Friday March 2nd

MCC announces match ups for March 2 event

Fast on the heels of another stellar show, MCC is already gearing up for the March 2 event, appropriately titled: Domination. And, with the quick turnaround the Midwest’s most popular promotion certainly didn’t skimp on the fight card!

In the main event of the evening, MCC’s most dominant middleweight champion, Elvis “The King” Mutapcic (9-2) returns to face off against Strikeforce veteran, Dominique Steele (7-2) in a five-round title bout. This is a fight that nobody will want to miss!

Five-time UFC veteran and Des Moines native, Kevin “The Fire” Burns (10-5) faces off with, Mason Temeqiel (6-2), and one of the areas most popular fighters, Ronnie “The Warfrog” Britt steps back in the cage to throw down with knock out artist, ” Fast” Eddie Larrea. Plus, up and comers, Anthony Baccam and Benly Xamonty will look to impress.

More exciting fights will be announced in the upcoming weeks. Tickets go on sale soon, so stay tuned and act fact!

Check out www.MidwestCageChampionship.com for updates on MCC 39: Domination.

Williams vs Haney

Matt Young vs. Orlando Peace

With sparks flying at the weigh in and face off, the tone had already been set for the battle of featherweights. With both fighters coming off losses, this bout was pivotal in the uber-talented 145 lb weight class.

Young, known for his ability to scrap both on the feet and ground was confident going into the fight. Maybe too confident! With little action on the feet Peace was the first to engage and take the fight to the mat where he was able to utilize his superior grappling skills.

As Peace passed Young’s guard he immediately started hunting for a submission. As Young turned into Peace in an attempt to retain guard, Peace snuck an arm though and started to crank on the exposed neck of his opponent. Although Young tried in vain to power out of the move, Peace was too much and picked up his first professional win via Dar’ce choke at 1:33 of the opening frame.

Matt Rider vs. Joe Morris

Possibly two of the nicest, most quiet fighters on the MCC roster, once locked in the cage you’ll quickly see a night and day difference.

Joe Morris is a multi-time recipient of MCC’s Heart of a Warrior award and for good reason. Win or lose he’s never been an easy fight for anyone. Able to withstand punishment beyond belief, the match up with a equally tough, Rider was touted as a potential front runner for fight of the night.

As the first round opened both fighters wasted no time in going after each other. On the feet, on the ground, in the transitions- the action was set at a furious pace with Rider getting the better of the exchanges. Caught in several compromising positions, Morris was forced to rely on both his mental and physical toughness in order to survive.

After a five minute battle both fighters returned to their respective corners to regroup and strategize for the next round.

When the referee started the round it was Morris who came out more aggressively. As Rider shot in for a takedown Morris latched onto his neck looking for a guillotine. Rider dropped to the matt and tried to roll out of it, but Morris hung tough and rolled into mount forcing the tap in a mere 29 seconds.

This was a big win for Morris, who coincidentally picked up another Heart of a Warrior award for his performance.
Dan McGlasson vs. Brian Green

Following a five fight-win streak, Des Moines’ Brian “BG” Green had all the confidence in the world as he welcomed MCC newcomer Dan McGlasson to the cage.

On the feet Green has always been content to trade punches and kicks while searching for the knock out shot, but when the fight hits the mat, fans can pretty much grab their stopwatch and wait.

This fight- not much different!

As McGlasson took Green to the mat he barely had a chance to set into guard as Green’s hips rotated and legs started swinging over the head for a submission. McGlasson may have had a chance against someone other than Green, but with lighting fast submissions, the end came by the time the clocked ticked to the 30 second mark.

Green, who is now on a six-fight win streak (and with no injuries) had already called out for his next opponent; a rematch with his only loss of 2011- Calley Krueger.
Zakk Smith vs. Luis Saldana

Undefeated professional fighter, Luis Saldana, one of MCC’s most exciting up and coming young fighters isn’t like most. While 99.999% of America’s population celebrate their 21st birthday with friends in a bar doing shots, Saldana spent his locked in a cage with someone trying to take his head off!

Zakk Smith, an MCC newcomer, but not new to the fight scene decided that he would really make a name for himself by taking on one of the toughest fighters in the division for his MCC debut.

And the fight did not disappoint!

For almost 15 minutes fight fans watched the two fighters go back and forth, slugging it out on the feet, grappling, and nearly catching each other in various submissions.

