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

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.

Simpson Replaces Mickle for Title Bout with Teager
 
With literally two weeks until fight night, the seemingly perfectly matched card at MCC 26: “Triple Crown” was shaping up smoothly.  All of the fighter’s training was going well, there have been no injuries to report, and there has been plenty of buzz in the air.  Then suddenly, disaster struck…
 
MCC matchmaker explained, “Basically, Chris Mickle, who was scheduled for a title fight with current Lightweight Champion, Bryce Teager, had taken another high profile fight against UFC veteran Ryan Roberts.  Their fight took place last night.  He planned both fights too close together, got knocked out last night, and received a mandatory 60-day suspension.  It takes him completely out of the Teager bout.”
 
This is a promotions worst nightmare.  Title fights are five rounds- not three.  The physical and mental training is stepped up to a whole different level.  The competition is stiffer, and the stakes are higher.  Finding a replacement has proven to be extremely challenging.
 
Not this time!
 
Stepping up on short notice was none other than popular Des Moines based brawler, Cory “Tha Projekt” Simpson.  MCC officials called Simpson early in the morning upon learning of Mickle’s situation.
 
“We called Cory’s management, and five minutes later the fight was a go.  Simpson was very excited for the opportunity and given his performance just three weeks ago at MCC 25, we believe he is ready, in great shape, and mentally focused for a high caliber fight like this will be.  Simpson and Teager match up very well, and we can assure you that MCC fight fans will be very please with this bout.”
 
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 about MCC, including fighter blogs, interviews and videos, log onto 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

Like Looking in the Mirror, Burriola Meets Familiar Face

By Randy Thomas
 
At MCC 25: “Inferno”, Jake Burriola will step in the cage with Cory “Tha Projekt” Simson.  The match up is creating quite the buzz around the fight scene.  How these two have never faced each other in the past remains a mystery.
 
Stylistically, the two match up perfectly.  Both mixed martial artists are strikers.  Both like to put on a show for the crowd.  Both will fight until the bell sounds or the other one falls.  But, the similarities go even deeper than that.  MCC co-owner, John Halverson commented, “These guys started way back in the day with Josh (Neer), Vic (Moreno) and me- at Toad Holler.  It’s crazy because they were both very young at the time, probably not even old enough to get in.  They didn’t have many skills, no instruction, they just climbed in there and banged.  Look at them now; skill to match their raw talent.”
 
He continued, “It’s such a good match up because it’s like they are the same fighter.  They’re the same age, same height, both idolize the same person in the sport, both started fighting at the same time, both fought in weight classes everywhere from featherweight to middleweight, both have made some bad decisions, come to a cross-roads, and found their way back to a positive route through MMA.  This is a fight I’m really looking forward to.”
 
If you ask Burriola, he’s looking forward to the fight too.
 
“I’m very excited!  Simpson is a stand up fighter just like me, so I am preparing for a three round battle if it lasts that long. I want to push myself in this fight and leave the cage knowing I gave everything I had in there.  Cory is the perfect opponent to test myself because the only way to beat him is to beat him.  He’s not going to lay down for anyone.  There is no quit in him, and I have reached a place in my life where there will be no quit in me either.”
 
With an amateur record of 40-4 and a professional record consisting of six wins with only two losses, the Des Moines native, who spent the last two years in Las Vegas, is ready to represent his new gym, Roundkick and its head trainer/owner, Pete Peterson.  Focusing on sharpening his muay Thai skills, Burriola is under the tutelage of Peterson, morning, noon and night.  He is confident that he is both mentally and physically prepared for war.
 
To Burriola, the return to the cage has been a long road, but he’s had his fair share of fights on his way back.
 
“My toughest fight was the one I fought with myself.  Prior to my move to Las Vegas my life was a mess.  I became a very heavy drinker which took over my life.  Basically, I took two years off from everything, moved away, and focused on getting my life straight.  I got into the word and truth, and started from square one. I gave up drinking.  I even gave up television while I worked on my life and getting it back on the right track.  I’m not all the way there, but I will be!  I am in a better place in my life now, and I am as motivated as ever.  Come March 13, I will be the best fighter I can be.”
 
