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May 31, 2016

MORE THAN JUST GOLD IS AT STAKE IN TITLE REMATCH


[NEF Press Release]

Lewiston, Maine (May 27, 2016) – One of the past year's most intense rivalries is about to be reignited.  On June 18, 2016, when New England Fights (NEF) presents "NEF 24: PROMISED LAND" at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, former amateur mixed-martial-arts (MMA) flyweight champion Dustin Veinott (4-4) will have his chance to recapture the strap from Ryan Burgess (2-0).  Burgess took the title from Veinott last fall at "NEF XX" in a very close split decision.  The outcome on the judges' scorecards has been a topic of heavy debate amongst NEF fans ever since.

"I have wanted this rematch since right after he took the title," said Veinott.  "I know I wasn't at 100% when I fought him last time.  Best believe I will have no distractions this time around.  I also feel he disrespected the whole weight division.  I will teach him to respect this division.  I am here to prove that us 125ers might be small, but we are all tough guys that know how to fight!"


"Last time me and Dustin met in the cage, we went to war," recalled Burgess.   "Expect nothing less than that in our rematch. Many people considered it a close split decision fight, and although I wasn't able to utilize my ground striking as I had hoped, I don't see how you can call it a close match when I was able to impose my will on him throughout the entire three rounds. I believe that he does deserve this rematch, though, as he made the trip to Hyannis, Mass for the last event and was unfortunately not able to compete due to his opponent not making weight. Opponents in my weight class are hard to come by in this region and I believe of all the guys who are consistent with their weight cuts, Dustin deserves another shot."

The Hyannis, Massachusetts bout that Burgess refers to was to take place earlier this month between Veinott and Ryan "Razzle Dazzle" Kane (4-3).  The match was cancelled at weigh-ins when Kane did not make the agreed-to catchweight.

"I was very frustrated about Razzle Dazzle not making weight," stated Veinott.  "Especially after I gave him the extra four pounds that he asked for.  However, he disrespected me by not showing up on weight - that is why I didn't take the fight."

Burgess, a member of Berserkers MMA in Rumford, Maine, is clear that he plans to finish the rematch with Veinott and not leave any room for controversy with another decision.  He is not out to simply retain his title, but to also prove a point - that he is the undisputed top amateur flyweight in Maine.  And to do that, Burgess knows he has to put Veinott away definitively.

"All I have to say to Dustin is 'congrats, you got your rematch that you've been asking for.' I hope you don't expect the same fighter you got last time - your fans may be disappointed at the end of the night.  Come June 18th, I will solidify myself as the top flyweight for NEF, as well as make a statement of the improvements I have been making outside of the cage.  There will be no 'fan controversy' after I finish this fight in the first or second round."

Veinott contends that he will be more focused this time around.  A member of Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Veinott is confident in his ability to submit Burgess should Burgess, a three-time state wrestling champion out of Mountain Valley High School with 150 wins to his credit, take the fight to the mat.

"The difference that I will make going into this fight is to have no distractions," said Veinott.  "I will make sure I am the most mentally prepared I have ever been.  I feel I already have all the tools to beat him.  I caught him in several submissions our last fight, and I know for a fact he doesn't want to stand with me.  He will be going for another wrestling match and I am fully prepared for that."

And while the coveted NEF MMA Amateur Flyweight Title may be on the line on June 18, both Veinott and Burgess are looking to finish their rivalry once and for all.

"Find your seats early folks 'cause this one will be a quick thriller," said Burgess in closing.  "Our last bout I had a game plan to grind out a decision victory.  A finish will go in the books after this fight."

"The one thing Ryan should know is not to think this fight will be the same as the first one," Veinott stated emphatically.  "I will leave everything in the cage.  You will see a different fighter, and I will come out victorious.  It is time to release the beast!"

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.”