Lincoln, RI – The timing couldn’t be better for Queens’ Ashiek Ajim as he prepares for what might be the most important fight of his young mixed martial arts career.
The 27-year-old bantamweight was supposed to get his first crack at a world title back in March at CES 66, but, as luck would have it, a few roadblocks prevented him from stepping inside the cage that night.
Three months later, Ajim has a new opponent, another shot at the crown, and an even greater appreciation for what’s at stake in less than two weeks when he battles Mongolia’s Azjavkhlan Baatar for the vacant CES MMA World Bantamweight Championship at CES 69 Friday, June 17 at Ballys Twin River Lincoln Casino Resort live on UFC FIGHT PASS®. Bataar, fresh off a big win at CES 67 in his promotional debut, predicts a first-round finish on the 17th, courtesy of his "heavy" left hand.
The Ajim-Bataar five-round title bout highlights a stacked fight card that also features the long-awaited homecoming of UFC vet and Boston light heavyweight Mike Rodriguez, plus the return of fan-favorites Richie Santiago of Milford, MA, and UFC vet and Fall River, MA, flyweight Mitch Raposo. Tickets are available at CESFights.com.
As Ajim (5-1) puts the finishing touches on his training camp for the June 17 bout, he’s cognizant of the unpredictability of combat sports. He was scheduled to face former bantamweight champ Jay Perrin at CES 66, but Perrin got the call to compete for the UFC shortly before the event. Days later, Ajim suffered an injury while in the process of preparing for a new opponent, temporarily shelving his shot at a world title.
"It all happened pretty quickly," Ajim recalled, "but the way I looked at it was maybe this was the universe’s way of saying, ‘Don’t go into a fight like this. Take your time and wait for the right opponent.’"
Ajim remained confident he’d get his chance and watched from the sidelines as the next surprising series of events unfolded. With both he and Perrin out of the mix, Brazilian Diego Silva beat hometown favorite Andre Soukhamthath for the vacant crown at CES 66, only to get stripped of the belt for breaching his contract several weeks later. When Baatar (8-6) beat Johnny Lopez a month later at CES 67, the stage was set for the most logical matchup – Ajim vesus Bataar for bantamweight supremacy.
"I'm really excited," Bataar said. "This is a great opportunity to fight for a world championship. I'm here to be a world champion.
"He is a good fighter and has a very dangerous right hand, but I will be better than him in any position no matter where the fight goes. My left hand will be too heavy for him."
While not one for predictions, Ajim is as prepared as one could be heading into such a high-profile fight. In addition to feeling "100 percent" physically, Ajim has done his homework, studying as much fight footage he can in anticipation of his showdown with Bataar, including Bataar’s aforementioned win over Campbell in April.
"Prior to that last fight, he hadn’t fought in two years, but guys get better over time," Ajim said of Bataar. "I like his style. He’s really well-rounded. Wrestling is definitely his background, and he can transition well to striking, but the wrestling is always in his back pocket.
"His last fight was surprising in that he put more pressure [on Campbell] than he has in previous fights. He usually fights off his back foot, and I expect that going into this fight. He might give me that space and I will use that to keep the pressure on him. He might not want to exchange too much with me. I’m ready for wherever the fight goes.
"I’m not the type to do much talking. I’ll let my fighting speak for me."
With six fights – and soon to be seven – under his belt, Ajim is reaching that point in his career where promotions like the UFC begin to take notice. His goal, as is the case with most fighters, is to get to that next level, but he’s also mindful of the development process, particularly with the way he has built a solid career under the guidance of CES. All six of his fights have occurred with CES and he’s used the platform to score eye-opening wins over Arslan Otchiyev, Andres Rodriguez, and Carlos Espinosa, to name a few. Having experienced the benefit of remaining patient, Ajim is in no rush to reach the finish line.
"CES has been very good to me and has built me the way I fighter should be built up," Ajim said. "I feel like after one or two more fights, I might be ready for the UFC, but if you asked me a fight or two ago I would’ve said no. I would’ve turned it down. I don’t want to be the guy that’s learning on the job. Once I’m there, I want to be the guy to beat."
