David Burke is finally back. After more than a year and a half away from competition, the New England MMA fighter is set to return to the NEF cage at NEF 64: Call to Arms on Saturday, November 8th in Bangor, Maine.

Burke (0-1 pro, 3-2 amateur) first burst onto the Maine MMA scene at NEF 47 in May 2022, where he needed just 19 seconds to stop David McCarty in his debut. Two months later, he returned at NEF 48: Heat Wave and stunned the crowd with a first-round finish of four-time Maine state wrestling champion Ryan Fredette. Those early victories quickly established Burke as one of the most exciting new prospects in New England MMA.

His rapid rise earned him a shot at the NEF Amateur Welterweight Championship in September 2023 against Devin Corson. That fight ended when Burke suffered an orbital injury and could not continue. Despite the setback, he turned pro the following year, facing Jeff Reynolds at NEF 56: Satori in February 2024. Burke lost the bout in the second round, but the clash was widely regarded as one of the most thrilling fights on the card. Fans left the venue buzzing about his performance, even in defeat.

Since then, Burke has been sidelined, training and waiting for the right moment to return. That moment has finally arrived. On November 8th, Burke will once again walk into the NEF cage in Bangor, eager to remind fans why his fights are can’t-miss events.

The identity of Burke’s opponent has yet to be announced, but anticipation is already high. After an extended layoff, every sign points to Burke entering this fight sharper, hungrier, and ready to put on a show.

Tickets for NEF 64: Call to Arms on November 8th at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor are available now at Ticketmaster.com.