Young Guns Ready for Action at MCC 22

Zak Laird

Laramie Shaffer

By: Randy Thomas

When you think about the progression of mixed martial arts, the dedication and the drive it takes to compete, two fighters come to mind, both of whom will be making their MCC debuts.  Last month, at MCC Trials II, Zak Laird and Laramie Shaffer both put on performances deserving of their invitation to the Midwest’s top mixed martial arts organization.  On September 5, these two young fighters will face off in a featherweight bout that promises to be one of most fast paced, most explosive fights of the evening.

Zak Laird, the 18 year old kickboxing standout, has been developing his game as a complete martial artist, and if you think his fists and feet are quick, wait until you see his submission game. This kid is the future of MMA. This kickboxer is pulling off high level jiu jitsu moves, and he’s been in the game for less than a year.  Fast forward a couple years and you will be watching him on pay per view.  Laird, who is 12-1 in his MMA campaign has been tearing through the competition on the local circuit.  At MCC 22 he steps in the cage to face his toughest opponent to date.  We caught up with Laird, who is in the process of relocating to Iowa CIty where he will begin his pursuit towards his lifelong goal; to become a doctor.  When asked about Shaffer, he simply stated,  “I know he’s going to be a tough opponet,.  He’s going to be a very strong wrestler, and I’ve been doing extensive work off of my back. My goal is just to put on a great show, and show everyone what this 18 year old future doctor is all about.” Always a student at the top of his class, we’ll see if he gets to the top of his class as a fighter.

Laramie Shaffer, the two-time state wrestling phenom who started competing at age four, showed some serious ground and pound, ending his first two MMA fights in the first round.  He will look to do the same to Zak Laird when they meet in the center of the cage.  Training with some of the Midwest’s top grapplers,  Shaffer commented, “I wrestled for Cael Sanderson at Iowa State from 2005-2009 so I know the dedication it taked to be the best, and that’s exactly what I’m bringing.”  He added, “I heard he’s a good kick boxer with submission skills. I’m just looking to have fun, put on a show, and come up with a win.”  With that said, Shaffer hopes to let the MMA world know he’s here- and he’s here to stay.

MCC 22 “Reality Check”, Saturday, September 5 at Veterans Auditorium.  For more information log on to www.MidwestCageChampionship.com.