John Raio

John “First Class” Raio (2-0) is a name known to fans of New England Fights! (NEF) mixed martial arts (MMA). Raio first stormed onto the scene at NEF’s “Fight Night I” on February 11^th, 2012 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine in front of thousands of frenzied fans. “First Class” won a hard-fought three-round decision that night over Ken Kersch and found himself hooked on the savage science. Raio returned to the cage at Fight Night II and earned another unanimous decision over newcomer Erik Nelson.  Now Raio is scheduled to face another NEF fighter, Derek Shorey, from Bill Jones’ Shop and Team Kaos at Fight Night III on June 16^th back at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee. We had the chance to catch up with Raio recently to learn more about this inspiring amateur fighter.

NEF: What does your everyday life look like? What do you do for a living and do you have a family?

Raio: I work as a mailman for the Post Office in Portland, Maine.  I have two young children ages 4 and 10.  My wife teaches 5^th grade.   I spend my time working, bringing my son to sporting events, and doing chores around the house.  We do a lot of outdoor activities as a family.  During the rest of my time, I am either at the gym lifting, running outside or training in mixed martial arts.

NEF: Stylistically, what’s your combat sports background?

Raio: I wrestled in junior high, high school and college.  I have been training MMA for one and a half years now under Ryan Cowette at MMA Athletix in Brunswick, Maine.

NEF: How did you first begin training in MMA and why did you decide to compete?

Raio: A friend convinced me to check out MMA Athletix.  The owner, Ryan Cowette, had fought in several MMA matches and told me about his experiences.  After participating in a few grappling events, I decided I wanted to try it out myself.  I have always enjoyed competitive sports and to me this is the ultimate competition. 

NEF: Describe what it was like to walk to the cage for the first time and what you were feeling.

Raio: It was the biggest adrenaline rush I have ever experienced.  Being in front of 3,000 fans and hearing many of my friends and family cheering for me was just an incredible feeling.  I was as nervous as I had ever been, but at the same time excited to get out there and test my skills in the cage.

NEF: Describe the dimensions of your diet, training regime and lifestyle in general that you attribute to your ability to enter the cage and compete as a disciplined, prepared athlete.

Raio: My diet and training routines have helped me to make weight and allowed me the stamina to go the distance in each of my first two fights.   

NEF: Who has influenced you the most as a fighter?

Raio: Ryan Cowette, the owner of MMA Athletix.  He is the main reason that I decided to compete in MMA.  He is a fellow Christian and a good friend.  Seeing his success and love for the sport inspired me to try it for myself.  He also gave me the nickname “First-class,” which has stuck with me.

NEF: What’s your advice to an aspiring fighter that’s considering entering the cage for the first time?

Raio: I would say to make sure that you are in the best shape possible, train hard and respect your opponent whether you win or lose.  Anyone can be knocked out with a strike or submitted.  It brings honor to the sport when you are humble in victory. 

NEF: To date, what’s been the defining moment of your fight history?

Raio: I was given “Fight of the Night” honors for my victory over Erik Nelson in Fight Night II in Biddeford.

NEF: What does your fight represent to you?

Raio: I have always been a fighter.  I have overcome a lot of adversity in my life. Each fight represents a new challenge to rise above and prepare for.

 NEF: Words to live by?

Raio: Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins.  All we have to do is believe in Him and ask Him for forgiveness and we will be forgiven for our sins.

“We’ve been fortunate to feature a number of former Maine state champions in our fights,” stated NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo. “Josh will make a great addition to our roster and we’re honored that he’s chosen NEF as the promotion to make his amateur debut in.”

“I’m really excited and thankful for this opportunity,” stated Thornton. “I feel this is the logical next step for me from wrestling and I can’t wait to get in the cage and test myself.”