Also at CES 69, Rodriguez (11-7) battles Vero Beach, FL, native Jeremy May (13-11); Santiago (8-4) faces Harris Bonfiglio (4-1) of Gilford, CT, in an all-New England bantamweight showdown; undefeated lightweight Eddy George (5-0) of West Haven, CT, faces New York’s Jacob Bohn (10-9); Raposo (6-1) battles Los Angeles’ Heinrich Wassmer (7-5); and Southampton, MA, lightweight Nate Ghareeb (5-1) faces Missouri’s Javon Wright (6-5). Full fight card details are available online.
Stay tuned for more updates or follow CES MMA on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @CESMMA.
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Q-House Activities JUNE 6 - JULY 9 2022
More slots available for the 4th cycle of activities at the Q-House!
All classes are free of charge for the participants and last 5 weeks from June 6 to July 9.
Take a look at the flyer to find out about what we offer and click on the link below to register.
Click here
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If you have trouble registering please contact our front desk
at 203-773-0770 or email us at qhouse@leapforkids.org
CLICK LINK FOR TICKETS ANightWithMya.Eventbrite.com
You've heard mention of the Armory community garden during several past management team meetings and you are invited to a special day at the garden tomorrow, Saturday June 4th from 12 - 2 pm.
We will be having an abbreviated garden workday where we do some planting, watering and weeding, and we will also have a presentation from Yale School of Architecture professor Elihu Rubin and several of his students (who are also all Armory gardeners) on our beloved Goffe Street Armory which serves as a beautiful backdrop to the garden AND we'll be having a cooking demo from the one and only Farmer D!
The workday will run from 12 - 12:30 pm, the Armory presentation from 12:30 - 1 pm, and the cooking demo from 1 - 2 pm. Please feel free to share among your networks as we learn more about our historic armory and efforts to save it and enjoy some delicious vegan food as well.
The garden is located at 97 County Street (one-way side) across the street from Goffe Street Park.
See the flyer below for more info and we look forward to seeing you tomorrow...
SUMMER FUN IN NEW HAVEN: MAYOR JUSTIN ELICKER, JOINED BY NEW HAVEN YOUTH AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT, NEW HAVEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS & POLICE ATHLETIC LEAGUE, TO ANNOUNCE SUMMER 2022 ACTIVITIES, EVENTS & PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH & FAMILIES
Mayor’s 2022 Summer Youth Guide, containing dozens of activities, will be available online and printed copies to be backpacked home to families beginning this Friday.
NEW HAVEN, CT – On Friday, June 3 at 10:30 a.m. at Lighthouse Point Park, Mayor Justin Elicker will be joined by city leaders from the New Haven Youth and Recreation Department, New Haven Public Schools, the Police Athletic League and others, to announce a host of Summer 2022 events and programs for New Haven’s children, youth and families. The City of New Haven, local non-profits and other organizations will be offering Summer Camps, Family Fun Days, Movies in the Park, organized sports, arts programs, youth employment opportunities, academic and enrichment programs and more.
The announcement is being coordinated with the delivery of the Mayor’s 2022 Summer Youth Guide, which will be available online and printed copies will be backpacked home to New Haven Public School families beginning this Friday.
DETAILS:
WHAT:
Press conference announcing Summer 2022 events, activities and programs for New Haven children, youth and families.
WHEN:
Friday, June 3rd at 10:30 a.m.
WHERE:
Lighthouse Point Park, 2 Lighthouse Road, New Haven, CT
Specific location: Beach Pavilion (covered area located between the lighthouse and the jetty)
Parking Instructions: Upon entering, inform the park staff at the gate that you are attending the press conference. Then proceed to the carousel and park on the service road adjacent it.
WHO:
Mayor Justin Elicker
Gwendolyn Williams, Director, New Haven Youth and Recreation Department
Keisha Hannans, Assistant Superintendent, New Haven Public Schools
Gemma Joseph Lumpkin, Director of Youth, Family and Community, New Haven Public Schools
Officer Esau Ramirez, representative of the Police Athletic League
Among others.
New Haven honors Juneteenth with four-day celebration
Ida B. Wells and Frederick Douglass at the Stetson Branch Library last Sunday… what a great event from our member organization The Greater New Haven African American Historical Society and Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library!
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https://tomficklin.blogspot.com/2022/05/tune-into-first-fridays-with-maurice.html
[Links: Photo 2, Video of press conference]
MAYOR ELICKER, ALONG WITH CYCLING ADVOCATES & BUSINESSES, KICK OFF NATIONAL BIKE MONTH & HIGHLIGHT CITY EFFORTS TO PROMOTE BIKE & E-BIKE RIDERSHIP
Connex Credit Union announces new e-bike loan product -- and new state legislation (S.B. 4) will provide e-bike rebates and vouchers -- making e-bikes more accessible and affordable for residents.
