LEWISTON — New England Fights (NEF) announced Thursday that Jon Lemke (3-1) will face John Ortolani (7-7) for the vacant Maine State MMA Lightweight Championship in the 10th anniversary event on Sept. 21 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee.
“Lemke-Ortolani was an obvious choice contest for our lightweight championship that was left vacant after Dez ‘Predator’ Green (9-1) got the call to fight for Bellator in their $100,000 featherweight tournament,” NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson said. “Both fighters are accomplished and decorated competitors. Lemke has never lost at lightweight between both his amateur and professional career, and ‘Orto’ has fought the best of the best in the region. This one will cause explosions in the sky for sure.”
Jon Lemke trains out of Marcus Davis’ famed Team Irish gym in Brewer. The only blemish on Lemke’s amateur and professional records came last month when he lost a catchweight bout to undefeated and highly-ranked Canadian prospect Mathew DesRoches (5-0) who was contested above his normal weight class at NEF’s “Nations Collide: Canadian Invasion.” Lemke’s combined amateur and professional record is a flawless 8-0 at lightweight.
“It is truly an honor and blessing to fight for the Maine State MMA Lightweight Title,” stated Lemke. “To represent myself, my team and the state of Maine for the opportunity to be called champion.“
John Ortolani has been a regional gatekeeper in the Northeast lightweight division for years. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu brown belt and professional lacrosse player is a Northeast staple and has proven to be a threat in every one of his fights.
“I’m really excited about fighting for the NEF and Maine State Title,”Ortolani said. “It’s a great opportunity for me and my team. Lemke is a tough guy from a good camp. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
“We didn’t have to look very far when we were considering who to put in for our recently vacated lightweight title,”NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo said. “We have two candidates on our roster currently that are as talented and dangerous as any lightweights in the Northeast. Lemke-Ortolani could steal the show on an epic card — and that’s really saying something.”
Tickets start at $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com. The card will feature Maine State Featherweight Champion Ray “All Business” Wood (4-0) defending his title against Rhode Island’s Joe Pingitore (4-0-1). For more information, visit www.newenglandfights.com.
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