[NEF PRESS RELEASE]
Portland, Maine (April 10, 2023) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to Aura in Portland, Maine on Saturday, May 13, 2023, with its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event “NEF 52: Zero Hour.” Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of an amateur flyweight bout to the card. Alex Morris (1-0) will meet Qasim Abdulla (1-0) at a fight weight of 125 pounds.
Alex Morris was explosive in his amateur MMA debut last summer at “NEF 48,” making quick work of Quinn Poirier (0-2). Morris had Poirier on the mat mere seconds into the first round and was raining down bombs on his opponent. Poirier was able to get back to his feet and land a couple of punches that Morris weathered before dropping Poirier with a right hand, prompting the referee to stop the bout. Morris represents Nostos MMA based in Somersworth, New Hampshire where he trains under UFC veteran and former NEF Professional Lightweight Champion Devin Powell.
“I’m excited to get back in the cage for NEF and face a tough, well-rounded opponent,” said Morris. “My first fight showed my style, and I was able to watch Qasim in person in February up in Bangor, so I think this will be a fun scrap for the fans. We are both gonna come out looking for blood.”
Qasim Abdulla made his amateur MMA debut last February at “NEF 51” against Julian Menjivar (1-2). Abdulla nailed a highlight-reel suplex on Menjivar in the first round and controlled most of the fight on the mat in top position. He survived several submission attempts by Menjivar throughout the contest and won by unanimous decision on the judges’ scorecards. Abdulla represents the Choi Institute based in Portland, Maine.
"I come ready to fight everyone,” stated Abdulla.
“NEF 52: Zero Hour” will take place on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at Aura in Portland, Maine. Doors will open at 6 pm with first fight taking place at 7 pm. Tickets are on sale now at www.TicketMaster.com.