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MCC Post Fight Interviews
MCC 38 Weigh-In’s
Luis Saldana – Fight Week Blog
Luis Saldana
What’s up fight fans? So I hope everyones ready for MCC 38 this Friday! So much hype for these fights and I know they’ll live up to expectations.
Well it’s been another successful training camp. I just want to thank all the guys at Round Kick for all the help leading up to this fight. Now that the hard part is almost over, Friday should be a walk in the park. I feel better than ever and I’m excited to put on a show for you fans. It’s the calm before the storm and I can already feel this one coming down hard.
It’s Fight Week!
Friday January 27th at Hy Vee Hall
It’s Fight Week!
That right, fight fans. Winter has officially set in and Mother Nature has officially reminded you that you still live in Iowa! Not to worry though. This Friday brings a heat wave to Hy Vee Hall as Midwest Cage Championship 38: Hernandez vs. O’Brien is sure to set the cage on fire!
The main and co-main events of the evening feature a pair of title fights that you do not want to miss!
In the co-main event, flyweight champion, Nate “Teddy Bear” Williams defends his strap for the first time against Chicago’s own, Chris “Bad Boy” Haney. Will the title stay right here in Des Moines or will the confident scrapper from the windy city take the belt on a road trip? The words have already began to fly and on Friday night the fists and feet will follow.
Two-time UFC veteran, TJ “The Spider” O’Brien returns to cage where it all began as he takes on top contender Allen Hernandez as the two go head to head in a rematch from 2007- this time, for the interim lightweight championship. Hernandez is one up on O’Brien. Will O’Brien settle the score? It all goes down Friday night!
Public Weigh-In’s and face-off’s will be held at Trophy’s Sports Bar (connected to Plaza Lanes) on Thursday at 7pm. Fighters will arrive at 6pm, and face off at 7.
The card is stacked from top to bottom and it’s not too late to get in on the action. This is an all ages event! Tickets are available at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-888-8888 and at all Dahl’s Food Store ticket outlets. Tickets will also be available the night of the show. Doors open at 6:30. be sure to show up early to catch a live performance by Des Moines super group, Lesson 7.
Also, join us immediately after the fights for the official after party at Kamodo Klub- right down the street from the event!
Chris David with Des Moines Jiu Jitsu- The History to 2012
Des Moines Jiu Jitsu
Most times, the interviews or stories that surround combat sports such as mixed martial arts or grappling, are primarily focused on its competitors. It makes sense. Fighters and grapplers are those people that create the excitement inside the cage or on the mat, laying it on the line for the entertainment of fans in an attempt to make it to the top of their game.
When you watch a match, whether it’s on television or live, who are the people you’re focused on? The competitors, of course. But what about the guy or team of people that get the competitor to that point? Combat sporting events may seem like an individual sport, but believe me, there isn’t one fighter or grappler out there who’s experienced success on their own.
Luis Saldana – Week 6 Blog
Luis Saldana
Hello fight fans. As we know MCC 38 is NEXT WEEK! Everything has gone to plan in order to prepare myself for this fight and now its just a smooth glide down the stretch. Ive been living right and focused on what needs to be done, so I have to say i’m feeling good going into this one. Not much but work and training lately. I did get a new dog but thats my only highlight of the new year. My main focus right now is on Jan 27th along with weight and getting mentally ready to step in to take care of business.
This last week of practice I’m really pushing myself extra hard. Ive worked a lot on my wrestling and picked up some new skills along the way like muay thai thanks to Pete at Round Kick. Its really great training with other fighters who have fights coming up cause theres always that good energy of wanting it and pushing each other the extra mile. Training at Round Kick has been great on getting me ready and It couldn’t have gone better. These last weeks before a fight we usually go over basic fight skills. Take downs, guard passes, getting out of dangerous positions and things that normally happen in fights. I think Zakk will be looking to try and submit me, but I really don’t see that happening or him dominating me in any aspect. Spartans Strength has been excellent and I know I’m going to be more of an explosive and energized fighter this time, so I can’t wait for that. So get ready cause I’ll definitely be showcasing some new skills.
Well that’s it this time, once again I wanna thank my sponsors: Gomez Tires 1&2, Jolex Entertainment, Johns Tree Service, Supreme Lawn & Landscaping, Jay Tees Apparel, and make sure everyone comes out to the after party at Kamodo Klub!
- Luis Saldana
Ready for his return to the cage, MCC 38′s Matt Young intends to prove himself
Matt Young
Ready for his return to the cage, MCC 38′s Matt Young intends to prove himself
Matt Young has seen his share of ups and downs inside the cage.
“It comes down to the mental game,” Young stated. “With Orlando Peace, that’s what this one is about.”
Young is 4-4 in MCC. In his natural weight class of 145 pounds he’s gone 3-1. He’s fought as a bantamweight, however the extreme weight cut has take his toll, allowing him to win only one of four fights.
Champ Williams fired up with new opponent, ready to settle the trash talk in the cage
Nate Williams
Champ Williams fired up with new opponent, ready to settle the trash talk in the cage
Given the experience that MCC flyweight champion, Nate “Teddy Bear” Williams has racked up in the last three years of competition, there is not many things that can rattle his cage.
