We recently caught up with local favorite Matt "the Mangler" Bessette, who trains at Underdog BJJ in Hartford. Bessette, who is 15-6, knocked out Khama Worthy (7-4) at 2:42 in the second round of their fight at the Twin Rivers Casino in Lincoln, Rhode Island on June 12. "The Mangler" is not only known as a distinguished featherweight for Bellator and lightweight for Reality Fighting but is a leukemia survivor as well and known for attracting support for victims of the illness.

Nutmeg MMA: You just defeated Kahma Worthy at a CES event last weekend and raised your record to 15-6. Do you have any general comments regarding the victory?

Bessette: It's been a long time coming, being able to shine for CES and I knew I had a perfect opportunity to show them that I was worth the wait. I'm glad I came through in the clutch.

Nutmeg MMA: You knocked Worthy out with a counterpunch. Left or right? What kind of punch?

Bessette: I knocked him out as he stepped in with a right hand. I threw a check hook, stepped off the center line, and followed it up with an overhand right.

Nutmeg MMA: Will you be fighting again for CES or Reality Fighting? Are you still signed with Bellator?

Bessette: I have a three-fight contract with CES;  so two fights left, and a Bellator/UFC out clause. If either organization comes calling, I have the option to fight for them.

Nutmeg MMA: Has the UFC, WSOF or other organizations come knocking?

Bessette: Nope.

Nutmeg MMA: Will you be staying at Featherweight or is there a possibility of a return to lightweight?

Bessette: I'm a featherweight for good.

Nutmeg MMA: Is there anything you would like people to know about the causes you support?

Bessette: I thank everyone who continues to support the Tap Cancer Out organization along with me.

Nutmeg MMA: In what what would you say your fight strategy has changed or evolved?

Bessette: My knowledge of striking has grown so much over the past couple years that my whole confidence level and gameplan in general has changed drastically.