Getting to Know Joe Morris

Getting to Know Joe Morris

By Randy Thomas

Like many mixed martial artists that we come across, Morris got his start later in the game.  As the 30 year old explain, “I grew up wrestling, but I always wanted to box as a kid.  Unfortunately, my parents didn’t want me to.  They didn’t want me to have a smashed in face and slow speech, but hey, I’m doing something much more exciting than boxing now.”  Of course, Morris is no stranger to injury.  During his MMA career he’s broken his nose, foot and his hand.  He’s had his fair share of fractures and cuts, but he knows,  it’s just the nature of the sport. These same injuries happen in every sport, and he’ll probably see more as times moves on.
 
Joe Morris got his start in mixed martial arts competing at the local amateur circuit.  He’s a soft spoken man that carries around a deep seeded need to fight; a pent up aggression that needs to be released every now and again.  The MCC matchmaker recalls when Morris began fighting. “We watched Joe compete at Des Moines Xtreme (Fight Club) and knew right off the bat he had a lot of potential.  He was knocking these guys out, submitting them- basically just running through them.  We booked him at MCC and he’s always come to fight.  Always!”
 
The last time MCC fans watched Morris, he lost a tough back and forth battle to featherweight contender, Josh “Bam Bam” Henry.  That fight really showed the level of heart and talent that Morris brings to the cage.  Bloodied, bruised and broken (hand), Morris refused to lay down and give up.
 
Walking around much heavier than the 145 pound featherweight limit, the weight cut is too much to sustain, so he’s made the decision to work his way up the ranks in the light weight division.  He commented, “I think the lightweight division is where I belong, and I plan on moving my way up in the competition this year.  I have to truly dedicate myself to rigorous training. There are many great fighters in the lightweight division, and I will fight whoever MCC puts me against.”
 
His first step in that direction will come at MCC 24:”Reloaded” against MCC newcomer, Rick Glen; an Anthony Porcelli trained, Des Moines Mixed Martial Arts fighter.  Morris will rely on his brawling background and his willingness to take a punch to give a punch-style when he faces Glenn, but he’s never been one who’s afraid to get hit.  He’s also prepared to go to the ground if the fight ends up there.
 
Morris stated, “I wrestled from fifth grade until high school.  I always had a winning record.  I have seen Glenn’s last fight and I was not impressed by his ground game, despite his tough opponent.  I think he has decent stand up, but I know he won’t want to stand up with me after he gets hit.  I plan on winning by referee stoppage or knock out, but I’ll submit him if I get the chance.  One thing I can promise though…I will be ready!”
 
MCC 24: “Reloaded” will take place Saturday, January 16 at Veterans Auditorium.  Tickets are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-229-8566 or at all Dahl’s ticket outlets.