The main event for New England Fights (NEF) 23 on May 14 at the Hyannis Youth and Community Center in Hyannis, Massachusetts has been announced by the promotion as heavyweight Brendan Battles will make his professional debut against Mike Hansen.
The fight booking was announced by NEF officials on Tuesday.
Battles (0-0) won both of his amateur fights and his last fight came in February at NEF 21 as he defeated Dave Smith by stoppage in the opening round. He trains out of Gracie Fitness and is a member of Team Juniko based out of Hyannis.
“I look forward to Mike coming down to my backyard for my first professional fight,” said Battles. “I know he is a tough fighter, but I look forward to showcasing the skills I have acquired thus far as I continue my journey to become a well-rounded MMA fighter.”
Hansen (4-3) has alterned wins and losses since making his professional debut in 2005. He will enter this fight following a victory as he defeated Jesse Baughman by submission at NEF 22 last month.
“I like this fight because I get to fight in Massachusetts again,” stated Hansen. “I made my pro debut at Club Lido at the ‘Wonderland’ Blue Line stop just over a decade ago. I rode the ‘T’ from Fenway to Wonderland on August 6th, 2005 to make my debut against Eric Brown who I beat by rear naked choke at 1:27 in the first round. Jumping up two weight classes sucks, but I’ve competed at this weight many times. Battles is a very accomplished athlete with a stacked resume. With only three minutes of cage time, I think it’s time Battles was in the cage with someone ready to fight. I will gladly welcome Battles to the professional ranks and see how he stacks up. I’m going to stand right in front of him and make him beat me up and, if he can, he’s a good fighter. If he can’t, it is because I didn’t want him to. On May 14th, we will have a fight my friend!”
NEF 23: Cage the Cape will take place on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at the Hyannis Youth & Community Center in Hyannis, Massachusetts. Tickets start at $40 and are available on the NEF website.