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December 16, 2019

TOP RANKED LIGHTWEIGHT RETURNS TO NEF CAGE AGAINST DECORATED ARMY RANGER


[NEF PRESS RELEASE]

Portland, Maine (December 12, 2019) – New England Fights (NEF) will hold its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, "NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction," on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Merrill Auditorium in Portland.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur lightweight fight to the card.  Mohammad Al Kinani (7-1) will take on Justin Middleton (1-0) at a fight weight of 155 pounds.

 Mohammad Al Kinani is currently the number-one-ranked lightweight amateur in all of New England MMA.  He last appeared in the NEF cage in November 2018.  Al Kinani holds a perfect record of 3-0 with the promotion and has finished all three opponents in the first round via technical knockout.  One of the top prospects in the region, Al Kinani represents Evolution Athletix based in Saco, Maine.

 “I’m excited as always to fight in Portland,” noted Al Kinani.  “It’s different fighting in Portland.  I have a lot to prove against Justin Middleton February 8th at Merrill Auditorium. Be ready to see a different animal to start up the New Year. Portland is my town - my territory.”



 Justin Middleton burst onto the NEF fight scene with an upset victory over Jon Assam (1-2) last month at “NEF 41” in Portland.  Middleton came into the bout as the underdog as it was both his debut against the more experienced Assam and Assam represented an established fight team while Middleton was an independent competitor.  He submitted Assam via rear-naked choke in the first round.  Middleton is a longtime, distinguished, and heavily-decorated Army Ranger that served the United States proudly in Iraq.

 “I’m honored to have such a seasoned and accomplished opponent so early in my career,” said Middleton.  “I know that it's going to be a challenge, and I will be training accordingly. 155 is the optimum performance weight for me, and I will be coming with everything I've got. I'm sure Mo and I will give the fans a war."

 New England Fights' next mixed-martial-arts event, "NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction," will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine. Tickets are on sale now at www.PortTix.com.