Saldana, who clearly got the better of Smith in the stand up
department, exercised extreme patience as he picked his shots. With neither fighter willing to back off and time ticking away, Saldana turned on the afterburners and ripped a page out of the book of UFC fighter, Anthony “Showtime” Pettis.

At the four minute mark of the final round, Saldana charged towards Smith, leaping and pushing off the fence with his right foot he landed a highlight reel Showtime kick, and with a spinning back fist put Smith on his back and pounded him until the referee intervened.

This fight was the most impressive of Saldana’s young career, and the exciting win brought the packed house to their feet. As the crowd sang Happy Birthday to the victorious warrior, Saldana was awarded the Polanti watch from Anglo Diamond for the fighter of the night award.
Chris Haney vs. Nate Williams

With weeks of banter leading up to this fight it’s quite possible that this may have been one of the most hyped fights in MCC’s history. As fans from both sides took to the internet, the burden of performance was left on the shoulders of these 125 pound micro-martial artists.

With a clear height and reach advantage, a lesser experienced Chris “Bad Boy” Haney relied on his intense training and mental focus to carry him to a potential victory. Just like the champ, Haney has been competing in both the 125 and 135 lb. weight classes.

As the title bout began it was no secret that Williams, a collegiate wrestler, would be trying to get Haney to the mat. As Williams shot, Haney sprawled and latched onto the champs neck. As Haney sat back for a guillotine choke it appeared Williams may have been in some trouble. Nevertheless, a resilient Williams waited it out and inched his head and neck away from danger. On top, Williams was able to pass guard and obtain a dominant position in side control for most of the round. Although competitive, the slight advantage was given to Williams as the round closed.

The second round started much the same, but when the fighters hit the mat, Williams made sure he was in zero exposure for a submission. Once again, moving into side control, Williams was able to hammer away as he gained points on the judges scorecards.

Mid-way through the second frame, Haney tried to escape Williams position, but found himself in danger in the scramble. As Williams sensed the ending was near, he turned up the intensity and sunk in a choke which forced the tap from the challenger.

Williams retains the MCC flyweight championship and did so in impressive form.
Allen Hernandez vs. T.J. O’Brien

Former featherweight and lightweight champion, as well as two-time UFC veteran, TJ “The Spider” O’Brien started his way back up the MMA ladder against a fighter who had defeated him five years prior; Allen Hernandez.

Hernandez, who made a splash in the lightweight division by defeating Alex Harper, was thought to be facing MCC champion, Johnny “Hollywood” Case, until the news came that Case was one the potential finalists on the popular reality show, The Ultimate Fighter. With Case on the sidelines and O’Brien looking for action, the powers that be decided to bill their bout as a five-round battle for the Interim Lightweight Championship.

As both fighters entered the ring it was obvious that hard training and discipline was in full effect as both fighters came in the cage in top shape. The underlying rivalry between Team Hard Drive and any fighter from Des Moines was also starting to show as the crowd took turns cheering for each of the fighters.

Throughout each and every round both fighters had their shining moments. O’Brien displayed a much improved stand up game, and Hernandez showed that he has a black belt in avoiding triangle chokes! It’s quite possible, in fact, that Allen Hernandez avoided more submissions in this five round war than many fighters do throughout their entire career- especially given the fact that O’Brien has racked up most of his victories via triangle choke.

From round one through round five both guys kept the pace high and fatigue never became a factor. Most people will never get the chance to experience a five round (25 minutes!) fight, let alone on with this much intensity. Of course, there was a lot on the line here. With O’Brien coming off the UFC losses he’s looking for a ticket back. Hernandez, on the other hand, was looking to prove that he has what it takes to compete on that level.

When the dust settled both men made their way to the center of the cage. Judge #1 scored the bout 49-48 in favor of Hernandez. Judge #2 scored the bout 50-45 in favor of O’Brien. And Judge #3 scored the bout 49-48 in favor of, a new Interim Lightweight Champion, TJ “The Spider” O’Brien.

The good sportsman, O’Brien called for a cheer from the crowd for his fallen foe and said that he would like to have one more fight with Hernandez, since they both hold one win over the other, to determine who the better fighter really is.

If these two can give another performance like this, I don’t think anyone in attendance would disapprove!