Well, maybe one thing…
“Haney says that he is going to out wrestle me and knock me out or submit me,’ Williams asked? (laughing) “We’ll see about that.”
Haney fills gap in flyweight title fight, predicts dominant performance over the champ
Chris Haney
Haney fills gap in flyweight title fight, predicts dominant performance over the champ
After potential turmoil in the flyweight title fight search, Chicago native, Chris “Bad Boy” Haney stepped up and will challenge Nate “Teddy Bear” Williams for his crown on January 27.
Despite the obvious difference in experience, Haney, who got his start in 2010 has already racked up five wins by way of submission, two by KO/TKO with only two bouts going the distance.
Fighting mainly on the local scene in the Chicago area, Haney is looking to get experience against opponents outside his comfort zone.
“I don’t know too much about him,” commented Haney on his opponent. “I do know he has a lot of experience and feels comfortable in the cage. I believe he is a good wrestler, but I’m better. If he wants to stand and bang, good, so do I.”
Luis Saldana – week 5 blog
Luis Saldana
Hows it going fight fans? Well we’ve been counting down the days till MCC 38 and it’s coming up quick. In less than 3 weeks I’ll be stepping back into the cage and continuing my road to the top. I can already tell that this fight is gonna be one to remember cause I’m very motivated & ready to put on a show for the fans!
A lot of people are surprised when they find out I’m a fighter. They say I seem too nice and that I’m so quite. Well it’s true, I am very calm and respectful, but when it comes down to business I can be fierce. Fight night never really gets to me, it’s just another day and I know I’m ready to go in there to get the job done. All the hard work and long days preparing myself, it all pays off once I step in the cage. The noise from the crowd, family and friends before the fight is what really kicks me into gear. Once the door closes and the ref says fight, everything becomes so live and every move is so decisive. I like to pick my opponents apart, beat them at their own game. If something goes wrong and I’m in danger I never panic because that just leads to more trouble. Instead, I focus on where I’m at, remembering all the drills and technique we go over in practice. Acknowledging why I’m here and how to turn things around. So they say “train hard fight easy” and that’s how i like it.
Like I said before, I’m really excited for this fight, MCC 38 in general I have a few friends and training partners also fighting on the card, you don’t wanna miss it!! I have new fight shirts on the way check them out on my Facebook page $20 each. I appreciate the support and I highly advise everyone to come out Friday night January 27 it’s gonna be one to remember!!
Thanks again and mark your calendars for Friday January 27th, because we’re just around the corner from bringing you some top notch fights!
See you soon!
Luis Saldana
Osborn pulls out of title fight, Myles steps in
Williams vs Myles
Osborn pulls out of title fight, Myles steps in
As we’ve seen time and time again, the injury bug has plagued yet another one of the marquee fighters in an MCC event. This time, co-main event challenger, Frankie Osborn, who was set to face off against flyweight champion Nate “Teddy Bear” Williams at MCC 38. MCC officials learned early this week from Frankie Osborn’s coach, that we was no longer going to compete.
Although the fighter pool at 125 pounds is not as richly populated as some of the others, Minnesota native Jovon Myles was quick to accept the fight. Actually, this will go down as a rematch from when Nate Williams won the first ever MCC Four-Man Flyweight tournament. Williams defeated Myles via decision in a very competitive three-round back and forth fight which forced the champ to dig deep and rely on his outstanding wrestling prowess.
Myles, who injured his hand early in their bout has been asking for a rematch, so on January 27 his wish will be granted.
MCC officials commented, “When we learned that Frankie was out we immediately hit the phones looking for a worthy replacement. This is a title fight and Williams deserves a tough opponent for his first title defense. Plus, with the introduction of this weight class into the UFC, anyone who seriously competes at 125 lbs. is stepping their game up. We see this being another very good, very close fight.”
Williams, who thought that the match up with Myles made more sense that the Osborn fight said that the change will not have any effect on his performance. He stated that fight camp is running perfectly and he’s ready for a battle with anyone put in front of him.
When asked about his thoughts on Jovon Myles, the champ simply stated, “He’s tough. I’m ready”
For the latest on MCC 38: Hernandez vs. O’Brien, stay tuned to www.MidwestCageChampionship.com.
Compete Nutrition and Spartan Strength present MCC 38: Hernandez vs. O’Brien, Friday, January 27 at Hy Vee Hall, downtown Des Moines, Iowa. Tickets are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, Wells Fargo Arena Box Office and at all Dahl’s Food Store ticket outlets.
TJ O’Brien – MCC 38 Pre Fight
MCC 38 adds Rider vs. Morris, Peace vs. Young
MCC 38 - Jan 27 at Hy Vee Hall
MCC 38 adds Rider vs. Morris, Peace vs. Young
A battle of two of the most exciting fighters in the stacked lightweight division will go down on January 27 inside Hy Vee Hall.
When it comes to mental and physical toughness, two names are certain to fit that bill; Matt Rider and Joe “The Gentleman” Morris.
Rider, who has yet to taste defeat inside the MCC cage, and Morris, who has yet to put on a performance that was less that fight of the night, are set to collide at MCC 38: Hernandez vs. O’Brien.