NEW HAVEN, CT –Mayor Justin Elicker, along with local cycling advocates, businesses and organizations, came together to celebrate National Bike Month and to kick off New Haven Bike Month, in an effort to promote bike and electronic bike (e-bike) ridership across the city. Over thirty bike rides and events have been organized during the month-long celebration, providing opportunities for both newer and seasoned cyclists. In addition, Connex Credit Union announced the launch of a new e-bike loan product, which – along with the recent passage state legislation (S.B. 4, The Connecticut Clean Air Act) that will soon provide new e-bike rebates and vouchers – promises to make e-bikes a much more affordable and accessible mode of transportation for city residents. The event took place on the New Haven Green in front of the Pierre Lallement plaque, which honors the inventor of the bicycle who peddled from his Ansonia home to New Haven in 1866 in a demonstration for a patent he was pursuing and later received.
"National Bike Month is the perfect time for residents to explore bikes and e-bikes as a greener, healthier, and more cost-effective way to commute around the city. With its flat terrain and over 40 miles of bike lanes and paths – and more coming online soon – cycling is becoming an increasingly attractive transportation option for more New Haven residents," said Mayor Justin Elicker, an avid cyclist. "In addition, with the new cash rebates soon coming from the state coupled with the new loan product from Connex Credit Union, e-bikes will be much more accessible and affordable for city residents. As a bike rider myself, I’m excited to participate in New Haven Bike Month events and for all the ways New Haven is becoming a more bike-friendly city.”
NEW HAVEN BIKE MONTH
National Bike Month was established in 1956 to showcase the many benefits of bicycling and to encourage more people to try biking. New Haven’s celebration is being spearheaded by New Haven Bike Month and the New Haven Coalition for Active Transportation, in collaboration with other community partners.
“It’s been special to see the coalition of organizers, sponsors, and volunteers that have come together to make Bike Month happen in May,” said Caroline Tanbee Smith, co-founder and organizer of New Haven Bike Month. “That is aligned with our fundamental belief that every single person should have a voice in the future of transportation in our city. Thanks to the hard work and passion of volunteers and organizers — there will be over 30 rides, celebrations, courses, and gatherings across multiple neighborhoods in the city throughout the month!"
Sandeep Aysola, Director of the New Haven Department of Transportation, Traffic & Parking added, “The Department of Transportation is on a mission to create a transportation system that is safe, equitable, dependable, and affordable. We believe in fostering and creating mobility options that meet the needs of all communities, ensure safety, provide reliable connections, enrich public spaces and most importantly are environmentally friendly and sustainable. We are excited to kick-start Bike Month in partnership with all stakeholders, including residents, businesses, sponsors, volunteers and local and state partners.”
The City of New Haven’s Youth and Recreation Department is also offering bike excursions, events, and education programs -- including on bike safety and bike repair -- which will continue into the summer and fall, with more information to be posted on the city’s website in the coming weeks.
E-BIKES
In an exciting new development that will make e-bikes a more viable transportation option for more city residents, Connex Credit Union announced a new e-bike loan product that offers fixed rates, fix payments, and flexible terms for individuals who live, work, worship or attend school in New Haven, Fairfield, Hartford, and Middlesex Counties covering 80% of Connecticut residents.
With minimum loan amounts of $1,000 and first payments deferred for 90 days, interested residents can easily apply for an e-bike loan online (connexcu.org), over the phone (1-800-CR-UNION) or at a local branch, with most approvals happening the same day. (Additional details about the loan product can be found here.) To help celebrate bike month, Connex will also give e-bike loan holders a $25 bonus to their Share Savings Account.
"Connex is thrilled to be part of Connecticut's e-bike movement and to put e-bike purchasing within reach for more people," said Carl Casper, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Connex Credit Union. "E-bikes provide clean, efficient, fun, and cost-effective transportation. This is a terrific opportunity."
In addition, last week the Connecticut General Assembly passed Senate Bill 4, also known as the Connecticut Clean Air Act, which among other provisions, will add electric bikes to the state’s CHEAPR electric vehicle rebate program. When signed into law, this legislation will provide rebates or vouchers of up to $500 to low-middle income residents to purchase e-bikes that cost up to $3,000.
