Matt Bessette
| Matt Bessette | |
|---|---|
Bessette in 2015
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| Born | Matthew James Bessette December 28, 1984 Hartford, Connecticut, United States |
| Other names | The Mangler |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Weight | 145 lb (66 kg; 10.4 st) |
| Division |
Featherweight (145 lb) Lightweight (155 lb) |
| Reach | 67.0 in (170 cm) |
| Fighting out of | Hartford, Connecticut, United States |
| Team | Underdog Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu |
| Trainer |
Stand-up: Russell Leak BJJ: Fabiano Teles |
| Rank | Brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Fabiano Teles |
| Years active | 2007–present |
| Mixed martial arts record | |
| Total | 28 |
| Wins | 21 |
| By knockout | 6 |
| By submission | 8 |
| By decision | 7 |
| Losses | 7 |
| By knockout | 1 |
| By submission | 1 |
| By decision | 4 |
| By disqualification | 1 |
| University | University of Hartford |
| Notable school(s) | Stafford High School |
| Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog | |
Matt Bessette (born December 28, 1984) is an American mixed martial artist currently competing in Bellator's Featherweight division.
Bessette was born in Hartford, Connecticut. He was diagnosed with leukemia on August 13, 1988 at the age of three and was hospitalized for it. The doctors gave him 50% chance of survival, but became more optimistic after the initial treatments, which reduced significantly the leukemic cells. Bessette also developed asthma at an early age, although that never prevented him from competing in sports such as baseball, basketball, soccer, and football. After graduating from Stafford High School in 2003, Bessette attended the University of Hartford. While still in the university, he was introduced to mixed martial arts at the age of 22 and graduated in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science degree.
Bessette started his professional career in 2007. He fought mainly for Connecticut-based promotion Reality Fighting.
Bessette faced Anthony Kaponis on October 9, 2010 at Reality Fighting: Eruption for the vacant lightweight title. He defeated Kaponis via split decision in a five-round bout.
Bessette was set to make his first title defense against Joe Proctor on October 8, 2011 at Reality Fighting: Gonzaga vs. Porter. He lost his title via unanimous decision after five rounds.
In 2012, Bessette signed with Bellator.
Bessette made his promotional debut against Saul Almeida on March 30, 2012 at Bellator 63. He won via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).
Bessette faced The Ultimate Fighter 12 competitor Paul Barrow on November 16, 2012 at Bellator 81. He won via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27).
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