“The Biggest Midwest Showdown Since Mickle vs. Stephens”

Several years ago, before they became two of the most popular fighters in the Midwest, Jeremy “Lil Heathen” Stephens and Chris “Mad Dog” Mickle put on one of the most epic four round battles in MMA history. It ultimately ended when Stephens put Mickle to sleep with a highlight worthy spinning back fist. Shortly thereafter, “Lil Heathen” received his invitation to the UFC and has been putting on highlight worthy performances ever since.

History will repeat itself at MCC 24: “Reloaded” as top prospect, Alonzo “Zo Diddy” Martinez has agreed to replace the injured Chris Mickle to face Paul “Gingabread Man” Bird.

MCC co-owner, John Halverson noted, “We had several options to look at when we found out Mickle was injured, but Paul and Zo made the most sense. You have two fighters on the verge of breaking into the big show, and this is probably the one fight that is going to push them over the edge.”

Bird, who is a veteran of UFC’s popular television reality show, The Ultimate Fighter, is on a four fight win streak including a win over WEC and Pride veteran, Joe Pearson. Although this fight could serve as his toughest opponent to date, Bird is looking forward to showing his improvement as a mixed martial artist against a veteran with several notable appearances under his belt.

Martinez, a veteran of Ring of Fire, HD Net, and ESPN’s Bellator, has notable wins over UFC veteran’s Brandon Melendez, Ryan Roberts, Luke Caudillo and a draw with former MCC champion and recent UFC signee, Joe Brammer, is excited for the opportunity to face a fellow up and comer like Bird.

“This is such a great match up,” stated, Halverson. “This is the caliber of fight you’d see on a UFC prelim or Spike TV Ultimate Fight Night. I’m sure after this fight one of these two is headed to the big league.”

Tickets for MCC 24: “Reloaded” are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-229-8566, Iowa Events Center Box office, or at all Dahl’s ticket outlets. Also on the card is a main event featuring TJ “The Spider” O’Brien and Jake “Dirty Bird” Brown as they battle it out for the vacant interim Lightweight Championship.

Fighter Stats:

Alonzo Martinez Paul Bird

5’10 5’9

155 155

26-10 8-1

Freestyle Vale Tudo

Wrestling Background Boxing Background