[NEF PRESS RELEASE]
Portland, Maine (June 20, 2023) – New England Fights returns to Merrill Auditorium in Portland with its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 53: American Valor,” on Saturday, July 8, 2023. Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of an amateur flyweight bout to the card. Qasim Abdulla (2-0) will take on Matt Jenkins (0-0) at a fight weight of 125 pounds.
Undefeated Qasim Abdulla has been impressive in his first two outings on the NEF scene this year. Abdulla debuted at “NEF 51” last February with a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over Julian Menjivar (1-2). He returned to the cage at “NEF 52” last month with another unanimous decision win over Alex Morris (1-1). Abdulla represents the Choi Institute based in Portland, Maine.
Matt Jenkins will make his amateur MMA debut at “NEF 51” on July 8 in the bout with Abdulla. Jenkins’ background is on the wrestling mats where he competed for Marshwood High School in South Berwick, Maine. He currently trains at Nostos MMA based in Somersworth, New Hampshire under UFC veteran and former NEF Pro Lightweight Champion Devin Powell.
“I am very confident in my skill set,” said Jenkins, “and can’t wait to come away with the W, and put on a show for the fans!”
“NEF 53: American Valor” takes place on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine. Doors are scheduled to open at 6 pm with first fight taking place at 7 pm. Tickets to “NEF 53” are available now at www.porttix.com.