(Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports)
The Prelim Breakout Star is a once per event article that helps fans get to know those who will be entertaining them from the undercard. The intention of the article is not to bring attention to the most talented guy on the preliminary card, but rather one that the common fan may have overlooked or underestimated.
Prelim Breakout Star moves this week from a fighter, in Andre Fili, who has begun to show the promise of being at the top of the division to one who has already glanced at it. It was not long ago when fans were calling our pick this week “the next big thing” or “a future title challenger”. However, a fight over a year ago sidetracked him. Although he’s seen the light of the main card, Jimy Hettes will prove on the preliminary card once again why he’s such a promising young fighter.
Jimy Hettes
Nickname – The Kid
Affiliation – AMA Fight Club
From – Kingston, Pennsylvania
Height – 5’9”
Weight – 145 lbs (Featherweight)
Record – 10-1 (2-1 UFC)
What makes him impressive
A brown belt in judo, the first thing that stands out about Jimy Hettes is his persistent takedowns. The pressure from them is relentless and he uses his developing striking to open the door to make them even easier. Against Nam Phan, Hettes scored a ridiculous eleven takedowns in the three minute fight, which helped him to take the bout on the judges score cards at 30-25, 30-25, 30-26.
However, after he scored one of the most lopsided decision victories in the history of the UFC, Hettes remarked that he was disappointed in his performance. He expected to finish Phan just like he had each of his previous nine opponents, all of which were by submission. He constantly pursues the finish, no matter by what method. This finish first mentality makes him a dangerous fighter at all times and has led him to a diverse range of finishes (from rear naked chokes and arm triangles to arm bars and heel hooks). He’s not afraid to take risks on the ground, because with his strong grappling base he’s likely to regain position.
Why he’s been overlooked
Although he was near the top of the division after the Phan win. Hettes disappeared into the abyss after dropping a close decision to the always tough Marcus Brimage. Due to injuries sustained in the ring he’s been out of the cage for over a year now. In general, fans forget about the guy that haven’t seen in awhile. I mean, when was the last time you asked somebody about Sean Sherk?
What makes this a good matchup
Robert Whiteford is exactly what you’d expect in a Scottish fighter. Tough, loves to stand and box and can knock you into next Tuesday. However, this is exactly the kind of fighter that Hettes eats for breakfast. Whiteford has never seen grappling like Hettes on the feet or ground, at least not in a match. Although he has been cross training at American Top Team, he’s unlikely to have an answer for Hettes’s persistence.
Daniel Vreeland is a writer (PrelimPicker) and teacher with an avid love for martial arts. He has practiced jiu jitsu and submission grappling under and next to many top names including Royce Gracie, Rousimar Palhares, Murilo Bustamante and Marco Alvan. He has placed in multiple NAGA grappling tournaments and currently trains under black belt Dave Roy in Amherst, MA.
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