[NEF Press Release]
Lewiston, Maine (February 14, 2014) – New England Fights Mixed Martial Arts (NEF MMA) is proud to have once again been featured on AXS TV. Earlier this evening, the national cable channel aired highlights from the fight promotion's "NEF XII" event on its "Inside MMA" program. "NEF XII" took place last Saturday at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine before a crowd of more than 3,000 fans. Prominently featured in the highlights segment were clips of the highly-publicized "Teacher vs. Student" battle that headlined "NEF XII" between Marcus "The Irish Hand Grenade" Davis (22-11) and "The" Ryan Sanders (6-4).
It was further announced on the program that Sanders would challenge reigning Maine State MMA Welterweight Champion Gil de Freitas (15-5) on May 10, 2014 at NEF MMA's next event, "NEF XIII," scheduled to be held in Lewiston. Sanders and de Freitas initially met in September 2012 with de Freitas dominating a five-round unanimous decision to become the first titleholder. Earlier today, Sanders signed to fight de Freitas as part of a three-fight deal with NEF MMA.
"I'm happy to sign a three-fight contract with NEF," said Sanders when reached for comment. "I've enjoyed fighting for them, and I love fighting in Maine. NEF gets me the best fights, and my next fight is no different. Fighting Gil for the welterweight title is another opportunity for me to show that I'm getting better all the time and a chance to redeem one of my losses and the fact that it's a title fight is icing on the cake. I hope Gil knows I'm not the same fighter he fought two years ago. That's my belt, and I'm not leaving Lewiston on May 10 without it."
"We're so proud to have Ryan signed to a multi-fight contract," said NEF MMA co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson. "He's main evented more NEF events than any other fighter, and his game's come a long way since his initial battle with Gil. Fans won't want to miss this title fight on May 10."
“NEF XIII” is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 10, 2014 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine with a bell time of 7:00 pm. Already announced, Maine State MMA Bantamweight Champion Paul Gorman (10-8) defends against undefeated Kin "Kong" Moy (5-0). In addition, "The" Ryan Sanders (6-4) will rematch Maine State MMA Welterweight Champion Gil de Freitas nearly two years after de Freitas defeated Sanders for the inaugural title. Tickets for "NEF XIII" start at just $25 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.”
About New England Fights
New England Fights Mixed Martial Arts (“NEF MMA”) is a Mixed Martial Arts promotions company. NEF MMA’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF MMA’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.