The New England MMA scene appears to be bursting with talent at the moment. It seems like each day a fighter from the region is signing with a major MMA organization. The UFC has added local fighters like Yorgan De Castro and Peter Barrett, Bellator has added Mike Kimbel and Nick Newell, and even the PFL has added Nate Andrews and John Howard. However, despite all these signings, one of the most consistent fighters in the region, Jessy Miele, is still waiting for her opportunity at the big leagues.

“I just want to challenge myself and fight the people they call the best right now,” Miele told Cageside Press. “That is what is going to make me a better fighter now.”

Miele, who turned professional back in 2014, sports an 8-3 record and is riding a three fight winning streak. She is coming off the biggest victory of her career, when she defeated UFC veteran Elizabeth Phillips by split decision back at CES 56 in May. Since dropping her professional debut, “the Widowmaker” has only lost to very high level fighters in former Invicta title challenger Charmaine Tweet and Ultimate Fighter Season 18 veteran Peggy Morgan — with both of those losses coming by way of decision.

“A lot of those losses were me getting in my own head,” Miele said. “I’m in a different spot in my life now. I am no longer getting in my own head.”

The Connecticut native tried out for the 28th season of the Ultimate Fighter but ended up only being selected as an alternative. Instead of getting frustrated, the featherweight worked on her craft with the crew at Underdog Mixed Martial Arts in Hartford and three other teams through out New England. She also picked up back to back wins under the CES MMA banner.

“Every time I get in the cage, I’m gonna be a better fighter,” Miele said. “I’m putting in the work and I believe it is starting to show.”

Miele is known for her well-rounded game. She is a bit of a crowd pleasure due to her penchant to slug it out on the feet. However, she is also a tough test for anybody in the grappling department — as she is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and has half of her wins coming via submission.

The 34-year-old knows that a call up to the UFC could come at any time, so she must be prepared. With the premier MMA organization coming to Northeast cities like Boston and New York this fall, her chances of finally getting called up might have increased.

“I just want to be prepared if someone likes the UFC calls and says they need someone last minute,” Miele stated. “I want to say let’s take it.”

Despite having to consult with her manager and teammate, UFC veteran Matt Bessette, Miele is not going to restrict her options to the UFC. With Bellator MMA holding back to back events in Connecticut in October, Invicta FC constantly adding top female talent, and the Professional Fighters League possible adding new weight classes to their 2020 season, she is hoping to have multiple offers on the table.

“I would be interested in a lot of leagues, especially the PFL,” Miele said. “But I’m looking to stay in my weight class and don’t want to go up. However, if they make a featherweight division, I would like to be in there.”

Miele doesn’t currently have a fight booked but is hoping to return soon. Being that some of the top MMA sites rank her as one of the best fighters in her division, perhaps the fight will come on a higher platform.

“I want to know why they don’t think I’m ready,” Miele said. “I think I’m ready and I want to show that I’m ready. Give me a shot and I will prove it.”

The post CES MMA’s Jessy Miele Ready for the Big Leagues: “Give Me a Shot and I Will Prove It” appeared first on Cageside Press.

Challenger Dan Dubuque was coming out to Johnny Cash at CES 56. No doubt, he was ready for his chance at gold. Dabaque had won four straight between CES and Cage Titans to earn the main event title fight. Another hometown fighter, a native of Rocky Hill, Connecticut, the crowd would be on his side.

Bruce Boyington, meanwhile, was 2-0 since his loss to Nate Andrews, and was the current featherweight champion of CES. Oddly enough Boyington was 2-3 in his last five, but looked to dominate and bring home a successful title defense. Both fighters boasted impressive submission victories on their resumes. In the end, that wouldn’t be a factor.

Round 1: We begin our title fight main event with a glove touch. Dubuque begins with a flying leg kick that doesn’t land. Boyington lands some jabs of his own as he backs his opponent down. Both fighters are firing but it is Boyington getting the better of the exchanges. A clinch battle ensues but Boyington wants zero part of it. Dubuque begins making Boyington miss, and lands some shots of his own, but Boyington takes the back of his opponent only to slide off as he was too high. Boyington catches a Dubuque kick and slams him to the ground, looking for the rear naked but Dubuque escapes. Some serious action to close out round one.

Round 2: Dubuque is walking Boyington down to begin this round and looks to take the back and commit to a takedown, but Boyington breaks free. A clinch battle ensues but eventually the two meet back in the middle for some haymakers. A big elbow is thrown by the hometown boy and hurts Boyington; Dan is controlling this round. Boyington slips away from the punches and lands a short takedown, and a short lived submission attempt. As round two comes to a close Boyington is hit with a groin shot.

