MCC 27: “Mutapcic vs Cummings” Makes History

With another event in the books, MCC 27 is already being regarded as quite possibly, the best event in the promotions history. From open to close, these warriors came out to put on a show for the fight fans, and with raw talent, determination, and the willingness to push each other beyond imaginable limits, they performed beyond expectations. And when the dust settled, every one left Veterans Auditorium raving.

The night started out with two MCC newcomers; Josiah Oppman and Dustin Updike bringing the crowd to their feet with three rounds of solid striking. With neither fighter willing to take the match to the ground, they bloodied and battered each other at a feverishly fast pace. With Updike getting the better of the exchanges, Oppman looked to land the one punch knock out. Unfortunately, time ran out and the judges awarded a unanimous decision victory to Dustin Updike. Look for big things to come from both of these young competitors.

A welterweight match up between Jiu-Jitsu specialist, Jay Olsen and hard-nosed striker Chad Vandermark turned out to be an extremely close, back and forth battle. Midway through the third round, Olsen attempted a rear naked choke, but when he was unable to secure the submission, the referee called the fight back up to the feet and Vandermark saw that as a sign to turn up the intensity. He was able to finish strong and for his efforts, he was awarded a split decision victory over the previously undefeated Olsen.

Former MCC Featherweight Champion, Will “The Real Deal” Shutt returned to the cage to face Omaha’s Jordan “The Nebraskan Nightmare” Eggli, who was making his MCC debut. Although Eggli got off to a slow start, he was able to defend over ten arm bar and triangle submission attempts from Shutt, while going for submissions of his own. The Vaghi Jiu Jitsu blue belt, remained calm and composed as he wore down the former champ. But, at 3:44 of the final round, Shutt was finally able to secure the triangle choke that he had been searching for the entire night, forcing Eggli to tap.

Touted as one of the best fights of 2009, Laramie “The Contract Killer” Shaffer and Zak “The Maniac” Laird, agreed to a rematch which marked both fighters professional debut. History was able to repeat itself as both of these warriors went back and forth with punches, kicks and incredible grappling. Laird was able to get off some clean shots that clearly took its toll on the face of Shaffer, while Shaffer attempted to utilize his superior wrestling skills to take the fight to the mat. When the final bell sounded, all three judges saw it the same- a unanimous decision victory for Zak “The Maniac” Laird. The rematch lived up to the hype, and I think all fight fans would agree that we could stand to watch these two go at it on every MCC card.

In the two number on contender bouts, Jesse Lund proved to be too much for “Mean” Dean Bradley. Bradley, who had been on a winning streak, taking out Josh “Bull” Christensen and former MCC Middleweight Champ, Mike “Mini Van” Van Meer, put on an excellent performance, and, at moments, had the more experienced Lund in some compromising positions. However, Lund showed his hard training and never say die attitude as he forced a tap out by strikes late in the second round.

Chris “Mad Dog” Mickle once again proved that strategy can overcome strength and power as he wasted no time going to the mat with hard hitting, Cory “Tha Projekt” Simpson and ending the fight just two minutes into the very first round with an arm bar. Simpson, who made it known that he wanted to stand and trade punches, never had the opportunity to use his hands. It was a tough break for Simpson and a solid win for Mickle. After the fight, Mickle announced that he would be deployed to Afghanistan later this year.

The main event of the evening re-classified the definition of talent and heart! Former MCC Middleweight Champion, Zak Cummings returned to face the current title holder, Elvis “The King” Mutapcic. For five rounds, fans watched the native of Sarajevo, Bosnia pick apart the grappler with brutal leg kicks and punches. While Cummings was able to get off several clean punches of his own, Mutapcic was clearly the superior striker. Cummings took shot after shot, only to be shrugged off and countered by the current champ. Late in the fifth and final round, Cummings grazed the eye of Mutapcic which set him up for a swift combination. Momentarily, Mutapcic was wobbled as the referee looked on closely. It appeared that, although Mutapcic had secured all of the previous rounds decisively, he would be finished. Digging deep, Mutapcic was not only able to survive, but reverse the position to finish out the fight in a dominant fashion. The crowd was electrifying and the atmosphere was almost deafening as Bosnian and American supporters alike, cheered for “The King”. Mutapcic had faced and conquered his toughest opponent to date and proved that he has what it takes to fight amongst the most elite mixed martial artists in the world. Fight fans can expect big things from Mutapcic in the upcoming months!