Josh Thornton grew-up in Rumford, Maine and wrestled for Mountain Valley High School where he earned back-to-back state titles in 2010 and 2011. After high school, Thornton decided to attend and compete for Plymouth State University in Plymouth, New Hampshire, a Division III wrestling program with a consistent history of producing several top wrestlers-turned-fighters including highly ranked mixed martial artists Nate Lamotte (12-5), Nate Kittredge (10-2) and Rich Moskowitz (10-7). Thornton was a starter for Plymouth State during his freshman season.

“I think being a college wrestler will give me an advantage,” stated Thornton.  “Plymouth has produced a lot of great fighters and it’s my hope to continue to represent PSU in that way. I am a hard worker and I want this badly, so I’m going to continue training to make sure that I walk away with a win.”

“I’ve had the pleasure of watching Josh mature from a youth wrestler into a multiple-time high school state champion and now a college athlete,” stated NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson. “He’s wrestled his entire life so he has a great base to build on as a mixed martial artist. I’m proud that he’s decided to take his training to the next level and compete in MMA.”

Fight Night III is being headlined by a heavyweight bout between former 5x UFC Heavyweight Champion of the World, Tim “The Mainiac” Sylvia (30-7) and Randy “The Wolf” Smith (14-10-1).

For more information on this event, visit www.NewEnglandFights.com. You can watch NEF videos, including an interview with Tim Sylvia at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights”.  Tickets for this event are on sale now at TheColisee.com or by calling The Colisee box office at 207-783-2009.

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.

“When Ryan Cowette steps into the NEF cage for the first time on June 16^th, he will be breaking new ground in his career by both fighting as a professional for the first time and making his debut in a new weight class,” stated NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson. “Ryan has a loyal following in Maine and has promised a hair-raising fight for his hometown fans at a weight where he says he will be faster, more explosive, and ready to go at top speed for three rounds, if necessary. He has a fierce challenge in front of him in Josh Bellows though, so it will be thrilling to see how it all plays out. ”

Ryan Cowette began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) almost a decade ago. Always on a mission to study under the most skilled instructors, Ryan spent many years in Florida training at Combat Athletix where he was awarded his BJJ Brown Belt from James Smiley, a Black Belt under Edson Diniz from American Top Team (ATT).

After moving back to Maine a few years ago, Cowette, husband and father of six, opened his gym MMAAthletix in Brunswick, Maine and began competing in the New England mixed martial arts circuit. His most recent victory came last May when he battered John English on the feet for three slobberknocking rounds. Cowette, whose amateur fights were all in the 185-pound division, is now slated to drop to 170-pounds to face Josh Bellows (1-0 as an amateur) from Wes Littlefield’s Hardcore Gym.  Bellows will also be making his professional debut at Fight Night III.

“Littlfield’s and MMAAthletix are both great schools,” stated NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo.  “Matt (Peterson) and I are thrilled to have both sides choose our card to host this double pro debut.  It’s a real honor.”

“I am excited to get back in the cage,” stated Cowette, who amassed a 3-1 record as an amateur fighting at 185-pounds and was once ranked #1 in the region by Northeastmma.net before dropping in the rankings due to inactivity. “It has been a little over a year since my last fight. Fighting in my home state is going to be great and knowing I have the support of my students drives me to want to have a good performance. I am looking forward to having a successful pro career with NEF.”

Fight Night III is being headlined by a heavyweight bout between former 5x UFC Heavyweight Champion of the World, Tim “The Mainiac” Sylvia (30-7) and Randy “The Wolf” Smith (14-10-1).

For more information on this event, visit www.NewEnglandFights.com. You can watch NEF videos, including an interview with Tim Sylvia at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights”.  Tickets for this event are on sale now at TheColisee.com or by calling The Colisee box office at 207-783-2009.

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.

“This is a big card that keeps getting bigger,” stated NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo. “Bringing Travis Bartlett back home to make his heavyweight debut against a giant guy like Tyler King is the perfect compliment to a massive main event in Sylvia-Smith. I don’t think anyone can plan on either of these bouts going to the judges!”

