12/16/2025
❄️❄️THIS JUST IN!!❄️❄️
New England Fights is returning in February!!
𝘽𝙐𝙏𝙀𝘼𝙐 𝙍𝙀𝙏𝙐𝙍𝙉𝙎 𝙁𝙊𝙍 𝙎𝙀𝘾𝙊𝙉𝘿 𝙍𝙊𝙐𝙉𝘿 𝙊𝙁 𝙋𝙍𝙊 𝘾𝘼𝙍𝙀𝙀𝙍 𝘼𝙏 ‘𝙉𝙀𝙁 65’
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (December 16, 2025) – New England Fights (“NEF”) presents its next event “NEF 65: Arctic Assault,” on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Portland Expo in Portland, Maine. The event will feature a full slate of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and kickboxing bouts. Tickets are on sale now at www.nefights.com/tickets/.
Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional MMA bantamweight bout to the card. Danny Buteau (1-0) will face Shawn Johnson (5-14) at a fight weight of 135 pounds.
After an outstanding amateur run that saw him capture regional MMA titles in Indiana and New Hampshire, Danny “King” Buteau made his professional debut last month at “NEF 64” in Bangor, Maine. Continuing his winning ways, Buteau, who won four state titles wrestling for Oak Hills High School in Wales, Maine and a national title for Husson University, was impressive in his first-round stoppage of a tough Marco Berreondo (0-1) that evening. He currently represents Recon MMA based in Portland, Maine.
“I’m excited to be back and to have a quick turnaround,” said Buteau. “I appreciate Shawn for taking the fight—I’m glad to see someone else wants to fight. Like always, it’s going to be all business.”
Shawn “The Brutal Noodle” Johnson will appear in the NEF cage for the second time in his career. Earlier this year, Johnson met Kam Arnold (7-1) at “NEF 61.” He went the distance with Arnold in a competitive bout. Johnson is coming off a first-round submission victory on a fight card in Indiana last month. He represents Iron Horse Academy.
“NEF 65: Arctic Assault” takes place on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Portland Expo in Portland, Maine. Doors will open at 6 pm with the first fight taking place at 7 pm. Tickets are on sale now at www.nefights.com/tickets/.