Round 3: A wild first two rounds, and close first two rounds. Again nothing different here in the third as both continue to walk forward and land shots. After a long clinch exchange, Dubuque finishes a takedown with top control. Dubuque lands a big spinning elbow as the two stand up. Boyington is now looking to ignite the clinch war. With under a minute remaining the two again meet in the middle landing shots. Dubuque seems to clip the champion, but then accepts the clinch. The two high five as the round ends.

Round 4: Boyington opens with heavy leg kicks, before attempting a spinning back kick. A huge spinning backfist lands for Boyington, but seemingly does little damage. Dubuque continues to land and go for short quick bursts on Boyington. The champion is noticeably tired, but still standing taking punishment. Dubuque lands a shot that clips Boyington, but again he remains standing. Boyington goes for a late takedown that is unsuccessful. The champ lands a big left, but it is returned with Dubuque right back in his face.

Round 5:  The crowd gives these two a standing ovation. Boyington seems to have a second life in the opening stages of this one. Boyington landing some heavy shots. The champ is dominating round five at the halfway point. Dubuque trips up Boyington with only a minute remaining in the round and looks for the submission, but Boyington slips him off and regains top control. This one will go to the scorecards.

Official decision: Boyington def. Dubuque by split decision (49-46, 48-47, 47-48)

Champ Boyington said of Dubuque afterward “This guy, I’ve fought 30 times, this guy is the toughest guy I’ve ever fought.” Boyington chose not to only not to speak on the CES media controversy, but said “I spread love, I love CES they made up for it.”

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Nick Newell mades his much anticipated return to the cage Friday, his first since his loss at DWTNCS. Newell, a native of Milford, Connecticut, was looking to add not only another win or finish to his record but to make a statement for Dana White. Newell’s only other loss came at the hands of top ranked UFC lightweight Justin Geathje.

Antonio Castillo Jr., an Ohio native was a late replacement and held a record of 10-11 heading in. Castillo last appeared in the CES cage in a losing effort to CES 56 main event fighter, Dan Dabuque.

Round 1: Castillo Jr. opens with a leg kick, Newell quickly lands a takedown but is caught in the choke of Castillo, but Newell escapes. Newell then looks for the back of Castillo and makes quick work of the Ohio native. An absolute showcase of submission skills, Newell makes very short work of his return to the cage. It was over at 2:06 with the rear-naked choke.

Newell spoke after the fight, saying “shout out to Castillo, he came and took this fight short notice, so much respect for that man.”

“I’ve been grinding for 19 years, I’m 15 and 2, what the fu*k are you waiting for UFC, let’s do it.” Newell although not victorious on DWTNCS has a very serious and strong case for the UFC. With his resume and a 15-2 record, not to mention his following, it is a very real possibility.

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Jesse James Kosakowski is one of the top regional fighters of the northeast. Coming off of a victory a few months ago at Bellator216, Kosakowski looked to continue his submission reign in CES at CES 56 on Friday.

Ryan Jett, a native of North Carolina, was on a three fight losing streak and was making his CES debut Friday evening.

Round 1: Jesse James Kosakowski opens stalking Jett, but it is Jett who stuffs a takedown and lands a couple of huge hooks to Kosakowski. Jesse does not panic and opens up Jett for a submission attempt, locking in an arm-bar. Jett slams the head of Kosakowski off the ground but remains in the submission. The referee the calls it after a tap, but Jett gets up furious saying he did not tap.

Regardless, only 1:22 into round one, Kosakowski remains undefeated with an armbar victory.

Kosakowski spoke after. “I just remember I got hit a couple times and said ‘S*hit I gotta lock something in,’ so I did, he tapped.”

“I wasn’t affected by the slam, but his punches man those hurt me, had to lock it in and I did.”

Welterweight champion Vinicius de Jesus then stepped in the cage and challenged Kosakowski to a title fight. It seems to be set for July. An interesting couple of minutes for Kosakowski.

Check our CES 56 page for up-to-date results from the event!

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Jessy Miele, a fan favorite for the CES crowd here in the Connecticut Convention Center, is ready to look for a third straight victory in the cage. Miele is considered the pound-for-pound #1 of the Northeast region (outside of a major promotion) and for good reason. The crowd is as loud as it has been all night.

Her opponent, a UFC veteran, Elizabeth Phillips looks to ruin the streak of the CES fan favorite. Phillips has fought the likes of Milana Dudieva and Raquel Pennington while under the UFC promotion.

Round 1: We open round one with an early takedown of Miele. Phillips look for a submission but Miele remains calm and escapes. Miele begins looking for a triangle while underneath Phillips. Miele finds an opening and the crowd erupts, as she gets back to her feet and lands some clean punches on Phillips. Under a minute left in the round, Jessy lands a knee and clinches up with Phillips.