Although Jake Burriola is not looking past his next fight, he has vowed that 2010 is going to be his year.  Ultimately, he is going to focus on laying the foundation to achieving his dream; to someday compete in the UFC.  He’s lived and written the book on his past life.  He’s ready to start writing again.  The next chapter begins March 13. 
 
MCC 25: “Inferno” takes place March 13 at Hy Vee Hall.  Tickets are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-229-8566 or at all Dahl’s ticket outlets.  For event information, fighter video’s, interviews, and up to the minute news, log on to the MCC web site.

MMA’s Bad Boy Returns to the Cage

By Randy Thomas

At just sixteen years of age, long before he became “Tha Projekt”, Cory Simpson stepped into the ring for the first time.  A lifelong resident of Des Moines’ North side of town, Simpson, like many others, was introduced to the sport of mixed martial arts by weekly amateur fights at Toad Holler.  The plan was simply to enjoy the night supporting another local fighter, but when Simpson was called out by a wanna-be tough guy, he did what came natural- he stepped in the ring and fought his heart out.  He loved it.  In fact, he loved it so much that he made his return to the amateur circuit 25 more times, and without a blemish on his record.  People began to take notice that the 145 lb kid who refused to back down from anyone, had the skills to back up his talk.
 
Fast forward six years and you’ll know that Cory Simpson has been there and done that.  He’ll be the first to admit that he’s made some bad decisions.  He’s taken some bad fights.  He’s gotten lazy and ballooned up to almost 200 lbs.  He’s run the streets and been in near death situations, ended up in the hospital and eventually jail.  But, with the birth of his son, Antonio and his daughter, Kota he made a decision to turn his life around.  He had to.  Death or prison were imminent.  Simpson was surrounded with the people he needed to make him a better person and a great fighter.  Not to mention the talent he was wasting.  But, the ultimate decision was his to make.  The fight was with himself.
 
“I spent some time in jail and it took away my privilege to fight.  It took away my privilege to do anything.  My actions took everything away.  I’m not a bad kid, I’ve made some bad choices though.  It was time to put all of that behind me.  It was time to surround myself with positive people.  I’m a good father and I strive to be a good role model for my children.  Plus, I’m a pretty good fighter!”
 
Despite a rocky start to his professional career, Simpson has managed to string together a record of 15 wins and 8 losses, including a recent five-fight win streak.  On March 13 at MCC 25: “Inferno”, Simpson will return to face Jake Burriola.  Burriola is another Toad Holler alum who is ready to stand, bang, and see who the better striker is.
 
“I hope he does want to stand with me.  I want to give the MCC fans what they really want to see- a show.  If he stands with me, I’m going to test his jaw.  In fact, I’m already looking past this fight.  I already have my sights set on TJ O’Brien or whoever has the MCC Lightweight Belt.  I’m coming for it, and nobody is going to be able to stop me.”
 
And, what are days like for Cory Simpson?
 
“Nothing but positive.  I’m in the gym everyday.  I get to train with my idol, Josh Neer.  Everyone at Des Moines Mixed Martial Arts looks out for me, and I’ve got nothing but love and respect for them.  I don’t take anything for granted, and I’d never risk my freedom or tarnish the perception that my fans and sponsors have for me.  I’m going to be a successful mixed martial artist.  I’m thankful.”
 
Although “Tha Projekt” is predicting a win in the first round by knock out, he’s ready for anything.  With submissions in his arsenal as well as confidence, fight fans are predicting the Simpson/Burriola match to epic; possibly one of the best fights this year.  With a huge fan base behind him, the sky is the limit for the reformed 23 year old brawler.
 
MCC 25: “Inferno” takes place Saturday, March 13 at Hy Vee Hall.  Tickets are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-229-8566 or all Dahl’s Grocery ticket outlets.  For more information on the fight card, visit the MCC web site.