MCC Trials III

October 10, 2009

Midwest Cage Championship held it’s third amateur MMA event to seek out the next big name in the fight game, and several fighters showed up to earn their shot for a spot on the MCC roster.  MCC co-owner, Ryan Hass noted, “When we were putting the event together we had ten fights scheduled, but we kept getting more and more interest from fighters, so we ended up with fourteen fights.  We had enough fighters to put more on, but we only have so much time to work with.”  Fighters from all over the Midwest showed up and put on performances worthy of getting their invitation to the Midwest’s top promotion.

One of the most exciting fights of the night was, unfortunately one of the shortest.  Corey McDonald and Chad Thornburg put on a stand up war with McDonald landing a barrage of punches for the TKO victory in just 33 seconds of the first round.  The eighteen year old fighter, trained by muay Thai ace, Pete Peterson did exactly what he intended to do; he kept it standing and landed quicker and more powerful punches.  A teammate of MCC standout, Zak Laird, McDonald will get his shot with MCC at the promotions largest show of the year; MCC 23 “Thanksgiving Throwdown”.  “Like Laird, this is a kid people need to keep their eye on, stated MCC co-owner, John Halverson.  “We’ve seen him fight a couple times and he gets better with every fight.  If he turns out to be anything like Zak Laird, the sky is the limit for him.”

A training partner of MCC Middleweight contended, Andy Branson, Nick Lepa made his MMA debut against a very experienced fighter, Chad Zurfluh.  The entire fight was a back and forth battle as the the wrestler, Zurfluh was able to nullify the jiu jitsu game of Lepa.  It was near the end of the second round when Zurfluh made the mistake of giving up his back, and the blue belt took full advantage of the position and forced the tap out due to a rear naked choke.  Although new to the sport, he proved that he is worthy to perform.  Fight fans may see him step in the cage along side his teammate, Andy Branson, at MCC 23.

The lone knock out of the night came from Chad Vandermark when he  landed a huge right hand to the chin of Leo Villareal folding him like a lawn chair.  A student of Anthonly Porcelli’s Des Moines Mixed Martial Arts Academy, Vandermark had been sidelined for months with a broken hand.  He was eager to make his return at MCC Trials and wanted to put on an impressive performance to leave no doubt in the fans minds that he deserves to bang with the best.  “The knock out came so fast we had to watch it over and over on video.  It was crazy,” stated John Halverson.  He added, “These guys were trading punches and next thing you know Leo is on the ground, legs folded underneath him and Chad’s walking back to his corner with a smile on his face and his right hand in the air.  He asked me for his shot on MCC.  How could I say no?”

In a rematch from earlier this year, Josh “The Jack Hammer” Troen, agreed to fight Tony Crowder again- the aggressive, experience fighter he submitted in his second ever MMA fight.  Unfortunately for the Jack Hammer, Crowder did his homework and put in his time at the gym.  Shortly after getting dropped from a leg kick, Crowder weathered the flurry of punches and snatched a picture perfect arm bar, forcing Troen to submit just 28 seconds in the first round.  Immediately after the fight, the victorious Crowder wasted no time in calling out MCC bantamweight fighter, Nate “Teddy Bear” Williams.  Fight fans can expect to see this fight soon!

In the main event of the night, middleweight brawler, Patrick Perkins faced off against Brad “Popeye” Davis.  Although Davis came into the fight the underdog, despite being the more experienced fighter, he put up a very competitive fight until a liver kick stopped Popeye late in the second round.  Perkins was surprised by the heart and tenacity that Davis brought to the table, but with only one loss to his MMA resume, Perkins remained calm and picked his shots and he knew it would only take one- and, he proved that. Perkins moves on to be 7-1.

Fight fans will now see the select few, make their debut in the MCC cage, at MCC 23: “Thanksgiving Throwdown,” Wednesday, November 25th, at Vets Auditorium.

Thanksgiving Throwdown

MCC has always been known for their annual Thanksgiving Throwdown show, and this year the Midwest’s top promotion is in the midst of putting together another stellar card with not one, but three title fights.  Fans poured into Veterans Auditorium for MCC 22 “Reality Check”, which was, by far, the most exciting card of 2009.  The stacked fight card brought forth new talent as well as allowed some of the veterans of the sport a chance to show they still have what it takes to compete with the toughest up and coming fighters in the game.  Two of the fighters from that night have earned their shot at championship belts in their respective weight classes.

