New England Fights returns this Saturday with their first show of the year. This event will be in a new location called the Merrill Auditorium in Portland Maine. They are starting the year off big with a 23 fight card with amateur and pro fights galore. Lots of big fights on this card and there have also been some changes along the way. The doors will be opening at 6pm and the first fight will start at 7pm. Let me break down the fight card for you all. If you don't have your tickets yet get them at the link here. This should be the exact order of the fights for the night as NEF rarely changes them.
135 AM Teddy Politis (Evolution Athletix 0-0 ) vs Kevin Lemay (First Class MMA 0-0)
The first match of the night is between Teddy Politis and Kevin Lemay at 135 lbs amateur. Teddy trains with Evolution Athletix and will be making his amateur debut. His opponent is Kevin Lemay and he trains with First Class MMA. He will also be making his amateur debut. Two new fighters starting out should make for a solid first battle.
145 AM Henry Clark (Recon 5-5) vs Taylor Bartlett (CMBJJ 2-2-1)
Then at 145 lbs Henry Clark will be taking on Taylor Bartlett. Clark trains with Recon and comes into this fight with a 5-5 record with 4 submission and 1 decision victory. For his losses, he lost 3 by ko/tko and 2 by way of decision. His opponent is Taylor Bartlett and he train with CMBJJ. For his wins, he has both wins by ko/tko and 1 loss by submission, and 1 by decision. Both fighters are from solid schools and are even in their win/loss ratio so it should be a close battle.
145 AM Randall Hathorn (Independent 0-1) vs Tim Murray (CMBJJ 0-0)
At 145 lbs Randall Hathorn will be fighting Tim Murray. Randall is an independent fighter with his 1 loss by ko. His opponent is Tim Murray and he trains with CMBJJ. He will be making his amateur debut. I see this one being a ground battle.
170 AM Wyatt Sochin (Acadia BJJ 0-0) vs Dylan Williams (Independent 0-3)
Next up is at 170 lbs Wyatt Sochin will be challenging Dylan Williams. Wyatt trains with Acadia BJJ and he will be making his amateur debut. His opponent is Dylan Williams and he is an independent fighter. He comes into this fight with an 0-3 record with 1 loss by ko, 1 loss by sub and 1 loss by decision. I am guessing this fight is going to be a ground battle.
125 AM Dillon Henry (First Class MMA 0-3 ) vs Caleb Austin (CMBJJ 3-0)
Then at 125 lbs Dillon Henry will be taking on Caleb Austin. Dillon trains with First Class MMA and comes into this fight with an 0-3 record with 1 loss by injury and 2 by submission. He is still hungry for his first win. His opponent is Caleb Austin and he trains with CMBJJ. He comes into this fight with a 3-0 record with all 3 wins by ko/tko to strikes. I think this one is a tough fight for Dillon so he better bring it if he wants to be victorious.
185 AM Tim Bergeron (Team Landry 0-1) vs Henry Jeffs (Independent 0-2)
At 185 lbs Tim Bergeron will be taking on Henry Jeffs. Tim trains with Team Landry and comes into this fight with an 0-1 record. He lost his first bout by decision at the last NEF. His opponent is Henry Jeffs and he is an independent fighter. He comes into this fight with a record of 0-2 with both losses by ko/tko. Both of these guys are looking for their first W of their career and one of them will be getting it!
166 AM Ben Grady (Evolution Athletix 0-0) vs Jon Assam (CMBJJ 1-2)
Then at 166 lbs Ben Grady will be fighting Jon Assam. Ben trains with Evolution Athletix and he will be making his amateur debut. His opponent is Jon Assam and he trains with CMBJJ. He comes into this fight with a 1-2 record with his 1 win by split decision. For his losses, he lost 1 by submission and 1 by decision. I can't speak for Ben but I can tell you that Jon always brings it so this should be a good war.
125 AM Giuliano Rossi (Kaze 0-0) vs Ryan Fogg (Maine Kyokushin Karate 0-1)
At 125 lbs Giuliano Rossi will be taking on Ryan Fogg. Rossi trains with Team Kaze and he will be making his amateur debut. His opponent is Ryan Fogg and he trains with Maine Kyokushin Karate. He comes into this fight with an 0-1 record with 1 loss by ko/tko. Team Kaze fighters always bring it so I see this one being a stand up war.
