On the Way Back to the Top, Next Stop, the Danger Zone

By Randy Thomas

When it comes to mixed martial arts, Chad “The Grinder” Reiner is truly a competitor who has been there, done that. With several notable wins on his resume, including wins over two former MCC champions, the two time UFC veteran looks to continue his climb back up the MMA ladder when he steps in the cage at MCC 26: “Triple Crown” to face Andy “Danger Zone” Branson. With a total of 66 fights, not including those in which the nickname “Grinder” came from, Reiner, a former United States Marine, has all of the experience in the world. The question is, will he have what it takes to derail the seemingly unstoppable momentum that the undefeated prospect, Branson, will be bringing with him when they go to war in two weeks?

“Andy Branson is really inexperienced having only four fights. I do think he will be tough and come in shape, but I just don’t see him winning the fight. I think he is strong everywhere, I just don’t think he has enough experience. I will feel him out while we are on our feet, and I have a couple new surprises as well. In the end, I will win. Everyone can expect and exciting fight, so be ready!”

Born in Gulfport, Mississippi, the fighter who resides in Omaha, Nebraska has always had a competitive fire burning inside of him. While serving in the Marine Corps, he started training in boxing, wrestling, and jiu jitsu. Before his mixed martial arts career began, Reiner would compete in organized street fights- sometimes taking on opponents much bigger than he was. In fact, in his very first professional mixed martial arts fight, back in 2003, Reiner took on Jeff Cox, another former UFC veteran, who at the time, was 60 pounds heavier than he was. Reiner took the fight when his original opponent backed out. It didn’t matter to him as long as he was competing.

Already experiencing the taste of fame and notoriety associated with competing in the largest MMA organization in the world, Reiner has his sights set on returning to the world famous Octagon, and he’s vowed that nothing is going to stand in his way.

“I will return to the UFC. I will fight all across the world. This fight is for the MCC Welterweight Belt, and after I win it, I will look to defend it, but my ultimate goal, as a mixed martial artist, is to get back into the UFC. I’m very motivated to get back to the top.”

Reiner has been training hard, with the same intensity and desire that put him on the map. He’s been focusing especially hard on his stand up game, recently making the trek across the world to Thailand to improve his kick boxing skills. Back home, he trains with some of the top fighters in the Midwest.

On Friday, April 16, at MCC 26, when the cage door closes and the fists, elbows, knees and kicks start flying, it’s going to come down to heart, will, and determination- a virtual chess match of intense competitiveness. With both fighters promising a win in devastating fashion, fight fans can expect a true war between two of the top welterweight fighters. To both mixed martial artists, there is more on the line than just a belt and bragging rights. This is the beginning of the next stage in their career. Who wants it more?

Tickets for MCC 26, “Triple Crown” are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-229-8566 or at all Dahl’s ticket outlets. For more information about MCC, including fighter blogs, interviews and videos, log onto the web site.