Deatra Brandel

Brandel: “I love the sport and being a part of it.”

by Aaron Young

To Deatra Brandel the best part about being a cage fighter is showing everyone what you worked so hard for.

Everyone will get that chance on June 14 at MCC 48: McBride vs. Jenkins as Brandel takes on Alex Stobbe.

But going into that logic of being a cage fighter, Brandel thinks it is awesome seeing females make a name and a sport that is male-dominated.

“It shows we are equal and capable of doing just as much,” Brandel said. “I love the sport and being a part of it.”

In her last fight in April, Brandel came away with a victory under her belt as she won by a quick TKO in the first round (0:21).

Watching that fight on tape, she was very pleased.

“I should have gone for more body shots I felt like. Mix it up more instead of the face,” Brandel said. “Overall though I feel I did alright.”

Now looking ahead to her opponent in the likes of Stobbe, she doesn’t know very much about her.

“All that I know of Alex is that she has some experience behind her and can put up a good fight,” Brandel said.

There is a kicker with this fight, however: Both Brandel and Stobbe have faced Courtney Miller; one who was the victor, and one who was the defeated.

Brandel defeated Miller at MCC 43: High Octane back in October ’12 where she won by a judges’ split decision.

Stobbe, on the flipside, lost to Miller as a last-second replacement at the most recent MCC event, MCC 47: Comeback. Miller won by a judges’ unanimous decision.

Nonetheless, Brandel is training hard for this match, just as she does for any match. She just wishes there was more time for it.

“Cardio and endurance are my two main focuses for any fight,” Brandel said. “The rest doesn’t matter.”

All in all, Brandel believes MCC 48’s fight card is stacked and would like to wish the best of luck to all the fighters competing on the night.

“Thank you for letting me be a part of the MCC entertainment.”

MCC 48: McBride vs. Jenkins, Friday, June 14 at Hy-Vee Hall, downtown Des Moines, Iowa.

Fans can stay up-to-date as more bouts are added by following on Facebook (www.facebook.com/MCC.fights) and on Twitter (www.twitter.com/MCC_Fights).

Tickets are on sale and available online at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, Wells

Fargo Arena Box Office and at Dahl’s Food Store ticket outlets.

For more information, check out the web-site: www.MidwestCageChampionship.com

Prentiss Wolf

Not buying into the numbers, Wolf is ready for battle against Saldana

by Aaron Young

Prentiss Wolf had a big, knockout win at MCC 47: Comeback that escalated his confidence a bit.

But he doesn’t buy into the records, the hype or any outside factors. No, Wolf is just taking it fight-after-fight.

“Everybody is different and anything can happen,” Wolf said. “In any fight, it just takes one mistake and the fight can turn around on you just like that.”

He is going to make sure that doesn’t happen, especially when he is facing rising sensation Luis Saldana in a co-main event fight at MCC 48: McBride vs. Jenkins.

Both were on the MCC 47 fight card, but unfortunately Wolf wasn’t able to watch Saldana’s winning fight against Mitch Parker.

“He is a very tough fighter and likes to strike,” Wolf said in regards to his thoughts on Saldana. “I saw on the web-site that hat has been working on his ground game a lot as well, so I will have to be prepared for anything.”

Wolf’s training has consisted of mainly cardio and rolling around with his teammates. But nonetheless, he knows the kind of fighter Saldana is like, so Wolf has focused on bettering every realm of his fight game.

“I know Luis is a very good fighter and I believe this fight is going to be a battle from start to finish wherever the fight goes,” Wolf said. “I have to be prepared in all aspects of my game.”

However, come June 14, Wolf will be ready.

“I would like to thank MCC for this opportunity. The staff and promotion are always awesome and very kind to work with and I appreciated every second of it,” Wolf said. “As for Luis, I would like to say thank you for taking this fight and good luck. Let’s put on a great show for the promotion and the fans!”

