On Thanksgiving eve, the Midwest’s top promotion held its annual “Thanksgiving Throwdown,” and the card did not disappoint.  The evening showcased some of the finest up and coming talent in the Midwest along with a combination of submissions, razor close decisions, and brutal stoppages.
 
In the feature bouts of the evening, Rios tasted his first defeat and both, Branson and Mutapcic were able to hold on to their titles.
 
Miguel “El Rey” Rios, Jr. is one of the most exciting up and coming fighters in the Midwest.  So was his opponent, Lance Benoist.  Rios has never tasted defeat in his mixed martial arts career.  Same with his opponent.  Rios just came back from The Ultimate Fighter tryouts- and, he made it to through all rounds.  So did Lance Benoist.
 
With too much in common, these two were bound to meet sooner or later!
 
In what was the billed to be the toughest fight of each others young careers, their fight was a perfect example of just how dangerous well rounded opponents can be.  It showed the golden rule of MMA; make one mistake ad it’s over.
 
And, that’s just what happened.
 
The bell sounded, the two touched gloves, circled, and exchanged punches.  Rios shot, left his neck exposed and BANG!  That’s all Lance Benoist needed to see.  The Vaghi Jiu Jitsu specialist did not let go until the referee intervened.  Rios, the warrior that he is went out on his shield.  Refusing to tap out, he went unconscious.
 
Although it was a blemish on Rios’ perfect record, the young fight with the champion attitude congratulated his opponent, and said that he would use the fight as an opportunity to learn and become a better fighter.
 
In the evenings two title fights, both belt holders were able to successfully keep their championship straps.
 
In the co-main event of the evening, undefeated welterweight champion, Andy “Danger Zone” Branson granted his opponents wish; to stand up and trade strikes.  It took less than one round for Branson to dismantle the 15-3 striker, Justin Demoney, putting and end to the bout in just over four minutes of the opening frame.
 
Branson, who recently took one step closer to his lifelong dream of becoming a fighter pilot, announced the good news following his victory.  Will Branson fly off into the sunset with his perfect record in tact or will he step in for one more hoorah?  Only time will tell, but as we see it- one way or another, the sky is the limit for Branson.
 
MCC’s most dominant champion to date, middleweight sensation, Elvis “The King” Mutapcic faced his toughest opponent to date.  With a series of submission wins over some of the best up and comers in the Midwest, South Dakota’s Josh Rosaaen came into the bout riding a long win streak and with confidence that he would be leaving with the belt wrapped around his waist.
 
And for a moment it appeared that he may….
 
Mutapcic, who is well known for his brutal stand up arsenal, peppered Rosaaen with well-timed jabs and low leg kicks.  Rosaaen, who was expected to try and take the fight immediately to the ground displayed his own striking skills, and late in the first round, landed a nicely placed shot to the chin of “The King”.  Stunned, Mutapcic fell flat to the canvas and just when Rosaeen pounced to land the final blow, Mutapcic instantly came back to life and fended off the assault. Mutapcic had now defended Rosaaen off of his back, and an arm bar attempt. Late in the first round, Elvis wasted no time as he pushed the pace with lightning fast combinations forcing the takedown from Rosaaen.  However, when the submission specialist made one mistake, it was all Mutapcic needed as he clinched up a tight guillotine choke.  Rosaaen tapped out, and once again, Mutapcic who fought through adversity, reigned supreme.
 
Ready for some more?
 
MCC 31 has already been scheduled for January 2011, and the fight card, which consists of more title bouts. For more information stay tuned to www.MidwestCageChampionship.com

MCC 30 Quick Results

Thomas Olofson  v  Chad Vandermark  -  Vandermark  2:02  rd 2 TKO
Jose Colon  v   Mitch Parker -  Parker by split decision
Stoney Stuart  v  Luis Saldana  – Saldana by unanimous decision
Matt Rider  v Brody Jay  -  Rider by split decision
Jeremy Marker v  Shaun McDermott -  McDermott 1:51 rd 1 by  RNC
Mike Graham  v  Nick Rouse  -  Graham  0:18   rd 1 by TKO 
Dean Bradley v  Mike Van Meer  – Bradley by split decision
Dave Severe   v   Ronnie Britt  -  Britt 3:42  rd 2 by RNC
Lance Benoist  v Miguel Rios  -  Benoist  0:57  Rd 1 by Guillotine choke 
Justin Demoney  v  Andy Branson  -  Branson  3:31 Rd 1 by Tapout due to strikes  
Josh Rosaaen  v  Elvis Mutapcic  – Mutapcic  4:50  Rd 1 by Guillotine

Fighter Focus: Catching Up With Andy “Danger Zone” Branson
 
MCC Welterweight Champion, Andy “Danger Zone” Branson is set to defend his belt in just three weeks at MCC 30: “Thanksgiving Throwdown”.  We caught up with him as he’s mid way through his fight camp.  Feeling great and ready to put on another stellar performance, he took some time to answer some of the questions that we had so fans can get to know more about the undefeated, up and coming sensation.

