“I think we turned a lot of heads with FIGHT NIGHT I,” stated NEF! Promoter, Attorney, and Co-Owner Nick DiSalvo. “We put 3,142 people in the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston on February 11. We shattered the previous attendance record for an MMA event in Maine by over 1,300. That’s a huge accomplishment for a debut event. To put that in context, the 1965 World Heavyweight Title rematch between Muhammad Ali and Sonny Liston, in the same building, had an attendance of 2,434. We put over 700 more people in the Colisee than that fight did. It just goes to show what we’ve been saying all along – that Maine loves its MMA.”

DiSalvo and his business partner – Matchmaker, Maine State Representative, and Co-Owner of NEF! – Matt Peterson, have planned another stellar card for Biddeford, once again showcasing the talents of Maine’s best MMA competitors. “The phones have been ringing off the hook from fighters and camps wanting to get on the FIGHT NIGHT II card,” said Peterson. “We have FIGHT NIGHT I alumni already scheduled to appear on the April 14 Biddeford event. Maine favorites like John Raio, Jesse Peterson, Ray Wood, Jamie Harrison, Jesse Erickson, and ‘The’ Ryan Sanders have all committed to appear on FIGHT NIGHT II, as well as NEF! newcomer Jarod Lawton.”

Tickets for the April 14 event in Biddeford will be on sale Wednesday, February 22nd at 10:00 a.m. A link to a ticketing page will be provided at that time on NEF!’s website, Facebook, and Twitter pages. “Get your tickets early,” warns DiSalvo. “The Biddeford Arena seats only 1,600. We had already sold 1,600 tickets to FIGHT NIGHT I more than a month before the event. In the past week, we’ve received more than 500 calls and emails from fans wanting to order FIGHT NIGHT II tickets early. We are expecting a sell-out for April 14, and we’re expecting it to happen quickly. If you’re a fight fan and you want to see the best fighters Maine has to offer, be sure to get your tickets right away on Wednesday. Cage-side and Premium seats will be very, very limited and will be gone fast. We’re also expecting big crowds to come in from Massachusetts and New Hampshire as Biddeford, in Southern Maine, is a much shorter trip than Lewiston for out-of-staters.”

For more information and to stay up-to-date on the latest announcements regarding FIGHT NIGHT II visit www.newenglandfights.com.

About New England Fights!
New England Fights! (“NEF!”) is a Mixed Martial Arts promotions company. NEF!’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF!’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

Mike Thomas Brown

Lewiston, ME (January 24, 2012) – New England Fights! And Nick DiSalvo Promotions are proud to announce that former Featherweight World Champion and current UFC fighter Mike Thomas Brown (@mikebrownmma) will be in attendance as the Honored Guest at Fight Night I on February 11^th at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine and will be holding a special seminar the night before weigh-ins.

“I am so proud that Maine’s favorite fighting son, Mike Brown, will be our honored guest at Fight Night,” stated DiSalvo. “Mike Brown is one of the best featherweight fighters in the world and held the universally-recognized title in the 145-pound division for over a year. He is a World Champion and a world-class athlete, and we’re proud that Fight Night I will be the first time he’s ever attended a mixed martial arts event in his home state.

Additionally, Brown has announced that he will be holding a special seminar the night before weigh-ins on Thursday, February 9^th at Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) in Auburn, Maine from 6:30-8:30 PM. During the two hours, Brown will be sharing the secrets and reviewing the techniques that enabled him to acquire a 25-8 career record. Cost of the seminar is $55, but attendees that purchase a ticket to Fight Night at the seminar will be given a $5.00 discount off the seminar price. Prices for Fight Night begin as low as $25.00 for reserved seating.

Mike Brown (25-8) wrestled at Bonny Eagle High School in Standish, Maine where he won a state championship in 1992. After high school, Brown went on to wrestle at Norwich University where he excelled as a scholar-athlete.

After graduating from college, Brown moved back to Maine and began training and competing in mixed martial arts (MMA) as an original member of the first true New England fight team, Team Elite. After establishing himself as a top prospect in the regional circuit, Brown moved to Coconut Creek, Florida to accept an invitation to become a member of one of the most famed MMA schools of all-time, American Top Team.

On November 5^th, 2008, Mike Brown captured the World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) Featherweight Title. With the win, Brown became the number one ranked 145-pound fighter in the world. He defended the title twice and held onto the belt for over a year. In late 2010, the WEC was absorbed into the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) where Mike Brown continues to experience success as a world-class featherweight fighter, most recently defeating Nam Phan at UFC 133 in Philadelphia, PA.