Bangor, Maine native Travis Bartlett began his mixed martial arts (MMA) career in 2007 after completing an impressive amateur boxing career with a record of 77-19 and #6 national ranking to his credit. After entering MMA, he soared to the #1 regional position at light heavyweight by rattling off a number of highlight-reel knockout performances and winning a local title along the way.

After successfully defending his title, Bartlett made the decision to move from Maine to the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas, to pursue his dreams of becoming a full-time fighter. Once established in his new home, Bartlett quickly became a sought-after training partner for some of the greatest fighters of all-time, including Wanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva (35-11-1) and current number one contender for the UFC Heavyweight Championship of the World, Frank Mir (16-5). Now, returning to Maine to fight for the first time ever in his home state, Bartlett is looking to make his heavyweight debut against the fifth ranked heavyweight in the Northeast, Tyler King.

“This will be my first fight as a heavyweight and my first fight in Maine,” Bartlett stated. “I’m very excited to fight in my home state and I think Tyler is the perfect opponent to give my Maine fans a super exciting fight!”

Tyler King is no stranger to elite competition. The North Attleboro, Massachusetts native played defensive end at the University of Connecticut where he was named the team’s Defensive MVP in 2004 before moving on to professional football where he spent time with four NFL teams.  Standing 6-foot-6, all of King’s wins in MMA have come via first round finish and he feels well prepared to face Bartlett on June 16^th.

“When this fight was proposed to me, I jumped at the opportunity,” stated King. “Travis is a well-respected fighter who never has a boring fight. His last fight was an absolute war and knowing what I bring to the table, I expect nothing less than a fight-of-the-year candidate for this bout.”

This will be the second time NEF has held an event at the Colisee this year. This past February, at the inaugural Fight Night event, some 3,200 frenzied fight fans showed up to see the biggest event in Maine mixed martial arts (MMA) history; almost 800 more fans than the crowd that witnessed Muhammad Ali vs. Sonny Liston II in 1965, the most famous fight event ever to take place at the Colisee or in the state of Maine for that matter.

For more information on this event, visit www.NewEnglandFights.com. You can watch NEF videos, including an interview with Tim Sylvia at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “Fight Night Mixed Martial Arts”.  Tickets for this event are on sale now at TheColisee.com or by calling The Colisee box office at 207-783-2009.

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.

“Ryan Sanders has become an NEF staple,” stated NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo. “He’s been with us since the beginning and we’re excited that he’ll be back for Fight Night III. NEF fans have grown to appreciate Ryan’s exciting style and go-for-broke attitude in the ring. He brings it from bell-to-bell and we couldn’t be happier to be featuring him on a huge card with former World Champion Tim Sylvia as the headliner.”

At Fight Night II, Sanders experienced the first loss of his professional career after dropping a Unanimous Decision loss to Mike Winters (6-2) from Ithaca, New York. Since the loss, Sanders has recommitted himself to training and is anxious to rebound quickly at Fight Night III.

Sanders’s opponent, Ray Shawdee, hails from BTT/IntenZe, a camp that Sanders is very familiar with. Sanders defeated Shawdee’s IntenZe teammate, Dan “The Ghost” Keefe (7-3), by armbar submission in the first round of the Main Event at Fight Night I.

“I’m very excited to fight Sanders,” stated Shawdee. “Ryan’s a well-rounded fighter who will force me to bring my A Game. Ryan bested ‘The Ghost’ and for that, I must finish him!”

“Shawdee is really up for this fight,” stated NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson. “He’s as motivated as anyone I’ve ever seen. He’s really looking for payback on behalf of his team and Keefe. If Sanders defeats Shawdee, we’ll have to start calling him the ‘IntenZe Killer,’ but Shawdee is dead-set against letting that happen. It will be awesome to see all of this play out in the cage.”

“Shawdee looks tough,” Sanders stated. “He has good hands and a pretty good ground game. His sub defense looks solid too. I think this fight will have some big fireworks!”

