Jacob Deppmeyer

MILFORD – New England Fights returns with its next event, “NEF 44: Back in Black,” on Aug. 21 at the Hampshire Dome in Milford, New Hampshire. The show will feature both mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and kickboxing fights. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional featherweight bout to the fight card. Jacob Deppmeyer (1-0) will face “Short Fuse” Aaron Hughes (1-0) at a fight weight of 145 pounds.

Jacob Deppmeyer debuted with NEF as an amateur in 2017. He amassed a record of 1-2-1 in four amateur fights with the promotion. Deppmeyer made his professional debut against Carl Langston (0-5) in February 2020 just before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Deppmeyer finished the more experienced Langston by technical knockout late in the first round to pick up his first pro victory. He currently represents First Class Fitness & MMA of Brunswick, Maine.

“I’m truly excited to get back in the cage after all that’s happened this past year,” said Deppmeyer. “My corners and I have been putting in the work, fine-tuning and relentlessly grinding for the outcome we deserve. I hope to put on a great show with my opponent for all the supporting people of our gyms, our teams, and for NEF!”

Aaron Hughes will be making his first appearance in the NEF cage. He is, however, a well-traveled competitor throughout the New England MMA circuit. Hughes debuted as an amateur in 2015 on a fight card in Massachusetts. He made his successful pro debut earlier this year in Knoxville, Tennessee. Hughes represents the Regiment Training Center in Fall River, Massachusetts where he trains alongside the likes of UFC veteran and former NEF Professional Cruiserweight Champion Yorgan De Castro (6-3).

“My opponent is a tough, skilled fighter, but I’m coming to win,” stated Hughes. “I’m going to show him that there is levels to this game.”

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Caleb Hall is riding a six-fight win streak in the NEF cage dating back to his amateur days. He has not lost a fight with the promotion since 2015. Hall is a former NEF Amateur Featherweight Champion. He turned pro in 2018 with a first round submission victory over tough veteran John Ortolani (11-14). In fact, all three of Hall’s wins as a professional have come via first round submission.

Hall is a product of Dirigo High School in Dixfield, Maine where he captured two state titles on the wrestling team. In recent years, Hall has taken up residence in Las Vegas, Nevada where he trains at Syndicate MMA.

“I’m excited to make my return to the cage under NEF once again,” said Hall. “I’m looking forward to getting out and testing my skill against my opponent.”

Hall’s opponent, Shaun Ray, is also undefeated as a professional fighter with two wins to his credit. He is a graduate of Easton High School in Easton, Maryland. Ray currently resides in Waterville, Maine.

“This has been a long time dream to be able to fight in the cage,” said Ray. “I’ve been training for this for years off and on. I get to test my skills against a worthy opponent. Thank you for making this possible and much respect to all involved!”

Tickets for “NEF 44: Back in Black” are on sale now at www.NewEnglandFights.com/Tickets/.