MCC 48: McBride vs. Jenkins, Friday, June 14 at Hy-Vee Hall, downtown Des Moines, Iowa.

Fans can stay up-to-date as more bouts are added by following on Facebook (www.facebook.com/MCC.fights) and on Twitter (www.twitter.com/MCC_Fights).

Tickets are on sale and available online at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, Wells Fargo Arena Box Office and at Dahl’s Food Store ticket outlets.

For more information, check out the web-site: www.MidwestCageChampionship.com

Matt Young

Behind the Fighter: MCC 48’s Matthew Young

by Aaron Young

Every fighter has their own road to take whether it is through life or in the sport of mixed martial arts. Some may be similar others, but many may be drastically different.

Meet Matthew Young, a 32-year old mixed martial artist fighting out of Toledo, Ohio. He will be going head-to-head with Eric Howser at MCC 48: McBride vs. Jenkins on June 14.

He has had quite the path to where he is at today and is one story worth telling. Hopefully his journey full of rises and downfalls will open the eyes of many as they begin – or continue – their own path through MMA.

This is Young’s story.

An Intriguing Interest Replaces A Broken Dream

Since graduating from Springfield High School in Springfield, Ohio. in 1999, all Young wanted to do was play college football. With stellar athletic ability and high hopes of being a great football player, Young moved to Ames, Iowa in 2000 to try and walk-on the Iowa State football team.

Everything seemed to be going well. Young believed he had his life all mapped out – or so he thought.

“As we know idle time is the Devil’s time,” Young said. “For the first time being away from home, I was going nuts. I soon found myself hanging with the wrong crowd and making irrational choices.”

From that point on, Young felt as if he was losing complete focus and determination from all of his goals.

“By 2003, I went from the kid that ran a 4.28 40 to a loser,” Young said. “Health declining, trouble brewing and even worse, an absent father in my life. “

But it was for a great friend in Jason Steger who introduced Young to MMA and to the MCC organization.

“I knew nothing about it,” Young said. “I was taken to place where it was basically a sign-up to fight.“

Young went to one of the events MCC was holding and sat as an audience member. He watched an array of talented fighters like Jeremy Stephens, Josh Neer and Demi Deeds. Young thought they were all crazy doing what they do.

“It looked brutal,” Young explained laughingly.

But as the months went on, he began traveling with Steger and gotten more closer with the sport than what he had originally planned.

“After being around it so much, I got curious,” Young said. “I began training and 2006 was the start of it all.”

The Wrongdoings Begin To Catch Up

In the first fight of his career, Young defeated Tom Kennedy in March ’06 from a third round rear naked chokehold. He was later tabbed to fight Michael Carpenter at MCC 5: Thanksgiving Throwdown in November.

He won the fight against Carpenter, but he lost at the same time later that night.

“I kept doing things to get myself in trouble and eventually it all caught up,” Young explained. “I was arrested at an MCC event.”

Young stated that he had warrants out for his arrest and had presumably thought his fighting career, yet alone his life, was over.

“I was sentenced to two and a half years in prison,” Young said. “Upon my release in 2010, I knew I didn’t want to live that way, but I knew nothing else to do.”

So he ended up calling MCC co-founders, Ryan Hass and John Halveson. He wanted to apologize for his actions from two and a half years ago.

“I gave them my sincere apology and asked for another shot,” Young said.

Without any hesitation whatsoever Young was given that second chance. To Halverson, he knew that everyone makes mistakes.

“Matt’s mistake had nothing to do with MCC, but he got in trouble and paid the price for it,” Halverson said. “When he put his life together, he used MMA as a positive motivation and we were happy to provide an outlet for him.”

The MCC staff in fact knows Young is a good guy and an even better competitor.

“He always has been,” Halverson said.

The Second Chance Pays Its Dues

Three years later, Young’s life has changed drastically since it once was – and for the better of things.

“I’m a dad, a provider and I am a district manager at a large corporation.”

