Lewiston, Maine (October 1, 2013) – New England Fights Mixed Martial Arts (NEF MMA) today announced that a Maine State MMA Bantamweight Title defense would headline the fight promotion's next event, “NEF XI,” on November 9th at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston. That bout will feature reigning champion Paul Gorman (9-8) of Portland putting the strap on the line against challenger Tateki Matsuda (7-4) of Boston, MA.
"This is a big time title fight between two of the Northeast's top-ranked bantamweights to close out NEF's 2013 season," said NEF MMA matchmaker and co-owner Matt Peterson. "These guys are 'veterans' in every sense of the word, and their respective lists of past opponents read like a 'who's who' of this region's best competitors. Neither has been shy about taking tough fights in their career."
Gorman, who trains out of the Academy of Mixed Martial Arts (AMMA) in Portland, Maine under the guidance of MMA pioneer Jay Jack (12-7), won the bantamweight title in November of 2012 via a second-round submission of Adam Toussaint (5-6) at NEF V in Lewiston. Early last month, Gorman received his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) Black Belt from Jack in an emotional ceremony culminating a decade of training in the sport. Days later, AMMA and NEF MMA announced the signing of a long-term, multi-fight contract between Gorman and the fight promotion. The first fight of that contract will be Gorman's title defense against Matsuda on November 9.
"I can't wait to stand across the cage from Tateki," said Gorman of his upcoming title defense. "He is a hell of a fighter that I have a lot of respect for. I expect a tough fight, but it's one that I feel very confident about. It will be an honor to defend my title against him November 9th."
Tateki "Tech" Matsuda is no stranger to high-profile fights. A veteran of both Bellator and the UFC's "The Ultimate Fighter," Matsuda is currently ranked as the number-three bantamweight in the Northeast. The native of Tokyo, Japan trains out of world-renown Muay Thai school Sityodtong in Boston under Kru Mark DellaGrotte. A prolific striker with the ability to both finish fights and dominate on the judges' scorecards, Matsuda will no-doubt look to keep the fight with Gorman standing in his quest to bring the title back to Massachusetts with him.
"I am looking forward to this fight with Paul - he has a great name and is a very talented fighter," said Matsuda. "Unfortunately for him, I am coming off of a loss and so my next fight I need to show my friends, family, team, coaches and manager Tim O'Connor how bad I really want this thing. Sorry in advance, Paul - it is nothing personal."
NEF MMA’s next event, “NEF XI,” is scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 9, 2013 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine. Maine State MMA Bantamweight Champion Paul Gorman (9-8) is scheduled to defend his title that night against Tateki Matsuda (7-4). Tickets start at just $10 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling The Colisee box office at 207.783.2009 x 525. For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com. In addition, you can watch NEF MMA videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”