LEWISTON — The main events will be Maine events when mixed martial arts returns Saturday night to Androscoggin Bank Colisee.

Local favorite Jesse Peterson of Rumford will co-headline an ambitious 28-bout card in a bout for the Maine MMA middleweight title.

Peterson (6-2) matches up with Cody Lightfoot (6-3) in one of the feature attractions. Both men were state wrestling champions in their youth.

The other co-main event pits Ryan Sanders of Veazie (4-1) against Gil De Freitas (12-5) in a welterweight title bout.

“I’ve been honored and privileged to work with such amazing athletes on all of the New England Fights shows,” said New England Fights co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson, Jesse’s brother. “But this fight sets a new standard. I can’t recall the last time I saw a regional card with so many top-ranked professional and amateur mixed martial artists all competing on the same night.”

Saturday’s card — the third at the Colisee since February — is notable for the sheer number of fights.

As of Wednesday afternoon, eight professional bouts and 20 amateur fights were on the docket. No fewer than 14 fighters are slated to make their MMA debut, a tribute to the growth of the sport and the popularity of Maine’s “Fight Night” series.

“If this many fights holds up until the event, we’re going to regard this more as MMA’s version of Lollapalooza — a festival of mixed martial arts more than a show,” Matt Peterson said. “There are so many interesting athletes and matchups on this card.”

Peterson and co-promoter Nick DiSalvo also are excited about a battle on the undercard between Michael Blair (2-0) and Matt Mahon (1-0). They were college wrestlers who combined for more than 225 career wins on the mat.

Jesse Erickson of Auburn takes on R.J. Letendre in an eagerly anticipated scrap at 160 pounds.

The opening bell is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tickets are available by calling 783-2009 and also may be purchased at the box office on the day of the event.

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