MCC Seeks New Talent in Guthrie Center, Van Meer Seeks Revenge

On Saturday, September 4 at the Guthrie County Fairgrounds, Midwest Cage Championship will hold its fourth Trials event. The show will feature a twelve bout fight card including a rematch of former MCC Middleweight Champion, Mike “Mini Van” Van Meer and rising star “Mean” Dean Bradley. The two faced each other earlier this year with Van Meer dropping a close decision.

Van Meer, who has completely re-vamped his training regimen has vowed to not only put on a dominating performance on his way to a victory, but ensured that the fight will not be left in the judges hands again.

“I’m taking him out in the first round, maybe the second if he’s lucky. I’m a month out and already in fight condition. If he can keep up with my pace, he will do okay. If he’s not in the best shape of his life, it’s going to be a bad night for him.”

In past Trials events, MCC has discovered some of the top talent in the region, including current Welterweight contender, Miguel “El Rey” Rios Jr. and former Featherweight Champion, Josh “Jigsaw” Atwell.

Tickets are available at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com or by phone at 515-229-8566. For more information on upcoming fight cards, news, and fighter interviews, check out the web site.

DO YOU WANT TO FIGHT FOR MCC? Fill out this application- http://www.midwestcagechampionship.com/want-to-be-an-mcc-fighter/

MCC 28

Burns Turns up the Heat, Williams Edges Out Giboo, and The King remains Royalty

Slams, slick submissions and surprise ending could have easily been the replacement title for MCC 28: “Impact”. The fight fans were able to see a little bit of everything as Veterans Auditorium hosted another exciting night of mixed martial arts action.

The evening started off with a four-man tournament in the featherweight division. Jordan “Boobie” Webb and Joe Agan made their MCC debuts, but it was Webb who wasted no time in making a statement as he quickly took the fight to the ground and waited for his opportunity to explode. That chance cam at just :42 seconds of the very first round as Agan fell victim to a huge slam that rendered him unconscious. Webb advanced to the finals.

Next up in the tournament, MCC veterans Matt “The Punisher” Young returned after a two year hiatus to face, Mitch “The Convict” Parker. Like the first bout, this one hit the mat quickly with both combatants exchanging strikes and superior positions. But at the one minute mark, Young displayed his Jiu Jitsu prowess as he locked up an incredibly tight triangle choke forcing the tap from Parker and advancing himself into the finals.

When Webb and Young finally met, the pace was furious but the ending was sudden. Just as Webb put Young on his back to inflict some serious ground and pound, Young slapped on another triangle choke. Webb rolled to relieve the pressure but wound up underneath and on the wrong end of a barrage of brutal punches. With nowhere to go, Webb had no other choice but to tap out or go out! Young was crowned the tournament winner.

In other action, MCC fan favorite Josh “Bull” Christensen got back into the winning column as he bested undefeated light heavyweight prospect, Travis Branson in the opening frame. One who favors the ground and pound game, no one, especially Branson, expected “The Bull” to use his submission skills to sneak in a triangle choke. Although it was tough to see that the choke was locked up so tight, Christensen was able to put his opponent to sleep as Branson refused to tap out. Immediately following the fight, Christensen asked MCC for a rematch with “Mean” Dean Bradley.

UFC veteran James Giboo returned to MCC to face up and comer Cole “The Edge” Williams. With both fighters having excellent wrestling pedigrees, most thought the fight would be won with striking. However, it was Williams who was able to get the fight to the ground first. As Giboo searched for a submission from the bottom, he suffered a knee injury which Williams quickly capitalized on as he battered Giboo forcing the tap from strikes. Tough break for Giboo, but a huge win for Williams who immediately shot himself to the top of the MCC food chain.

