New England Fights (“NEF”) presents its next event “NEF 66: Salute” on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor. The event will feature a full night of professional and amateur mixed martial arts action. Tickets are on sale now at www.TicketMaster.com.
Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional MMA bout to the card. Teddy Politis (0-1) is scheduled to battle Shawn Johnson (5-15) in a featherweight contest.
Teddy Politis returns to the NEF cage looking for his first win in the professional ranks. He lost his pro debut to a very tough Tim Fargo (4-1) in February 2025 at “NEF 61.” Before turning pro, Politis competed ten times in amateur MMA. He fought for and won multiple regional titles, including the NEF Amateur MMA Featherweight Championship.
“I’m super excited to fight someone with as many fights as Shawn,” said Politis. “He stands up, will fight anyone, and walks out to Jadakiss – what isn’t to like? I saw an old fight of his where he wheel kicked his opponent in the head and then hit the stance on him. I was like, ‘Oh yeah. This is the guy.’
“‘The Brutal Noodle’ versus ‘Teddy Spaghetti.’
“There’s nothing like a Teddy Politis fight. No one has a style quite like mine and New England has had its eyes on me for a while now. All I am doing is creating. I am going to add a few clips to my life’s highlight reel, give out a few high fives, and never talk about it again.”
Shawn Johnson will make his third appearance in the NEF cage in the fight with Politis. He is a longtime veteran of the sport having competed since 2015. Johnson had a memorable technical battle with Kam Arnold (7-2) at “NEF 61.” Most recently, Johnson fell to surging prospect Danny Buteau (2-0) at NEF 65 last February. Johnson represents Iron Horse Academy of Indiana.
“I’ve fallen in love with Maine,” said Johnson. “I’m excited to continue making my name in NEF! I’m very excited to take on ‘Spaghetti’ to see who’s the supreme noodle. I’m stealing the show on May 16th, 100%.”
“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 www.TicketMaster.com.