[NEF PRESS RELEASE]
Portland, Maine (February 26, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to Aura in Portland on April 14, 2018 with the fight promotion's next mixed-martial-arts event, "NEF 33: Riptide." Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur catchweight bout to the card. David Thompson (1-2) will face Kam Arnold (2-0) at a fight weight of 140-pounds.
David Thompson will be appearing in what he says will be his last fight at "NEF 33." A member of the Shatterproof Combat Club, Thompson has appeared three times in the NEF cage since his debut in the fall of 2015. He scored a first-round technical knockout victory over Richmond Pierce Wiegman (1-1) in his second amateur bout. The fight with Arnold will be Thompson's first since a loss to Caleb Costello (3-4) in early 2016.
"I'm thankful to get back in there," stated Thompson. "Kam is an exciting fighter, and I will be ready to leave everything in the cage, one last time."
Undefeated Kam Arnold has emerged as one of the most-promising new prospects on the NEF roster over the last several months. He started his amateur career with a fast finish of Glenn Kasabian (1-3) last June, and followed up that performance with a first-round technical knockout of Kyle Kenney (0-1) earlier this month at "NEF 32." A native of Casco, Maine, Arnold is a product of Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) in Lewiston. A win over Thompson would position Arnold closer to a shot at the coveted bantamweight championship.
"I’m pretty stoked to get back in the cage against an NEF veteran like David Thompson," said Arnold. "This should be a fun fight not only for me, but for the fans too. When all is said and done, I will be 3-0. 2018 is going to be my year. The 135-pound strap will be mine before the end of the year - mark my words! Until that day, I will continue to put in work at the gym and take it one fight at a time. David, I hope you’re ready for a war."
"Kam Arnold has a unique focus and vision for his career," said NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson. "He understands his potential to make an impact in the sport. David Thompson didn't hesitate to accept this bout - he's excited to have the opportunity to face a rising talent in his final fight. Both guys have promised to bring it - and when that happens, we all win."
NEF returns to Portland, Maine, at Aura on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Tickets are on sale now at www.AuraMaine.com. For more information on the event, please visit www.NewEnglandFights.com.