165 AM Austin Hamilton (Independent 0-1) vs Garry Carr (CMBJJ 2-1)
Next up is at 165 lbs Austin Hamilton will be taking on Garry Carr. Austin is an independent fighter who comes into this fight with an 0-1 record. His one loss came by ko/tko to strikes at the last NEF. His opponent is Garry Carr and he trains with CMBJJ. He comes into this fight with a 2-1 record with 1 win by ko/tko and 1 win by submission. His sole loss came by a doctor stoppage due to a cut against Brian Cosco. This will be another good battle and keep in mind that Garry Carr is 2-1 in his late 50s.
145 AM Tyler Smythe (Evolution Athletix 0-0) vs Clifford Redman (Independent 0-11)
Then at 145 lb Tyler Smythe will be squaring off against Clifford Redman. Tyler trains with Evolution Athletix and will be making his amateur debut. His opponent is Clifford Redman and he is an independent fighter. He comes into this fight with a record of 0-11 with 6 by ko/tko and 5 by submission. Clifford had his fight cancelled recently and then Tyler lost his opponent and thankfully they both agreed to fight. It may not be the best fight but we all know how hard fighters prepare so luckily it was saved.
170 AM Jason Landry (Team Landry 2-1) vs Dustin Carrier (CMBJJ 0-0)
Then at 170 lbs Jason Landry will be taking on Dustin Carrier. Jason trains with Team Landry and comes into this fight with a record of 2-1 with 1 win by ko/tko and 1 by submission. His 1 loss came by ko/tko to strikes. His opponent is Dustin Carrier and he trains at CMBJJ. He will be making his amateur debut. Jason will try to keep this fight standing and swing for the fences. Dustin will most likely want to get this fight to the ground and work a submission.
265 AM Titus Pannell (T4 Survival 1-0) vs Darryl Andrews (SSSF 0-0)
In the heavyweight division Titus Pannell will be challenging Darryl Andrews. Titus trains with T4 Survival and comes into this fight with a 1-0 record. He got his first win by ko/tko in Round 2 at NEF 38. His opponent is Darryl Andrews and he trains out of SSSF. He will be making his amateur debut. No doubt, these guys will be swinging for the fences and the bigger they are the harder they fall!!!
158 AM Brian Cosco (Redline 5-8) vs Nate White (CMBJJ 4-0)
At a catch weight of 158 lbs Brian Cosco will be facing off against Nate White. Brian trains with Redline and comes into this fight with a 5-8 record. In the win column, he has 1 by ko/tko and 4 by submission. For his losses, he has 2 by ko/tko, 4 by submission and 2 by decision. His opponent is Nate White and he trains with CMBJJ. He comes into this fight with a perfect 4-0 record with all 4 wins by ko/tko stoppage. This fight is going to be a good one, I see it being a back and forth battle and a ground battle.
135 AM Felipe Gunter (First Class MMA 1-0) vs Hannon Sanford (CMBJJ 0-0)
Then at 135 lbs Felipe Gunter will be taking on Hannon Sanford. Felipe trains with First Class MMA and comes into this fight with a 1-0 record. He won his first fight by by rear naked choke at NEF 36. His opponent is Hannon Sanford and he trains with CMBJJ. He will be making his amateur debut. Two great schools and they are just both starting out so should be a solid battle.
170 AM Mike Bezanson (Kaze 4-0) vs Greg Ishihara (Recon 2-1)
Next up is at 170 lbs Mike Bezanson will be facing Greg Ishihara. Mike trains with Team Kaze and comes into this fight with a 4-0 record. He has all 4 wins by way of ko/tko to strikes. His opponent is Greg Ishihara and he trains with Recon. Greg comes into this fight with a 2-1 record with both wins by ko/tko. His one loss came by ko/tko to strikes at NEF 38. This fight has potential to be fight of the night as I see both of these guys staying standing and slugging it out!
155 AM Justin Kangas (First Class MMA 0-2) vs Joe Howard (CMBJJ 2-3)
At 155 lbs Justin Kangas will be stepping into the cage against Joe Howard. Justin trains with First Class MMA and comes into this fight with an 0-2 record. For his losses, he lost 1 by ko/tko and 1 by way of submission. He is still looking for his first win. His opponent is Joe Howard and he trains out of CMBJJ. He comes into this fight with a 2-3 record with 1 win by ko/tko and 1 by submission. For his losses, he lost 1 by ko/tko and 2 by submission. This is another close record and I see it being a ground battle.
