Lewiston, Maine (April 17, 2012) - Former two-time UFC World Heavyweight Champion Tim “The Maine-iac” Sylvia (30-7, 19 KO’s, 4 submissions) will fight in his home state for the first time as a pro when he headlines New England Fights’ (NEF) Fight Night III on June 16th at The Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine. The announcement was made on April 14 in Biddeford, Maine where Sylvia was the guest of honor at Fight Night 2.
“I’m coming home and I plan on kicking some (butt) on June 16th,” said Sylvia during an interview at the event.
This will be the second time NEF has held an event at the Colisee this year. This past February, at the inaugural Fight Night event, some 3,200 frenzied fight fans showed up to see the biggest event in Maine mixed martial arts (MMA) history; almost 800 more fans than the crowd that witnessed Muhammad Ali vs. Sonny Liston II in 1965, the most famous fight event ever to take place at the Colisee or in the state of Maine for that matter.
“I’m stoked to be on this card,” Sylvia said. “Maine has obviously stepped it up,” in reference to Maine’s support of MMA based on the size of the 1600-plus crowd in Biddeford for Fight Night 2.
“NEF has been on a roll with two highly successful shows at the promotion’s inception,” said NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo. “We’ve had a lot of regional attention on us the last few months. Now, with Tim Sylvia on board for Fight Night III, we’re actually receiving national attention. And we’re only going into our third show. It’s crazy. We’re so happy to be able to bring Tim in front of his home crowd for the first time. Just talking face-to-face with Tim over the weekend, I could hear in the tone of his voice just how special it is for him to fight for his family and friends. This is a guy who’s fought all over the world and now he’s finally coming home. June 16 is going to be an emotional night for everyone involved.”
No opponent for Sylvia has been determined yet. “Nick (DiSalvo) and I have received a flurry of calls and emails since word leaked that Sylvia will be on the June card,” said NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson. “Calls from fighters, managers, and teams requesting the fight with Tim are just pouring in. It’s been insane lately. There are so many options right now. We’re working closely with Tim’s management team to approve and finalize an opponent.” An announcement is expected within the next two weeks.
For more information on this event, visit www.NewEnglandFights.com. You can watch NEF videos, including the Tim Sylvia interview, atwww.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “Fight Night Mixed Martial Arts”. Tickets for this event are on sale now at TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207-783-2009.
About New England Fights!
New England Fights! (“NEF!”) is a Mixed Martial Arts promotions company. NEF!’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF!’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.
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