This will be the second time NEF has held an event at the Colisee this year. This past February, at the inaugural Fight Night event, some 3,200 frenzied fight fans showed up to see the biggest event in Maine mixed martial arts (MMA) history; almost 800 more fans than the crowd that witnessed Muhammad Ali vs. Sonny Liston II in 1965, the most famous fight event ever to take place at the Colisee or in the state of Maine for that matter.

For more information on this event, visit www.NewEnglandFights.com. You can watch NEF videos, including an interview with Tim Sylvia at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “Fight Night Mixed Martial Arts”.  Tickets for this event are on sale now at TheColisee.com or by calling The Colisee box office at 207-783-2009.

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.

Smith, who trains out of CNYMMA in Cortland, NY, is no stranger to the New England MMA scene, having competed extensively throughout the region, capturing several local titles and making a name for himself as one of the top heavyweights in the territory.  “Randy Smith is ranked number five at heavyweight in the entire northeast right now,” said NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson.  “We were approached by so many fighters and teams that wanted the June 16 bout with Sylvia, but it was Randy who really stood out as the best opponent in our minds.”

NEF is expecting another huge crowd at the Colisee for the follow-up to their debut event at the arena back in February.  “Over 3200 people attended Fight Night I at the Colisee earlier this year,” stated NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo.  “Now, with Sylvia fighting for the first time in his home state, we’re already seeing a marked increase in ticket sales over the first show.  I’ve had the pleasure of sitting cage-side for several of Randy Smith’s fights in the past.  This is going to be a great fight, and just another night of fights that Maine fans are not going to want to miss out on.”

“It’s an honor to fight Tim Sylvia, and it will be a huge win,” said Smith when reached for comment.  “He was a guy I used to watch before I started training.  He has been at the highest level in the biggest show, and he is a guy I always dreamed of fighting.  I match up well with him.   Our styles are a lot alike.  This is my Super Bowl.  We will put on a fight that people will talk about for years.”

For more information on this event, visit www.NewEnglandFights.com. You can watch NEF videos, including the Tim Sylvia interview, at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “Fight Night Mixed Martial Arts”.  Tickets for this event are on sale now at TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207-783-2009.

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.

“I’m coming home and I plan on kicking some (butt) on June 16th,” said Sylvia during an interview at the event.

This will be the second time NEF has held an event at the Colisee this year. This past February, at the inaugural Fight Night event, some 3,200 frenzied fight fans showed up to see the biggest event in Maine mixed martial arts (MMA) history; almost 800 more fans than the crowd that witnessed Muhammad Ali vs. Sonny Liston II in 1965, the most famous fight event ever to take place at the Colisee or in the state of Maine for that matter.

“I’m stoked to be on this card,” Sylvia said. “Maine has obviously stepped it up,” in reference to Maine’s support of MMA based on the size of the 1600-plus crowd in Biddeford for Fight Night 2.

“NEF has been on a roll with two highly successful shows at the promotion’s inception,” said NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo. “We’ve had a lot of regional attention on us the last few months. Now, with Tim Sylvia on board for Fight Night III, we’re actually receiving national attention. And we’re only going into our third show. It’s crazy. We’re so happy to be able to bring Tim in front of his home crowd for the first time. Just talking face-to-face with Tim over the weekend, I could hear in the tone of his voice just how special it is for him to fight for his family and friends. This is a guy who’s fought all over the world and now he’s finally coming home. June 16 is going to be an emotional night for everyone involved.”

No opponent for Sylvia has been determined yet. “Nick (DiSalvo) and I have received a flurry of calls and emails since word leaked that Sylvia will be on the June card,” said NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson. “Calls from fighters, managers, and teams requesting the fight with Tim are just pouring in. It’s been insane lately. There are so many options right now. We’re working closely with Tim’s management team to approve and finalize an opponent.” An announcement is expected within the next two weeks.

For more information on this event, visit www.NewEnglandFights.com. You can watch NEF videos, including the Tim Sylvia interview, at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “Fight Night Mixed Martial Arts”. Tickets for this event are on sale now at TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207-783-2009.