Young firmly believes in a Golden Rule: “There is no option but success.” This can be applicable to anybody experiencing similar scenarios he once did.

“I want to give other’s hope who were or in my situation that when you mess up, you can bounce back or dig yourself deeper,” Young said. “I wanted better for myself, my family and my children.”

When thinking of future fighters getting into MMA, Young firmly believes that if you cannot dedicate yourself 100 percent, don’t bother competing.

“Use knowledge to grow so when the fight days are over, you have something to fall back on,” Young explained. “Just always have other options to always better yourself.”

He uses his personal experiences only to grow for the positive.

“Who knows what would have happened if MCC had not given me a second chance,” Young said.

Since his release, Young has competed in eight MMA fights (2 amateur, 6 pro).

Preparing For MCC 48

Now gearing up for his tenth MCC event and owning a 4-5 record in the MCC, Eric Howser will be Young’s first opponent in 2013.

Howser is coming off a recent loss from MCC 47: Comeback as he was finished by Prentiss Wolf in the first round (0:37).

Young knows Howser very well and sees his opponent as a good kid and a good fighter.

“I know some of his family,” Young said. “As a fighter he is very scrappy and long.”

To be well-ready for Howser, Young, who is 5’10’’, has been sparring with 6-footers and above middleweight fighters similar to Howser.

He explained that his main focus during the match is to remain relaxed throughout.

“Staying calm, working an opening and setting the pace,” Young commented. “I’m going to bring it!”

Halverson believes both fighters will be hungrier than ever.

“They’ve both had fairly substantial layoffs,” Halverson said. “I expect both of these guys to come out fast paced and with high energy. I don’t see this one going three rounds, but as long as it lasts, it will be exciting to watch.”

But as for Young, he’s just thankful to be back and is ready for battle.

“Thank you so much to the whole MCC staff, especially Ryan and John,” Young said. “Eric, I’ll see you June 14.”

MCC 48: McBride vs. Jenkins, Friday, June 14 at Hy-Vee Hall, downtown Des Moines, Iowa.

Fans can stay up-to-date as more bouts are added by following on Facebook (www.facebook.com/MCC.fights) and on Twitter (www.twitter.com/MCC_Fights).

Tickets are on sale and available online at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, Wells Fargo Arena Box Office and at Dahl’s Food Store ticket outlets.

For more information, check out the web-site: www.MidwestCageChampionship.com

Nic Cox

Focusing on fighting to his fullest potential, Cox is ready for war against Tasler

by Aaron Young

To Nic Cox, Rick “The Lawman” Tasler seems like an overall good guy.

But at MCC 48, Cox knows the two of them are going to war and first impressions are going to have to be pushed aside.

In what will be an anticipated match on the nightcap of MCC 48: McBride vs. Jenkins, Tasler will be making a two and a half year return back inside the steeled cage as he battles head-to-head with Cox.

Cox knows exactly who he is going up against and knows what exactly is at stake. In fact, the two have agreed to fight at 145 instead of 135 lbs.

Only time will tell in regards to how this match will unfold.

“I know he [Tasler] is a full-time cop, so I’m not sure if that will help play a factor in our fight or not for him,” Cox said. “I will be ready for anything. I don’t have the most impressive record by any means, but I have also fought some tough opponents.”

In his last MCC event, Cox squared off with rising sensation Luis Saldana at MCC 45: Dicke vs. Schmauss. In that match, Cox was finished in the first round (0:50) by verbal submission.

Despite having a hand injury during that fight, Cox believed that his performance could have been better.

“He [Saldana] was a very fast, tough guy and I have much respect for him,” Cox said. “My main focus on this fight is fighting to my fullest potential and putting on a good fight.”

In order to reach this goal, Cox has already begun training twice a day.

“I’m focusing a lot on my standup game; trying to be as fast and strong as I can be in my weight class,” Cox said. “I feel my ground game is still strong, but I’m trying to maintain a well-rounded fighting strategy and see how it develops.

