A few words with Matt Bessette
by Brian Woodman Jr. on 08/11/15
NutmegMMA.com chatted with local favorite Matt Bessette (15-6), formerly of Reality Fighting and Bellator, as his next featherweight bout with CES approaches. Bessette is scheduled to fight Lenny Wheeler (8-3-1) on Aug. 14 at the Twin Rivers Casino in Lincoln, Rhode Island. we talked with Bessette about his charity work and his next fight.
Q: Tap Cancer Out has an event coming up next week in Danvers. Have you competed in any of their events? Are you involved with the organization in any capacity?
A: I have competed in one of their events and actually volunteered in one of their events. They run an excellent tournament and I wish I could be there next weekend but my MMA fight is that Friday, and I'll likely need a couple days to relax with my family after that.
I usually put them on all of my shirts that I make and most of the time, they are featured on my fight night banner. They do so much for everyone else, I just like to be as supportive as I can for them.
Q: Are there any other causes or similar organizations with which you are associating yourself?
A: “Hope Makes A Future.” You can find them in Facebook. They are in autism awareness group. The creator has a son who has autism.
Also, a sponsor of mine, "Choose Awesome" is a brand designed and created around positive vibes and a happy, healthy way of life (wecanbeawesome.com).
Q: Do you think the popularity of MMA in CT and the region is growing, waning or remaining steady?
A: I think it's clear as day that it's growing. More and more fighters are appearing on Bellator shows and UFC shows. Guys like Rick Hawn and Dez Green are headlining Titan FC shows. CES MMA has a spot bi-monthly on national television for AXSTV. We are killing it.
Q: I noticed that Lenny Wheeler has finished all eight of his victories, including five KOs, in the first, according to Sherdog.com. Do you have any thoughts to offer?
A: He's just another puzzle I have to piece together when I'm in there. Every fight is different. His tools are power in his strikes and he comes forward constantly. It makes for a very predictable, yet ultra-exciting match up. That being said, I'm looking to give him another loss, and I'm shooting for a first round finish.
