Lewiston, Maine (December 15, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America's number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, "NEF 21: THE IMMORTALS" on Saturday, February 6, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine. The fight card is scheduled to feature both mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing bouts. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur featherweight bout to the "NEF 21" fight card. Michael Peitersen (3-0) is scheduled to face Rafael "Air Guard" Velado (2-0) at a fight weight of 145-pounds.Michael Peitersen is a member of Young's MMA in Bangor, Maine. He made his NEF MMA debut in November 2013 against Carl Langston (5-8). Langston broke Peitersen's nose during that fight, but Peitersen valiantly battled back to get the submission win over Langston in the third round. After a year off from MMA competition, Peitersen returned in early 2015 with a second-round TKO victory over Henry Clark (3-1), handing Clark his sole loss to date in the cage. He would follow up that win with another TKO over Ken Dunn (0-3) this past September.
"I'm beyond excited to fight my toughest opponent yet," said Peitersen, "and I'm truly honored that my coach and NEF think me worthy enough to step into the cage opposite a man who has achieved a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Win or lose, I hope I can provide a fast paced and enjoyable match!"
Rafael Velado does indeed hold a black belt in BJJ. He has trained in the sport since 2005, and was awarded his black belt in 2012 by UFC veteran Joe Moreira. Velado currently represents John Raio's First Class Fitness & MMA of Brunswick, Maine. He made his MMA debut this past September at "NEF XIX" with a first-round submission win over Cory Trial (1-2), followed by another first-round submission of Ken Dunn last month at "NEF XX.""I'm honored to be fighting a warrior from Young's MMA," said Velado. "Everyone knows that they produce hardened, well rounded guys/girls. I told John Raio that I wanted a well-rounded guy for my next fight and Mike Peitersen is exactly that. This will be my third fight in as many NEF events, and I believe you are going to see a more diverse performance from me. I have tons of respect for Young's and Mike. We're both undefeated and have been dominant thus far. If you're not excited about this fight - lose my number!"
"Michael Peitersen and Rafael Velado are two of the most entertaining fighters on the NEF roster," said NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo. "Not only are they both loaded with talent, but they both bring a ton of personality into the cage with them. They are both characters, and I guarantee they're going to make weigh-ins and fight night a lot of fun for all of us."
New England Fights' next event, "NEF 21: THE IMMORTALS," takes place Saturday, February 6, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine. Tickets for "NEF 21" start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée 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.”