Jesse Lund is one of the most exciting light heavyweight fighters in the sport today.  With a six bout win streak on his MMA record and multiple accolades for putting on the fight of the night, he will face his toughest opponent to date when he steps in the ring at MCC 23 to face Mainstream’s Light Heavyweight Championship, Derek Mehman for the MCC Interim Light Heavyweight title.  MCC co-owner, John Halverson stated, “With our champion, Chuck Grigsby fighting overseas for M-1 and destined to make it back to the big show, we figured we’d better put an interim title in place until we see how the division is going to lay out.”  He added, “Putting Lund against one of the toughest fighters around just makes sense.”   Mehman’s only loss came at hands of UFC veteran Mike Ciesnolevicz where he was submitted by a choke.  Lund, who had planned on taking a break from his rigorous training schedule following his last win, jumped at the opportunity to fight for the title.

One of the most improved fighters on the MCC roster, Josh “Bam Bam” Henry, dug deep and pulled out the biggest win of his young career at MCC 22 which he submitted undefeated brawler and WEC hopeful, Bill Kammery.  Playing the part of the underdog has never bothered Henry, in fact he enjoys the stress free moniker.  At MCC 23 he will, once again, take another step up the ladder when he challenges MCC Featherweight Champion, Eric Marriott, for his belt.  Marriott won his title following a five round unanimous decision victory over former champion, Chris Mad Dog” Mickle.

In the third title bout of the evening, former MCC Middleweight Champion, Mike “Mini Van” Van Meer will, once again, lace up the gloves for a five round war when he steps in the cage with Elvis “The King” Mutapcic.  Van Meer, who has fought from Middleweight to Heavyweight, has battled some of the best fighters in mixed martial arts.  Known for his toughness and never say die attitude, will he have what it takes to defeat the Bosnian bomber with heavy hands, a granite chin, and a hunger to take home the belt?  This is a classic battle of striker versus grappler and with both fighters promising to stop the other in dramatic fashion, this bout could, quite possibly be on the most exciting of the night.
MCC 23: Thanksgiving Throwdown will also feature Chris Mickle vs Will Shutt, Ian Tice vs Andy Branson, Miguel Rios vs Thomas Naumann, Zak Laird vs Joe Trader, Laramie Shaffer, and much more!
Tickets are available on-line at MidwestCageChampionship.com, Iowa Events Center Box Office, Dahls Tickets, or by phone at 515-229-8566.  Veterans Auditorium, Wednesday, November 25th.  Doors open at 6:30pm and the first fight starts at 7:30pm.

MCC Trials III

Over the course of the last few years, the Midwest’s top promotion, Midwest Cage Championship has scoured the heartland for the top up and coming talent.  On a couple occasions, the talent seeks out the promotion.  MCC Trials is a chance for mixed martial artists to put their talents on display as they lobby for a spot on the MCC roster and an opportunity to fight in upcoming events.  MCC Co-owner, John Halverson stated, “We’ve discovered fighters like Cole Jennet, Josh Atwell, Miguel Rios, and the list goes on and on.  The Trials events are getting big.  We have fighters contacting us all the time wanting to fight.  This is sort of like an interview.  You come in, put on a good show- show you have what it takes, and you have the job”

The next event, MCC Trials III is scheduled for Friday, October 9 at Uncle Bucks Kick Ass Party Bar.  Tickets are only available the day of show.  Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the first bout will start at 7:30 p.m.  For more information about this event and upcoming shows, visit www.MidwestCageChampionship.com.  Mixed martial artists who are looking to compete are encouraged to call Ryan Hass at 515-229-8566 or e-mail at Ryan@MidwestCageChampionship.com.

@ Uncle Bucks Party Bar

]]> http://www.midwestcagechampionship.com/2009/09/mcc-trials-3/feed/ 0 http://www.midwestcagechampionship.com/2009/09/mcc-bids-summer-farewell-with-a-bang/ http://www.midwestcagechampionship.com/2009/09/mcc-bids-summer-farewell-with-a-bang/#comments Sun, 06 Sep 2009 17:58:49 +0000 Admin http://www.midwestcagechampionship.com/?p=1160

With the most stacked MCC card to date, the Midwest’s top promotion delivered what was promised to be non-stop action from start to finish.  MCC 22 “Reality Check” featured a Lightweight title match between reigning interim champion, Joe “The Hammer” Brammer and former featherweight champion, Chris “Mad Dog” Mickle.  Although most expected Brammer to finish the hard nosed brawler shortly into the contest, Mickle proved that he is still a contender taking the champion five, five minute rounds as he hung tough in losing a unanimous decision to the younger, more technical fighter.  Shortly after the fight, Brammer stated, “I thought I may have broken my hand in the second round, but, when I went back to my corner at the end of the third I knew it was broken.  I wanted to knock him out, but with only one hand I had to start using my elbows more, and I had to get him to the ground to do that.”  Brammer, who retained his title will have plenty of time to heal while he waits to face MCC lightweight champion, Bryce Teager in an upcoming event.