In the co-main event of the evening, MCC’s fastest rising start, Miguel “El Rey” Rios Jr. returned to the cage to face former training partner and friend, dangerous knock out artist, Ben Crowder. Although there was no bad blood leading up to the contest, feelings became a little more tense when Crowder missed the welterweight limit by ten pounds at Thursday’s weigh in. Not one to shy away from a challenge, Rios used that as a motivating factor in the cage. From the opening bell, Crowder was on the hunt looking to destroy Rios with every punch thrown. He showed his strength advantage on the ground as be rolled and punched Rios at a feverish rate. However, in true “El Rey” style, Rios locked up an uber-tight armbar almost out of nowhere. Crowder quickly tapped to avoid a broken arm. Rios remains undefeated and moves one step closer to a title shot.

To cap out the nights events, MCC newcomer, Kalel Robinson, made the trek across the Midwest to take on five-time UFC alum, Kevin “The Fire” Burns. Burns, who had an amazing training camp, put all of his skills on display as he bested the feared striker in every position in the game. Burns landed brutal punches and knees from the feet. He took the fight to the ground when he was ready, and when he decided to go for the kill he quickly pulled the trigger. Burns dominated the fight from start to finish and showed the world that he is ready to get back to the big show for another run.

With another successful night in the books, MCC gears up for the next event which take place in just one month, at the Guthrie County Fair- September 4th. Check out www.MidwestCageChampionship.com for all of the latest news, fighter interviews and more.

Full fight results below:

Jordan Webb Vs. Joe Agan – Webb KO slam inside guard

Mitch Parker Vs. Matt Young- Young triangle choke

Ethan Underwood Vs. Stoney Stuart – Stuart guillotine choke

Leo Villarreal Vs. Brody Jay – Jay TKO

Joe Morris Vs. Mike Miller – Morris Rear Naked Choke

Tony Crowder Vs. Justin Morrison – Crowder by Triangle choke

Ted Worthington Vs. Ryan Bixler  – Bixler by unanimous decision

Travis Branson Vs. Josh Christensen – Christenson by triangle choke

Cole Williams Vs. James Giboo – Williams by Tap out Strikes

Jordan Webb Vs. Matt Young – Young by Tapout strikes

Ben Crowder Vs. Miguel Rios – Rios by armbar

Kalel Robinson Vs. Kevin Burns – Burns by arm triangle

It’s Time!
 
The fighters preparation is over.  A culmination of several weeks of grueling training, strategic planning, and waiting has come to an end.  The cage has been erected and the arena doors are ready to burst open and fill up with fight-hungry fans. The hype is in the air.  Now, it’s time to sit back and watch all of the action unfold!
 
That’s right, fight week is finally up on us, and the festivities get underway starting tomorrow as Twisted Parrot hosts the official MCC 28: “Impact” weigh ins.  Come watch the warriors step on the scale and face off against each other. You never know what will go down!
 
Friday night, Veterans Auditorium, doors open at 6:30, and the first fight will begin at 7:30.  MCC 28: “Impact” features 12 action packed mixed martial arts bouts, including a four-man tournament in the Featherweight division, and the return of UFC veterans James Giboo and Kevin “The Fire” Burns.  Plus, the highly popular local recording group Mindrite, will be performing a concert.  You don’t want to miss this!  Tickets are still available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-229-8566, at all Dahl’s ticket outlets, and of course, you can get your tickets at Veterans Auditorium on Friday night. 

AFTER FIGHT PARTY IS AT KAMODO KLUB on 3rd & Court.

“Focused and Ready, Branson Takes on a Bull”
 
 
Getting his start just one year ago, Melcher’s Travis Branson is starting to make waves in the MCC Light Heavyweight division.  Going undefeated in smaller shows, he was discovered by the MCC matchmaker, while on a scouting mission for another fighter.  He was signed with MCC and in his first outing he picked up a first round submission win over Jonathan Youngbear at MCC 25 following that up with an even quicker submission win over Don Dresher at MCC 26.  The wrestler turned mixed martial artists explains how he got his start.
 
“I grew up in Melcher, Iowa and continue to live their now. I have been involved with wrestling my whole life, claiming a state title in 2003, and I have been boxing and doing some Jui- jitsu over the last year. I really never planned on becoming a MMA fighter but my friends though I might be good at it so I gave it a shot.  My first fight was about a year ago.  My friends basically talked me into it and so I agreed to let them sign me up for a four-man tournament.  I figured since the winner would get a championship belt I had extra motivation. I ended up winning that belt,  and I have been hooked ever since.”
 