165 AM Mike Murray (Camden Combat/Foundry 2-1) vs Tim Birkenhead (SSSF 1-0)
Then at 165 lbs Mike Murray will be taking on Tim Birkenhead for the last amateur fight of the night. Mike trains with Camden Combat and the Foundry and comes into this fight with a 2-1 record. For his wins, he won both of them by rear naked choke. His one loss came by decision to Zac Richard at NEF 41. His opponent is Tim Birkenhead and he trains with SSSF. He comes into this fight with a 1-0 record with 1 win by decision. I think this fight is going to be a close ground battle.
140 PRO Nate Boucher (0-0 CMBJJ) vs. Chris Caterino (3-3 Gate City MMA)
The first pro fight of the night is between Nate Boucher and Chris Caterino. Nate trains with CMBJJ and will be making his long awaited pro debut. As an amateur he went 6-3 with 5 wins being submissions and 1 decision. He has fought in tough battles and will be more than ready for his pro debut. His opponent is Chris Caterino and he trains with Gate City MMA. He comes into this fight with a 3-3 record with 1 ko/tko, 1 submission and 1 decision. For his losses, he lost 1 ko/tko and 2 by submission. Both fighters are very well rounded but I see this one being a ground battle. Chris I think will want to keep this one standing and Nate will want this one on the mat.
205 PRO Crowsneck Boutin (Independent 2-3) vs. Justin Burrill (SSSF 3-2)
At 205 lbs Crowsneck Boutin will be fighting Justin Burrill. Crowsneck is an independent fight who comes into this fight with a 2-3 record. For his wins he has 1 win by ko/tko and 1 by decision. For his losses, he lost all 3 by submission. His opponent is Justin Burrill and he trains with SSSF. He comes into this fight with a 3-2 record with 2 by ko/tko and 1 by submission. For his losses, he lost 1 by ko/tko to strikes and 1 by decision. Both of these fighters have not fought for a while and are looking to make their return with a W. Crowsneck just recently stepped in this week so thanks for stepping up and saving the fight Crow. I see this one being a quick battle.
145 PRO Jacob Deppmeyer (First Class MMA 0-0) vs Carl Langston (Young’s MMA 0-4)
Then at 145 lbs Jacob Deppmeyer will be taking on Carl Langston. Jake trains with First Class MMA and he will be making his pro debut. As an amateur he went 1-2-1 with 1 win by ko/tko. For his losses, he lost 1 by submission and 1 by way of decision. His opponent is Carl Langston and he trains with Young's MMA. He comes into this fight with an 0-4 record with all 4 losses by decision. He is still hungry for his first pro victory. I see this one being a stand up battle.
265 PRO Ras Hylton (First Class MMA 4-3) vs Brad Lee (Paladin Combat Sports 0-0)
In the heavy weight division Ras Hylton will be squaring off against Brad Lee. Ras trains with First Class MMA and comes into this fight with a 4-3 record with all 4 wins by ko/tko. For his losses, he lost 3 by ko/tko to strikes. His opponent is Brad Lee and he trains with Paladin Combat Sports. He will be making his pro debut. No doubt in my mind both of these guys are going to stand and swing for the fences. Someone will be getting knocked out in this one.
160 PRO Ryan Cushing (Independent 0-0) vs Keegan Hornstra (Evolution Athletix 4-11)
155 PRO Josh Harvey (Vision Quest Muay Thai 7-0-1) vs Jesse Erickson (9-8 CMBJJ)
At 155 lbs Josh Harvey will be facing off against Jesse Erickson. Josh trains with Vision Quest Muay Thai and comes into this fight with a 7-0 record. In the win column, he has 2 by ko/tko and 5 by submission. His opponent is Jesse Erickson and he trains with CMBJJ. He comes into this fight with a 9-8 record with 2 by ko/tko and 7 by submission. For his losses, he lost 6 by ko/tko and 2 by submission. This is a huge showdown for Maine as both of these guys have fought up there for a long time. I love both fighters and hate to see one lose but there can only be one winner. I see this one being a ground battle.