In addition to competing, coaching and managing fighters, Brown has also been a staunch advocate for the sport at the policymaking level. In 2009, Mike testified in front of the Maine Legislature and made the case for the legalization and regulation of the sport in the state. Brown’s efforts were well received and the Legislature passed the bill. As a thank you for his efforts, the Legislature and Governor invited Mike back to the State House when the bill was signed into law.

“Mike Brown is MMA royalty in Maine,” stated Fight Night matchmaker Matt Peterson. “Mike created a world championship career through dedication, hard work, and sacrifice. He represents the best about MMA and it will be a true honor to have him in attendance on February 11^th. Fans will have the chance to meet him and learn firsthand why he has inspired countless people across the world to chase their dreams and make the most of every opportunity that life offers them.”

“I’m excited that MMA has finally arrived in Maine,” stated Brown. “A lot of people put in a lot of work to make this happen and it’s historic that we’ll be able to celebrate the achievement at Fight Night I on February 11^th. I’m looking forward to enjoying some great match-ups on my home soil and checking out the next generation of Maine fighters.”

For more information and to register for the seminar call 207.776.8051, email newenglandfights@gmail.com or visit www.newenglandfights.com.

About Mike Thomas Brown

Mike Thomas Brown (@mikebrownmma) is an American mixed martial artist with a record of 25-8. On November 5^th, 2008, Mike captured the World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) Featherweight Title. He defended the belt twice and held the title as the world’s top 145-pound fighter for over a year before succumbing to current champion, Jose Aldo. Mike lives and trains in Florida as part of the prestigious American Top Team (ATT) and currently fights as a featherweight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).  For more information visit www.mikebrownmma.com.

About Fight Night I

The inaugural event of “Fight Night,” a mixed martial arts (MMA) promotions company, will feature a Main Event professional welterweight bout between undefeated, fast-rising Maine prospect Ryan Sanders (2-0) from Young’s MMA and top Northeast middleweight Dan Keefe (7-2) out of Wai Kru/IntenZe. Promoter Nick DiSalvo has booked the Androscoggin Bank Colisee for “MMA Fight Night I,” which was the venue for the 1965 Heavyweight Boxing Championship rematch between Sonny Liston and Muhammad Ali. The 4,500 capacity arena is the premiere venue in the Lewiston/Auburn, Maine region. The facility has added over $4 million in renovations in the last four years including food court/taverns and other amenities to provide fight fans with a top-flight experience. 

About Nick DiSalvo Promotions

Nick DiSalvo Promotions is a Mixed Martial Arts promotions company. Nick DiSalvo Promotions’ mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. DiSalvo Promotions’ executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing and advertising.

“The addition of The Academy’s Paul Gorman and Bombsquad’s Anthony Leone really caps off an incredible card made up of the top talent in the Northeast,” stated promoter Nick DiSalvo.  “Everyone knows that Paul Gorman is a super dangerous fighter that is capable of winning against anyone. Paul trains with the intensity of someone fully focused on making it to the next level.  As for Leone, he’s already been there as a veteran of world-famous promotions like the WEC and Bellator. This fight is going to be white hot.”

The Gorman-Leone bout was originally scheduled to take place on FightMaine.com’s January 13^th, 2012 show that was cancelled due to multiple fighters succumbing to injuries in the final weeks leading up to competition. Fight Night was able to acquire the rights to the match by working closely with the event promotions company.

“Too often today in business and politics—and especially in fight promotions—people expel a lot of energy in working against one another,” stated Fight Night matchmaker Matt Peterson. “I serve in a political arena, so I understand how nasty it can get out there. The spirit that went into preserving this fight was the exact opposite of that.  The last-minute rescue of the Gorman-Leone matchup is an example of two promotions working together. I was proud to work with members of the FightMaine.com management team to save this bout and make sure that these two phenomenal athletes will still get a chance to face off against each other and receive a paycheck in the first quarter of 2012. When Gorman and Leone enter the cage on February 11^th, it will be a real testament to what is possible when fighters and fans are put first.”

“It means a ton to me that my fight with Leone is still on,” stated Gorman. “I put a lot of hard work into not just this fight, but all of my fights and it’s always a major letdown when things fall apart. Unfortunately for the fighters it’s commonplace to have our hard work go down the drain when fights are cancelled for whatever reason, so to have my fight picked-up at the last minute is huge.”