With no injuries since his start, Branson has been able to focus on learning anything and everything he can.  With a basement reconstructed into a MMA facility, Branson proves that you don’t need an expensive facility to master your craft- just heart and dedication.  Of course, Travis Branson is not the only successful mixed martial artist in the family.  His cousin, MCC Welterweight Champion, Andy “Danger Zone” Branson is also enjoying the fruits of his labor with an undefeated record and the prospect of making it to the big show growing closer with each win.
 
At MCC 28 :”Impact”, Travis Branson will take on his toughest test to date.  When he steps in the cage with Light heavyweight Contender, Josh “Bull” Christensen, he knows he will have his hands full, but that’s what he prepares for.  He wouldn’t want it any other way.  With just two fights under his belt with MCC, why take on such an experienced fighter at this point?  Simple…
 
“I only want to fight tough guys.  To move up the ladder I know that every fight in MCC will be tougher than the last one.  I know Josh is a very tough fighter and we will both have our game plans going into this fight so we will see whose works out better. I couldn’t be more excited.  I get a lot of support and the fans I bring with are the people that motivate me. I want this win for them.  I’m sure I will have a million things going through my head on August 6, but I will stick to my game plan and hope to get my hand raised at the end.  A win like this would be really good for my career right now.”
 
And while Branson does not have any immediate goals in mind right now, he’s content just letting the chips fall where they may.  Working hard for each fight as they come allows him to keep things in perspective as he trains to improve his game with each training session.
 
“I just want to win this fight, continue training hard, take more tough fights and really enjoy the sport.  That’s all.”
 
Tickets for MCC 28: “Impact” are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com.  For more information about the fight card as well as other news, fighter interviews, blogs and event pictures, log onto the web site.

Any Time, Any Place; The Tale of a Fearless Fighter
 
Throughout the Midwest, in mixed martial arts, when you mention the word ‘tough’, one fighter comes to mind; Ted “Red” Worthington.  Making his professional debut in 2004, Worthington has fought the who’s who in MMA.  Going three rounds with Strikeforce phenoms, Rudy Bears and Bobby Voelker, battling UFC veterans Jeremy Stephens, Terry Martin and Keith Wisniewski, and going to toe to toe with up and comers like Alonzo Martinez, Joe Ellenberger and Leonardo Pechana, you would think that “Red” has seen it all.  But at just 24 years old, the 50-fight veteran is just getting started!

“Every time I step in the cage I want to put on a show for the fans.  I want to be the baddest son of a bitch out there, get my MCC lightweight title back, and take this thing as far as I can.  Obviously I will step up and fight anyone.  Look at my record.  I’ve fought all over, outside my weight class, on short notice- you name it, I’ve done it.”
 
At MCC 28: “Impact”, the former title holder will take one step closer to the belt and look to get a little redemption when he, once again, faces Ryan Bilxler, in a rematch from a bout almost one year ago.
 
Worthington explains, “It was probably one of the craziest things that has ever happened in a fight.  The show was scheduled to be held outside at a festival for national sprint car races.  Since the actual race was at night, the show was held in the afternoon.  Well, for anyone that has ever been in Iowa in the middle of August, you know how hot it is.  The fight started and was going fine until I hit the mat.  Immediately it felt like I was laying in a frying pan.  It was more painful that the worst submission.  By the middle of the second round I could not take anymore.  I couldn’t stand it on my feet, on my back- anywhere.  I thought that it was better to tap and ask for a rematch at a later date than risk it by spending anymore time in the ring.  After my fight I was told the mat was registering 114 degrees.”
 
Having nine fights since his last meeting with Bixler, Worthington is more than ready.  Training at the Des Moines Mixed Martial Arts Academy alongside MCC champions Elvis “The King” Mutapcic and Andy “Danger Zone” Branson, Worthington looks to get past Bixler and keep winning bouts in an impressive fashion until he has the opportunity to bring the lightweight hardware back to the gym with him.
 
