Portland, Maine (December 27, 2023) – New England Fights will present its next mixed-martial-arts event “NEF 56: Satori” on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at Aura in Portland. Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of an amateur championship bantamweight bout to the card. Marco “Cali Wave” Berreondo (5-3) will put the NEF Amateur Bantamweight Title on the line against former titleholder Nate Dorr (3-0).
Marco Berreondo will defend his bantamweight strap for the first time at “NEF 56.” He captured the then-vacant title last September at “NEF 54” when he submitted Teddy Politis (6-3) in the third round. Berreondo has won three of his last four. He represents Warrior’s Nation MMA based in Brooklyn, New York.
“There’s nothing better than setting the tone for the year by defending my title at NEF,” exclaimed Berreondo. “My first time there was a great experience. I was the challenger, but now I am the champion and I look forward to keeping it that way. Nate Dorr has a clean record, but records mean nothing. I’ve studied his film, what he likes to throw, what mannerisms he makes before he throws. I’m sure he’s studied my film or looked me up but as a martial artist. I’m always evolving and getting better. There’s nothing but respect on my end, but hey, my strap is on the line and I’m ready to do whatever it takes to defend it!”
It must be noted that while undefeated Nate Dorr is the former NEF Amateur Bantamweight Champion, he never lost the title in the cage. He won the belt last February at “NEF 51” with a second-round submission of Key Baltazar (2-2). Later in the year, Dorr voluntarily chose to relinquish the championship to focus on work commitments. Now he is back and looking to reclaim what was once his. Dorr represents Acadia BJJ of Ellsworth, Maine.
"I'm expecting a tough night for both of us on February 3rd,” said Dorr. “I've been training for a particularly grueling 3-5 round fight. He seems like a tough guy, but I'm ready for the grind and to take back my belt!"
Doors will open at 6 pm with first fight taking place at 7 pm on February 3 at Aura in Portland, Maine for “NEF 56: Satori.” Tickets are on sale now at www.TicketMaster.com.