As for his counterpart, even though he has been away from the cage, the 35-year old Tasler is an undefeated fighter. While the 22-year old Cox doesn’t necessarily see their age difference being an advantage going into this fight.

“I don’t really think of my age as an advantage, because of his experience,” Cox said. “But I guess come June 14 we will see.”

And with determination, a strong will and desire, endurance and lots of training, Cox isn’t training to be better, he’s training to win.

“We have to go to battle and see who the better man is,” Cox said. “Hopefully the fight ends with my hand raised.”

MCC 48: McBride vs. Jenkins, Friday, June 14 at Hy-Vee Hall, downtown Des Moines, Iowa.

Fans can stay up-to-date as more bouts are added by following on Facebook (www.facebook.com/MCC.fights) and on Twitter (www.twitter.com/MCC_Fights).

Tickets are on sale and available online at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, Wells Fargo Arena Box Office and at Dahl’s Food Store ticket outlets.

For more information, check out the web-site: www.MidwestCageChampionship.com

Will Hinkle

Preparing for his military career, Will Hinkle will prove who the better athlete is

by Aaron Young

Before he heads out and serves in the United States Army, Will Hinkle will have a quick pit-stop in doing something he has always wanted to pursue for some time.

He will be making his cage fighting debut as he takes on Chris Fannon to open the night up at MCC 48: McBrides vs. Jenkins.

To say the least, Hinkle is extremely excited for this shot MCC has provided to him.

“I’ve wanted to do this for years and now that I’m enlisting in the army, I have made it my priority to train,” Hinkle said. “Fighting for the MCC will be a great way to prepare me for what’s ahead in my military career.”

Hinkle is no slouch to the fighting game either, as he has a strong wrestling background. Seeing that aspect of his game as his strong suit, he feels it will be easy to pick up the sport of mixed martial arts and give him the edge he needs in order to defeat Fannon.

“I just joined Des Moines Ji-Jitsu Academy, and I know that leaves me with only about five weeks of training, but I think I am faster, stronger and in overall better shape than Fannon will ever be,” Hinkle said.

He doesn’t know much about Fannon, but has seen a couple of his fights before, having a good understanding of what to expect and what to plan for.

“He seems to be a heavy-handed striker as well as a first-round fighter, so it should be interesting to see what kind of power he really has and see if he can go the distance all three rounds,” Hinkle said.

Hinkle promises that this fight will be an intense match-up, perfect in setting the tone for the show.

“I want to carry him all three rounds and break his will to fight, but if the opportunity for a knockout arrives, I will not let him forget who the better athlete is,” Hinkle said. “He better be prepared because I won’t be taking this fight lightly.”

MCC 48: McBride vs. Jenkins, Friday, June 14 at Hy-Vee Hall, downtown Des Moines, Iowa.

Fans can stay up-to-date as more bouts are added by following on Facebook (www.facebook.com/MCC.fights) and on Twitter (www.twitter.com/MCC_Fights).

Tickets are on sale and available online at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, Wells Fargo Arena Box Office and at Dahl’s Food Store ticket outlets.

For more information, check out the web-site: www.MidwestCageChampionship.com

Josh Christensen

Quick return for Josh “Bull” Christensen: “It’s just another day in the office.”

by Aaron Young

He is back and he is ready for more!

Josh “Bull” Christensen returns to the MCC stage June 14 at MCC 48: McBride vs. Jenkins where he will be knocking fists and exchanging kicks against Kenny Fredenburg.

Christensen, who made his return last April at MCC 47: Comeback after a temporary two and a half year retirement, defeated Dean Bradley by TKO in the first round (4:20).

With the nerves and adrenaline revolving around his long awaited return to the cage, it’s just another day in the office for Christensen this time out.

“I felt like I learned so much in my last training camp and I just want to keep building on that and learn from the great group of guys I train with,” Christensen said.

