Nick Newell will be back in action next month for the first time since his Contender Series loss, taking on Kalvin Hackney at CES 56.
‘The Notorious’ Conor McGregor Nick Newell is set to return to action next month. Following a report from ESPN, CES MMA officials confirmed that Newell will take part in May’s CES 56. The fight will mark Newell’s first since an appearance on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series last summer, which saw the former WSOF standout come up short in his bid for a UFC contract.
Newell (14-2) lost for just the second time in his career that night, against undefeated Team Alpha Male prospect Alex Munoz. His only loss prior to that came against current UFC lightweight contender Justin Gaethje, in a challenge for Gaethje’s WSOF lightweight title in 2014.
Newell would win two more fights following the stumble against Gaethje, before briefly retiring only to to return last year, earning a victory in his return fight at LFA 35, then faltering on the Contender Series.
His opponent, Kalvin Hackney (17-5) is 3-1 in his past four fights, and a veteran of Titan FC and Legacy FC. He has not, however, competed with much frequency in MMA since 2015. Over the last four years, he has stepped in the cage just three times.
CES 56 takes place May 31 at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, CT.