“Growing up in Bussey, Iowa, there was nothing to do.  I can’t count how many time I got into fights with some of my best friends because we were bored.  I guess that’s what made us brothers.  I feel it’s the same vibe at the gym with the guys I train with now.  MMA is definitely tailor made for me.  I’ve always loved to raise hell.  Now I have the opportunity to get paid to do it, and I’m pretty good at it too.  If I can work hard everyday to prepare to make sure I never have a boring fight, win or lose, people will want to come see me fight.  That’s what I’m all about.  Bring it!”
 
We would have to agree.
 
MCC 28: “Impact” takes place Friday, August 6 at Veterans Auditorium.  Tickets are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-229-8566 and at all Dahl’s ticket outlets.  For more information about the fight card, interviews, video blogs and up to the minute news, check out the web site.

A Man on a Mission; James Giboo is Ready to Prove It

By Randy Thomas
 
A high school science teacher by day, James Giboo’s precious free times consists of coaching wrestling and baseball, spending time with his two children, his wife Kelly, and kicking ass!  His mixed martial arts career began in 2004 with a first round submission of MCC’s former middleweight champion, Mike “Mini Van” Van Meer.  He racked up several wins, none of which, made it out of the first round, and he eventually caught the eye of UFC’s matchmaker, Joe Silva.  Finally ready for the big show, Giboo was pitted against IFL veteran, “Bad” Brad Blackburn at UFC’s Ultimate Fight Night: “Silva vs. Irwin”.  He lost.  Now, he’s ready to do it all over again.
 
James Giboo was born in Franklinville, New York where he grew up wrestling.  He was the New York state tournament of Champions runner up and wrestled throughout college.  Mixed martial arts was the natural transition because the competition was one on one and relying on his fierce drive was something that always inspired Giboo.  Standing five feet eleven inches and chiseled the the bone even on his worst day, Giboo is an intimidating figure who is willing to mix it up and grind out victories whether on the feet or the ground.
 
When he moved to Des Moines, he recalls his early days of MMA training and his first experience.
 
“I like to push myself and see what I am made of. It is all about mental toughness and the love to compete. I started wrestling when I was in second grade, wrestled on and off through elementary school and wrestled full time in high school and college. I started training everything else when I moved to Des Moines seven years ago.  I trained at the Des Moines Mixed Martial Arts Academy with Josh Neer and Anthony Porcelli.  I had only trained a couple months when Josh Neer asked me to fight on his show against Mike Van Meer. I won the fight by putting him to sleep.  He was a tough guy, and I thought if I could do that to him, I could do it to others.  I was hooked.  After that fight I have trained full time when I was not injured.”
 
Throughout the years Giboo has had his share of ups and downs and most fighters experience.  Nagging injuries that turn more serious is a fact of life that mixed martial artists endure and come to expect.

“Injuries have been a major problem for me since I started wrestling in college. I just seem to get freak injuries that have caused me to miss major amounts of time. I have had anything from a bulging disc, torn Achilles, broken ankle, ribs, the list goes on.  This fight at MCC 28 is so important to me because the last time I competed I fought with a broken ankle. I had a terrible performance, lost the fight and feel like I let too many people down.  I want to win and prove that my loss was the result of an injury- not the fighter I am.”
 
Now training at Des Moines Jiu Jitsu Academy where he is also a wrestling instructor, Giboo has a bevy of qualified training partners, including Kevin ” The Fire” Burns, who will compete alongside Giboo at MCC 28.  Giboo is set to take on fellow wrestler and MCC newcomer, Cole Williams.
 
“I really don’t know much about him as far as fighting goes yet. I know he is a really good wrestler so I would assume he will use his strong point to try and control the fight.  I am coming to win, so I really don’t care what his game plan is.  I know what I am capable of, and when I fight to my full potential, it’s going to be impossible for his to beat me.  I am very focused right now, so come August 6, he had better be prepared to go to war.”
 
