number-one regional fight promotion, announced earlier today that the company had re-signed Jarod "Last Minute" Lawton (4-1) to a multi-fight contract. While the exact terms of the deal were not released, NEF executives confirmed that the contract would be long-term over a course of years.
“I am very excited to continue to be a part of the NEF organization,” stated Lawton when reached for comment. “They have been a great supporter of my development in MMA and have done a great job building a sustainable platform for local fighters to grow and improve. I am very excited about the upcoming year with them and guarantee some great performances.”
"Jarod Lawton is one of the hottest prospects on the regional MMA (mixed-martial-arts) scene right now," said NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson. "He’s a big, strong, athletic BJJ Black Belt with very solid standup skills. We have no doubt that Jarod has next-level potential and this deal will give him the opportunities he needs to get there."
Lawton, 30, holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) under Alexey Cruz, a 5th degree BJJ Black Belt under Ricardo de La Riva. Lawton is the owner and operator of Team Lawton Martial Arts - a Team New England United (NEU) affiliate located in Farmingdale, Maine. Lawton has won his last three MMA fights in a row in the NEF MMA cage. NEF executives anticipate that Lawton will have the first fight of his new contract this spring.
While Lawton's greatest accomplishments have come on the grappling mats and the MMA cage, he proved his versatility in combat sports this past fall on the very first NEF Boxing event in Lewiston, Maine. Lawton, in a double pro boxing debut, fought experienced amateur boxer Joel Bishop (0-0-1) to a majority draw on the judges' scorecards. It was a fight, however, that many in attendance felt Lawton clearly won. NEF executives confirmed that the new agreement with Lawton would guarantee him both MMA and boxing fights with the promotion.
"All around, Jarod Lawton is just a great, great athlete," said NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo. "Matt (Peterson) and I knew it three years ago. We're very proud to have him back on our roster for many fights to come."
NEF's next MMA event, "NEF XVI," takes place on February 7, 2015 with an all-star lineup of fights scheduled. Ray "All Business" Wood (5-0) returns that night to defend the NEF MMA Featherweight Title against Bellator and WEC veteran Anthony "Cheesesteak" Morrison (16-9). NFL and UFC The Ultimate Fighter veteran Tyler King (7-2) puts the NEF MMA Heavyweight Title on the line against Terry "The Polar Bear" Blackburn (5-2). In the feature bout of the evening, UFC, Bellator and Strikeforce veteran Nah-Shon Burrell (10-5) makes his NEF MMA debut against Ryan Hodge (6-9). Tickets 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 videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”