LEWISTON — Professionals from Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu of Lewiston and amateurs from Greater Rumford Community Center share the spotlight Saturday night when mixed martial arts ends its summer hiatus with New England Fights XIX. Bell time at Androscoggin Bank Colisee is 7 p.m. Seven pro bouts and 14 amateur scraps are scheduled. Teammates Jesse “The Viking” […]
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Mixed martial arts: Gulliver wins one for dad at NEF XVIII
It was the largest, loudest reception for a fighter making his New England Fights mixed martial arts debut in recent memory, and Gulliver appreciated them all. One, however, was foremost in his mind. “My dad (Tim) was a boxer. His dad never got to see him fight,” Gulliver said. “My dad, this past December, they […]
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Mixed martial arts: NEF XVIII card loaded with local flavor
LEWISTON — A grudge-match professional main event. Three amateur title fights. Local storylines aplenty. Saturday promises to be a hot summer night at Androscoggin Bank Colisee, where New England Fights XVIII has the makings of one of the most explosive mixed martial arts fight nights yet at the venerable arena. Bell time is 7 p.m. The […]
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NEF XVII: Rumford-area brothers debut with first-round KOs
LEWISTON — Two brothers. Two dormant championship traditions. Two mixed martial arts debuts. Two first-round knockouts. Chris and Dave Smith have fought together, and separately, since they were 6 years old on the wrestling mats at Greater Rumford Community Center. They’re none the worse for wear after a few years away from combat endeavors, as evidenced […]
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Mixed martial arts: Boyington vs. Harrison eagerly awaited main event at NEF XVII
LEWISTON — Saturday night’s main event at New England Fights XVII is a simple demonstration of supply and demand. Local mixed martial arts enthusiasts have demanded a fight between Bruce Boyington and Jamie Harrison, and the region’s dominant fight promotion is happy to provide. The NEF lightweight title showdown between Boyington (10-7) and Harrison (5-1) is […]
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The Hot Corner: Auburn surgeon makes big Bang in non-traditional environment
Have you heard the one about the bariatric surgeon, the devout Mormon and the triathlete who walked into a mixed martial arts fight? They’re the same guy, and if you didn’t see that coming, allow Dr. Steve Bang of Auburn to change your perception of an increasingly popular but still widely misunderstood sport. “At some […]
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NEF XVI: Wood, King title defenses, huge presence highlight Saturday’s card
LEWISTON — Veterans of UFC, Bellator, WEC, NFL, Navy, Army and the Marine Corps. Oh, and an athlete who has actually been on the other side of the operating table. Diversity of life skill and fighting persuasion, complete with a pervasive local flavor, makes New England Fights XVI one of the mixed martial arts organization’s […]
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NEF XV: Mladin Holman, 56, loses MMA bout, but wins hearts at the Colisee in Lewiston
LEWISTON — Mladin Holman had the courage to pack up his family and emigrate from war-ravaged Croatia to the United States 15 years ago. Which makes it infinitely easier to understand why letting somebody lock the door of a mixed martial arts cage behind him at age 56 isn’t an overwhelming deal. “He’s very emotional […]
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NEF XV: Erickson eyes redemption in title bout
LEWISTON — Chances at redemption in the mixed martial cage, or any athletic endeavor, don’t often offer themselves in a span of 10 weeks. Jesse “The Viking” Erickson of Auburn appreciates the courtesy Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington showed him by granting an immediate rematch of their Sept. 6 NEF lightweight title bout. “I look forward […]
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Boxing: Gamache triumphant in return to Lewiston
Gamache gained all the knowledge he required from two numbers – Antoine’s age (41) and number of previous professional fights (68). “It felt good to get in there with a guy who actually can fight,” Gamache said. “He’s had more fights than my father had as a pro.” Fighting for the fifth time as a […]