Quick Results;
Shon Caldeira v Chris Fannon – Fannon by 3:00 Verbal submission between first and second round
Justin Meador v Jeramiah Deever – Deaver by TKO strikes
Kendall Davis v Antonio Castillo – Davis by head and arm choke
Andrew Gartin v Donovan Carboney – Carboney by KO
Cody Sheehy v Ryan Fitzgerald – Fitzgerald by Armbar
Matt Young v Orlando Peace – Peace by Darce choke
Matt Rider v Joe Morris – Morris by Guillotine choke
Dan McGlasson v Brian Green – Green by Armbar
Zakk Snith v Luis Saldana – Saldana by TKO strikes
Chris Haney v Nate Williams – Williams by Darce choke
Allen Hernandez v T.J. Obrien – O’ Brien by Split Decision

Luis Saldana

Hernandez vs O'Brien

Hernandez vs O'Brien

Donovan Carboney

MCC 38 undercard recap; knockouts and tap outs!

Chris Fannon vs. Shon Caldeira

The night started out in the catch weight division as late replacement and MCC newcomer, Shon Caldeira faced off against a fighter who is known for making short work of his opponents, Chris Fannon.

As the two circled in the center of the cage it was Fannon who, in usual form, looked for the one hitter quitter. Caldeira though, hung tough and dragged the fight to the mat. Exchanging positions and eventually making it back to the feet Fannon seemed to be getting the better of the exchanges.

As the round drew to a close, although competitive, Caldeira was showing signs of damage, possible from a rib shot in the clinch.

As the two broke at the round’s end, Caldeira’s corner waived off the fight due to injury.

Chris Fannon was awarded the TKO victory and now advances to 3-1 inside MCC.

Justin Meador vs. Jeremiah Deever

Billed as a classic match up between striker versus grappler, Justin Meador stepped in the cage looking for his first win in three outings. Known for his ability to throw bombs, it was no secret what his game plan was against Jeremiah Deever.

While most thought it would have been Deever who was looking to take the fight to the mat, it was anything but that strategy. In fact, Deever put on his most impressive performance to date, landing pin point accurate punches, knees and kicks as he swarmed his opponent at a relentless pace.

Not giving an inch to breathe, when Deever smelled blood in the water he went in for the kill. The end came just 54 seconds in the opening frame when the referee mercifully intervened.

Deever is undefeated inside the MCC cage and closes the chapter on his amateur career on a good note.

Kendall Davis vs. Antonio Castillo

With both fighters making the sophomore appearances at MCC, the ultra-stacked featherweight division is wide open for talented prospects, and 10-1 Davis is was at the top of the radar.

As the fight began both fighters were content to grapple for position. Davis, the more accomplished wrestler, softened his opponent up with punches as he moved from guard to side control. Hammering away, Davis was hunting for an opening in which he could attempt a submission.

As Castillo looked to roll and escape he left an arm unattended and Davis saw the opening he needed. With time ticking away Davis squeezed as he cinched up a head arm choke forcing Castillo to tap out.

An impressive performance from Davis who improves to 11-1. Castillo, after the fight stated he would be competing in the bantamweight division going forward.

Andrew Gartin vs. Donovan Carboney

A native of Los Angeles, California, muay Thai specialist Donovan Carboney made his MCC debut against fellow newcomer, Andrew Gartin.

As the bout opened both fighters swung for the fences. Gartin was the first to land which seemed to grab Carboney’s attention. As be chased his opponent down Gartin went in for the kill, but to his dismay, Carboney stepped to the side and landed a right hook that would have made Mike Tyson proud! As the punch found it’s mark, Gartin went out on his feet. As he fell face first to the mat, Carboney was able to slip in another shot just for good measure before the ref was able to intervene.

With a performance like that, Carboney’s actions made it known that he was a serious threat to anyone in the welterweight division.

The highlight-worthy knock out came just 21 seconds into the opening frame.

Cody Sheehy vs. Ryan Fitzgerald

Ryan Fitzgerald, a two-time MCC veteran welcomed MCC newcomer, Cody Sheehy, who came into the contest with a 5-1 record, to the cage.

Clearly bigger, and seemingly stronger, it was Sheehy who set the pace of the contest, taking Fitzgerald to the mat and pummeling him with punches. Moving from different positions, Sheehy found his groove and settled into guard while continuing the assault as Fitzgerald attempted submissions from his back.

Of course, sometimes a wrestlers confidence can become his worst enemy! While it appeared as if the fight would go into the second round, Fitzgerald swivelled his hips and threw his legs up while clinching a hold of Sheehy’s right arm. As Sheehy stood up for the slam, Fitzgerald tightened the hold and forced the tap with just seconds remaining.