The Internet has been buzzing and people have been raving over MCC 27 for the past several hours. With fight fans hungry for more, MCC has already started working on the next line up, which will take place in August. For more information, check out www.MidwestCageChampionship.com.

Full Results Below:

Josiah Oppman v Dustin Updike -    Updike by  Unanimous decision- 3 rounds
Henry Meza v Eric Kapayou-     Kapayou by triangle choke 2:32 Rd 1
Seth Craig v Johnny Coleman-    Craig by RNC :22 rd 1
Jay Olsen v Chad Vandermark-    Vandermark by split decision - 3 rounds
Mitch Parker v Luis Saldana –     Saldana by RNC 1:40 rd 2
Jordan Eggli v Will Shutt – Shutt by triangle choke – 3:44 rd 3
Jeff Carstens  v Miguel Rios –  Rios by RNC 1:41 rd 1
Rick Glenn v Colby Karaidos – Glen by TKO 2:49 rd 1
Laramie Schaffer v Zak Laird – Laird by Unanimous decision- 3 rounds
Jesse Lund v Dean Bradley- Lund by Tapout from strikes  3:34 rd 2
Cory Simpson v Chris Mickle –  Mickle by Armbar 2:00 rd 1 

Middleweight Championship

Zak Cummings v Elvis Mutapcic- Mutapcic by unanimous decision after 5 rounds

Moreno vs. Crowder Scrapped, Replaced with Mickle vs. Simpson
 
At MCC 25: “Inferno”, Cory “The Projekt” Simpson made his return to the cage with a dominating performance over fellow lightweight striker, Jake Burriola.  He returned at MCC 26: “Triple Crown” to replace injured title contender, Chris “Mad Dog” Mickle, in a title bout with lightweight champion, Bryce Teager.  Although Simpson was unsuccessful in his quest for the belt, fight fans will not have to wait very long to see him back in action!
 
The Simpson camp has verbally agreed to face the fighter he recently replaced; Chris “Mad Dog” Mickle in a three round bout at MCC 27: “Mutapcic vs. Cummings”.  The bout will take place Friday, June 11 at Veterans Auditorium.
 
MCC official’s reported early Sunday morning, “We received word from Moreno that he had lost his fight in North Dakota and was too banged up to continue training or fight Ben Crowder in June.  It was disappointing because their bout had been heavily promoted already, but these things happen.  We are very excited that, once again, Cory Simpson has stepped up to the plate to take a tough fight.  Hopefully we can get Crowder and Moreno in the cage down the road so they can finally settle their grudge.”
 
Mickle, a former MCC champion and a veteran of the UFC’s sister promotion, WEC, has faced some of the toughest competition in the game.  Whether the fight is standing or on the ground, Mickle has been known for his heart and willingness to take the fight wherever it needs to go.  On facing a devastating knock out artist like Simpson, Mickle simply stated, “Let’s do it!”
 
Tickets for MCC 27: “Mutapcic vs. Cummings” are available at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-229-8566 or at all Dahl’s ticket outlets.  For more information including interviews, fighter blogs, and up to the minute news, check out the MCC web site.