Paul Gorman has been fighting professionally for over a half-decade against the toughest competition he can find. In his expansive professional career he’s competed in regions as remote as the Pacific and faced the likes of UFC-veteran Josh Grispi, WEC-veteran Rafael Rebello, and the top featherweight and bantamweight talent in the Northeast.  The Jay Jack trained Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) Brown Belt has tapped out black belts in MMA competition and taken local champions into the deepest rounds of their careers. He’s been training consistently at The Academy under MMA pioneer Jack and his wife, Amanda Buckner, for the better part of a decade and is committed to reaching the highest levels of the sport.

As for Anthony Leone, he’s “been there, done that” and is fighting to return there as soon as possible. Leone fought in the Zuffa owned WEC prior to the organization being collapsed into the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The WEC was the world’s premiere organization for 135 and 145-pound fighters prior to the UFC’s adoption of those weight classes, so Leone has faced world-class talent and will be fully prepared for February 11^th.

Gorman-Leone will be featured as the co-main event of a packed card of over 20 professional and amateur mixed martial arts fights. Tickets for Fight Night start at only $25 and can be purchased online at www.thecolisee.com or by calling 207.783.2009. 

 About Fight Night I

The inaugural event of “Fight Night,” a mixed martial arts (MMA) promotions company, will feature a Main Event professional welterweight bout between undefeated, fast-rising Maine prospect Ryan Sanders (2-0) from Young’s MMA and top Northeast middleweight Dan Keefe (7-2) out of Wai Kru/IntenZe. Promoter Nick DiSalvo has booked the Androscoggin Bank Colisee for “MMA Fight Night I,” which was the venue for the 1965 Heavyweight Boxing Championship rematch between Sonny Liston and Muhammad Ali. The 4,500 capacity arena is the premiere venue in the Lewiston/Auburn, Maine region. The facility has added over $4 million in renovations in the last four years including food court/taverns and other amenities to provide fight fans with a top-flight experience.

About Nick DiSalvo Promotions

Nick DiSalvo Promotions is a Mixed Martial Arts promotions company. Nick DiSalvo Promotions’ mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. DiSalvo Promotions’ executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing and advertising.

Central Maine BJJ Ready To Show It’s Happening Here on February 11 in Lewiston, ME

Lewiston, ME (January 2, 2012) – Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) may be one of the best-kept grappling secrets in New England. However, all of that could soon be changing when two CMBJJ representatives step into the cage to showcase their skills in full-contact mixed martial arts (MMA) action at Fight Night I on February 11^th.

Owned and operated by Travis Wells, CMBJJ has been quietly building its stable of jiu-jitsu fighters and mixed martial artists since 2004 when Wells first started the school. “At the time it was more like a club,” Wells explained. “Initially we were just a few guys that got together that wanted to do jiu-jitsu.  Today, CMBJJ represents a great group of people from every age bracket with varied levels of interest in jiu-jitsu.”

Wells’ own Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) origins began under Julio Fernandez in Burlington, Vermont. After years of dedicated training and competition, Wells was awarded his brown belt from UFC-veteran Ricardo Almeida. Today Travis represents the legendary Master Ricardo de la Riva under the watchful eye of 4^th degree black belt Alexey Cruz Pickerell.

Wells’ star student and BJJ blue belt protégé, Jesse Erickson, will be stepping into the cage for the first time at Fight Night I with the hopes of representing his school—and his instructor—with the honor and discipline he has developed through countless hours of study at CMBJJ. “Erickson is very well rounded and ready to showcase his jiu-jitsu skill set,” stated Wells. “He will be in outstanding shape and ready for this fight.”

For his part, Erickson feels prepared due to Wells’ tutelage. “Travis has been an outstanding instructor and coach,” he said. “He does a great job catering to the strengths and abilities of all of his students. He helps us reach our goals whether it’s competing in BJJ, fighting MMA, or just getting in shape and learning a new art. I’m excited that I get to showcase some of the things I’ve learned from my coaches and teammates at a great new promotion in my hometown. This fight will be the culmination of all my hard work.”

Also representing CMBJJ on February 11^th will be a fighter that goes back a few years in the regional MMA scene, Jesse Peterson. Peterson last fought in 2008, but after his last win was forced into dormancy due to injuries. Peterson, who will jointly represent CMBJJ and his longtime school South Shore Sport Fighting (SSSF), credits Wells with helping him to get back in the cage.

“Travis has been a loyal supporter of mine since I first met him years ago,” Peterson stated. “Despite injuries that impacted a consistent training regimen, Travis has been a faithful friend and supporter and always encouraged me to focus and make a run at it again. My goal at Fight Night is to show how serious I am this time to pay respect to people like Travis who have stayed with me through the years.”

