Martial Arts background

Jimy “The Kid” Hettes has won 9 of his professional fights and all 4 of his amateur fights by submission, with his first 6 wins have come in the first round. He is a 2-time Keystone State Games Judo Gold Medalist and earned the nickname “Judo Jim” at Greg Jackson’s Camp in Albuquerque, NM. Hettes started boxing at age 14 and began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the age of 16 and is currently the head instructor at Northeast Ju-Jitsu in Swoyersville, Pennsylvania.

Mixed Martial Arts career

Early career

Following an undefeated amateur MMA record of 4-0, Jimy “The Kid” Hettes turned professional in June 2009. Hettes is 10-0 as a professional with 9 of his wins coming via submission.

On July 16, 2011, Hettes won the Martial Arts Super Sport (MASS) Featherweight Title over ROC Champion Jacob “The Hunter” Kirwan, a victory which secured him a contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Hettes was originally expected to make his UFC debut in December 2010 as part of The Ultimate Fighter: Team GSP vs. Team Koscheck Finale card; Hettes turned the offer down due to prior engagements with another promotion. In July 2011, Hettes officially signed with the UFC.^[1]

Hettes made his promotional debut on August 14, 2011 against Alex Caceres, replacing an injured Leonard Garcia.^[2] He won via submission (rear naked choke) at 3:12 of round 2.

Hettes defeated Nam Phan on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141.^[3] Hettes used his superior judo to take Phan down repeatedly, and also utilized excellent control on the ground. He landed a great deal of unanswered ground and pound and threatened with submissions throughout, taking a dominant unanimous decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-26).

Hettes was expected to face Steven Siler on June 22, 2012 at UFC on FX 4.^[4] However, Hettes was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by promotional newcomer Joey Gambino.^[5]

Hettes faced Marcus Brimage on September 22, 2012 at UFC 152.^[6] He lost the fight via unanimous decision, his first professional loss.

Hettes is expected to face Steven Siler on April 27, 2013 at UFC 159.^[7]

Skill Breakdown

TRAINING: Start off the day with the first practice at 11am. Then either a strength or conditioning workout at 3pm. Final practice of the day is at 6pm.

When and why did you start training for fighting? A good mixture of wrestling and jiu-jitsu left me looking for something more to compete in and MMA has definitely helped me fill that competitive void.

What ranks and titles have you held? M.A.S.S Featherweight Champion, Northeast MMA Featherweight Champion

Do you have any heroes? Anyone chasing their dream is a hero to me.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? I’m honored to be allowed to showcase my skills in the UFC. It’s the major leagues and it leaves me with a great sense of accomplishment to be recognized by such a high class organization, yet at the same time it motivates me to work harder and prove I deserve the opportunity that has been granted to me.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? LCCC – Studied Criminal Justice

What was your job before you started fighting? Grappling InstructorSpecific accomplishments in amateur competition?Intimidation Cage Fighting Champion

Specific accomplishments in pro competition?100% finish rate, all submission victories, Martial Arts Super Sport Featherweight Champion, Northeast MMA Featherweight Champion

Ranks in any martial arts styles: Judo Brown Belt, BJJ Purple Belt

Favorite grappling technique: Guillotine

Favorite Striking technique: Superman Punch

•    Has finished nine fights, all by submission•    4-0 as an amateur, also winning all fights by submission•    Six first round finishes•    Has finished bouts by triangle choke (2), rear naked choke (4), guillotine choke (1), heel hook (1), and armbar (1)•    2-time Keystone State Games Judo Gold Medalist