New England Fights (“NEF”) presents its next event “NEF 66: Salute,” on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine. The event will feature a full slate of amateur and professional mixed-martial-arts (MMA) bouts. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional MMA bantamweight bout to the card. Danny Buteau (2-0) will face Joe Penafiel (12-8) at a fight weight of 135 pounds.

Danny “King” Buteau has moved quickly through the early stage of his professional career. The Wales, Maine native built his combat sports foundation on the mat. He won four Maine state wrestling championships at Oak Hill High School. He went on to win a collegiate national championship at Husson University. He compiled a 6-1 amateur MMA record, winning multiple regional championships, before turning professional. Most recently, Buteau defeated longtime MMA veteran Shawn Johnson by first-round submission at NEF 65. Buteau trains at Recon in Westbrook, Maine.

“It’s hard getting fights in Maine. I haven’t fought someone from Maine since my second amateur fight. I had seven fights as an amateur, and now this is my third pro fight. So, it’s kind of an annoying scene out here. Thankfully, someone like Joe is willing to fly out here and fight me,” Buteau said.

Joe “The Party” Penafiel is a seasoned combat sports veteran with over fifteen years of fight experience. He’s known nationally for his colorful personality and game fighting style. He trains at Fusion Xcel Performance in Orlando, Florida.

“I’m ready to fight. I’m always in shape, I’m always dangerous, and I’m just ready to really give this guy some pain,” Penafiel said.

“I expect a lot of boo’s [from the Maine fans]. I hope everyone in NEF, all the all the local guys, do their job and do their due diligence and get online and really sell these tickets. Anyone that knows me knows that Danny’s going to be in for a rude awakening. It’s going to be a fun fucking time. He’s going to have a great time learning about experience, pain, MMA and all his little wrestling stuff. It’s going to be amazing. Get your tickets. Get them now. May 16, Bangor, Maine! New England Fights, The Party returns. Danny’s the next victim. I hope he’s ready. Bring a bat, bring anything you got, bring your coaches, bring your girlfriend, and let’s rock… Let’s party!” Penafiel said.

“The Party is well-known, larger-than-life personality and decorated fight veteran. He’s equal parts entertainment and skill. He’s been fighting for well over a decade and has done it all during that time. He’s won amateur and professional championships up and down the East Coast, competed against multiple UFC veterans, and even fought in bare knuckle MMA.

“Danny, meanwhile, is a driven performer. He’s brought excellence to every athletic endeavor he’s ever pursued. You don’t win four state titles and a collegiate national championship in wrestling by luck. Results like that require a lifetime of discipline and sacrifice. Danny is bringing that same purpose and focus to his pro career as a mixed martial artist. Nobody asks for a challenge like Joe Penafial in their third pro fight, but that’s what Danny demanded. We were happy to deliver. I’ve been looking for an opportunity to bring Joe’s proficiency and pizazz to NEF for a long time. There’s a little spring fever in the air, and after a long pursuit, we finally found the right opponent to make his NEF debut in Bangor feel worth the wait,” said NEF co-owner Matt Peterson.

“NEF 66” takes place on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine. Doors will open at 6 pm with the first fight taking place at 7 pm. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.