Friday, June 11th, 2010 @ Vets Auditorium

Featherweight Division
Josiah Oppman	VS	Dustin Updike
Featherweight Division
Henry Meza	VS	Eric Kapayou
Flyweight Division
Seth Craig	VS	Johnny Coleman
Catch weight of 165
Jay Olson	VS	Chad Vandermark
Featherweight Division
Mitch Parker	VS	Luis Saldana
Featherweight Division
Jordan Eggli	VS	Will Shutt
Welterweight Division
Jeff Carstens	VS	Miguel Rios
Lightweight Division
Rick Glenn	VS	Colby Karaidos
Bantamweight Division
Laramie Shaffer	VS	Zak Laird
Light Heavyweight #1 Contender
Jesse Lund	VS	Dean Bradley
Lightweight #1 Contender
Cory Simpson	VS	Chris Mickle
Middleweight Championship
Zak Cummings	VS	Elvis Mutapcic

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.

“The Biggest Midwest Showdown Since Mickle vs. Stephens”

Several years ago, before they became two of the most popular fighters in the Midwest, Jeremy “Lil Heathen” Stephens and Chris “Mad Dog” Mickle put on one of the most epic four round battles in MMA history.  It ultimately ended when Stephens put Mickle to sleep with a highlight worthy spinning back fist.  Shortly thereafter, “Lil Heathen” received his invitation to the UFC and has been putting on highlight worthy performances ever since.

History will repeat itself at MCC 24: “Reloaded” as top prospect, Alonzo “Zo Diddy” Martinez has agreed to replace the injured Chris Mickle to face Paul “Gingabread Man” Bird.

MCC co-owner, John Halverson noted, “We had several options to look at when we found out Mickle was injured, but Paul and Zo made the most sense.  You have two fighters on the verge of breaking into the big show, and this is probably the one fight that is going to push them over the edge.”

Bird, who is a veteran of UFC’s popular television reality show, The Ultimate Fighter, is on a four fight win streak including a win over WEC and Pride veteran, Joe Pearson.  Although this fight could serve as his toughest opponent to date, Bird is looking forward to showing his improvement as a mixed martial artist against a veteran with several notable appearances under his belt.

Martinez, a veteran of Ring of Fire, HD Net, and ESPN’s Bellator, has notable wins over UFC veteran’s Brandon Melendez, Ryan Roberts, Luke Caudillo and a draw with former MCC champion and recent UFC signee, Joe Brammer, is excited for the opportunity to face a fellow up and comer like Bird.

“This is such a great match up,” stated, Halverson.  “This is the caliber of fight you’d see on a UFC prelim or Spike TV Ultimate Fight Night.  I’m sure after this fight one of these two is headed to the big league.”

Tickets for MCC 24: “Reloaded” are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-229-8566, Iowa Events Center Box office, or at all Dahl’s ticket outlets.  Also on the card is a main event featuring TJ “The Spider” O’Brien and Jake “Dirty Bird” Brown as they battle it out for the vacant interim Lightweight Championship.

Fighter Stats:

Alonzo Martinez                                      Paul Bird

5′10                                                              5′9

155                                                               155

26-10                                                            8-1

Freestyle                                                      Vale Tudo

Wrestling Background                              Boxing Background

MCC23

Thanksgiving Throwdown has become a tradition for the Midwest’s top promotion, and with thirteen fights down, the fighters and MCC crew are ready to relax and spend some time giving thanks for all that is good.

There were three belts on the line last night, and all three champions proved to a crowd of over 2,000 people why they proudly wear the strap around their waist.  In the first title match of the night, relative newcomer, Demetrius “D-Mo” Richards stepped in as an underdog against number one contender Jesse Lund.  Taking the fight on less than ten days notice, Richards came into the cage with his game plan in tact, swiftly putting Lund on his back and securing a Kimura just minutes into the opening round, forcing the tap from Lund.  With the Interim Championship secured, D-Mo has already called out MCC current Light Heavyweight Champion, Chuck Grigsby- a fighter that recently put the only blemish on Richards record.  After congratulating the newly crowned champ, Grigsby quickly accepted the challenge and MCC is already working on their fight for an upcoming event.