Andy, you have a perfect, undefeated mixed martial arts record.  With so many tough competitors out there right now, not many people can claim what you have.  With that said, is there any pressure to keep your record in tact, or does it give you more confidence knowing you’ve never tasted defeat?
 
I’ve always been an incredibly competitive person by nature and because of that, I’ve never liked to lose at anything from practice, a fight, or an argument with my girlfriend.  To say that I’m stubborn is like calling a sumo wrestler a little chunky.  I think that stubbornness has helped me the most with fighting because I can’t stand getting beat in practice so I have always tried to put in more time and work than everyone else so I don’t have to have that feeling of someone getting the better of me.  I put the same pressure on myself when I was 0-0 as I would if I was 100-0 so I can’t really say I look at this fight as any more or less pressure. 
 
You have competed in boxing, muay Thai and mixed martial arts- and you’ve obviously done well at all of them.  Which is your favorite and why?
 
Honestly, I love muay Thai the most because you can stand in the pocket and trade without fear of a takedown.  The wrestling aspect of MMA changes your striking and doesn’t allow you to open up as much as you would like to.  The greatest fights in the world happen in Thailand but unfortunately, we never get to see them because Thai Boxing in the States is rarely covered.  I would like too have a chance to compete internationally in muay Thai but for now, I’ll just keep trying to keep fights standing inside the cage.
 
 
I know we’ve talked about this before, but your best performance was in your MCC debut when you took on Elvis Mutapcic.  You have a grueling back and forth battle, but in the end, you two became great friends and training partners.  How do you feel that has elevated your game?
 
I learned a lot from my fight with Elvis but I hopefully I taught him a little something too(laughing).  In retrospect, it probably wasn’t the ideal fight to take for a pro debut.  Elvis is tough as they come and I don’t think either one of us was expecting that kind of a fight coming into that night but I think that’s what made it such a great fight because both of us were in there swing for the fences with little respect for each others game.  But trust me, we both agreed we paid for that strategy when we tried to get out of bed the next day.  That fight was the first time I was able to test my stand up against a good striker and that fight was a huge confidence builder that let me know I could take a shot and keep coming.  Your brain can do some weird things to your body when you start getting hit and it was good to find out that I could still keep my wits about me and fight smart even in a tough fight like that.  I couldn’t ask for better training partners than I have now and Elvis and I both keep each others ego’s in check inside the gym, and just in case we don’t there’s always Josh to put us both back in our place.  As competitive as everyone is, and with the success we have had as fighters, I still think we have the most humble gym around, where no one is above getting picked on and everyone has their weaknesses and strengths, but ultimately, everyone in there is there to make each other better, and I think that has been the main contributor to our performance as a gym.
 
 
 
OK, let’s talk about your fight coming up at MCC 30.  You are facing Justin Demoney, another fighter who prefers to stand and strike.  Being a great striker yourself do you think that plays into your game or does that change the game plan?
 
I couldn’t really tell you I’ve never had a game plan going into a fight. Usually I just kind of wing it in the first round and figure out where I’m better than my opponent.  I think the best fighters in the game are those who are able to adapt during the fight and find a way to win.  I’m sure Anderson Silva’s “game plan” wasn’t to spend 24 minutes on his back getting beat on but that’s what the fight presented him with and in that last minute he found Chael’s weak spot and pulled out a win and that’s why he’s still on top.  My only true game plan is to put on an incredible fight and walk away with a win regardless of how it comes.
 
 
Justin has fought in a big show (Strikeforce).  You are on your way.  Do you think a win over him propels you to where you want to be?
 
I guess I can’t really say where a win over Justin will get me until I have a win over Justin.  I’m someone who never looks past people and the only thing on my mind right now is winning this next fight.  I have long term goals which include fighting against the top fighters in the world, but I won’t worry about those until that time comes.  My only goal right now is finishing out my training camp and putting on a great fight November 24th.  
 
