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| Matt Mahon's amateur debut at NEF III |
“The heavyweight division has always been the money division in combat sports,” said NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo. “Here in New England, the heavyweights in mixed martial arts have historically been less active than some of the lighter weight classes. That's started to turnaround recently and here at NEF we're excited to be building on that trend by bringing two huge heavyweight bouts to Lewiston, Maine on September 8th.”
The first fight is a professional bout between Team Triumph's John Fain (1-0) and Kut Combat founder Matt Andrikut (0-0), who will be making his pro debut after completing an impressive 5-1 amateur career. The second bout is an amateur clash between former top wrestlers Michael Blair (2-0) and Matt Mahon (1-0), who combined for 225 wins in their college careers.
“One of the great joys of matchmaking is getting the opportunity to work with outstanding athletes like the four heavyweights featured on this card,” stated NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson. “John Fain coaches and manages some of the best fighters in New England right now and Matt Andrikut is an accomplished college wrestler who has sharp hands from competing in the Golden Gloves. Blair is a four-time Division III All-American wrestler and Mahon has a school record at Ithaca College for most pins in a season. All four of these guys are serious, serious athletes with a laundry list of records and awards between them. Make no mistake—it's entirely possible that we'll be seeing one or more of these guys making it to the big show someday.”
John Fain is the head professor and Program Director at Triumph Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) in Nashua, New Hampshire where he coaches and works with some of the most distinguished mixed martial arts talent in the region including Bellator fighter Rick Hawn, Jimmy Quinlan, and John Ortolani. Fain, a BJJ Black Belt under Roberto Maia, recently made his successful professional MMA debut when he submitted gritty local veteran Jason Dolloff (6-16) in the first round.
Michael Blair was an All-American football defensive lineman and wrestler at Trinity College. Posting a college career wrestling record of 135-10, Blair won four New England titles and earned All-American honors four years in a row. He was also an All-New England shot-putter for the Trinity track and field team. Originally from New Hampshire, Blair now resides in Arizona where he trains at Power MMA, home to UFC fighters Ryan Bader and CB Dollaway. “I know this will be a great challenge,” stated Blair when reached for comment. “I look forward to the opportunity to fight in front of my friends and family. NGU—Never Give Up!”
Blair's opponent, Matt Mahon, is no stranger to fans of NEF. The former Ithaca College heavyweight wrestling standout made his amateur MMA debut on June 16th at Fight Night III when he stopped Charlie Hodge in just 36 seconds via TKO/ref stoppage. Mahon trains with the regionally dominant Bombsquad fight team out of New York and promises to continue his winning ways at Fight Night IV by spoiling Blair's New England homecoming.
“Fans love to see heavyweights throw big leather and we're thrilled to be able to give our loyal customers what they want,” Peterson stated. “All four of these guys will be bringing it on September 8th. Whether it stays standing or goes to the mat, these are all very skilled, well-conditioned athletes that never do anything half-speed and will be adept at every facet of the fight game. As a fan, I can't wait to watch these bouts!”
FIGHT NIGHT IV is slated for September 8 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, ME. The card will feature a headline fight between Jesse Peterson (6-2) and Cody Lightfoot (6-3) for the NEF Maine State MMA Middleweight Title, as well as a fight for the NEF Maine State MMA Welterweight Title between Ryan Sanders (4-1) and UFC veteran Ricardo Funch (8-4). Tickets are on sale and most of cage-side sold-out within minutes. For more information on this event, visit www.NewEnglandFights.com. You can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights”. Tickets for Fight Night IV are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling The Colisee box office at 207-783-2009.
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