Next up on the card was a battle of featherweight brawlers as Josh “Bam Bam” Henry, who was on a three fight win streak, took a big leap in competition to challenge MCC Featherweight title holder, Eric Marriott for his belt.  Right off the bat, Henry came on strong, slamming the champion to the mat and delivering some brutal ground and pound.  Marriott showed his experience and cage prowess and he remained composed as he went for submission after submission.  Henry was able to defend a barrage or arm bars, but the relentless Marriott was finally able to secure an arm which had Bam Bam quickly tapping out at the end of the first round.  Before the fight Marriott made no qualms that the belt was going back to Independence, Missouri with him, and he made good on his claim.

In the main event of the evening, former Middleweight Champion, Mike “Mini Van” Van Meer, made another run for the best when he faced Elvis “The King” Mutapcic.  The first round saw the taller, more muscular Mutapcic stalking Van Meer like a lion chasing down a gazelle.  With brutal leg kicks, Mutapcic battered Van Meers legs and mid-section over and over again.  Despite having less than ten fights under his belt, Mutapcic remained extremely calm as he picked his shots over and over.  It was not until the final seconds of the first round Van Meer was finally able to land any significant strikes.
The second round started with Van Meer coming out more aggressively, looking for the take down.  The King was able to shrug Van Meer off, delivering more leg strikes for his effort.  following Van Meers third attempt to get the Bosnian phenom to the mat, his leg buckled and he went down with Mutapcic following him to fire off ten unanswered blows before referee Thomas Mastin was forced to call a halt to the action.  Mutapcic left the cage with the Middleweight Championship belt around his waist.

The nights under card bouts were just as exciting as the title fights with two bantamweight fighters making impressive MCC debuts.

Sioux City’s John “Bogus” DeVall received his invitation to the promotion after a successful tryout at MCC Trials III.  The quiet mixed martial artists did all his talking in the cage when he faced Des Moines native, Tony “Lil Crusher” Crowder.   After getting put on his back just seconds after the opening bell, DeVall hunted relentlessly for submissions until he secured the fight ending triangle he was searching for.  It was an impressive debut for the newcomer, DeVall.  His performance was anything but “Bogus”, and fight fans will see him on another card soon.

A native of Oahu, Hawaii, Max “Little Evil” Holloway traveled to the main land to help out fellow MCC alum Will Shutt and Josh Henry prepare for their bouts.  Known for his lightning fast hands and devastating kicks, this tall bantamweight had his hands full as he faced muay Thai prodigy, Corey McDonald.  In what was touted to be the stand up fight of the night, it was Holloway who used multiple Judo throws to keep McDonald on the canvas, peppering his with strikes.  This strategy proved to be the puzzle McDonald could not solve as “Little Evil” pounded away at the face and body until McDonald verbally submitted.  Taking the moniker, “Little Evil” after former UFC champion Jens Pulver, Holloway has some big shoes to fill.  He proved to MCC fans that he is here to make some noise and shake up the competition in the bantamweight division.

Full Event Results Below

Laird via Unaniamous Decision over Morrison- 30-27, 29-28, 29-28
DeVall via Triangle over Crowder- 2:34
Lepa via Unanimous Decision over Jones- 29-28 unan decision
Holloway via Ref Stoppage over McDonald- 2:51
Villareal via Doctor Stoppage due to Cut over Vandermark- 1:55 rd 3
Shaffer via Submission to Strikes over Moffit- :34
Rios via Ref stoppage due to Strikes over Naumann- 1:19
Branson via Triangle over Tice triangle- 4:41
Christenson via Rear Naked Choke over Johnson- 1:24
Mickle via Arm Bar over Shutt- 0:19
Marriot via Arm Bar over Henry- 2:23
Richards via Kimura over Lund- 1:31
Mutapcic via Ref Stoppage due to Strikes over Van Meer rd 2

Chris Mickle & Will Shutt

By Randy Thomas

Former Champions Collide in Non-Title Bout
 
At MCC 23 “Thanksgiving Throwdown,” two former champions have agreed to face each other in a bout that is expected to be one of the most fast paced of the evening.  Following a side-lining shoulder injury due to an automobile accident, Will “The Real Deal” Shutt will step back in the cage to take on Chris “Mad Dog” Mickle.  Prior to moving back up to his natural weight class, Mickle lost his featherweight belt to current champion, Eric Marriott,  who is set to defend his title at MCC 23.  Will Shutt, who has been on the hunt for the featherweight crown since losing the strap in 2007, will come up to the lightweight division in hopes to make a statement.  A win against Mickle could possibly set him up for another title shot down the road.
 