An exuberant Fitzgerald said, after the bout, he was never really worried and knew that his Jiu Jitsu training would prevail. Fitzgerald picked up his first win inside MCC in exciting fashion.

QUICK Undercard RESULTS

Shon Caldeira v Chris Fannon – Fannon by Verbal submission between first and second round

Justin Meador v Jeramiah Deever – Deaver by TKO strikes

Kendall Davis v Antonio Castillo – Davis by head and arm choke

Andrew Gartin v Donovan Carboney – Carboney by KO

Cody Sheehy v Ryan Fitzgerald – Fitzgerald by Armbar

Sheehy vs Fitzgerald

Sheehy vs Fitzgerald

Chris Fannon

Luis Saldana

What’s up fight fans? So I hope everyones ready for MCC 38 this Friday! So much hype for these fights and I know they’ll live up to expectations.

Well it’s been another successful training camp. I just want to thank all the guys at Round Kick for all the help leading up to this fight. Now that the hard part is almost over, Friday should be a walk in the park. I feel better than ever and I’m excited to put on a show for you fans. It’s the calm before the storm and I can already feel this one coming down hard.

Weight cut has gone fairly well, I know I’ve done better than any other weight cuts in the past, so that’s a plus. I’ve kept it to fruits, water, small shakes and a small meal these past couple days, but I’m feeling great! I’m hitting the tread mill and sauna today, to get me right where I should be, and it’s a wrap once I hit the scale tomorrow (Trophy’s- 6pm).

Friday can’t come sooner and once I step in that cage it all comes out! I’m feeling really confident and know I have what it takes to beat Zakk, so theres no doubts whatsoever. My thoughts on the fight, I’m gonna go in there at my pace and pick him apart. I know he’ll be looking to take me down and I’ll be ready for that, so careful what you wish for. All in all this should be a excellent fight to watch and will get the fans rowdy, so be ready fight fans & mark my words.

Once again I’d like to thank my sponsors; Gomez Tire 1&2, Johns Tree Service, Supreme lawn& landscaping, Jolex Entertainment & Kamodo Klub!! Ill be selling shirts at the fights ($20). I appreciate the support!

Follow me on Twitter @jabz515

Thanks for tuning in & I’ll see everyone Friday!

- Luis Saldana

Friday January 27th at Hy Vee Hall

It’s Fight Week!

That right, fight fans. Winter has officially set in and Mother Nature has officially reminded you that you still live in Iowa! Not to worry though. This Friday brings a heat wave to Hy Vee Hall as Midwest Cage Championship 38: Hernandez vs. O’Brien is sure to set the cage on fire!

The main and co-main events of the evening feature a pair of title fights that you do not want to miss!

In the co-main event, flyweight champion, Nate “Teddy Bear” Williams defends his strap for the first time against Chicago’s own, Chris “Bad Boy” Haney. Will the title stay right here in Des Moines or will the confident scrapper from the windy city take the belt on a road trip? The words have already began to fly and on Friday night the fists and feet will follow.

Two-time UFC veteran, TJ “The Spider” O’Brien returns to cage where it all began as he takes on top contender Allen Hernandez as the two go head to head in a rematch from 2007- this time, for the interim lightweight championship. Hernandez is one up on O’Brien. Will O’Brien settle the score? It all goes down Friday night!

Public Weigh-In’s and face-off’s will be held at Trophy’s Sports Bar (connected to Plaza Lanes) on Thursday at 7pm. Fighters will arrive at 6pm, and face off at 7.

The card is stacked from top to bottom and it’s not too late to get in on the action. This is an all ages event! Tickets are available at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-888-8888 and at all Dahl’s Food Store ticket outlets. Tickets will also be available the night of the show. Doors open at 6:30. be sure to show up early to catch a live performance by Des Moines super group, Lesson 7.

Also, join us immediately after the fights for the official after party at Kamodo Klub- right down the street from the event!

Des Moines Jiu Jitsu

Most times, the interviews or stories that surround combat sports such as mixed martial arts or grappling, are primarily focused on its competitors. It makes sense. Fighters and grapplers are those people that create the excitement inside the cage or on the mat, laying it on the line for the entertainment of fans in an attempt to make it to the top of their game.

When you watch a match, whether it’s on television or live, who are the people you’re focused on? The competitors, of course. But what about the guy or team of people that get the competitor to that point? Combat sporting events may seem like an individual sport, but believe me, there isn’t one fighter or grappler out there who’s experienced success on their own.