“About 60% of trips in America are under six miles and NCAT believes that by creating a cycling friendly community we can switch a lot of these trips to bicycle,” said Raymond Tsao, board member of the New Haven Coalition for Active Transportation. “Creating a truly bicycle friendly city means providing education and engagement around active transportation. That’s why NCAT is proud to offer free bicycle education to every e-bike loan customer of Connex Credit Union, and that’s also why we partner with organizations like AAA Northeast and SLR Consulting to fund our community engagement work throughout National Bike Month and Bike to Work Week.”
“Creating a bike friendly city means lowering all barriers to people getting on their bikes and riding. By working with Connex Credit Union, Park New Haven is excited to help even more people afford to make the switch and think outside the car,” said Doug Hausladen, Vice Chair of New Haven Coalition for Active Transportation and Executive Director of the New Haven Parking Authority. “With 90 days no payments someone starting in the workforce today will be able to have three months of worry-free riding before making affordable payments, well under the monthly cost of a personal vehicle. For those trips under 5 miles, an e-bike is the perfect vehicle to use and it is a healthy alternative to sitting in traffic.”
The New Haven Parking Authority has also started a new electric cargo bike share program as well, thanks to $18,000 in grant funding from the New Haven Climate Emergency Mobilization Taskforce.
“The mission of NHPA is to support Downtown and to provide safe, affordable, and convenient parking,” said Andrew Orefice, Vice Chairman of the New Haven Parking Authority. “With the increase in apartments and residents downtown and growing capacity at Union Station and transit in New Haven, our Parking Authority is working towards supporting car-free living by working with Connex to create their e-bike loan program and by creating an electric cargo bike share pilot to power the weekly grocery run or the hauling of work gear. Helping to fill in the gaps, NHPA has applied for more grant funding to purchase electric vehicles to add to the bike share system in the future.”
Local bike shop owners, including John Brehon, owner of The Devil’s Gear, and Bob Jacobson, owner of College Street Cycles, along with other advocates and organizations also voiced their enthusiasm for these developments.
“You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete,” said Paul Wessel, Co-Coordinator of Greater New Haven Clean Cities Coalition, highlighting the words of another innovator, engineer, and futurist Buckminster Fuller. "Today we celebrate bicycle innovators - past, present, and future, our local bikes stores - The Devil's Gear and College Street Cycles, Connex Credit Union, our wonderful elected leaders, and supportive organizations for building and promoting a new option for more sustainable transportation.”
Barry Kresch, President of the Electric Vehicle Club of CT, said "The Electric Vehicle Club of CT supports all forms of emission-free transport, e-bikes included. E-bikes are an increasingly popular form of clean transportation, especially in urban environments, and the Connex Credit Union program will serve to accelerate e-bike adoption. They have the potential to reduce total vehicle miles traveled and reduce congestion on our road.”
Lil Leek - 4EY Music Group‘s emerging artist delivers the visual to his Latest Single" They Don't Know"
Lil Leek is an artist who embodies the relaxed, yet unwavering mindset of someone from his hometown of Washington, D.C. Lil Leek's determination combines his fun-loving persona and love of music allowing him to produce tracks that have a sense of purpose. His music is therapeutic, and his lyrics are the way he expresses his feeling and emotion.
With an extensive studio work ethic, Lil Leek is becoming an acclaimed viral success. He has shown the world that he is an impressive performer among other prominent and respected artists. He is poised to become one of Hip-Hop’s most famous shining artists of his generation.
This is just the beginning for Lil Leek and he is already working on more music but his single "They Don't Know" is already making a buzz on the networks. Lil Leek is showing no signs of easing up so prepare yourself for the ride
In the meantime, They Don't Know" is available on Apple Music, Amazon Music,Spotify, Tidal, Pandora, and other streaming platforms. Be sure to connect with Lil Leek on social media and digital media platforms.
CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
LISTEN TO LIL LEEK ON YOUR FAVORITE STREAM:
4EVERYOUNG MUSIC GROUP (4EYMG ) -https://www.4eymg.com/
Cool Breeze creates a hypnotic meld of sound in a lineup featuring a variety of soul, pop, and R&B performances. Get down and boogie!
Festival Friend-level Insiders are invited to join us in the Alexion Hospitality Lounge for this event! LEARN MORE
COOL BREEZE WITH EVELYN "CHAMPAGNE" KING, MANNY JAMES, DJ DIAMOND D, DJ JUAN COON
