Age: 26
Height: 5'10"
Fight Weight: 155lbs
School: Underdog Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Record: 7-2
City/State Born: Hartford, Connecticut
1. When and Why did you get into MMA??
I started watching MMA in early 2007 on retro UFC DVD's and got hooked immediately. A couple of friends and I signed up at a VERY small "MMA" school, with several beginners. Shortly after, I met Oz Pariser at a wrestling club at the University of Hartford, where we both attended school. He gave me the "in" at Kipp Kollar's place and I started training there in the late spring of 2007. A couple months later I took my first fight.
2. Do you have a background in martial arts, boxing , wrestling etc?
I wish. I hadn't even heard of MMA until I was 22 years old...I got a very late start, but when an opportunity shows itself, you always take it.
3. What's your nickname, how did you get it?
My nickname is "The Mangler" but for some reason, several people are calling me "Sir Matt" now, haha...kinda funny...Kipp gave me the nickname a week or so before my first fight. Everyone at training just kinda shook their head and agreed that it fit, so Matt "The Mangler" Bessette was born.
4. What are your ultimate goals in the sport?
I have a genuine love for MMA and respect the sport enough to NEVER give anything less than 100%, in training or a fight. With that being said, why would someone like that ever want to achieve less than EVERYTHING?
5. What do you think about your next opponent?
I think Joe Proctor is a very well-rounded fighter and he's very smart. I've seen Joe fight several times and always rooted for him to succeed, (except when he fought Oz of course)...He's talented and will fight me anywhere
6. How do you see the fight going/being finished?
Proctor will probably be content to stand with me, which is fine with me because I train every part of MMA. If it goes to the ground, then I'm confident there too. I'd like to remain quiet with how it'll be finished, because I like Joe. To me, calling your own fight is like pointing to center field to hit a homerun; you almost deserve to strike out after that.
7. What weight do you walk at/how much do you cut to fight?
Well before I was smart with my diet and training schedule, I was walking at about 168-170. When I fought Benoit I got up to 182, and I was walking at about 178 for this fight with Proctor. I cut water weight from 168 against Benoit and that was tough, so i'm gonna try to cut from somewhere around 164.
8. What's your favorite part about fighting?
My favorite part about the actual fight is the mental transformation I go through before walking out. I'm a fun loving and friendly person outside the cage, but when fight or flight kicks in, I fight.
9. What's the worst part about fighting?
Constantly busting your ass in training is a very mentally and physically exhausting experience and I don't recommend it to anyone that isn't willing to sacrifice everything to be successful. If you're training right, you'll love it and hate it at the same time.
10. Anyone locally or in the big's that you really would love to fight, and why?
I take this one fight at a time, but I'd like to square off with the best in the division for the local scene. I am ranked 4th in the lightweight division so there are 3 guys currently ranked higher. I want those spots...and if I were to fight in the UFC, that would be an honor in itself. To fight at the first rung on the ladder in the UFC would be fine with me. I'll just work my way up.
11. What do you feel is your best weapon in your fights?
I really don't feel my opponent ever has a bigger heart than me...ever.
12. What is your favorite foods that you miss while cutting weight??
Thanks for reminding me haha...this is a messed up question...Probably a Royal Red Robin Cheeseburger...it's so money!
13. What is your most memorable moment to date in MMA??
I think defeating John Benoit and being a big underdog in many peoples' minds would be a cliche answer, but my favorite moment was right before I was walking out for my third fight. My music is called and world champion black belt Luigi Mondelli says to me, "Matt take him down where you are better. I saw his stand up and it is really good!"...My music starts, I looked at my cornerman and said, "I'm standing"...It was the first time I opened up to the idea that if he is really better than me, make him prove it. I stood with him for 1 and a half rounds, rocked him, took him down, took his back and ended it with a rear naked.
14. How else do you spend your time when you are not training??
Man, I am either spending time with my family and friends or I am studying other MMA fighters' styles, or BJJ players. I'd be lying if I told you I'm not always thinking about fighting, because I am.
15. What do you do for a living besides fighting??
I haven't had a job for a couple months for the first time since I was 12 years old. I'm unemployed and it sucks, but I am taking all of my free time possible to prepare for Proctor. He is Frankie Edgar to me right now. I'm putting in as much time and effort as I can. If he were to come away with the W, then he more than deserves it.
I want to thank my coaches and training partners at Underdog BJJ. I put a lot of time in, but so do they, and I respect them and appreciate their dedication as well. Together, we can make anything happen. I also want to thank my good friends at FAA for always leaving the doors open for me. Those guys have some SERIOUS fire power over there and they deserve more recognition than what they get presently! ...Thanks for the interview Travis, your website is 2nd to none... Mom, Dad, Mike, Megan: I love you.
Thank you Sir Matt for those kind words and taking the time for another stellar installment of Featured Fighter!! I have not seen Matt fight yet so I am very excited to see his style. We wish you the best of luck on your fight against Proctor coming up October 8th at Mohegan Sun Reality Fighting!! We will be there keeping you all up to date. Matt is truly an inspiration to all fighters with his dedication to the sport!
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