In that fight against Bradley, however, Christensen was able to pinpoint many positives from his performance, along with some negatives.

“I’ve got to move my feet more,” Christensen said. “I’m standing to flat-footed and I also need to keep better position on the ground. I think I did very well at staying calm and not getting too worked up or wasting too much energy. I listened to my corner the whole time.

He credits both his corners, T.J. O’Brien and Brandon Anderson, for helping him get the victory.

But with the mentality of another day, another fight, Christensen will be facing the likes of a very competitive opponent in Fredenburg.

Christensen said he doesn’t know anything about his opponent and has never seen him fight.

He’s just glad he won his match against Bradley so he doesn’t have to worry about when the next time he would fight would be.

“If I would have lost that fight, I would have taken some time off and worked on things, but I would have come back at some point,” Christensen said.

He wants to thank the MCC staff for letting him come back so quick, and wants to tell all the fans that this is going to be a great card that you do not want to miss.

Christensen wants Hy-Vee Hall to be similar to what MCC 47 was like.

“I want this place to be rocking like it was last show, so get your tickets quick,” Christensen said.

And to Fredenburg, Christensen asks for one simple request:

“Train hard, stay healthy and let’s put on a show in June!”

MCC 48: McBride vs. Jenkins, Friday, June 14 at Hy-Vee Hall, downtown Des Moines, Iowa.

Fans can stay up-to-date as more bouts are added by following on Facebook (www.facebook.com/MCC.fights) and on Twitter (www.twitter.com/MCC_Fights).

Tickets are on sale and available online at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, Wells Fargo Arena Box Office and at Dahl’s Food Store ticket outlets.

For more information, check out the web-site: www.MidwestCageChampionship.com

Rick Tasler

Rick “The Lawman” Tasler talks with MCC about his return and more!

by Aaron Young

Making an almost two and a half year return to the cage, undefeated Rick “The Lawman” Tasler will appear on the fight card of MCC 48: McBride vs. Jenkins on June 14.

MCC caught up with Rick and talked more in-depth about his comeback, his opponent and more!

MCC: You are an undefeated fighter making his return back to the cage. Are you nervous at all getting back in there for competition or are you pumped to start punching in faces again?

RT: It’s great to be back in the mix. I have not really ever been out of it though; working for MCC doing play by play, reffing shows in Minnesota and Wisconsin, throwing my own shows in my own promotion in Iowa and training with all my guys. I was just at the point in my life where I was so busy and that my body was telling me that it needed a break so I left the sport as an athlete. I am pumped to make my return inside the MCC Cage, but once again, have no desire to make a run as a top level pro-fighter. I’m coming back to help push me to get my “older” body back in shape so that I can push my high school wrestling kids harder this year and to stay in shape for my career. I am proud to be a low-level pro and love promoting the sport in a positive manner. The athletes have changed a lot since 2010 when I retired. They have become bigger, stronger, faster, and way better trained, so yes I’m excited to return, but I would be a liar if I didn’t also say that I am scared as HECK!

MCC: What do you know about your opponent, Nic Cox?

RT: I have just recently met Nic Cox and I can’t say anything but great things about him. I want to first say congrats to him on getting married last weekend. He is a warrior. He fought for the 145 pound pro title in another organization the night before against a killer from Milletich Fighting Systems. I saw him fight Saldana in one of the last MCC shows and he impressed me. Luis would destroy me in the cage and Nic went in there without any fear and actually took the fight to him. He is young, strong and has good technical stand-up with knockout power. He does not have the best record in the MMA world, but he has never been given an easy fight. I on the other hand have a great record but have only fought a handful of “tough” opponents. On paper it appears that I would have the upper hand, but me just being honest with my lay-off, I really do believe that I am going in the underdog in this fight.

MCC: What will your plan-of-attack be in order to getting the victory over Cox?