Round 2: The crowd welcomes round two with a “Jessy” chant. This round begins with both fighters swinging for the fences before entering a clinch battle. Miele begins unloading on Phillips who reaches for the single leg, but without success. Jessy begins looking for the neck of Phillips, but that doesn’t last long. Miele is avidly looking for the finish, but Phillips is showing extreme toughness. In the last minute, Jessy takes the back of Phillips, but can’t control the neck. Instead, Jessy turns to ground and pound. We will see a round three.

Round 3: After a dominating round by Jessy, round three opens with Phillips turning the tide and gaining top control. Although not do a severe amount of damage, definitely hitting Miele with some elbows and punches while controlling. Jessy gets back to her feet and starts swinging, but the round comes to a close.

Official Decision: Jessy Miele def. Elizabeth Phillips via decision (29-28 Phillips, 30-26, 29-27 Miele)

30-26 seems odd, but overall, Miele did what was needed to win this fight, a dominating second round definitely helped this decision. Phillips may hold a .500 record now, but has definitely proven why many consider her such a tough and hard fight as an opponent. Miele now has won three straight, don’t be surprised to hear a quick turnaround for the P4P queen of the north.

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John Gotti III has an insane amount of hype surrounding him, and for good reason. For those who don’t know the history of the Gotti family, do a quick search on Google, you won’t be disappointed. The Gotti family and friends bring an immense crowd.

David Espino, a Cage Titans alum in Massachusetts, has finished all three of his victories. After an 0-2 professional start to his career, Espino has won three in a row and though he is in for a tall task with Gotti, Espino is capable of setting up a finish.

If you thought the crowd was loud for Jessy Miele, well you are in for a rude awakening.

Round 1: The Gotti chants are reigning. Espino opens with a few leg kicks before Gotti lands one of his own. Gotti lands a left and stuffs a takedown attempt from Espino. Gotti slams Espino to the ground with a takedown and immediately lands vicious ground and pound shots. A KO victory for the New York native, and a happy crowd two fights in a row here in Connecticut.

John Gotti def. David Espino via KO in Round 1 (1:36)

Gotti was laser focused for this fight. “I want to come out, feel you out, and then I attack and it’s a fight.”

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Parker Porter was disqualified in his CES debut due to illegal strikes to the back of the head. Porter is looking to get back on the previous two fight win streak he held before the disqualification. He will be fighting in home in Hartford, Connecticut.

His opponent, Colorado native Kevin Sears Jr., has seven finishes on his record, and will look for an eighth in the cage with Porter.

Round 1: We open with a glove touch and we are underway. Sears looks for an easy takedown but Porter quickly stuffs the attempt. Porter throws ferocious ground-and-pound controlling Sears. The toughness of the Colorado native can’t be questioned, but Porter continues to dominate the round. Porter continues to switch from ground and pound to submission attempts, essentially doing whatever he wants to Sears. Porter ends the round on top.

Round 2: A dominant round one for Porter, but survival by Sears means a new life in round two. It doesn’t take long for Porter to again take control, taking down Sears. Porter is relentless with his submission attempts, and eventually forces the tap via kimura.

Porter picks up a needed win, improving his record to 9-5. Porter continuously controlled Sears, and was persistent on his submission attempts. A dominant performance in his hometown of Hartford.

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The Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford was rocking for yet another star studded CES card. Dana White Tuesday Night Contender Series alum, Nick Newell, returns to action after only his second professional loss.

Nick Newell has famously had a very successful MMA career despite only having one hand. He won the first 11 fights of his career with 10 first round stoppages, earning a WSOF title shot against Justin Gaethje. After falling in that fight, Newell has gone 3-1 and is looking to rebound from a loss on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series.

John Gotti III returns with his mob of fans to put on yet another impressive showing and continue his undefeated record. Gotti, who is the grandson of famous crime boss John Gotti, is looking to develop his career slowly despite bigger promotions trying to capitalize on his name. He trains out of Long Island, New York, and is 3-0 with all of his wins coming by first round knockout.

Featherweight champion Bruce Boyington is ready for a title defense against hometown fan-favorite Dan Dabuque who is on an impressive four fight win streak.

Catch all your CES 56 results here:

• Heavyweight: Parker Porter def. Kevin Sears via Submission (Round 2)
• Featherweight: Jessy Meile def. Elizabeth Phillips via decision (30-27 Phillips, 30-26 Miele, 29-27 Miele)
• Welterweight: Jesse James Kosakowski def. Ryan Jett (armbar Round 1, 1:22)
• Welterweight: John Gotti III def. David Espino via KO (Round 1)
• Lightweight Co-Main: Nick Newell def. Antonio Castillo Jr. by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 1, 2:06
• Featherweight Title Main Event: Bruce Boyington def. Dan Dabuque by split decision (49-46, 48-47, 47-48)

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‘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.

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