[NEF PRESS RELEASE]
Portland, Maine (June 24, 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 championship bout to the card. Brandon Maillet-Fevens (4-3) will meet Teddy Politis (5-1) for the vacant NEF Amateur Featherweight Title.
This will be Brandon “BAMF” Maillet-Fevens second attempt at capturing the 145-pound strap. He previously met Nathaniel Grimard (4-2) for the belt at “NEF 44” in Milford, New Hampshire in the summer of 2021. Grimard took the title home that evening after a second-round technical knockout of Maillet-Fevens. Most recently, Maillet-Fevens scored a second-round submission win over Johnny Milligan last February at “NEF 51” to propel himself back into title contention. Maillet-Fevens represents Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) based in Lewiston, Maine.
“I'm excited for another chance to get in the cage and showcase my skills against another game opponent,” said Maillet-Fevens when reached for comment. “Teddy's a tough kid but I think he's bitten off a little more than he can chew here and on July 8th I'm walking out with a belt around my waist.”
Teddy Politis is no stranger to MMA gold, having captured a regional title in Massachusetts. The fight with Maillet-Fevens will see Politis move up from his customary 135-pound bantamweight division. The sole loss of his amateur MMA career came at the hands of Felipe Gunter at “NEF45” in the fall of 2021 in a failed attempt to win the NEF Amateur Bantamweight Championship. Politis is riding a two-fight win-streak into the bout with Maillet-Fevens. His most recent fight was in Indiana in April. Politis won a unanimous decision over Pedro Caceres (3-3) that evening. He currently represents Evolution Athletix based in Saco, Maine.
“Work hard, stay dedicated and ready to step in the cage,” stated Politis. “My first fight was at the Merrill Auditorium, so I am looking forward to receiving energy from the crowd for my efforts once again.”
“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.