RT: My plan-of-attack? What is that, a game plan? Heck, I am way too old to have a game plan going into a fight with a kid half my age. If I had to give you one, it would be to duck and not take one of those big overhand right hands that he likes to throw. He is a lot longer than me. In my thirty fights, I have fought a lot taller athletes than myself. I fought John Wiss in Wisconsin and he was 6’4”. I actually like fighting the taller guys. I am good at slipping punches and getting on the inside. I think sparring with my “little nephew” has taught me that. You may have heard of him, Johnny “Hollywood” Case. Yeah, sparring with him, you learn to move your head or not lasting the 5 minute round. Thank God he feels sorry for his “old uncle” and does not take it to me like the other guys in my gym. To beat Nic, I will have to weather an early storm and keep the fight on the inside. He has fought and trained with some tough guys and I don’t think that my old style of fighting will bring anything to the table that he has not seen already. I have a lot of heart and experience and I plan on using that to pull out a victory inside the MCC Steel.

MCC: Cox is a young fighter. Do you think your experience will play a big part in this match-up?

RT: Saying he is young would be saying than I’m old and yes, I agree with both. I was a lot meaner of a fighter when I was young, but now believe that I am way tougher. I know that doesn’t make sense, but it’s true. With experience, you gain things that a gym or instructor just can’t teach you. I wear many hats in the sport of MMA and have used all of them to get me mentally and physically ready to return to the cage. I have very limited time to train so I take advantage of that time training with some of the best athletes in the business. Josh Marker is working my wrestling along with my training partners, Cody Sheehy and Justin Morrison. Michael McBride, who is the main event on this card, is working my BJJ, and I am striking with Johnny, Ryan Dennis and so many other guys in Ames. I am doing cardio with Josh in Boone at the YMCA and also helping another fighter in Ogden train for an upcoming fight, so it’s getting better. My body isn’t reacting as well to all the torture that I was hoping. I am very sore at the end of the day, but I have never been scared of hard work. I have earned everything that I have and never been given anything. I can’t thank my parents enough for the work ethic that they taught me. It has got me through many hard times and this is just another challenge for me.

MCC: What is the best part about being inside the octagon and being a fighter?

RT: The best thing about the sport of MMA is the people. I have never met so many great people in a community than I have in this sport. Everyone is willing to help everyone and most of us really are friends. I can’t tell you how many lifelong friends this sport has given me and how much closer it has made me with my nephews and other family members. This promotion, MCC is so positive. The commission staff and workers are also. You surround yourself with all these good and positive people and it makes you a better person. Some athletes win and some lose, but all of us stick together and go through it together. It really is like a family. I don’t think of myself as a fighter. In my mind, a fighter has something to prove. I have nothing left to prove in this sport to anyone but myself. I believe that being an athlete in this sport though and staying active, it makes me better in the other areas that I work inside the sport. It makes me a better ref and a better promotion owner because I can say that I fought first. That’s another reason that fighting for MCC is the way to go because both Ryan and John were top-level athletes and know the sport inside and out. I can’t tell you the best thing about being inside the cage is though; I’m always way too nervous and trying not to puke on my mouthpiece. I do settle down a little bit after I get hit though and then just go to work.

MCC: Can you promise a Fight of the Night-type performance to this fight? Do you always come out aiming for sparks to fly and for the crowd to really get into it?