That makes sense.  So, let’s say that you do get past Justin Demoney and the UFC comes calling.  They offer you anyone in the any weight division.  Who do you pick and why?
 
The guy I would love to fight is middleweight Alan Belcher.  I have never seen him in a boring fight and his standup is some of the best in the game.  I’m sure it would be even more painful than my fight with Elvis was, but a chance to stand up with a guy who loves to bang it out like him would be a great time and would make for an incredible fight.
 
 
Who is your all time favorite fighter in the game?
 
My favorite fighter will always be Ramon Dekkers, the first foreign fighter to win fighter of the year in Thai history.  I mean seriously, how can you not love a guy with the nickname “The Turbine from Hell”?  The guy had over 200 fights and took on the best fighters in the world.  He was easily one of the most intense Thai Boxers in history, and I have always tried to develop a style similar to his. 
 
 
Let’s talk about “normal life”.  You wear a lot of hats in your daily routine.  Not only are you a professional fighter, you are in the Armed Forces, you have a family, and in the beginning of your career, you had aspirations to go to law school.  How do you find the time and do you still plan to continue your education or has that taken a back seat to MMA?
 
 You forgot about my aspirations to become a fighter pilot!  I interview this month with the 124th fighter squadron trying to live out my “Top Gun” fantasy that I have had since I was a little kid.  I’m still considering Law School, but I don’t want to make any decisions till I hear back from the Pilot board.  I bruise like a peach so I usually end up with two black eyes even after fights I don’t get hit in, so I would be interested to see the looks I would get from my Law Professors.  When I was getting my bachelors from (University of) Iowa, I never told my teachers I fought since I found it more entertaining to see the looks they gave me when I told them I got in an argument with with my girlfriend and didn’t feel comfortable talking about it. 
 
Training with a family is hard because it forces you to miss out on a lot of time at home.  Hayden usually helps me workout on my days off, and it’s not unusual to see Barbie’s scattered around our gym.  I’m very lucky that Tiff is very supportive of what I do and picks up my slack especially in the last couple weeks before the fight.  It’s not easy putting up with me before I fight because I tend to shut myself off from the world so I can focus in on everything I have to do to have myself ready to fight.
 
 
 
Thank you for your time.  We look forward to seeing you defend your belt in just a few weeks.  Like always, I’m sure we will see a great performance.  This match up has fight of the night written all over it.  Is there anyone you would like to thank?

I really want to thank my friends and family for supporting me in this.  I feel bad having people spend money to watch me fight, and I don’t think it’s possible to put on a good enough fight to pay them all back for the support they give me.  I don’t think people really understand how much they help us out as fighters by supporting us, and they really are in the cage with me when I fight.  My confidence all comes from the support I get from everyone around me, and I wish I could pay everyone back for all their help. 

I also want to thank my sponsors who have helped me get ready for this fight,
 
-Nick Rouse and Spartan Strength has transformed my cardio and strength to a new level and the mental confidence that provides you with can’t be expressed. 
-Nutrishop Sports Nutrition has provided me with all my supplements for this fight, and those guys have been great providing me with everything I need to keep my body going.
-Maximized Life Chiropractic, Dr. Brett is dedicated to providing the best care possible and as hard as I am on my joints every time I go back in there he manages to line me back up and keep me feeling healthy.
-660 Productions and the guys from Mindrite, these are long time friends of mine who have bent over backwards to help me out time and time again and I hope all of you check them out the next time they play in Des Moines.

MCC30 Thanksgiving Throwdown

Wednesday November 24 at Hy Vee Hall, Des Moines, Iowa

Welterweight Division
Thomas Olofson	VS	Chad Vandermark
Lightweight Division
Jose Colon	VS	Mitch Parker
Featherweight Division
Stoney Stuart	VS	Luis Saldana
Lightweight Division
Matt Rider	VS	Brody Jay
Catchweight 165
Jeremy Marker	VS	Shaun McDermott
Welterweight Division
Mike Grahm	VS	Nick Rouse
Light Heavyweight Division
Dean Bradley	VS	Mike Van Meer
Welterweight Division
Dave Severe	VS	Ronnie Britt
Welterweight Division
Lance Benoist	VS	Miguel Rios
Welterweight Championship
Justin Demoney	VS	Andy Branson
Middleweight Championship
Josh Rosaaen	VS	Elvis Mutapcic

Two New Champs are Crowned, Teager Retains Belt

With another successful event in the books, MCC reflects on “Triple Crown” and gears up for the next event.

