from an exclusive interview with mmamelee.com, one of the best mma social networking sites:
It's been 4 months since Jim Hettes turned Pro and to say this guy takes his career serious would be an understatement. In that short time "Kid Havoc" assembled a 2-0 record and plans on capturing another victory Saturday night in what will be a historical event in Maryland, then he's scheduled to perform again in front of his hometown crowd November 27th. If you average that out, he's fighting every 6 weeks, still somehow he found time to win 2 Gold Medals in Judo at the Keystone State Games and donate his bones to Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone in preparation for his title fight. We sat down with Hettes to discuss his brutal schedule and find out what's in store for Saturday night.
MMA MELEE - Man you've been going hard the last couple months, what motivated you to start competing in MMA and how do you keep up with this pace?
JIM HETTES - I have always been into Martial Arts ever since I was a kid, from watching way to many kung fu flicks, to trying to throw a hoduken in my backyard. I wrestled as a kid, switched over to boxing at age 14, then two years later I started doing jiu jitsu, so it only seemed natural for me to follow the path into Mixed Martial Arts as I got older. As far as the pace, I just enjoy seeing my game get better and better and I love displaying the results. (***Hadouken-Japanese neologism literally "wave motion fist" a punch delivered with a blast of spiritual energy)
MMA MELEE - How are your nerves going into this fight compared to your first MMA bout?
JIM HETTES - My first fight was a huge learning experience for me. I took the fight at welterweight even though I only weighed 150lbs, I was a little nervous because unfortunetly noone at my gym had ever participated in an MMA event before, so I was going in blind and really didn't know what to expect. I had little stand up game so I did the only thing I knew how, took my opponent to the ground which turned into a quick submission. Now I added some stand up to my game which gives me more confidence, in-turn makes me less nervous.
MMA MELEE - Your coming off unarguably the best training camp of your life, how was it training down there at Greg Jacksons and did it effect you getting ready for your fight away from your hometown and gym?
JIM HETTES - Yeah it was one of the best camps I've ever had....And no, not being home didn't effect me, guys like Leonard, Cowboy, Bobby, Eric make you feel right at home and living in the house with guys like Derek, Savage, Calem, Carey, Spence and Goyo only made it better. Greg Jackson is a legend in the sport and all the small details he informed me on change my game drastically. It's not just Greg Jackson that made it so special, its the level of talent he has going through his gym that makes the big difference. Albuquerque Kickboxing Coach Ray Yee helped my stand up so much, I'm excited to show the improvements he gave me and it was good to be able to bring some knowledge back home and share with the other guys.
MMA MELEE - What was it like training with Cowboy while you were both getting ready for a fight?
JIM HETTES - It was nice to witness the dedication needed to succeed at a top level. He puts tremendous time and effort into everything he does and his schedule is crazy, not only with training but doing promotional stuff for the fight. He works hard the man's a machine.
MMA MELEE - What did you think about Cowboys fight with Ben Henderson?
JIM HETTES - Cowboy fought how I expected him, he's very relentless and has fun inflicting damage. Henderson fought good but I thought Cowboy won the fight through his submission attempts and crisp striking.
MMA MELEE - Saturday night Shogun Fights will be Maryland's first ever MMA event, do you feel honored to be fighting in such a historical event?
JIM HETTES - I'm always honored to fight but fighting in a states first ever event is just a milestone that proves we still have a lot of work to do in order to get this sport to where it needs to be, but I plan on enjoying the evening and putting on a show for the crowd.
MMA MELEE - Do you have any predictions for this fight?
JIM HETTES - Drop kick to elbow drop finish! I'm looking to please the crowd with a knockout but I'd settle for a submission.
Good Luck Jim and thanks for sitting down with us. This kid shows the true meaning of being a Martial Artist, humble, hard working, focused on improving and loves to compete. Qualities that should make every MMA fan proud. Hettes informed us he's right on weight and ready to go. For all of you that can't make the Shogun Fights Saturday night, Jim fights in Scranton, PA November 27th and that event will be broadcast live on www.MMAMELEE.com so be sure to tune in. Stop by Hettes's profile and wish him some luck.
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