RT: I do love the crowd. I sell a lot of tickets so I pack the house and I feed off the noise when I walk out and during the announcement. When legendary announcer Shawn T calls out the “Lawman” and the crowd reacts, it does act as a calming agent for just a split second, then I realize that I’m about ready to get into a fist fight and I ask myself, “Why did you do this again, dummy?” I really don’t think much about giving a Fight of the Night performance though. I go over just about every aspect of the fight in my head and analyze it, but I really don’t ever think about ending a fight a certain way for the crowd. I do think of myself as a dynamic fighter and do bring a lot of high-level energy into the cage which excites the crowd. Like I said before though, I fight for different reasons than most athletes so I don’t have the pressure on myself to have to worry about getting to the next level. I don’t fight for money, for fame, to meet girls in a bar or to get into the UFC. I fight because I love the sport, but I love the challenge even more. The challenge of not knowing the outcome or what will happen just excites me to want more I guess. My career is to protect the best “little town” in the state of Iowa and I take that job very serious. I really do fight and train to keep my body in the best physical and mental shape to be able to do that job. I am prepared for physical confrontation when and if it happens, but since I have trained so long it allows me to keep so much calmer and my emotions in check that I am able to deal with all the stressful situations in my career field better than others that don’t train their body and mind for combat. I cannot make any promises in this fight, but I do know that my opponent and I will both show up on the date of the show, act in a professional manner and when instructed by Thomas Mastin to get it on, we will meet in the center of the cage, touch gloves and then attempt to take each other’s heads off. I would LOVE to win the watch though. That has been a goal of mine since I started fighting for MCC.

MCC: Any final words you would like to say to your opponent, the fans or the MCC staff?

RT: I would just like to thank everyone and ask everyone to get at me for tickets ASAP. I want to have a clear mind the last week before the show and not be worried about meeting everyone for tickets. I have way too many people to thank to even really get started. All my training partners in Ames and Ogden that push me to get ready I owe so much to. To my friends and family for always backing me and understanding why I miss a lot of things because I am so active in this sport. To everyone in Madrid who support me both in this sport and in my career. To the MCC staff for allowing me to be a part of a great promotion in so many different areas. To the State of Iowa MMA Commission Staff that keep all of us athletes safe. And to all the fans that come to these local shows that give us athletes a stage to perform on. Without your support, none of us could do what we do. And to all the other athletes who take the time to help others in this great sport and promote this sport in a positive manner. There is so many of you that I look up to; Kevin Burns, Joe Brammer, Ronnie Britt, Nick Gamst, Tim Riddle and the list could really go on for pages. I am excited once again return to the cage and will do my best to come home with a victory, but if not to come home with a lesson to teach others. I can’t wait to see everyone on June 14th at Hy-Vee Hall in Des Moines Iowa. LET’S PACK THE HOUSE!

MCC 48: McBride vs. Jenkins, Friday, June 14 at Hy-Vee Hall, downtown Des Moines, Iowa.

Fans can stay up-to-date as more bouts are added by following on Facebook (www.facebook.com/MCC.fights) and on Twitter (www.twitter.com/MCC_Fights).

Tickets are on sale and available online at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, Wells Fargo Arena Box Office and at Dahl’s Food Store ticket outlets.

For more information, check out the web-site: www.MidwestCageChampionship.com

Chris Fannon

Outside looking In: Chris Fannon talks about his MCC 48 fight!

by Aaron Young

Serving as a corner to Courtney Miller at MCC 47: Comeback, Chris Fannon is amped and ready to be the one inside the MCC steel making the moves rather than hollering them.

He will get his chance at MCC 48: McBride vs. Jenkins when he squares off against MCC newcomer Will Hinkle.

Spending almost seven months away from the cage fighting confines, Fannon said that it is so much easier to see small things someone can change when you are looking from the outside.

“In the heat of the moment whether you are hitting pads or fighting, you are just going for blood and trying to get that workout in,” Fannon said. “As someone holding the pads and barking from the corner, you notice things to perfect or better your situation.”

He added that he is coming of a hard loss against Nick Dewitt (MCC 44: Thanksgiving Throwdown; November 2012). Fannon was defeated by TKO in the third round (1:47).

To prevent that from happening again, Fannon will be focusing on the regular stuff he usually does when preparing for a fight, but since he took this fight at 185 lbs. – 15 lbs. heavier than what he normally is, he will be doing weight training as well as an intense regime or cardio workouts.

“I want to be the guy who keeps the pace going and not trying to catch a breath here and there,” Fannon said.

