Highway to the Danger Zone

Highway to the Danger Zone

By Randy Thomas
 
Who knew that mixed martial arts was a family sport?  The MCC roster already features the brawling brothers, Josh and Nick Henry, scrappy siblings, Chad and Ryan Vandermark.  Welcome Travis Branson, first cousin to none other than welterweight contender, Andy “Danger Zone” Branson.  The 25 year old Knoxville native makes his MCC debut in just two weeks at “Inferno”.  Although he is not competing along side his cousin, Travis Branson plans to make a name for himself and move straight up the MCC ladder in his quest for greatness.
 
Branson got his start in the sport when his friends convinced him he should give it a try.  Having just one year of experience under his belt, he’s had a pretty good run.  With an unblemished 4-0 MMA record, Branson quickly accepted the upcoming bout with MCC newcomer, Jonathan Youngbear, when Youngbear’s original opponent was pulled off the card due to being called for active duty.  With little time to prepare, Branson has been working double time in the gym to ensure his fight MCC experience is a memorable one.
 
“I don’t know a lot about Youngbear except that he’s tall and he says he likes to keep the fight on his feet.  He will have the reach on me, but I feel comfortable whether the fight is standing or if it goes to the ground.  I was a state wrestling champion, so I’m experienced.  I feel that’s going to be his weakness.  As far as predictions on how the fight will go, I don’t really have any.  I can only say that at the end of the fight, I’ll be the one getting my hand raised.”
 
We asked if, given Andy Branson’s success in MCC, there was any added pressure involved?
 
“There’s not really a lot of pressure, maybe just a little more nervous than normal.  I hope that someday I will be right up there with him.  I’m looking to fight the best and I will never turn down a fight.  I’m going to take this as far as it will get me.”
 
You never know when you’ll catch the next superstar in the making. 
 
MCC 25: “Inferno” takes place Saturday, March 13 at Hy Vee Hall. Tickets are available at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-229-8566, or at all Dahl’s ticket outlets.  For more information about the card as well as upcoming events, fighter interviews and up to date news, log on to the MCC web site.