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May 20, 2016

FAMILY AND THE PASSION TO ENTERTAIN DRIVE MMA WELTERWEIGHTS


[NEF Press Release]

Lewiston, Maine (May 18, 2016) – On June 18, 2016 New England Fights (NEF) will return to Lewiston with the fight promotion's latest fight card, "NEF 24: PROMISED LAND."  A full slate of professional and amateur mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing is planned for the event.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur MMA welterweight bout to the fight card.  Shawn Bang (1-1) will return to take on Mike Bezanson (1-0) at a fight weight of 170-pounds.

Shawn Bang is a member of the famous Bang family of fighters from nearby Auburn, Maine.  Along with his father and brothers, Bang is a member of Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ).  It has been nearly three years since he last competed in the NEF MMA cage.  Bang has spent the last two years serving as a missionary in accordance with his Mormon faith.  Finally back home and reunited with both his natural family and gym family, Bang is ready for his return to the cage.

"After two years of amazing missionary service, I cannot begin to express how excited I am to reunite with my CMBJJ brothers," said Bang.  "I have only spoken with my own family on Christmas and Mother's Day, and to have the opportunity to rejoin the 'Bang Clan' in battle on June 18th is a fitting reunion.  Since childhood our father has always told us, 'The first rule of brothers is to stick together.'  Ultimately, it will be me alone in the cage to battle my opponent but it is family, both immediate and extended, that gets me there and beyond."


Lancaster, New Hampshire's Mike Bezanson debuted in the NEF MMA cage one year ago at "NEF 18."  Early in the fight, it became evident that his opponent that evening, Jeff Dustin (0-1), was outmatched against the Team Kaze product.  Although Dustin hung in there for almost two full rounds before the referee stopped the fight, Bezanson put on a striking clinic  that left his opponent bloodied.  Bezanson took his time and looked like a cat toying with its prey.  Some in attendance saw his performance as showboating, while others were impressed by his pinpoint striking.   Like it or not, no one could deny that Bezanson provided the entertainment that night.

"I received a lot of mixed reviews from my debut fight at NEF," recalled Bezanson. "Staying true to myself, I am who I am - in and out of the cage.  I love to entertain, keep people on their toes.  Some might say my style of fighting is cocky and unorthodox, but it's who I am, what I do - and I'm comfortable fighting that way. It is in no way meant to belittle or disrespect my opponent, it's merely a technique. I have a great deal of respect for all fighters, trainers and fans. One of the reasons I train to fight is the self discipline. I push myself to be the best I can be and I love to compete!  Win or lose, I take away whatever I can from the experience to better myself and grow. You know what they say, 'There's no losing, you either win or learn.' I'm excited to get in the cage in June, and put all my hard work to the test! It's going to be an entertaining show!"

NEF returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with "NEF 24: PROMISED LAND."  Tickets for “NEF 24” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.

For more information on the events and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”