In what became fireworks from bell to bell, young guns Zak Laird and Laramie Shaffer put on a performance deserving of fight of the night honors.  It was Iowa versus Iowa State when the doctor to be, University of Iowa student, Zak Laird used his solid kick boxing skills to defeat ISU wrestler, Laramie Shaffer in a three round war.  MCC Co-owner, John Halverson said, “These are two of my favorite up and coming fighters.  I’d been telling everyone leading up to the show to keep an eye on this fight because I knew it was going to be the best of the night.”  He concluded with, “If we had these guys fight each other at every MCC, the fans would never get sick of watching it.”

In the upset of the night, WEC hopeful, Bill Kammery stepped in to the cage to put his undefeated record on the line when he squared up against Josh “Bam Bam” Henry.  Right out of the gate, Henry came out strong, taking the Golden Gloves champion to the ground.  However, he quickly found himself on the bottom eating heavy leather from the bearded bomber.  Clearly losing the first round, Bam Bam came out of his corner for the second a focused fighter.  With a slick takedown and transition to rear naked choke, Kammery was forced to tap out and Henry found himself at the winning end of the biggest fight of his young career.  Following his win, Henry said he knew he was the underdog, but that didn’t matter to him.  He knew he was going to be victorious no matter who was put in front of him.  Undefeated as a professional, he’s asked MCC for a title shot.  MCC co owner and matchmaker, Ryan Hass noted, “With a win over Kammery he is deserving of a title shot.  We’re going to take a look at scheduling and see when we can make it happen.”

The promotion which is known for showcasing the talents of the best up and coming fighters in the Midwest is already gearing up for their biggest show of the year- the annual “Thanksgiving Throwdown” which is set for Wednesday, November 25 at Vets Auditorium.  For more about MCC 22, the fighters, and upcoming events, log onto www.MidwestCageChampionship.com.

MCC Ring Girls Kristi Lynn and Kyla

Midwest Cage Championship, one of the nations top mixed martial arts promotions which is known for making some of the most exciting bouts between the nations top up and coming talent has taken it one step further. The excitement not only takes place inside the cage, but also directly outside of it. You can hear the whisltes and yells echo throughout the arena when the MCC Ring Girls make their way around the catwalk. “We undoubtedly have the best fights, and Mediacom is providing us with top notch production, so it just makes sense that our ring girls match the rest of our show,” commented MCC co-owner, John Halverson. He added, “We have some deals in the works that not only involve the fighters, but also these girls. People love them, so we’re giving them the best.”

Here is your chance to get to know two of the MCC Ring Girls!

MCC Ring Girl Kyla

Kyla has a personality that is as outgoing as she is beautiful. With a smile as bright as the production lights, she instantly became a fan favorite.  With the exposure she receives from Midwest Cage Championship, the sky is the limit for Kyla.

MCC Ring Girl Kristi Lynn

Born right here in Des Moines, blond bombshell Kristi Lynn now spends much of her time split between Chicago and Los Angeles as a Playboy model and commercial actress.  Be sure to check out her special edition issues as well as her profile on Playboy’s Cybergirl website.  She loves the fights and she loves to meet fight fans.  At MCC 22, Kristi Lynn will be available for pictures and autographs.

MCC 22 “Reality Check” takes place this Saturday at Veterans Auditorium.  Tickets are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, at the Vets box office, or by phone by calling 515-229-8566.  In our main event, Interim Lightweight Champion, Joe “The Hammer” Brammer will face Chris “Mad Dog” Mickle.  To view the entire fight card as well as get up to date on all of the MCC news, log on to MidwestCageChampionship.com.

MCC was determined to provide Daraughn Canada with a quality opponent, and as soon as the word was out, Nick “The Wolverine” Walker jumped at the opportunity.  With a big win over Paul Bird and a good battle with UFC veteran Jeremy Stephens under his belt, the soft spoken mixed martial artist will bring a wealth of experience into the cage as he faces a younger, determined, Canada.

MCC: Making the Fighter

Making the Fighter, which began filming in June, followed MCC Interim Lightweight Champion, Joe “The Hammer” Brammer and up and coming brawler, Colby “The Alligator” Karaidos, as they prepare for upcoming bouts at MCC 22 “Reality Check,” Sept 5th at Vets Auditorium.  The reality show will give an inside look at the intense training regimen that mixed martial arts fighters go through, and will air on Mediacom Connections Ch 22.