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.

“Tim Sylvia is the biggest – both figuratively and literally – fighter with Maine roots that we could bring in to put this Biddeford show over the top,” stated NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo. “And to add to it, Tim will be making a special announcement about his career at the show.  He wanted to do this in his home state in front of his fans, friends, family, and neighbors — this is not to be missed!”

“We’re committed to growing the sport of mixed martial arts in the state of Maine,” stated NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson. “With that goal at the forefront of everything we do, we’re bringing in the biggest names in the fight world. Maine is the only state in New England to produce two world champion mixed martial artists—Mike Brown and Tim Sylvia. Mike was at Fight Night 1 and at Fight Night 2 we’ll have the The Maine-iac who twice held the most coveted title in all of combat sports—the World Heavyweight Championship. This will be another historic night for Maine MMA fans.”

Ellsworth, Maine native Tim “The Maine-iac” Sylvia made his UFC debut in 2002 when he won a TKO victory over Wesley “Cabbage” Correira at UFC 39. Less than a year later, Sylvia captured the UFC Heavyweight Championship of the World by defeating then champion Ricco Rodriguez in the first round. Sylvia defended the title once before losing the belt to Frank Mir at UFC 48 in 2004. Sylvia fought his way back to another title shot and reclaimed the World Championship in 2006 at UFC 59 by beating Andrei Arlovski. Now Sylvia makes his way to Maine to attend his first mixed martial arts event ever on his home soil.

“I’m excited to be coming home to Maine in the next week or so… and I have a big announcement my fans won’t want to miss!” said former UFC heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia when reached for comment.

“Tim will be accessible to fans throughout the show, so this is a great opportunity for fans to meet the former World Heavyweight Champion in person.  Tickets to Fight Night 2 have sold very quickly and we’re already nearing a sell-out with over a week to go.  The fans in attendance that night will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet one of the biggest stars in fight sport history.  They’ll also hear Sylvia’s announcement before the rest of the world, so this is really special.  From die-hard MMA fans to casual fans of the sport, no one can afford to miss this one!” stated DiSalvo.

For more information and to purchase tickets please 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.

“John Raio became an instant star when he made his debut at Fight Night 1 and we couldn’t be happier to be bringing him back when we storm Biddeford on April 14th,” stated NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo.

A lifelong wrestler, John Raio from Gardiner, Maine, won a state championship at 125-pounds in 1995. Raio went on to wrestle in college for Plymouth State University and the University of Southern Maine. “Raio knows wrestling,” stated NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson. “He’s been grappling and cutting weight his entire life, so he’s a seasoned athlete that understands the discipline and sacrifice that’s required to become the best. So far, he has done a great job of importing that work ethic into his mixed martial arts training.”

Despite completing a successful high school and college wrestling career, Raio continued to feel the competitive itch. When the state of Maine finally legalized and regulated mixed martial arts, Raio, who now resides in Topsham, Maine, heard the calling he had been craving. “I first started training in MMA just to get back into shape,” stated Raio. “There was a point in time between college and training MMA that I, as a Christian, thought it was too violent to watch and compete in. After training for a while, I realized that each component of MMA was a sport in itself–wrestling, jiu-jitsu, muay thai, karate, judo, boxing, etcetera–some of which are Olympic competitions. There is definitely a risk of injury, but with skill and continued training, you can minimize the risks. I’ve always been a competitive person. After entering some BJJ events and doing well recently, I decided to test my skills in MMA. I’ve always loved competition and to me this is the ultimate competition.”

Raio made a successful debut at Fight Night 1 in Lewiston in front of hundreds of his loyal family, friends and fans in a hard-fought three-round decision over Team Real Deal’s Ken Kersch. At Fight Night 2, Raio will face CMBJJ newcomer Erik Nelson, a 19-year old Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blue belt that is a stark physical and stylistic contrast to the 35-year old wrestler Raio. “I have a lot of respect for my opponent and his abilities,” stated Raio. “Erik is very experienced in BJJ, while I have the wrestling background. This fight will definitely end up on the ground.”

