MCC’s Annual Show Gets Bigger and Better

Thanksgiving Throwdown

MCC has always been known for their annual Thanksgiving Throwdown show, and this year the Midwest’s top promotion is in the midst of putting together another stellar card with not one, but three title fights.  Fans poured into Veterans Auditorium for MCC 22 “Reality Check”, which was, by far, the most exciting card of 2009.  The stacked fight card brought forth new talent as well as allowed some of the veterans of the sport a chance to show they still have what it takes to compete with the toughest up and coming fighters in the game.  Two of the fighters from that night have earned their shot at championship belts in their respective weight classes.

Jesse Lund is one of the most exciting light heavyweight fighters in the sport today.  With a six bout win streak on his MMA record and multiple accolades for putting on the fight of the night, he will face his toughest opponent to date when he steps in the ring at MCC 23 to face Mainstream’s Light Heavyweight Championship, Derek Mehman for the MCC Interim Light Heavyweight title.  MCC co-owner, John Halverson stated, “With our champion, Chuck Grigsby fighting overseas for M-1 and destined to make it back to the big show, we figured we’d better put an interim title in place until we see how the division is going to lay out.”  He added, “Putting Lund against one of the toughest fighters around just makes sense.”   Mehman’s only loss came at hands of UFC veteran Mike Ciesnolevicz where he was submitted by a choke.  Lund, who had planned on taking a break from his rigorous training schedule following his last win, jumped at the opportunity to fight for the title.

One of the most improved fighters on the MCC roster, Josh “Bam Bam” Henry, dug deep and pulled out the biggest win of his young career at MCC 22 which he submitted undefeated brawler and WEC hopeful, Bill Kammery.  Playing the part of the underdog has never bothered Henry, in fact he enjoys the stress free moniker.  At MCC 23 he will, once again, take another step up the ladder when he challenges MCC Featherweight Champion, Eric Marriott, for his belt.  Marriott won his title following a five round unanimous decision victory over former champion, Chris Mad Dog” Mickle.

In the third title bout of the evening, former MCC Middleweight Champion, Mike “Mini Van” Van Meer will, once again, lace up the gloves for a five round war when he steps in the cage with Elvis “The King” Mutapcic.  Van Meer, who has fought from Middleweight to Heavyweight, has battled some of the best fighters in mixed martial arts.  Known for his toughness and never say die attitude, will he have what it takes to defeat the Bosnian bomber with heavy hands, a granite chin, and a hunger to take home the belt?  This is a classic battle of striker versus grappler and with both fighters promising to stop the other in dramatic fashion, this bout could, quite possibly be on the most exciting of the night.
MCC 23: Thanksgiving Throwdown will also feature Chris Mickle vs Will Shutt, Ian Tice vs Andy Branson, Miguel Rios vs Thomas Naumann, Zak Laird vs Joe Trader, Laramie Shaffer, and much more!
Tickets are available on-line at MidwestCageChampionship.com, Iowa Events Center Box Office, Dahls Tickets, or by phone at 515-229-8566.  Veterans Auditorium, Wednesday, November 25th.  Doors open at 6:30pm and the first fight starts at 7:30pm.