CFE: Mapes vs Helm - Event Preview

Everybody wants to be apart of something big when it relates to competition in Missouri and Illinois.

When it comes to mixed martial arts every fighter would love a chance to be a part of a bi-state battle and a main event match-up.

That is exactly what will take place when veteran Matt Helm from O'Fallon, Mo., takes on a young up and coming Illinois fighter in Cord Mapes from Mattoon, Il., in the 170-pound weight class Friday night at the Heart of St Charles presented by the Sports Fighting League Cage Fighting Events in St Charles, MO

Helm comes into the fight with a 7-5 record and the older fighter with five years of experience. Mapes enters the fight with a 3-0 record and is just in year two of training.

Both are coming off victories in their last fights. Helm won late in the first round with a rear naked choke over Thomas Haney III at the Clash of the Warriors in July. Mapes defeated Michael Massey in September late in the second round with a submission to improve to 3-0.

The 5-foot11 Helm has a number of wins by TKO's but also features a strong ground and pound.

"I'm not afraid to go for the submission if it opens up," Helm said.

Helm trains at St Charles MMA and his freestyle fighting style is a natural fit with his background in wrestling. Helm has excellent jiu-jitsu coaches and he has shown improvement in that area as well in recent fights.

Mapes (6'0") is a versatile young fighter who is known for using both his standup and ground game to control a fight.

Early in his career Mapes has proven to have a very strong standup game and he is a potent striker. The 6-foot Mapes trains out of the DoJo USA Gym in Matton, Il., with coach Tim Fickes. Mapes has registered submissions in two of his three fights.

It's a contest of young verses old and this bi-state battle seems headed for the middle of the cage. Who has what it takes to come out on top, Helm or Mapes?

Cage Fighting Events / MMA Sports Federation
Heart of St. Charles Banquet Center
Friday, February 8 - Fights start @ 7:30

Full fight card:

Cord Mapes vs Matt Helm - Main Event
Brian Graves vs Fred Freeman
Jon Rosener vs Mike Courtney
Brian Davis vs Clay Mitchell
Billy Kreup vs Trevor Lanzone
John McLaughlin vs Quentin Garrison
will Edwards vs Ben Chesser
Dalton Webb vs Ronnie Johnston
Anthony Springman vs Brad Dyar
Terry Jones vs Zach Boedeker
Andrew Murphy vs Danny Quaite
DJ Pieper vs Antion Johnston