Connecticut’s Matt Bessette returns to the New England regional MMA scene after a short stint with the UFC. After going 0-2 with the North American promotion, Bessette fell from the roster. In total, Matt Bessette went 0-2, 1 NC under the Zuffa banner having fought on season 1 of Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series.

Matt Bessette Returns to Connecticut

Now no longer with the UFC, Bessette competes at the upcoming CES 55 in Hartford, Connecticut. The combat sports veteran takes on New Jerseys Tim Dooling. Both fighters come into the matchup having lost in their most recent appearances. For Bessette, his loss came on a higher stage as he fell by split decision to Steven Peterson at The Ultimate Fighter Season 27 Finale. The loss was Bessettes second consecutive, and the second such streak in his professional fighting career. Dooling comes into CES 55 after falling to Bill Algeo at Ring of Combat 61.

For Dooling, this high profile matchup breaks a nearly two-year layoff. His last competition at ROC 61 took place on November 17th, 2017. Despite the long layoff, Dooling is a tough competitor. His opponent, Bessette, represents the second UFC-caliber opponent on his record. Dooling fought Julio Arce at ROC 59, yet the bout did not go his way as he fell by way of unanimous decision.

The matchup for Bessette is his first MMA competition in his home state since Bellator 153 in 2016. Fittingly, CES 55 is the first MMA event sanctioned by the state.

CES 55

CES 55 takes place in Hartford, Connecticut at the Connecticut Convention Center on March 29th. Other fighters set to compete on the card include William Knight, Vinicius de Jesus, Jeremiah Wells, and Fabio Cherant.