Chris Mickle

Two Warriors, One Fight

Six months ago fight fans in Des Moines didn’t know who Doug Jenkins was. They hadn’t heard his name and they’d never watched him fight. The South Dakota mixed martial artist showed up to the official weigh in as a late replacement opponent against popular Des Moines-based veteran, Ronnie “Warfrog” Britt.

Jenkins was quiet and respectful. He didn’t come from a top notch gym. He didn’t hold any wins over big name opponents, and although he had only tasted defeat once in his young career, he only had a quarter of the experience as the guy who would be standing across from him.

And nobody gave him a chance against Britt.

When he defeated his more experienced foe after fifteen of the hardest fought minutes most people had ever witnessed he was immediately called out by top welterweight contender, Miguel “El Rey” Rios, Jr. He barely had a chance to catch his breath or take a moment to celebrate his greatest victory to date. And although that fight would be the second one outside of his natural weight class of 155 lbs. he politely accepted the challenge.

Leading up to the next event, the pre-fight talk had everybody picking Rios by first round destruction.

Then, they fought.

After another fifteen minutes, several cuts, bumps and bruises, the two fighters had created one of the best, most exciting heart-filled fights of 2011.

The common denomination: Doug Jenkins.

So, how does a promotion find a way to keep that kind of excitement going?

Enter Chris “Mad Dog” Mickle.

The name Chris Mickle is synonymous with warrior. In fact, MCC’s prestigious award, “The Heart of a Warrior” was created in recognition of him. He was the first ever recipient and accepted the award before he left the states for his second tour of duty overseas as a proud member of the United States Armed Forces.

Chris Mickle has been an MMA fighter before it was cool to be an MMA fighter. He’s fought the toughest people in the Midwest, often times without an actual fight camp or weeks of training behind him. He’s fought and beat people who have gone onto the big show. He’s battled in three different weight classes. He’s never laid down or turned down a challenge. And guess what?

At MCC 38 he’s back to cement his place in the sport!

Chris Mickle versus Doug Jenkins is one of the feature fights on January 27. Hardcore fans have been excited since the rumors started floating around. Even fellow fighters on the card are talking about this match up. Everyone knows the potential that this fight bears.

“It’s a crazy fight,” John Halverson commented. “These two are exact replicas of each other. The only disappointing thing is that these two are not going at it for five rounds. At the end of this one fighters are going to have to raise the bar to compete with the intensity that these guys bring. And I’m predicting this is going to be front runner for fight of the year.”

This bout will be the first since June 11, 2010 for Mickle, where he submitted Cory Simpson at MCC 27. He has spent the last year overseas fighting a battle of another kind; one for our freedom.

Two weeks from today, the battle takes place inside the steel cage at Hy Vee Hall. It will be epic. It will be worth the price of admission itself. Two warriors, one fight, one goal: victory.

For more on the MCC 38 event, stay tuned to www.MidwestCageChampionship.com

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.

Michaud vs Rider

Fighter Focus: Getting to know David Michaud

Undefeated mixed martial arts prospect, David Michaud is in his final few weeks of preparation as he looks to make his debut in the MCC cage against tough-as-nails, Matt Rider. Read on to get to know David and hear about his no-nonsense plan of attack.

MCC: David, welcome to MCC. For the fight fans that don’t know you, why don’t you begin by filling us in on your background in MMA.

DM: Thank you. I’m excited to compete on November 23. First off, I’m a wrestler at heart. I have wrestled for many, many years. I competed for South Dakota State University (SDSU) for three years. Mixed martial arts is the perfect fit for me. It was a good transition and filled the competitive void.

MCC: So you got into MMA after you finished school?

DM: Actually, I got into MMA when I was younger. I got into MMA when I was fifteen years old when my dad asking me if I wanted to go to the Sturgis Rally and try some fighting so I did, and here I am.

MCC: Well, so far you are undefeated at 4-0, so it’s working out well for you so far.

DM: Yeah, with my wrestling base I have been able to control the pace of all my fights. Once I get the fight to the mat instinct kicks in and that’s where I have been able to find my success. I do what works for me.
MCC: Where are you training, and what notable names are you training with?

DM: Right now I train at Next Edge Academy with Bruce Hoyer and Shayna Baszler. I also train at the Dragon’s Den in Brookings, SD. I started with the Rez Rumblerz out in Pine Ridge though. Over the years I’ve had the opportunity to train with a lo of talented people.

MCC: You’ve fought in some small, regional shows, and now, in less than a month you’ll be fighting in your biggest show to date. How do you feel about that?

DM: I’ve heard nothing but good things about MCC. I know that MCC plays throughout the Midwest and I’ve been able to watch it from time to time. I’m excited to go out there and perform and hopefully start making my way up the ladder.

MCC: Regarding your opponent, what do you know about Matt Rider and how do you think your styles match up?

DM: Honestly, I’ve never seen Matt fight, but everything I’ve heard about him makes him sound like a tough guy who’s got some good wrestling and isn’t afraid to stand up and go to war, so I think that will make for an exciting fight. It definitely sounds like it’s a perfect fight for me because that’s the same way I like to fight. The match up should make for good show for the fans, that’s for sure.

MCC: Knowing your opponent is somewhat of a mirror image of yourself, does that make it easier to prepare for the bout and come up with a strategy?

DM: My plan is always the same, get on top and beat the face in of he guy under me.

MCC: Easy enough! David, thanks for your time and we look forward to watching you compete at Thanksgiving Throwdown.

DM: Thank you for the opportunity. I can’t wait to step in the cage and go to war.

Nutrishop presents, MCC 37 “Thanksgiving Throwdown”, Wednesday, November 23 at Hy Vee Hall, downtown Des Moines, Iowa. Tickets are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 888-324-5849 and at all Dahl’s Food Store ticket outlets.

For more information on this card, including fighter interviews, video’s and blogs check out the web site.