From the Dojo to the Cage, Lonnie Scriven is Ready to Kick Ass

From the Dojo to the Cage, Lonnie Scriven is Ready to Kick Ass

By Randy Thomas

In the state of Iowa, we always hear of the wrestler turned mixed martial artist.  Or, maybe even the boxer turned mixed martial artist.  But for MCC newcomer, Lonnie Scriven, he’s traded in his third degree, black belt in the age old discipline of Tae Kwon Do for a pair of fight shorts and four ounce gloves.
 
A training partner of highly successful MCC alums Steve Carl, Bill Kammery and Erik Koch, Lonnie Scriven prepares to make his promotional debut at MCC 25: “Inferno”.   An undefeated kick boxer, the 31 year old, Cedar Rapids native is training hard, ready to take on crowd favorite, Chris “The Religion” Perez-Van Dam and put on the most exciting fight of the night.
 
“I love to kick people.  And that’s what I’m going to do to my opponent!”
 
Most mixed martial artists have interesting stories on how they began their career in the sport.  Scriven is no exception.  A painter in the family business, by trade, Scriven’s dreams of glory began over fourteen years ago.
 
“I’ve always wanted to be like Jean Claude Van Dam.  It just so happened that my Aunt married  Tae Kwon Do instructor, Master Deng Xayasouk.  He was the person who got this all started for me.   That was a long time ago.  I became his most decorated student, a five time sparring grand champion, a national champion, and the Midwest point sparring champion.  Then, In 2005,  Master Xayasouk was hurting for students, and an opportunity came along to showcase my skills in a MMA show.  I figured it would be a good stage to help him bring in students if I performed well.  Plus, I’d always wanted to test my Tae Kwo Do skills in a real fight.”
 
It must have been his calling.  Six fights later, including two head kick knock outs, he’s ready to represent Valhalla Combat Club and Team Hardrive on one of the biggest stages in the country.  Scriven will be looking for the path of success that two of his stable mates have already found.  Former MCC featherweight contender, Erik “New Breed” Koch is currently making his way to the top of the food chain in the UFC’s sister promotion, WEC, while welterweight phenom, Steve Carl prepares for his debut in the ESPN-promoted, Bellator, which will be seen nationwide on NBC. 
 
We asked Scriven how he feels about his opportunity.
 
“In the Midwest, this is the big show.  All of the big names have fought here.  This is the show where all the fighters with great aspirations come to showcase their talent.  Certainly, a win in MCC would be a big accomplishment for me.  It’s an honor to fight on the same card with so many talented fighters.  I’m here to prove that I belong here with them.”
 
Of course, in order to make his statement, he will need to defeat Chris “The Religion” Perez- Van Dam; an exciting fighter who will go toe to toe, bell to bell.  “The Religion” has been involved in some great back and forth battles, at times winning the fight on pure heart.  We asked his opponent what he knew about him, and how he’s preparing for the upcoming bout.
 
“Well, first of all, I know he has a really cool name (Van Dam).  He like to stand across the cage and yell during his introduction.  I’m actually looking forward to that.  And, I know he’s won at MCC before.  As far as his background, I know he likes to use his muay Thai in the clinch, and he likes to strike.  My striking will be better though.  I’ll grind on him until I either knock him out or the final bell rings.  I can go all three rounds if I need to.  If we do, there will not be one minute that he’s comfortable with me in the cage.”
 
With both warriors promising to keep the fight standing until the other one drops, this fight could prove to be one of the most exciting of the night.  With a card as stacked as MCC 25, they will have their hands full.
 
MCC 25: “Inferno” take place March 13, 2010 at Hy Vee Hall, down town Des Moines.  Tickets for this event are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-229-8566, or at all Dahl’s ticket outlets.  For up to date information, check out the MCC web site.