Lewiston, Maine (May 16, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with the fight promotion's next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing extravaganza, "NEF 24: PROMISED LAND." NEF executives have announced the signing of a professional featherweight MMA bout to the card featuring Matt "Ken Doll" Denning (3-2) and Brandon Bushaw (1-2).
Denning is coming off a huge submission victory over Derek Shorey (3-7) this past weekend at "NEF 23" in Hyannis, Massachusetts. The first time the pair met in 2014, it took Denning a mere 2:28 to submit Shorey. Denning topped that performance in the rematch by finishing Shorey in just 37-seconds. The win was a rebound for Denning after back-to-back losses in the NEF MMA cage. Just last month in Lewiston, he was stopped in the first round by Josh Harvey (1-0). Now, he will look to make it two wins in a row when he takes on Bushaw on June 18.
"I'd like to thank New England fights for giving me another opportunity to show my skills and how hard I have been working," said Denning. "This is my third fight in eight weeks. After fighting someone as tough as Josh Harvey, I'm prepared to battle with anyone. I'm going to keep the fight in my hands and dominate on the feet, wrestling, or if it hits the ground. Bushaw is an experienced fighter and is going to bring it fast. I'm looking forward to it and extremely confident with staying in the win column."
Recent years have seen Bushaw relocate from Maine to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina where he trains at Fitness Edge MMA. He has made the trip back home to the Pine Tree State to compete for NEF on four separate occasions. Bushaw's last appearance on an NEF card was in the fall of 2014 against Elias Leland (2-1). It was Bushaw's only loss to date in his home state of Maine. The upcoming fight with Denning will see Bushaw move up in weight from the 135-pound bantamweight division to the 145-pound featherweight division.
"I am beyond excited to return to my home state of Maine and fight under the NEF banner for the fifth time," exclaimed Bushaw. "I am making the move up to 145, where I intend to stay for the rest of my career. That is, of course, if my sole loss in Maine will accept a rematch - I would gladly make the cut to fight Eli Leland again at 135! I am making this trip with 'The Fearless One,' 'The Titanium Warrior,' Amos Collins! I look up to Amos as a mentor, a friend, and one ballsy motherf$%ker! I can't wait to put my fist on 'Ken Doll's' face, and blow him a kiss when he wakes up!"
NEF returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with "NEF 24: PROMISED LAND." Tickets for “NEF 24” 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 events 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.”