[NEF Press Release]
Lewiston, Maine (January 29, 2018) – This Saturday night, Jesse "The Viking" Erickson (9-7) of Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mike "The Mustache" Hansen (5-8) of Berserkers MMA will square off at a fight weight of 179-pounds. That is a full nine pounds heavier than the original agreed-to weight. The change in contract terms was a result of a request from Hansen who realized he would not be able to cut to 170-pounds just over a week out from the fight. Erickson, upon learning that Hansen could not make weight, immediately took to Facebook with his outrage.
"One week from weigh ins my opponent Michael B. Hansen wants the fight moved up 9 pounds or he’s going to pull from the fight," wrote Erickson on his Facebook status on January 25. "We took this fight in October man. I’m on weight now, am I supposed to gain 8 pounds in a week? I’m already fighting up a weight class as it is... you can’t even do 175?"
The post was immediately met with anger from Erickson's friends and teammates with several calling Hansen "unprofessional" for his actions. In the fall of 2017, Hansen and Erickson had agreed to fight this coming February at welterweight. 170-pounds was heavy for Erickson who had spent the majority of his career fighting in the 155-pound lightweight division. Flash forward nearly four months, and now, with Hansen unable to make 170-pounds, Erickson was on the spot to accept or decline a fight in what was essentially the middleweight division - two weight classes higher than where he would normally compete. If he declined, Erickson would be wasting months of training in preparation for the fight.
Moments later, Hansen came to his own defense on Erickson's Facebook thread.
"Hey sorry for the bad news but just being honest with people," wrote Hansen. "I’m currently 9 pounds over my marks. I’m only 2 weeks off from my medical suspension from a fractured tibia. It was a set back for sure in getting in the work I needed. I’m down to fight, but j [s.i.c.] will not give up 50% of my show/win/and commission. Sorry but you know I’m game to fight"
Hansen is referring to the standard contract terms in which he had agreed to forfeit $100 per pound for each pound he weighed over 170-pounds at weigh-ins.
" F**k you, I’m still going to kick your ass," retorted Erickson on the thread. "179 it is scumbag. Hope your [s.i.c.] happy you got your way."
The argument went on publicly for several days between the two sides with many of each fighters' friends and teammates chiming in with their opinions. In the end, the fight was saved with Hansen and Erickson agreeing to meet at a catchweight of 179-pounds this Saturday night in Lewiston. The fans will be the winners as they will get to see one of the most anticipated fights in recent memory.
"We agreed to fight at 170," stated Erickson when reached for comment. "I typically fight at 155, and I’m not the biggest 155er as it is. I didn’t pressure him to take it at 170. He accepted and should make the weight or pay the fine for missing. Instead, he decided to say he wants the bout at 179 or he’s going to pull from the fight one week from weigh-ins. I don't care about his bulls**t excuses, you agreed, you should do what you agreed to do. We had almost four months for this. With that much time, there is absolutely no excuse. We’re supposed to be professionals. So here we are now, fighting at 179, which only gives him a greater size advantage. Even still, it won’t be enough. I would have been merciful and just finished him quick, but now he’s going to pay for his disrespect."
“I'm not exactly sure why Jesse took this to Facebook, but great idea really, now everyone is talking about it again," said Hansen when contacted for comment. "The situation sucks, but it is what it is. I was injured a few weeks after signing this fight. I was medically suspended and had to see how this injury would heal and if it would stop me from competing. I don’t think it's bad enough to stop me from competing, but it stopped me from getting in a camp the way I should. If anything, Jesse should be happy he is fighting a lesser version of myself. I’m not at my best right now. I didn’t want to pull out and Jesse is the one running around telling everyone he will fight me no matter at what weight. I believe him, so what's the big deal. If I would of pulled out due to injury a few weeks back, everyone would be saying the same s**t for that reason. I didn't make this fight, he did. He knew where I fought and decided he wanted to fight. I didn’t ask him to do this. He wants to fight - he will get a fight."
NEF's next mixed-martial-arts event, "NEF 32: Super Saturday," will see the company make its return to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine. The event is scheduled to take place this Saturday night with a bell time of 7 pm. Tickets are on-sale now online at www.TheColisee.com.