Meet Chris David. If you are a hard core enthusiast from Des Moines you’ve probably heard his name of seen him around MMA and grappling events. Chris is the founder of Des Moines largest training center; Des Moines Jiu Jitsu Academy. The current facility, located at 841 11th St. in downtown Des Moines houses well over a hundred active students that train in multiple disciplines, but it didn’t happen overnight.

“We became a school out of necessity back in February 2002,” David stated. “Luke Drilling, Joe Brammer, and I were training in my garage for many months, three to four times a week on a wrestling mat we picked up from my old Jiu-Jitsu instructor. This suited us just fine until my wife kicked us out of the garage because the neighbors were frightened and looked very confused at what we were doing.”

So the crew moved out of the garage, said farewell to the neighborhood, and settled into an old firehouse which was home of the now defunct Des Moines Judo Academy. David’s goal, at that point, was to get five students to pay $40.00 every month so that they could cover the cost of rent and continue to train. They picked up a couple students from the Judo club to start. David also put up a website and listed his home phone number as a contact in hopes to pick up a couple more. Paul Dominguez and Ed Spitzer were his first students, and they helped spread the word to make the quota of five.

With over five students in the first month they were able to train three to four times a week opposite of the Judo schedule. It was now an official training center. They continued to train and teach whoever found them and came through the door looking to learn about grappling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). With the gym set up, they started a search for an official Jiu-Jitsu affiliation and instructor. They were looking for credibility; a school versus a club. In 2003 they had found their mentor. They welcomed world renowned BJJ player, Caique after also talking with Pedro Sauer and the Gracie Academy in LA.

By September 2004 they had over 50 students who had trained since opening the school. However, just when things were finally running smoothly the Judo Club decided to move out. Then, the building manager wanted to turn the building into apartments in the budding Sherman Hills area. This caused them to start a frantic search for a new place to call home and continue their training.

They landed on a space in the now vacant Des Moines building on 6th Avenue downtown. David scraped together enough money to purchase mats and materials to make a raised floor at the new location. After some very hard work from his dedicated students they all worked together to help build the new academy in a little under a week.

And the dream lived on.

They continued to grapple in the evenings a couple times a week and still had their signature open mat session on Saturday afternoon. They also started classes on weekdays so that people working downtown could train over their lunch hour (and so could Chris). In 2006 they added kid’s classes into their curriculum which were taught by some of his earliest and most technical students, Ed Spitzer and Ron Ellsworth. Shortly after, in 2007, we added Muay Thai classes a couple nights a week taught by Dub Vang, who is one of the best Muay Thai guys around. They also added wrestling a few times throughout our history to add one of the greatest things Iowa has to offer, taking someone down to the mat.

They continued to grow to over 110 active students by 2009 with over 400 people learning grappling from the academy since 2002. But in 2009, once again, they received notice that the building would be shutting down and put up for sale. Once again, this caused David to start another search for a location.

Perhaps the move was a blessing in disguise.

Their new facility was a significant upgrade in terms of size, equipment, and mats. The location also has free parking during the day which is rare in downtown Des Moines. In addition to tons of mat space, they now have showering facilities with towel service, a sauna, full MMA cage, and tons of weight and cardiovascular equipment. They have two certified Kettlebell instructors, Jiu-Jitsu instructors with over 56 years combined experience, and a fantastic Muay Thai instructor. They have expanded their grappling programs to have classes every night of the week and continue to have an expansive open mat on Saturdays from 11-2.

David stated, “Over the years we have helped Kevin Burns achieve his goal of competing in the UFC with the top players in the game, and we have helped many other fighters, grapplers, and UFC veterans continue their climb to the top. Our focus continues to be in delivering the best possible instruction by learning from the best instructors in the world and passing that knowledge back to our students.”

With guidance from instructors who have taught David and company, such as Helio Gracie and his family, Caique and his son Pedro, multiple time no-gi world champ Ricky Lundell, Rodrigo Vaghi, and many more, they will continue to teach all who are willing to step through the door. And they are positive that they will help you achieve any goals you bring with you.

In fact, Chris David is so confident in what he has created in Des Moines Jiu Jitsu Academy that he would like to offer anyone who reads this story one free week of training at their facility. It’s his way of giving back for the support he has been shown. And, just by mentioning that you’ve read about their history and are looking to see what they are all about, he is willing to help you.