155 PRO TITLE Bruce Boyington (Titan Athletics 17-11) vs Manny Bermudez (SSSF 14-2)
Then at 145 lbs Henry Clark will be taking on Taylor Bartlett. Clark trains with Recon and comes into this fight with a 5-5 record with 4 submission and 1 decision victory. For his losses, he lost 3 by ko/tko and 2 by way of decision. His opponent is Taylor Bartlett and he train with CMBJJ. For his wins, he has both wins by ko/tko and 1 loss by submission, and 1 by decision. Both fighters are from solid schools and are even in their win/loss ratio so it should be a close battle.
145 AM Randall Hathorn (Independent 0-1) vs Tim Murray (CMBJJ 0-0)
At 145 lbs Randall Hathorn will be fighting Tim Murray. Randall is an independent fighter with his 1 loss by ko. His opponent is Tim Murray and he trains with CMBJJ. He will be making his amateur debut. I see this one being a ground battle.
170 AM Wyatt Sochin (Acadia BJJ 0-0) vs Dylan Williams (Independent 0-3)
Next up is at 170 lbs Wyatt Sochin will be challenging Dylan Williams. Wyatt trains with Acadia BJJ and he will be making his amateur debut. His opponent is Dylan Williams and he is an independent fighter. He comes into this fight with an 0-3 record with 1 loss by ko, 1 loss by sub and 1 loss by decision. I am guessing this fight is going to be a ground battle.
125 AM Dillon Henry (First Class MMA 0-3 ) vs Caleb Austin (CMBJJ 3-0)
Then at 125 lbs Dillon Henry will be taking on Caleb Austin. Dillon trains with First Class MMA and comes into this fight with an 0-3 record with 1 loss by injury and 2 by submission. He is still hungry for his first win. His opponent is Caleb Austin and he trains with CMBJJ. He comes into this fight with a 3-0 record with all 3 wins by ko/tko to strikes. I think this one is a tough fight for Dillon so he better bring it if he wants to be victorious.
185 AM Tim Bergeron (Team Landry 0-1) vs Henry Jeffs (Independent 0-2)
At 185 lbs Tim Bergeron will be taking on Henry Jeffs. Tim trains with Team Landry and comes into this fight with an 0-1 record. He lost his first bout by decision at the last NEF. His opponent is Henry Jeffs and he is an independent fighter. He comes into this fight with a record of 0-2 with both losses by ko/tko. Both of these guys are looking for their first W of their career and one of them will be getting it!
166 AM Ben Grady (Evolution Athletix 0-0) vs Jon Assam (CMBJJ 1-2)
Then at 166 lbs Ben Grady will be fighting Jon Assam. Ben trains with Evolution Athletix and he will be making his amateur debut. His opponent is Jon Assam and he trains with CMBJJ. He comes into this fight with a 1-2 record with his 1 win by split decision. For his losses, he lost 1 by submission and 1 by decision. I can't speak for Ben but I can tell you that Jon always brings it so this should be a good war.
125 AM Giuliano Rossi (Kaze 0-0) vs Ryan Fogg (Maine Kyokushin Karate 0-1)
At 125 lbs Giuliano Rossi will be taking on Ryan Fogg. Rossi trains with Team Kaze and he will be making his amateur debut. His opponent is Ryan Fogg and he trains with Maine Kyokushin Karate. He comes into this fight with an 0-1 record with 1 loss by ko/tko. Team Kaze fighters always bring it so I see this one being a stand up war.
165 AM Austin Hamilton (Independent 0-1) vs Garry Carr (CMBJJ 2-1)
Next up is at 165 lbs Austin Hamilton will be taking on Garry Carr. Austin is an independent fighter who comes into this fight with an 0-1 record. His one loss came by ko/tko to strikes at the last NEF. His opponent is Garry Carr and he trains with CMBJJ. He comes into this fight with a 2-1 record with 1 win by ko/tko and 1 win by submission. His sole loss came by a doctor stoppage due to a cut against Brian Cosco. This will be another good battle and keep in mind that Garry Carr is 2-1 in his late 50s.