Local companies such as Prairie Meadows, The Iowa Lottery, Nutrishop, and Insanity Fightwear took an interest in the show, while Spartan Strength, Team Round Kick, Des Moines Jiu Jitsu Academy, and Grandview are featured as the official training facilities for the fighters.  Viewers can go to www.MidwestCageChampionship.com for more information about the show, the fighters, contact information, and what’s coming up at MCC.

The 1st episode (Round Kick Gym) hit the screen this week, and will replay this Saturday (8/22) at 4:30pm & 11:30pm. The 2nd episode (Spartan Strength) will debut this Sunday (8/23) at 6:30pm & 9:30pm. The series will continue to run on Mediacom Connections Ch. 22.

Update:

Episode 3 airs Wednesday (8/26) 6:30pm
Thursday (8/27) 10:30pm
Episode 4 airs Friday (8/28) 7pm
Saturday (8/29) 1pm

Also, MCC 22 “Reality Check” is Saturday, Sept 5th at Vets, and approaching quickly. Visit www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, to purchase tickets, view pre-fight interviews, get the Brammer/Mickle break down, and much more.

Here are a few previews of the show:

Making the Fighter Sneak Peak

MCC Making the Fighter

Spartan Strength

Nutrishop

Local fighting legend and submission expert Ronnie “Warfrog” Britt has joined the staff at Martial Arts America. The “Warfrog” has had a lengthy fight career and has been a true inspiration to every person he has come in contact with.  Spawning the careers of UFC veteran and MCC co-owner John “Hurricane” Halverson, WEC veteran and MCC champion Chris “Mad Dog” Mickle, and influencing countless others such as Josh Neer, Kevin Burns, Mikey Van Meer and too many others to name, Ronnie has become both a fighter and fan favorite. Known for quick submissions and a variety of holds, Ronnie has ended most of his fights in the first round using techniques from Sambo, Jiu Jitsu, Catch Wrestling and various other fighting styles.

“The techniques I will teach will be from the basics of positioning to submissions from those positions. I have been doing submissions since 1982 and have acquired a vast library of holds. Some are high percentage, others are just fun. As the class progresses we will venture more into the application of those holds to MMA. This class will have something for everyone, from those that are fans just wanting to know more about the sport to those that want to compete at the professional level. Not only will we cover the technical aspects of fighting, but also the mental and physical stratagems needed to be successful”

Ronnie “Warfrog” Britt
11 years of cage fighting experience
30 years of submission experience

For More information:
Visit us at :
Martial Arts America
http://martialartsamerica.net/
621 S. Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA
Call: 515-963-3494

What Veterans of the sport have to say about Ronnie Britt:

“I learned more in the first year of training with Ronnie Britt than I have in all my years of MMA. He is like a living MMA encyclopedia with as much practical experience as anyone in the game. I definitely attribute much of my success to him.”
John “Hurricane” Halverson
2 x UFC veteran

Ronnie Britt has been one of the most important training partners and cornermen I’ve had while competing in Mixed Martial Arts.  He has a good mind for the sport, it’s history, what it takes to compete, and enjoys teaching the basics to those just starting out.
Dan Anderson
MMA veteran

Anyone that was wanting or needing to know mixed martial arts grappling, could not have a better instructor then Ronnie Britt.
Chris Bott
Mixed Martial Arts Judge

Ronnie Britt is a top notch instructor. He is so well rounded in every area of the game.
Josh Neer
Multiple UFC competitor

Ronnie Britt has been doing sub grappling for  a long time and has tons of knowledge and experience to impart, and a master of the guillotine choke!
Joe Brammer
MCC champion

Brammer vs Mickle. Another big fight in the MCC looms close and I look forward to it like many of you do of course, but I also have some trepidation.  You see, the fighters involved are two friends of mine and this fight means a great deal to both of them.  Someone is going to win and possibly move on to bigger things, the loser will have to regroup and start all over again. I have trained with both of these guys extensively over the years, most recently to prepare for my final fight. Both Chris and Joe have been instrumental in making me a better fighter and I cant thank them enough for their dedication.  I love them both and have a tremendous amount of respect for them not only as fighters but also as friends. Come Sept 5th, I will be elated for one of them, heartbroken for the other. Given the nature of the sport, I have become somewhat accustomed to guys I know competing against each other. Heck, I too have fought guys I consider friends, but it doesn’t mean I have to like it. I will be glad when its over, that’s for sure!

