Young’s MMA teammates make successful pro debuts

By Ernie Clark
Staff Writer

LEWISTON — Young’s MMA of Bangor teammates Josh Harvey and Aaron Lacey both made successful professional debuts during New England Fights’ NEF 22 mixed martial arts and boxing show in front of an estimated 3,000 combat sports fans at the Androscoggin Bank Colise on Saturday.

BDN photo/Josh O’Donnell

FIRST PROFESSIONAL VICTORY — Referee Kevin MacDonald raises Josh Harvey’s arm after his victory over Matt Denning, left, at the New England Fights NEF 22 mixed martial arts and boxing event Saturday night at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston. Harvey is a graduate of Dexter Regional High School.

Harvey, the former NEF MMA amateur middleweight champion, needed just two minutes of the opening round to stop Matt Denning (2-2) in what had been billed as a grudge match, with the former state champion wrestler from Dexter Regional High School using a triangle choke to finish the bout.

Harvey, who was 5-1 as an amateur, made his pro debut at a catchweight of 150 pounds.

Lacey, who vacated the NEF MMA amateur featherweight title to turn pro after a 6-1 amateur career, also needed less than a full round to score his first pro victory. Lacey, competing at 145 pounds, defeated veteran Derek Shorey of the Shatterproof Combat Club in Dexter by D’arce choke.