145 AM Tyler Smythe (Evolution Athletix 0-0) vs Clifford Redman (Independent 0-11)
Then at 145 lb Tyler Smythe will be squaring off against Clifford Redman. Tyler trains with Evolution Athletix and will be making his amateur debut. His opponent is Clifford Redman and he is an independent fighter. He comes into this fight with a record of 0-11 with 6 by ko/tko and 5 by submission. Clifford had his fight cancelled recently and then Tyler lost his opponent and thankfully they both agreed to fight. It may not be the best fight but we all know how hard fighters prepare so luckily it was saved.
170 AM Jason Landry (Team Landry 2-1) vs Dustin Carrier (CMBJJ 0-0)
Then at 170 lbs Jason Landry will be taking on Dustin Carrier. Jason trains with Team Landry and comes into this fight with a record of 2-1 with 1 win by ko/tko and 1 by submission. His 1 loss came by ko/tko to strikes. His opponent is Dustin Carrier and he trains at CMBJJ. He will be making his amateur debut. Jason will try to keep this fight standing and swing for the fences. Dustin will most likely want to get this fight to the ground and work a submission.
265 AM Titus Pannell (T4 Survival 1-0) vs Darryl Andrews (SSSF 0-0)
In the heavyweight division Titus Pannell will be challenging Darryl Andrews. Titus trains with T4 Survival and comes into this fight with a 1-0 record. He got his first win by ko/tko in Round 2 at NEF 38. His opponent is Darryl Andrews and he trains out of SSSF. He will be making his amateur debut. No doubt, these guys will be swinging for the fences and the bigger they are the harder they fall!!!
158 AM Brian Cosco (Redline 5-8) vs Nate White (CMBJJ 4-0)
At a catch weight of 158 lbs Brian Cosco will be facing off against Nate White. Brian trains with Redline and comes into this fight with a 5-8 record. In the win column, he has 1 by ko/tko and 4 by submission. For his losses, he has 2 by ko/tko, 4 by submission and 2 by decision. His opponent is Nate White and he trains with CMBJJ. He comes into this fight with a perfect 4-0 record with all 4 wins by ko/tko stoppage. This fight is going to be a good one, I see it being a back and forth battle and a ground battle.
135 AM Felipe Gunter (First Class MMA 1-0) vs Hannon Sanford (CMBJJ 0-0)
Then at 135 lbs Felipe Gunter will be taking on Hannon Sanford. Felipe trains with First Class MMA and comes into this fight with a 1-0 record. He won his first fight by by rear naked choke at NEF 36. His opponent is Hannon Sanford and he trains with CMBJJ. He will be making his amateur debut. Two great schools and they are just both starting out so should be a solid battle.
170 AM Mike Bezanson (Kaze 4-0) vs Greg Ishihara (Recon 2-1)
Next up is at 170 lbs Mike Bezanson will be facing Greg Ishihara. Mike trains with Team Kaze and comes into this fight with a 4-0 record. He has all 4 wins by way of ko/tko to strikes. His opponent is Greg Ishihara and he trains with Recon. Greg comes into this fight with a 2-1 record with both wins by ko/tko. His one loss came by ko/tko to strikes at NEF 38. This fight has potential to be fight of the night as I see both of these guys staying standing and slugging it out!
155 AM Justin Kangas (First Class MMA 0-2) vs Joe Howard (CMBJJ 2-3)
At 155 lbs Justin Kangas will be stepping into the cage against Joe Howard. Justin trains with First Class MMA and comes into this fight with an 0-2 record. For his losses, he lost 1 by ko/tko and 1 by way of submission. He is still looking for his first win. His opponent is Joe Howard and he trains out of CMBJJ. He comes into this fight with a 2-3 record with 1 win by ko/tko and 1 by submission. For his losses, he lost 1 by ko/tko and 2 by submission. This is another close record and I see it being a ground battle.
165 AM Mike Murray (Camden Combat/Foundry 2-1) vs Tim Birkenhead (SSSF 1-0)
Then at 165 lbs Mike Murray will be taking on Tim Birkenhead for the last amateur fight of the night. Mike trains with Camden Combat and the Foundry and comes into this fight with a 2-1 record. For his wins, he won both of them by rear naked choke. His one loss came by decision to Zac Richard at NEF 41. His opponent is Tim Birkenhead and he trains with SSSF. He comes into this fight with a 1-0 record with 1 win by decision. I think this fight is going to be a close ground battle.
