RICHARD AND MURRAY TO SQUARE OFF FOR VACANT LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE AT NEF 41

Zac Richard

[NEF PRESS RELEASE]

Portland, Maine (September 18, 2019) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to Aura in Portland, Maine on November 9, 2019 with its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 41: Collision Course.”  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur lightweight title fight to the card.  Zac “Rocky” Richard (4-2-1) is scheduled to meet “Magic” Mike Murray (2-0) for the vacant NEF Amateur Lightweight Championship.

 Zac Richard is coming off an impressive win earlier this month at “NEF 40” in Orono, Maine.  Richard was caught in an armbar against his opponent, Erik Tainter (0-2), when he lifted Tainter into the air and slammed him on the back of his head, getting the win by knockout.  It was Richard’s first win since November 2018.

 The fight with Murray will be Richard’s second attempt at capturing gold this year in the NEF cage.  He lost to Tom Pagliarulo (4-1) in April at “NEF 38” in a bout for the promotion’s vacant featherweight title.  Richard represents Nostos MMA of Somersworth, New Hampshire where he trains under current UFC competitor, and former NEF Professional Lightweight Champion, Devin Powell (9-4).

 “I’m very excited to be back in Portland and thankful I get to fight for the lightweight title,” said Richard.  “This is my second opponent already for this fight. I don’t care who shows up, I’m just ready to fight.”

Mike Murray

Undefeated Mike Murray has the opportunity to cap off a stellar rookie year with a belt around his waist on November 9.
"I am incredibly humbled to be asked to fight once again for the NEF,” stated Murray. “A title shot after just two fights is incredible, but I’ve worked hard to achieve this opportunity.”

 Murray, an active duty member of the United States Marine Corps, made his MMA debut this past summer at “NEF 39” in Lewiston, Maine with a first-round submission of Dylan Williams (0-2).  Earlier this month, in Murray’s sophomore bout, he submitted Jordan Crim (1-1) in the first round at “NEF 40.”

 “I think my last two fights showed that I’m arguably one of the most entertaining amateur fighters currently in the NEF,” Murray continued.  “I’ve been called a ‘showboat’ in the past. And to be honest, I’m fine with other fighters thinking that. I’m here to entertain, to fight, and to win. I’m confident in what I do, I love the sport, and that makes me exciting to watch.”

 Murray splits his time training between Camden Combat in Georgia and The Foundry in Farmington, Maine.

 “I have my coaches and my team to thank for my confidence in this. I train with some amazing people, and they all have pushed me to go further when I feel like I’ve given it my all. I couldn’t have done all of this without them," said Murray in closing.

 New England Fights' next mixed-martial-arts event, "NEF 41: Collision Course," will take place on Saturday, November 9, 2019 at Aura in Portland, Maine. Tickets are on sale now at www.auramaine.com.