Lewiston, Maine (September 26, 2012) – New England Fights! (NEF) is proud to announce that the finals of its Maine State Lightweight Title Tournament will take place on November 17, 2012 at the promotion's FIGHT NIGHT V event. In that bout, scheduled to be held at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine, Jamie Harrison (4-1) will step into the cage opposite Dez Green (5-0).
"The winner will be crowned NEF's first Maine State Lightweight Champion," stated NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo. "And I honestly can't think of two fighters more deserving. Harrison has gone 4-0 with us this year. Green started with us as an amateur back in February 2012 at the inaugural Fight Night event. He returned earlier this month to compete as a pro in the lightweight tournament."
And it was victories by both Green and Harrison on that card, Fight Night IV, earlier this month which earned them spots in the finals of the tournament. Green defeated Bruce Boyington via referee stoppage to strikes at 3:39 of the second round. Earlier that night, Harrison had earned his spot by submitting Josh Parker via a rear-naked choke in 1:35 of the first round.
"You have an interesting dynamic in this fight," said NEF matchmaker and co-owner Matt Peterson. "Jamie Harrison, while training primarily out of First Coast Full Contact in Florida, has a huge following in Maine with hundreds of friends and family showing up to each of his fights. They are loud and they are unwavering in their support of Jamie. Dez Green, and the rest of his teammates in Team Bombsquad out of Ithaca, NY, have established themselves as spoilers for the hometown favorites in Maine, racking up win after win after win on NEF events. This fight has a real 'home team vs. visitors' feel."
"It has been a great experience to come home in front of my friends and family and have the success that I've had this year," said Jamie Harrison. "To be able to fight for the title in front of my home crowd has been a huge motivator for me as I've prepared for this fight against a game opponent in Desmond Green. I am sure we will both leave everything inside the cage and give NEF fans a war they will not forget!"
"Dez may be the best natural athlete to step foot inside the NEF cage to date," continued DiSalvo. "That isn't a knock on any of the other amazing athletes that have competed for us. That is a real compliment to this guy. He started training shortly before his first MMA fight in December 2011. His overall record is 8-0 since then, with three amateur wins and five pro victories. With this fight on November 17, Dez is looking to go 9-0, and most of those fights have been against really tough opponents. That is a pretty damn impressive first year in the sport for anyone!"
"Dez Green is one calm and collected competitor," added Peterson. "His comfort level in the cage is akin to that of a much more experienced fighter. No doubt there will be over 3,000 fans screaming for Jamie Harrison to win that lightweight title at Fight Night V. But that's not going to get to Dez. In addition, Jamie has produced some of NEF's most exciting fight finishes this year. I know a lot of fans who are really looking forward to this fight. I'm sure any way it ends, it will be an exciting finish and a great way for NEF to close the books on 2012."
Fight Night V is slated for November 17 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, ME with a special start time of 5:00 PM. 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 V are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling The Colisee box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.
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