Giboo started his MMA career with the highest expectation in mind; make it to the UFC.  He did that.  Now, he starts his journey back to the top, and a win over Williams is the first step to, once again, fulfill that goal.
 
“Making the UFC was a dream come true. I used to tell people in college that I was going to fight there some day and they all laughed at me. I train hard everyday so I can get back there and get a second chance to prove myself.  I will be back.  I know it.”
 
MCC 28: “Impact” takes place Friday, August6 at Vets Auditorium.  Tickets 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 the the fight card, fighter blogs, interviews and video’s, check out the web site.

Fighter Focus: Getting to Know Cole “The Edge” Williams
 
MCC newcomer, Cole Williams, will make his promotional debut at MCC 28: “Impact” when he takes on UFC veteran, James Giboo.  Two wrestlers turned mixed martial artists will go head to head, both with the same goal in mind; keep racking up wins and make it to the big show.  We caught up with Williams as he was deep into his training camp with four short weeks to prepare for his bout.
 
MCC: Cole, welcome to MCC.  Tell the fight fans about yourself and your background.
 
CW:  I am six feet tall and compete in the welterweight division.  I grew up in Darien, Wisconsin and I live in Dubuque, Iowa now.  I have a wrestling background which includes over one hundred collegiate wins.  I was ranked third in the nation, defeated national champions and all Americans including several from the Iowa team.  I’ve been wrestling since I was four and wrestled throughout college.  After I finished school I still desired a competition to fill my void so I began training Jiu-Jitsu and muay Thai. I’ve been training in MMA for about four years now.
 
MCC:  Wow, you sound like a mirror image of your opponent.  So, with a tough fight ahead of you with another wrestler, how do you think that will play out in this fight?
 
CW:  He is suppose to be a solid wrestler.  That’s good!  I want to fight someone that has a solid wrestling base. It will be a great chance for me to show what I’ve been working on for so long now.  This is a fight I will not lose. I will make it to the UFC.  I know I am the underdog in this fight, and that’s the way I like it. He will quickly realize he wont be able to roll over me with a take down.  He better come in shape because I will not quit.
 
MCC:  How is your training going for this fight?
 
CW:  It’s going great!  I have so many good training partners, I feel like I get better every day.  I have been training with world muay Thai champion, Dean Lesse in Dubuque, I also spend time with Team Hard Drive in Cedar Rapids, training with WEC fighter, Erik Koch.  These guys have a lot of great things going on down there.  I am training like a mad man because I want this victory not only to come easy, but I want to do so in a fashion that will really open peoples eyes and let them know I am for real.  This match could be my break out fight, and I want to take full advantage of that.
 
MCC:  So, you have been competing most of your life.  The transition to MMA- was this easy for you?  Is this something you had always wanted to do?
 
CW:  Actually, my first fight was at a bar where I was going just to watch the fights.  They were charging to get in and I was broke.  They told me if I fought I would get in for free, so that was pretty much my only option.  I strapped on the gloves and won my fight in twenty four seconds.  After that, I began going there every week to fight.  I was getting experience and wanted to take bigger fights.  That opportunity came up when my team mate broke his hand, and I stepped in for him and fought Damien Papagni, one of the toughest guys I know.  I beat him and that’s when things took off.
 
MCC:  And now another big opportunity to fight a tough guy who happens to be a UFC vet?
 
CW:  Exactly.  I love to challenge myself physically and push myself to the limits. I have never given up in anything where I was challenged physically and mentally. Like I said, I plan on going to the UFC and making a name for myself. With a victory over someone who has been in the UFC, it will take me one step closer to reaching my goals.
 
MCC:  Thanks for your time, Cole.  We look forward to watching you compete on August 6.  Is there anyone you would like the thank/
 
CW:  First, I would like to thank MCC for giving me a great opportunity.  I would also like to thank my two biggest supporters; my dad and my best friend Nick who is in the United States Marines. They both encourage me to train and follow my dreams.  For everyone else, I will see you at MCC 28.