“I feel Jesse has put in a lot of hard work and will be ready for his return to the cage,” Wells said. “People can expect to see a very talented wrestler with a dominant top game when he goes to work at the Colisee on Fight Night.”

As confident as Travis Wells is in his students’ ability to perform on Fight Night, he sees the greater Lewiston/Auburn area as the real winners on February 11^th.  “I’m very pleased to have this fight in our backyard,” Wells smiled. “Now that MMA is in Maine we finally have the chance to showcase our local talent—and it’s all right here on this card. Tickets are affordable so anyone that wants to go should be able to attend. We’re in for a real treat; it’s going to be a great night of fights.”

For more information and to stay up-to-date on the latest announcements regarding the inaugural event of Fight Night visit www.mma-fightnight.com.

About Fight Night I

The inaugural event of “Fight Night,” a mixed martial arts (MMA) promotions company, will feature a Main Event professional welterweight bout between undefeated, fast-rising Maine prospect Ryan Sanders (2-0) from Young’s MMA and top Northeast middleweight Dan Keefe (7-2) out of Wai Kru/IntenZe. Promoter Nick DiSalvo has booked the Androscoggin Bank Colisee for “MMA Fight Night I,” which was the venue for the 1965 Heavyweight Boxing Championship rematch between Sonny Liston and Muhammad Ali. The 4,500 capacity arena is the premiere venue in the Lewiston/Auburn, Maine region. The facility has added over $4 million in renovations in the last four years including food court/taverns and other amenities to provide fight fans with a top-flight experience.

About Nick DiSalvo Promotions

Nick DiSalvo Promotions is a Mixed Martial Arts promotions company. Nick DiSalvo Promotions’ mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. DiSalvo Promotions’ executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing and advertising.

 ”I’m really proud to have three former Maine State Champs on our show,” stated DiSalvo. “Winning a state wrestling championship is one of the greatest accomplishments one can achieve in high school sports and all three of the wrestlers-turned-fighters featured on this card did it in spectacular fashion during their respective dominant seasons.  The State of Maine is a hotbed for wrestling.  I think you’re going to see top MMA fighters coming out of Maine high school wrestling programs for years and years to come.”

The three former champions featured on the February 11th card include 1995 125-pound champion John Raio from Gardner; 2000 189-pound champion Jesse Peterson from Mountain Valley; and 2002 189-pound champion Cody Lightfoot from Marshwood.

“All of these guys know how to compete–and win,” stated DiSalvo. “Jesse hasn’t fought MMA in over three years, but at the time he was forced into inactivity due to injuries he was a ranked fighter. Cody’s currently ranked #3 in the Northeast at Light Heavyweight and John is making his amateur MMA debut so get on board early with this guy because he is very skilled.”

“I am excited to have this opportunity,” stated Raio. “I’ve wanted to do this since I graduated from college, but I wasn’t able to do so until now due to the birth of my son and my work schedule. I’m very excited to finally be able to get into the cage.”

“I’m wicked pumped to be able to finally fight in Maine,” stated Lightfoot, who after high school went on to achieve All-New England honors while wrestling for Norwich University. “I’ve been waiting for a long time to compete in MMA in my home state in front of my friends and family–and I’m going to make the most of the moment now that it’s finally here.”

Fight Night I will feature both professional and amateur fighters representing the top martial arts schools in the Northeast including Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMAthletix, Team Havoc, Bombsquad, Sityodtong, Team Burgess and many others.

For more information and to stay up-to-date on the latest announcements regarding the inaugural event of Fight Night visit www.mma-fightnight.com.

About Fight Night I

The inaugural event of “Fight Night,” a mixed martial arts (MMA) promotions company, will feature a Main Event professional welterweight bout between undefeated, fast-rising Maine prospect Ryan Sanders (2-0) from Young’s MMA and top Northeast middleweight Dan Keefe (7-2) out of Wai Kru/IntenZe. Promoter Nick DiSalvo has booked the Androscoggin Bank Colisee for “MMA Fight Night I,” which was the venue for the 1965 Heavyweight Boxing Championship rematch between Sonny Liston and Muhammad Ali. The 4,500 capacity arena is the premiere venue in the Lewiston/Auburn, Maine region. The facility has added over $4 million in renovations in the last four years including food court/taverns and other amenities to provide fight fans with a top-flight experience.

About Nick DiSalvo Promotions

Nick DiSalvo Promotions is a Mixed Martial Arts promotions company. Nick DiSalvo Promotions’ mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. DiSalvo Promotions’ executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing and advertising.