The only thing that makes Fannon nervous is the fact Hinkle may be a little bit bigger than him.

“Considering we will be fighting up a weight class from what I’m normally at, I took this fight at 185 because of the lack of care I have had for my weight. I’m weighing a little more than usual,” Fannon said jokingly.

Jokes aside, however, Fannon explained he fights MMA because he believes he has what outsiders might call a “sick satisfaction” of competing like gladiators.

“Two guys locked in a cage looking for that one opening to finish the other and catch that win. It is a magnificent sport to me and one little screw up can change the outcome in a split second.”

All Fannon knows is that his opponent is just like any other fighter and will have that drive to win.

“I’m looking forward to putting on another good fight for my friends and family,” Fannon said. “Good luck to Hinkle, because I am preparing for a war.”

MCC 48: McBride vs. Jenkins, Friday, June 14 at Hy-Vee Hall, downtown Des Moines, Iowa.

Fans can stay up-to-date as more bouts are added by following on Facebook (www.facebook.com/MCC.fights) and on Twitter (www.twitter.com/MCC_Fights).

Tickets are on sale and available online at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, Wells Fargo Arena Box Office and at Dahl’s Food Store ticket outlets.

For more information, check out the web-site: www.MidwestCageChampionship.com

Damion Shehen plans to make a big statement June 14

by Aaron Young

Making his MCC debut on June 14, Damion Shehen cannot wait to showcase his skills to the organization and all of whom in the audience for the first time.

In fact, it will be his first fight ever in the state of Iowa.

“I want to send a clear message to all the fighters and fans,” Shehen said.

Shehen will be going head-to-head with Steven Spaur, who will also be making his first ever appearance at an MCC event.

The two have no recollection of what each other’s fighting style is like or what hype characterizes them as a fighter, and that is the way Shehen likes and wants it to be.

“I don’t like to get too caught up in what my opponents going to try and do,” Shehen said. “My focus is going to be on what I’m going to do.”

He added that he also doesn’t like watching tape on his opponent because it does not resemble an accurate way to judge their talent.

“That’s not me that they are fighting on film. That’s someone else,” Shehen said.

The scrappy fighter has been training mainly at Porcelli’s Training Center, but has jumped around gym to gym to get some cross training workouts in.

“I have been working a lot with Tommy Gorman,” Shehen said. “He is really helping me improve not only my whole game, but the pace at which I will be able to go.”

Shehen explained that he has also been training with Chris Avery, Jeremiah Deever and another MCC 48 fighter in Ben Crowder.

“I am ready for wherever this fight takes place. I will feel comfortable in all areas,” Shehen said.

Jiu-Jitsu claims to be a strong point of his, Shehen said, but also stated that he possesses some heavy hands.

“I have finishes both standing and on the ground,” Shehen said.

And for being a wrestler all of his life, Shehen’s love for physical combat sports have always been evident to the many who know him and watch him fight.

In his mind, being a cage fighter is about becoming better each and every chance he gets.

“It’s about finding my limits and pushing through them,” Shehen said. “MMA has helped me not only be a better person, but helped me realized that strength isn’t just in your muscles. I love testing myself and finding out how good I can really be.”

Nonetheless, win, lose or draw, Shehen is coming to MCC looking to make an early big statement.

“Be ready for an exciting fight because I am ready to go to war for three rounds if need be. Thanks to everyone helping me get ready for this fight and a big thanks to MCC for this opportunity,” Shehen said.

MCC 48: McBride vs. Jenkins, Friday, June 14 at Hy-Vee Hall, downtown Des Moines, Iowa.

Fans can stay up-to-date as more bouts are added by following on Facebook (www.facebook.com/MCC.fights) and on Twitter (www.twitter.com/MCC_Fights).

Tickets are on sale and available online at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, Wells Fargo Arena Box Office and at Dahl’s Food Store ticket outlets.

For more information, check out the web-site: www.MidwestCageChampionship.com