New England Fights has waited a year and a half to make a comeback, but the covid-gods still are throwing punches as the promotion prepares for NEF 44: Back in Black in Milford, NH next Saturday, August 21st.
There were initially 20 MMA and 1 kickboxing bout scheduled for the event, with 5 of the MMA bouts being of the pro variety. The most intriguing matchup on the card had Maine native, Aaron "Relentless" Lacey (6-2), taking on "Super" Shane Manley (5-5) in a featherweight bout that was surely going to be a Fight of the Night candidate. Unfortunately Lacey had to pull out of the bout a week and a half ago due to illness, and without a qualified opponent to step in to fill his slot, Manley was left without a dance partner and had to be pulled from the card.
It looks like the sickness bug (one would have to assume Covid in both cases) has struck again, and Rebecca Bryggman (0-1) has been forced to withdraw from her bout with the ever-popular Glory Watson (0-1). There has been no word on if a replacement is being sought to take on Watson next Saturday night, but at this point, one would believe it would be close to impossible to find an opponent for Watson in an already very thin women's strawweight division in the northeast.
Bryggman took to social media a few hours ago to announce that she'd be pulling out of the fight, and waiting the results of her covid test. A truly unfortunate turn of events with two of the more intruiging fights being scrapped due to illnesses. Regardless, NEF will still showcase 18 MMA bouts and 1 kickboxing bout next Saturday night at the Hampshire Dome in Milford, New Hampshire.
You can purchase tickets here: www.NewEnglandFights.com/Tickets/
You can purchase the PPV here: https://combatsportsnow.com/event/new-england-fights-44
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