140 PRO Nate Boucher (0-0 CMBJJ) vs. Chris Caterino (3-3 Gate City MMA)
The first pro fight of the night is between Nate Boucher and Chris Caterino. Nate trains with CMBJJ and will be making his long awaited pro debut. As an amateur he went 6-3 with 5 wins being submissions and 1 decision. He has fought in tough battles and will be more than ready for his pro debut. His opponent is Chris Caterino and he trains with Gate City MMA. He comes into this fight with a 3-3 record with 1 ko/tko, 1 submission and 1 decision. For his losses, he lost 1 ko/tko and 2 by submission. Both fighters are very well rounded but I see this one being a ground battle. Chris I think will want to keep this one standing and Nate will want this one on the mat.
205 PRO Crowsneck Boutin (Independent 2-3) vs. Justin Burrill (SSSF 3-2)
At 205 lbs Crowsneck Boutin will be fighting Justin Burrill. Crowsneck is an independent fight who comes into this fight with a 2-3 record. For his wins he has 1 win by ko/tko and 1 by decision. For his losses, he lost all 3 by submission. His opponent is Justin Burrill and he trains with SSSF. He comes into this fight with a 3-2 record with 2 by ko/tko and 1 by submission. For his losses, he lost 1 by ko/tko to strikes and 1 by decision. Both of these fighters have not fought for a while and are looking to make their return with a W. Crowsneck just recently stepped in this week so thanks for stepping up and saving the fight Crow. I see this one being a quick battle.
145 PRO Jacob Deppmeyer (First Class MMA 0-0) vs Carl Langston (Young’s MMA 0-4)
Then at 145 lbs Jacob Deppmeyer will be taking on Carl Langston. Jake trains with First Class MMA and he will be making his pro debut. As an amateur he went 1-2-1 with 1 win by ko/tko. For his losses, he lost 1 by submission and 1 by way of decision. His opponent is Carl Langston and he trains with Young's MMA. He comes into this fight with an 0-4 record with all 4 losses by decision. He is still hungry for his first pro victory. I see this one being a stand up battle.
265 PRO Ras Hylton (First Class MMA 4-3) vs Brad Lee (Paladin Combat Sports 0-0)
In the heavy weight division Ras Hylton will be squaring off against Brad Lee. Ras trains with First Class MMA and comes into this fight with a 4-3 record with all 4 wins by ko/tko. For his losses, he lost 3 by ko/tko to strikes. His opponent is Brad Lee and he trains with Paladin Combat Sports. He will be making his pro debut. No doubt in my mind both of these guys are going to stand and swing for the fences. Someone will be getting knocked out in this one.
155 PRO Josh Harvey (Vision Quest Muay Thai 7-0-1) vs Jesse Erickson (9-8 CMBJJ)
At 155 lbs Josh Harvey will be facing off against Jesse Erickson. Josh trains with Vision Quest Muay Thai and comes into this fight with a 7-0 record. In the win column, he has 2 by ko/tko and 5 by submission. His opponent is Jesse Erickson and he trains with CMBJJ. He comes into this fight with a 9-8 record with 2 by ko/tko and 7 by submission. For his losses, he lost 6 by ko/tko and 2 by submission. This is a huge showdown for Maine as both of these guys have fought up there for a long time. I love both fighters and hate to see one lose but there can only be one winner. I see this one being a ground battle.
155 PRO TITLE Bruce Boyington (Titan Athletics 17-11) vs Manny Bermudez (SSSF 14-2)
In the main event Bruce Boyington will be fighting Manny Bermudez for the 155 lb title. Bruce trains with Titan Athletics and comes into this fight with a record of 17-11 with 7 ko/tko, 4 submission and 6 by decision. For his losses, he lost 1 by ko/tko, 9 by submission and 1 by decision. Bruce is riding a 3 fight win streak and will be looking to continue that. His opponent is Manny Bermudez and he trains with SSSF. He comes into this fight with a record of 14-2 with 1 ko/tko, 11 by submission and 2 by decision. For his losses, he lost 1 by submission and 1 by decision both in the UFC. Both of these fighters are huge staples in New England and it is going to be a real treat for fight fans to see them battle. This is definitely going to be a ground battle and has fight of the night all over it.