In the first of three title bouts, top contenders Paul “The Gingabread Man” Bird and Josh “Bam Bam” Henry battled four rounds for the vacant Featherweight title. In what proved to be the most exciting fight of the evening, every minute of each round was action packed, extremely close on the judge’s scorecards, and displayed the evolution that both fighters have gone through to become two of the top mixed martial artists in the game today. It was mid-way through the fourth round when Henry was able to catch bird in a fight ending submission to walk away the victor. An extremely ecstatic Henry attributed the rigorous training schedule he endured throughout his eight week camp and credited his respect for Bird’s abilities pushed him to compete at a higher level. Even in defeat, Bird displayed tremendous skills, and we are excited to have him back in the MCC cage very soon.

The co-main event of the evening pitted number one contender, Andy “Danger Zone” Branson against late replacement, Ryan Bixler. The bout almost got an early start during the fighter face off at the weigh in as words were exchanged and tempers flared. Once fight time came, Bixler wasted no time in coming straight at Branson, landing a superman punch to knock the undefeated fighter straight to the mat. However, when the fight hit the ground, Branson displayed the discipline and technique that has kept his record blemish free. Branson patiently avoided strikes until he was able to secure the left arm of Bixler. Not willing to let go, Branson cranked on the joint until he was able to get a tap at the two minute mark of the very first round. Although there was no love lost in this bout, Branson had his hand raised and the new champion hardware placed around his waste. “Danger Zone” has proved, once again, that he belongs with the elite in the Welterweight division.

Bryce Teager has been somewhat inactive since winning the MCC Lightweight Championship in 2008. In his first title defense, however, he showed no signs of ring rust at MCC 27 when he faced on of the most dangerous striker in the Midwest. When Teager’s original opponent, former MCC champion and WEC veteran, Chris “Mad Dog” Mickle was unable to compete due to a previous fight, Corey “Tha Projekt” Simpson gladly accepted the bout on just three weeks notice. Simpson had just come off a devastating victory at MCC 26, and was in shape and ready for the bout with the champion. The title bout came down to who could impose their will; grappler or striker. When the opening bell rang, Simpson looked for the big punch that he’s known for. Teager, however, had a different game plan. He waited patiently for the opportunity to execute a double leg takedown. Although Simpson was able to defend it for a while, he was soon put on his back as the champion transitioned from side control to mount, eventually taking the back of Simpson and working in the rear naked choke. Teager successfully defended his belt.

Fight fans can expect the next event to, once again, deliver the action and excitement that only MCC can. As executives are planning a return in June, the fight card is already shaping up to be on of the best in MCC history. Be sure to check out www.MidwestCageChampionship.com for the latest news, fighter interviews, blogs, and event information.

MCC 26 Results

Steve Greene v Luis Saldana- Saldana by Ref stoppage

Don Dresher v Trvis Branson- Branson by Keylock

Chuck Cook v Chris Avery- Avery by RNC

Tony Crowder v Laramie Shaffer- Shaffer by Ref stoppage due to Strikes

Nick Walker v Jake Burriola- Burriola by Ref stoppage due to Strikes

Johnny Case v Mike Miller- Case by RNC

Tom Ahrens v Daraughn Canada- Ahrens by RNC

Ben Crowder v Pablo Lara- Crowder by Dr. stoppage

Rod Montoya v Ted Worthington- Worthington by Triangle

Mike Van Meer v Dean Bradley- Bradley by Split Decision

Featherweight Championship
Paul Bird v Josh Henry- Henry by Triangle

Welterweight Championship
Ryan Bixler v Andy Branson- Branson by Arm bar

Lightweight Championship
Corey Simpson v Bryce Teager- Teager by Arm bar

Reiner Replaced for Title Fight
 
UFC veteran Chad “The Grinder” Reiner, who was set to face top welterweight contender, Andy “Danger Zone” Branson, was forced to withdraw from the contest due to am injury sustained in training.  According to his management team, Reiner was nearing the final phase of his training camp when he injured his ribs making further training impossible.
 
Fortunately, a quality opponent was only one call away.  Ryan Bixler, am experienced veteran who holds wins over quality opponents that include former MCC champion Teddy “Red” Worthington, will leave his training camp in San Diego, California to make the trek back to his native Iowa.
 
