UNDEFEATED SUBMISSION WIZARD JIM HETTES READY TO END 2011 WITH A BANG
“There is one goal…getting my hand raised this weekend.”
Press Release – Ridgewood, New Jersey (USA): This Friday, Gracie fighter Jim Hettes will bring his undefeated 9-0 record into the Octagon against Nam Phan (17-9) at UFC 141 in Las Vegas, Nevada. This bout, which will populate the PPV-broadcasted main card, has the potential to steal the show and overshadow some of the higher-profile bouts at the event.
The Pennsylvania-based Hettes, a 5’9” featherweight, began his fighting career with a 4-0 amateur record. He turned pro in 2009, and ran off eight straight submission victories, including one over Bellator vet Jacob Kirwan. The Kirwan win garnered Hettes a contract with the UFC. He then made his debut at “UFC Live: Hardy vs. Lytle,” grabbing an impressive 2nd-round rear-naked choke victory over Alex Caceres. Now he’ll face Phan, a seasoned vet with a penchant for putting on “Fight of the Night” performances.
“Nam is a very solid fighter and pretty well-rounded. I am very confident in my submission skills and hope to put them on display yet again this Friday. I am also continuing to work on other elements of my game so I am happy to take this fight in any direction.”
Sponsoring this rising your star will be the MMA comic book “Joe Palooka” (Palooka.com) and Azad Watches (AzadWatch.com).
“It is very cool to be in with these companies during the early stages,” says Hettes. “I look forward to seeing more and more exciting things from them. It is great that they also do such a great job of helping promote us as fighters.”
“Jim Hettes exemplifies what ‘Palooka’ and Azad are all about,” states Joe Antonacci, “Joe Palooka” creator. “He’s talented, on the rise, and ready to make an impact. I’m proud to bring him on-board with Team Palooka.”
Regardless of the result this Friday, the future is bright for Hettes. But he’s not quite ready to drop the curtain on 2011 quite yet.
“I haven’t looked forward to 2012 yet as right now there is one goal and that is getting my hand raised this weekend,” concludes Hettes. “It is a great fight card and I am happy to be a part of it. After what hopefully will be my 10th win this coming weekend, I just want to keep getting better and grow as a fighter.”
“Joe Palooka” made its world premiere recently with the release of its first issue. Issues #1 & #2 are available for purchase for the first time anywhere at http://www.Palooka.com/, and hard copies of the issue will follow in early 2012. It was also announced that a special 15-page FREE-VIEW is available simply by signing up with an email address on http://www.Palooka.com/, and fans can also take advantage of a unique offer on “Joe Palooka” issues #1 and #2, which are available together for the low price of only $1.99.
The “Joe Palooka” comic series tells the story of Joe Palooka, an MMA fighter who competes in “Legion of Combat,” which is a sister comic publication. “Legion of Combat” will feature Joe Palooka and top MMA stars including “Suga” Rashad Evans, Anthony “Rumble” Johnson, the Blackzilians, Brendan Schaub, and the Miller brothers in team matches between fighters representing countries such as the U.S., the U.K., Brazil, Russia, Japan, China, and other nations.
Azad Watches have been worn by top celebrities such as Donald Trump, Eva Longoria, “Dr. J” Julius Erving, Ice Cube, Tony Bennett, Piers Morgan, Barry Bonds, Cedric the Entertainer, Lil’ Wayne, Mickey Rourke, and many others. The brand made its MMA debut recently at UFC 139, and will now take the next step in its development.
About Team Palooka
“Joe Palooka” and “Legion of Combat” are MMA comic books that feature action adventure stories as well as compelling MMA fight action. Created by professional ring announcer Joe Antonacci, the books are being written and drawn by an all-star team of talent known as Team Palooka. The team includes Mike Bullock as the chief writer and Fernando Perniche (both of “The Phantom fame”), who are bringing the exciting stories of Palooka and the LOC to life.
For more information on “Joe Palooka” and “Legion of Combat,” please visit http://www.palooka.com/.
You can also “like” the Palooka Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/TeamPalooka
Follow Joe Palooka on Twitter @TeamPalooka