Chris Helm Prepares for MCC Debut

Chris Helm Prepares for MCC Debut

By Randy Thomas
 
When MCC newcomer, Chris Helm (11-1) steps into the cage against Johnny “Coletrain” Coleman at MCC 25: “Inferno”, he knows he will have his hands full.  After all, the last time his opponent took the center of the ring, he made his exit less than 30 seconds later following a highlight reel knock out win.
 
Chris Helm is okay with that.
 
“I just know he got beat by someone I’ve beat before. Obviously, I can’t overlook that but I’ll study him just like any other fighter.  I’m confident in my stand up  game, so if he chooses to stand in the pocket and trade punches with me, that’s just fine.”
 
As the sport of mixed martial arts continues to gain popularity, it attracts not only a broader audience, but it also gives opportunities for several weight classes.  In Helm’s case, the Flyweight division is wide open, and this is exactly where Helm sees his opportunity.
 
“All my life I’ve played football and wrestled.  Because of my size, wrestling was just a better fit.  Plus, there are not too many little guys in football.  There’s not much room for 125 lb players.  Plus, I always found myself cutting weight for wrestling.  After I graduated, I started working on jiu jitsu and boxing.  Mixed martial arts seemed like the logical sport to cross over into.  I was just training when a friend dared me to fight.  I had only planned on trying it one time, but I won my first fight by knock out, and it only lasted 30 seconds.  I guess you can say after that I was hooked.  That’s when I started training harder.”
 
The 19 year old fighter, who hails from Paulina, Iowa is a three-time TSCF Bantamweight Champion.  He has set up his full time fight camp in Fort Dodge, where there are plenty of worthy training partners to help him prepare for his upcoming bout.
 
At times, it’s been difficult to find fights in the flyweight division, so Helm has often found himself fighting a weight class up- a ten pound difference.  However, he’s done well there, going 9-1.  In fact, only two of his fights have been at his natural weight class.  Not too shabby!
 
We asked how it felt to make his debut for one of the largest MMA promotions in the Midwest?
 
“I’m excited.  It’s a big organization and there are a lot of great fighters and good match ups for me.  I can’t let it get to me though.  I know I have to train hard and focus on the fight in front of me.  I’m taking this seriously just like all my fights.”
 
MCC 25: “Inferno” takes place Saturday, March 13 at Hy Vee Hall.  Tickets are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-229-8566, or at all Dahl’s ticket outlets.  For more information on the fight card as well as all up to the minute MCC news, log on to the web site.