 “Everyone in Maine and New England knows that Lewiston is a fight town,” stated DiSalvo, a veteran attorney and promoter of MMA events. “Muhammad Ali had one of his most infamous title fights in Lewiston and former boxing world champion Joey Gamache was homegrown there. I’m proud to be able to bring the first mixed martial arts event to this famous fight town.”

DiSalvo has booked the Androscoggin Bank Colisee for “MMA Fight Night I,” which was the venue for the 1965 Heavyweight Boxing Championship rematch between Sonny Liston and Muhammad Ali. The 4,500 capacity arena is the premiere venue in the Lewiston/Auburn area. The facility has added over $4 million in renovations in the last four years including food court/taverns and other amenities to provide fight fans with a top-flight experience from the moment they enter the building.

The Main Event for MMA Fight Night I is a professional welterweight bout between undefeated, fast-rising Maine prospect Ryan Sanders (2-0) from Young’s MMA and top-ranked Northeast middleweight Dan Keefe (7-2) out of Wai Kru/IntenZe.

“Keefe-Sanders is a big main event,” stated matchmaker Matt Peterson. “Ryan Sanders has been on a tear lately and while he hasn’t been fighting professionally for as long as Dan Keefe, Sanders’ wins are over some gritty, tough veteran fighters. Ryan and his coaches made it clear to me that they were only interested in fighting the best guys the region has to offer—and that’s what they’ll get in Dan Keefe on February 11^th.”

Dan “The Ghost” Keefe is currently ranked #7 in the Northeast at 185 pounds. He began his professional career over five years ago as a middleweight and has only recently made the move down to 170 pounds to compete in the welterweight division.

“I’m excited to fight in Maine,” stated Keefe. “Ryan is a popular fighter there and will probably have a lot of fans in the crowd supporting him—but I’ll be bringing a lot of my fan base too. He’s a tough guy and I know we’ll put on a great show for the fans.”

 MMA Fight Night I will have no fewer than three former Maine State Wrestling Champions on the card. “We set out to sign some of the best talent in the state and region for this show,” stated Peterson. “I’m confident that fans will feel that we accomplished our mission when they witness the action in the cage on February 11^th.”

For more information and to stay up-to-date on the latest announcements regarding the inaugural event visit www.mma-fightnight.com. 

About Nick DiSalvo Promotions

Nick DiSalvo Promotions is a Mixed Martial Arts promotions company. Nick DiSalvo Promotions’ mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. DiSalvo Promotions’ executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing and advertising.

The iconic image of Ali taunting Liston in Lewiston, Maine

Fight Night is the latest series of Mixed Martial Arts events coming to the New England area.  Promoter/Attorney Nick DiSalvo and Maine State Representative/Matchmaker Matt Peterson met in the fall of 2011 and decided to combine their efforts to reinvigorate the fight scene in Lewiston, ME.

“Lewiston is a fight town, plain and simple,” said DiSalvo when reached for comment.  “There’s a rich history of combat sports in this city.  Everyone knows the Ali-Liston heavyweight title rematch from 1965.  Matt and I are very happy to be able to add to that legacy here.  The MMA fighters in New England are the best in the world.  I truly believe that.  And I believe they’re going to make Lewiston one of the fight capitals of the world again.”

DiSalvo has lined up the 4,500 seat Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston for the Fight Night series.  Fight Night I is scheduled to take place on February 11, 2012.  While DiSalvo is handling the business aspects of the promotion, Peterson, who introduced the legislation that created the Mixed Martial Arts Authority of Maine and brought the sport to the state, is piecing together the fight card.

“It’s going to be a lot of work filling this arena, but it’s doable,” said DiSalvo.  “It’s a great facility with ample parking, lots of recent updates, and two large video screens to watch the action on.  Ticket prices are starting at just $25.  The good majority of the seats in this arena will be sold for $25.  Those who really know me know that I’m about doing what’s right for the sport.  I know where other promoters are coming from, but I’ve also learned that starting tickets as high as $40 or $45 isn’t doing the sport, the fighters, and the fans any favors.  We, as the promoters, are charged with the short-term task of turning a profit, but we’re also charged with the much more important, long-term goal of bringing this sport to the masses and making sure it thrives.  $25 seats are much more affordable for a family looking for a night out together, for a fighter’s teammates, for a fighter’s family and friends.”

Keep checking back at www.mma-fightnight.com for more news on the official Fight Night I card, and for ticket sale dates.