“I hope you will find that we can give you a fantastic experience in which you will learn life changing skills and have a new outlook on life,” David said.

How can you pass up that kind of offer?

• More Information:
• Chris David- Owner/Main Instructor
• Chris.David@IowaBJJ.com
• www.IowaBJJ.com
  

Chris David (right) with Pedro Elias

Luis Saldana

Hello fight fans. As we know MCC 38 is NEXT WEEK! Everything has gone to plan in order to prepare myself for this fight and now its just a smooth glide down the stretch. Ive been living right and focused on what needs to be done, so I have to say i’m feeling good going into this one. Not much but work and training lately. I did get a new dog but thats my only highlight of the new year. My main focus right now is on Jan 27th along with weight and getting mentally ready to step in to take care of business.

This last week of practice I’m really pushing myself extra hard. Ive worked a lot on my wrestling and picked up some new skills along the way like muay thai thanks to Pete at Round Kick. Its really great training with other fighters who have fights coming up cause theres always that good energy of wanting it and pushing each other the extra mile. Training at Round Kick has been great on getting me ready and It couldn’t have gone better. These last weeks before a fight we usually go over basic fight skills. Take downs, guard passes, getting out of dangerous positions and things that normally happen in fights. I think Zakk will be looking to try and submit me, but I really don’t see that happening or him dominating me in any aspect. Spartans Strength has been excellent and I know I’m going to be more of an explosive and energized fighter this time, so I can’t wait for that. So get ready cause I’ll definitely be showcasing some new skills.

Well that’s it this time, once again I wanna thank my sponsors: Gomez Tires 1&2, Jolex Entertainment, Johns Tree Service, Supreme Lawn & Landscaping, Jay Tees Apparel, and make sure everyone comes out to the after party at Kamodo Klub!

- Luis Saldana

Matt Young

Ready for his return to the cage, MCC 38′s Matt Young intends to prove himself

Matt Young has seen his share of ups and downs inside the cage.

“It comes down to the mental game,” Young stated. “With Orlando Peace, that’s what this one is about.”

Young is 4-4 in MCC. In his natural weight class of 145 pounds he’s gone 3-1. He’s fought as a bantamweight, however the extreme weight cut has take his toll, allowing him to win only one of four fights.

Young recalls, “Man, being fortunate enough to have fought that many times for MCC, and blessed enough to still be competing for MCC, I’m really excited about this fight. I’m really happy that I will be returning to my natural weight class. I mean, if you look at my wins and losses and figure where they all took place- you do the math.”

On January 27 Matt Young squares off against up and comer, Orlando Peace.

Peace, who saw his undefeated streak come to an end last year when he was submitted by Luis Saldana, has spent the past several months in the gym sharpening his skills.

The bout will mark the return of a lengthy lay-off for both fighters, so if ring rust is a factor, it will be a fair factor for both.

“My training regiments have consisted of me doing extreme cardio, and preparing to fight my fight,” Young noted. “The past couple fights I trained to fight based off my opponents style, which plays heavily into the mental game. That was unfortunate for me. This fight I can promise you that you will see the Matty Young who is used to winning-not losing.

When asked for his thoughts on his opponent Young added, As far as Orlando goes, I have respect for any man that gets into the cage, and I don’t know the kid that well. I do know he better have a strong (expletive) chin! As far as how I see the fight going is once
everything is felt out the fans won’t forget this one!”

Living and training in Ohio, Young wanted to set the record straight.

“When announcer Shaun T. announces me as fighting out of Ohio, as far as the fight game, I was born and bred in Des Moines. When I say I have roots there that boils down all the way to family members, friends, and a place where I found a sport that saved my life! Des Moines will always be home.”

For Matt Young it’s a honor to be on another MCC card. he is impressed with the level of talent as well as the veterans who built their name and reputation inside the MCC cage.

Promising to put on one of the top fights of all time within Midwest Cage Championship’s history, Young has his work cut out for him. He’s prepared both mentally and physically. In two weeks he will have the opportunity to live up to his promise.

For Matt Young, he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Complete Nutrition and Spartan Strength present, MCC 38: Hernandez vs. O’Brien, Friday, January 27 at Hy Vee Hall, downtown Des Moines, Iowa. Tickets are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, Wells Fargo Arena Box Office and at all Dahl’s Food Store ticket outlets.

For all updates on MCC 38 stay tuned to the web site, MidwestCageChampionship.com.