Joe Brammer used to train with the DMEF team quite a bit several years ago. He was one of the youngest guys that came to our gym, but he had a world of potential.  Not everyone endures brutal sparring sessions with seasoned tough guys…and then comes back the next day for more. Not only did Joe do that, he would go to other places to train as well. I marveled at this young kid and his humble manner and I still do. He soaked up any training advice we could give him or any techniques as well.  Joe hasn’t changed at all, he is still the same dude…just a hell of a lot tougher. Joe has traveled and trained at a variety of places and its paid off for him. He is one of the most well rounded fighters to compete for the MCC. His stand-up game is precise and accurate, he can kick and punch as well as anybody. Joe has heart and a great chin that complements that stand up game very well.  He trains with the Des Moines Jiu Jitsu Academy so you know his ground game is top notch. Fans of the local fight scene know Joe can go the distance and he can end it quick.

A few months after Joe moved on, Chris Mickle was introduced to the DMEF (Des Moines Extreme Fighting) team by Mike Van Meer and he has trained with us pretty much most of the time since then aside from is service with the military until recently.  Chris is a fighter at heart through and through, he was born to be a warrior.  I don’t know if I have ever seen anyone with as much determination and heart as Chris. What he lacks in precision, form and accuracy, he makes up for in volume, ferocity and intensity.  He is like one of those horror movie guys that just keeps coming after you, even when you think they are done. Right away I recognized Chris for the hard nosed kind of fighter he was, seldom do you see a guy with as little fear as him. He doesn’t care if he gets punched or kicked, in fact I think the little demented goof likes it. Most people will shy away from going toe to toe with someone, but Chris has a way of actually bringing that out of you while sparring and in fighting.  The next thing you know you are in a slugfest. But Chris is well rounded as well, his ground game is under appreciated. What Chris is known for is his stamina and granite chin, but I think he just stubbornly refuses to get tired or hurt. A big part of his success in reality is his strength and his skill set that he applies with it.

So how do I see the fight going? Probably not to different than many of you.  I don’t know if I can see either of them submitting the other, at least not right away. Maybe in the 4th or 5th round if one is rocked or tired perhaps, but I don’t think it will be a submission. I can say that while doing many rounds with these guys, they don’t usually look for a sub right away, they will both bang a bit.  Can either of these guys knock the other out? Most definitely. Joe has good, sneaky hooks that can make you see stars, Chris has punches that come from nowhere that makes the birdies tweet in your head. Also in the striking department, Joe also has tremendous head kicks, lord knows I have felt those on many of occasions. He will throw kicks in combinations and mixes them in very well. Chris can kick but it isn’t his forte, he will throw lots of punches with very bad intentions. I can see both guys coming out and taking their time till the first flush punch lands, and then it will be on!  Look for Chris to press Joe and look for Joe to use precision counter punching. Both guys are experienced and patient fighters, they will not rush into any mistakes.  Joe can be very hard to hit, he is very elusive. Chris can be very easy to hit, mainly cuz he likes that. This is probably going to be a huge factor, but you recall how I said that Chris has a way of turning it into a slugfest? Well, his head is right there and the temptation to punch him is too overwhelming (don’t try it if you meet him though). Both guys are as tough as they come, Chris has inhuman pain tolerance and Joe will have his hands full.  So who is going to be the winner?  Well, it’s you… the fans! See you guys at the cage.

Earlier this month, Midwest Cage Championship held it second ever trials show as they scouted the MMA scene for fresh, up and coming fighters.  In front of a sell out crowd, several fighters earned their invitations into MCC, and a few of them will make their debut at MCC 22.  In one of the most exciting back and forth bouts of the night, Nate “Teddy Bear” Williams and Josh “The Jackhammer” Troen agreed to a rematch.  Fighters such as Laramie Shaffer, Zak Laird, and Nick Rouse all came up with big wins, and look to keep their streak going as they step up to the lights, cameras, and big crowd at MCC 22.

Seasoned veterans and MCC favorites like Josh “The Bull” Christensen, Jesse Lund, Alex Harper, and Jake “Dirty Bird” Brown will also be back in action looking to take one step closer to the titles in their respective weight divisions.  MCC co-owner, John Halverson commented, “This card has some of the best veterans mixed with some of the best up and coming fighters.  Some of these guys you see on this show will be some of the guys you’ll be watching on pay per view in the future.  Trust me.”

Tickets for MCC 22 are available now and be purchased on line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-229-8566, or at the Vets ticket office.

Nutrishop is the one stop shop for supplements, and they are the OFFICIAL sponsor of the Midwest Cage Championship. Nutrishop is located at 640 S 50th St, West Des Moines, IA. Phone: 515-440-0455.