Officials from MCC reported, “Bixler, who is originally a product of Team Miletich, was excited for the opportunity.  He has been already training at Alliance (San Diego) with UFC fighters Brandon Vera, Jeremy Stephens, Joe Brammer, and WEC Champion Dominck Cruz, so he is in shape and ready to go.  This fight will be amazing, and we are pleased that we could find a worthy opponent who was willing to step up on short notice.  The fans will definitely appreciate this match up.”
 
Tickets for MCC 26: “Triple Crown” are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-229-8566 or at all Dahl’s ticket outlets.  For more information on the fight card, interviews, blogs and video’s, check out the web site.

With Big Shoes to Fill, MCC Returns Next Month
 
 
Fast on the heels of the most exciting, action packed event to date, Midwest Cage Championship returns to Hy Vee Hall on Friday, April 16 for MCC 26: “Triple Crown”.  The night will feature three five-round title fights and nine additional bouts highlighting some of the top up and coming mixed martial artists.
 
Andy “Danger Zone” Branson vs. Chad “The Grinder” Reiner
 
Undefeated welterweight prospect, Andy “Danger Zone” Branson has been tearing through the competition on his was to the big show.  Standing in his way will be two-time UFC veteran Chad “The Grinder” Reiner, a submission specialist hailing from Omaha, Nebraska.  Reiner, a former member of the United States Marine Corp is as tough as they come and will prove to be a challenge for Branson.
 
Branson stated, “Ultimately, my goal is to make it to the UFC.  Reiner has been there twice.  To prove that I belong there, I have to beat him- and beat him convincingly.  I have already started my training camp, and I will look to make this my most impressive performance to date.”
 
Paul “The Gingabread Man” Bird vs. Josh “Bam Bam” Henry
 
Two of the top contenders in the featherweight division will go head to head for the 145 lb. crown, which was recently vacated by Eric Marriott following an agreement with the ESPN-based promotion, Bellator.
 
No stranger to tough fights, TUF/Ultimate Fighter reality show alum, Paul Bird looks to climb up the ladder on his quest back to the bright lights and pay per view cameras.  With a recent win over WEC and Pride veteran, Joe Pearson, Bird looks to impress.  However, the baby faced brawler, better known as “Bam Bam” is ready for the challenge.
 
Henry commented, “Paul Bird is a great fighter.  I have a lot of respect for him, and I think it’s going to be an exciting fight.  I can see us going toe to toe throughout the whole fight.  The fans will get their money’s worth on this fight alone.”
 
His opponent agreed.  And, this could prove to be one of the best battles of 2010.
 
Bryce Teager vs. Chris “Mad Dog” Mickle
 
Reigning Lightweight Champion, who has been on a one-year hiatus from the promotion, has been chomping at the bit to step back into the cage.  And, who better than to welcome him back is none other than Chris “Mad Dog” Mickle.  One of the most experienced fighters in the game, Mickle has tested his skill in both the lightweight and featherweight divisions.  He’s held the MCC Featherweight belt, and he’s fought the best 145 lb. fighter in the world, Jose Aldo, in the UFC’s sister promotion, WEC.
 
“Almost every time I fight in MCC, I put on the fight of the night.  This will not be any different.  I know what Bryce brings to the table, and I know what I’m bringing to the table.  But, what I plan on taking home is his belt.”
 
 
Tickets for MCC 26: “Triple Crown” are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-229-8566, Wells Fargo Arena Box Office, or at all Dahl’s Grocery ticket outlets.  For more information, fighter interviews, video’s and blogs, check out the web site.

Friday, April 16th, 2010 @ HyVee Hall

Featherweight Division
Steve Greene	VS	Luis Saldana
Catchweight 195
Don Dresher	VS	Travis Branson
Featherweight Division
Chuck Cook	VS	Chris Avery
Bantamweight Division
Tony Crowder	VS	Laramie Shaffer
Lightweight Division
Nick Walker	VS	Jake Burriola
Lightweight Division
Johnny Case	VS	Mike Miller
Featherweight Division
Tom Ahrens	VS	Daraughn Canada
Middleweight Division
Ben Crowder	VS	Pablo Lara
Welterweight Division
Rod Montoya	VS	Ted Worthington
Light Heavyweight Division
Mike Van Meer	VS	Dean Bradley
Featherweight Championship
Paul Bird	VS	Josh Henry
Welterweight Championship
Ryan Bixler	VS	Andy Branson
Lightweight Championship
Corey Simpson	VS	Bryce Teager