Opponent Change for Lund; It Just Got Real

Richards Vs Lund

Opponent Change for Lund; It Just Got Real

By Randy Thomas

Often times, especially in higher profile contests, opponents change as the fight night draws near.  This is a time when mixed martial artists fall victim to injury due to the intense workouts and stress they put their body through.  Jesse Lund was set to face Derek Mehman for the MCC Interim Light Heavyweight title.  In Mehman’s case, however, he was forced to withdraw from the upcoming bout for greener pastures, that can’t be discussed.
 
When one door closes another one opens.
 
In this case, Demetrius Richards has answered the call, and with nine days until MCC 23, Richards is gearing up to fight one of the top up and comers in the sport, Jesse Lund.  “D-MO” as he’s often referred to, is bringing quite an impressive resume.  He wrestled through high school and became a Nebraska state champion.  He was an all American in football and wrestling.  In college he wrestled with UFC Vet Jason Brilz at UNO.  After college he played semi-pro football for The Omaha Beef, Arena 1 Football League.  So, how did he get into mixed martial arts?  Simple!  He got into a fist fight at an Omaha Beef game, where he was kicked off the team, and he was approached to fight by someone who immediately recognized his potential.

Luckily, Richards, who is the face of Tapout mouthguards and works part time as a security guard, is able to dedicate the majority of his time to training. D-Mo has enlisted the help of Elite Performance (Omaha,NE), with other popular names such as UFC fighter’s Ryan Jensen, Jason Brilz,  Jake Ellenberger, Chad Reiner, and Bellator’s Alonzo Martinez.   At 5’10″ and 205 lbs, he believes he has the heart, power, and talent, to bring the MCC Light Heavyweight strap, back to his home state of Nebraska.   
 
But there’s more at stake in this fight than simply beating Jesse Lund.   With a recent and only loss to MCC champion, Chuck “The Reverend” Grigsby, beating Lund will give him the opportunity to avenge the loss.
 
Richards has issued the statement, “Fighting Jesse Lund is a great opportunity for me. I plan to put on a great performance, and capture the MCC Interim Light Heavyweight title.   Then, I want my rematch with Chuck Grigsby.”
 
 
Normally a reserved, sort of quiet competitor, Jesse Lund answered, “I watched his tape with Chuck. I don’t think he’s anything special. He looks sloppy and gasses out quick. I don’t care who he trains with, what team he played for, or who he’s the face of. I will wear him down and be wearing the belt by the second round.”
 
This just got real.
 
MCC 23 “Thanksgiving Throwdown”, Wednesday, November 25 at Vets Auditorium.  Tickets are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, at all Dahl’s ticket outlets, Iowa Events Center Box Office, or by phone at 515-229-8566.  The doors open at 6:30pm with the first bout set for 7:30pm.  For more information about this, and the other fights on the card, log onto the MCC website.