A mailman by trade, Raio has been dubbed with the moniker “First Class”, a nickname that perfectly fits the dedicated husband and father of two. “First Class is all class,” stated Peterson. “When you meet John you quickly realize that he is competing in MMA for all the right reasons. He has all the tools to be a future ambassador of the sport, if he decides to stick with it.”

At 35, Raio, who trains under Ryan Cowette at MMAAthletix in Brunswick, Maine, realizes that he’s entering the sport late and his time to make an impact is limited. As a result, it’s uncertain how many more fights he will have before he hangs it up. “I love MMA and certainly plan to fight as long as my body allows me to,” stated Raio. “At 35 years old, I am in the best shape of my life. However, I am taking it one fight at a time, and am focusing on putting on a good show for the MMA fans in Maine.”

“Fans of quality fighters and quality people should capitalize on the opportunity to see John Raio compete now while he’s still active,” stated DiSalvo. “He represents the best of what MMA is about—so make sure to come out to Biddeford to see John and the rest of our quality roster in action on Saturday, April 14th!”

For more information and to purchase tickets please 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.

“I’ve been following fights for most of my life and I’m confident that Jarod Lawton has the talent and work ethic to be the next big thing in the New England combat sports scene—he’s that good,” stated Matt Peterson, NEF co-owner and matchmaker.

Lawton’s first foray into the world of fighting began just over four years ago when, out of curiosity, he wandered into Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) and met school owner and instructor, Ricardo Almeida Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) Brown Belt, Travis Wells. “I saw immediately that he was very athletic and he learned very fast,” stated Wells, who trained Lawton during his first year in the sport. “As an instructor, you can pick up on the people that have potential pretty quickly—and he had it. I knew he had the tools to do anything he wanted in the art.”

Lawton, who was working as a personal trainer at the time, became instantly enamored with “the gentle art” and under Wells’ watchful eye began training like a man possessed. “I knew from my first day on the mat this would be my passion for the rest of my life,” stated Lawton. “Coming from a family of martial artists and soldiers, and warriors, finding jiu jitsu was like coming home, like I’d finally found my place in life.”

Lawton eventually moved to Florida to pursue training full-time at the prestigious American Top Team (ATT). At ATT, Lawton rolled daily with high-level BJJ black belts and quickly earned his blue belt. Not long after that, he was awarded his purple belt.

In his constant pursuit of new techniques, Lawton made the move to the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Center to study under world champion and 3^rd Degree Black Belt Pablo Papovitch. In January, Papovitch awarded Lawton his Brown Belt. “Having been through a lot of controversy and drama in changing schools and going to a place that had once been my biggest rival was tough, but the reward of training with guys of that caliber on a regular basis and to have them believe in my skills enough to give me my brown belt was an honor,” Lawton said.

Since moving back home to Maine earlier this year, Lawton has been teaching BJJ at Maine Isshinryu Karate Academies (MIKA) in Manchester, and focusing his attention on mixed martial arts.

“Jarod has had one MMA bout and it barely lasted over a minute before he forced his opponent to tap,” stated Peterson. Jarod is one of the fiercest jiu-jitsu competitors in the New England circuit right now. I have no doubt that he will bring that same level of intensity to his MMA training. I can’t wait to watch him compete against Heyliger—a proficient striker hailing from the most complete fight camp in the Northeast in Team Bombsquad. This matchup has the potential to be absolutely brilliant.”

“I feel great,” said Lawton. “My conditioning has never been better. I’ve been competing against some of the best jiu jitsu competition in the world and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to display my skills again in the cage at Fight Night 2.”

Fight Night 2 features 16 amateur and professional mixed martial arts bouts showcasing sportsmen from many of Maine’s top fight camps including Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMAAthletix, Team Headstrong, The Shop, Wai Nei, and many others.

For more information and to purchase tickets please 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.