Any fight fan would agree, that Shutt vs Mickle is a very interesting match up.  Mickle’s last two fights have been five round title bouts where he battled until the final bell.  Both fights were main events along with the added pressure to perform since he had just competed in the WEC in front of millions.  With this contest only scheduled for three rounds, we should see the best Chris Mickle.   We caught up with the frustrated former champion, who stated, “I’m down three fights, and I won’t be at ease until I’m up more then three consecutive fights.”  He added, “I’m mad, and it just sucks for Will Shutt, because he will just be my first victim.”
 
  His opponent, Will Shutt answered, ”I feel we are tailor made for each other, and we’ll both be fighting with the same exact styles.”   The always exciting Shutt, and his go for broke fighting style makes this bout very much anticipated. He promised, “I’m coming out to knock Chris Mickles’ head off!  I’m looking for the big KO, as I know Mickle will be looking to do the same. Anything can happen though. If I don’t get it, I plan to earn my victory one way or another, even if it takes all three rounds.”  
 
Although he has been out of the cage for some time, Shutt says the break was a blessing in disguise, and it gave him the much needed time to re-charge. Not to mention, sitting back and watching the success of his training partners Jake Brown and Josh Henry, has done nothing but light a fire and help him improve.
 
Shutt concluded with, “Come Wednesday, November 25th at Vets, this will be the most excited I will ever be to get in the cage. And, I couldn’t be more excited to do it against such a veteran of the sport.”
 
MCC 23 “Thanksgiving Throwdown”, Wednesday, November 25 at Vets Auditorium features three title bouts.  Tickets are available on-line at MidwestCageChampionship.com, or by phone at 515-229-8566.  To see the full card, visit the MCC web site.

MCC 23 Thanksgiving Throwdown

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009 @ Vets Auditorium

1. Laird via Unaniamous Decision over Morrison- 30-27, 29-28, 29-28
2. DeVall via Triangle over Crowder- 2:34
3. Lepa via Unanimous Decision over Jones- 29-28 unan decision
4. Holloway via Ref Stoppage over McDonald- 2:51
5. Villareal via Doctor Stoppage due to Cut over Vandermark- 1:55 rd 3
6. Shaffer via Submission to Strikes over Moffit- :34
7. Rios via Ref stoppage due to Strikes over Naumann- 1:19
8. Branson via Triangle over Tice triangle- 4:41
9. Christenson via Rear Naked Choke over Johnson- 1:24
10. Mickle via Arm Bar over Shutt- 0:19
11. Marriot via Arm Bar over Henry- 2:23
12. Richards via Kimura over Lund- 1:31
13. Mutapcic via Ref Stoppage due to Strikes over Van Meer rd 2

Featherweight Division
Justin Morrisson	VS	Zak Laird
Batamweight Division
John DeVall	VS	Tony Crowder
Lightweight Division
Nick Lepa	VS	Jordan Jones
Featherweight Division
Max Holloway	VS	Corey McDonald
Welterweight Division
Leo Villareal	VS	Chad Vandermark
Bantamweight Division
Shane Moffit	VS	Laramie Shaffer
Welterweight Division
Thomas Naumann	VS	Miguel Rios
Middleweight Division
Andy Branson	VS	Ian Tice
Light Heavyweight Division
Josh Christenson	VS	Heath Johnson
Lightweight Division
Will Shutt	VS	Chris Mickle
Featherweight Championship
Josh Henry	VS	Eric Marriott
Interim Light Heavyweight Championship
Demetrius Richards	VS	Jesse Lund
Middleweight Championship
Elvis Mutapcic	VS	Mike Van Meer

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.