Jimy Hettes faces toughest test to date in Nam Phan
Talk to people in the Wilkes-Barre area what they consider the biggest export from the city would be and many would say former alternative band Breaking Benjamin. Talk to MMA fans in the area and they might give you a different answer. Hailing from Kingston, Pennyslvania and training out of Swoyersville, Jimy “The Kid” Hettes left his mark on the regional circuit, taking out all fighters that stood in his path, earning himself two championships and a UFC contract.
Hettes will make his PPV debut as he takes on MMA veteran Nam Phan at UFC 141.
Hettes earned himself a UFC contract after defeating Jacob Kirwan at MASS: Inauguration in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania in July. He continued his impressive winning streak, replacing an injured Leonard Garcia at UFC Live: Hardy vs Lytle, defeating former TUF contestant Alex “Bruce LeRoy” Caceres via submission in the second round.
Hettes has been recently making his rounds around camps in the North East, training with UFC Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar and veteran Kris McCray in preparation for the fight with Phan. A BJJ practitioner since the age of 16, Hettes has proven his worth when it comes to the ground game, finishing every fight via submission, with all but two coming in the first round. While Hette’s BJJ and Judo can’t be questioned, he’s a two-time Keystone Games gold medalist, he’ll be facing a seasoned veteran of MMA in Phan.
While Phan’s UFC career hasn’t started the way he would like, there is no denying the talent and power of Phan. Prior to entering season 12 of The Ultimate Fighter, Phan had fought some of the top fighters in the world in both the featherweight and Lightweight divisions.
With fights with Omigawa, Josh Thompson and JZ Cavalcante, among others, Phan was one of the more seasoned fighters going into the season and prove his worth, defeating all fighters entering the semi-finals of the season. Phan would fall just short, losing a very close split decision against Michael Johnson.
Even with the loss, Phan earned himself a UFC contract, dropping back down to Featherweight. His UFC career wouldn’t start off well, dropping his first two fights in the UFC, one to former champion Mike Brown at UFC 133 and a controversial decision to Leonard Garcia in his UFC debut.
Phan righted the ship at UFC 136, avenging the loss to Garcia, defeating him by decision and earning himself another Fight of the Night award.
Both fighters are versed in submission, but the one thing that might separate them is the striking and wrestling. Phan has proven himself to a be heavy-handed and versed striker, while Hettes has improved in his striking, is much more versatile in both wrestling and in the clinch with his Judo.
What fans of both fighters can expect is a high paced fight as both Hettes and Phan always tend to throw it all on the line every time they step into the cage. Each fighter can bring something new to the table, and while it’s the common statement to make, it applies here; whoever is able to implement their game first wins.
UFC 141 will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 30th.
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About the Author (Author Profile)
I was born in New York, but currently reside in PA. Have been following the sport since about 2000, ever since I picked up a few VHS' of the old UFC tournaments. I served on active duty in the Marines and currently serve in the PA Army National Guard. I've been doing sub-wrestling and BJJ for about 2 years and have studied Aikido for 3 years. I enjoy all forms of combat sports, but huge into BJJ tournaments and of course, MMA.Subscribe
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