Van Meer, Bradley: The Trilogy
 
All great things come in three, right?  Look at Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, and The Return of the Jedi.  How about The Godfather parts one through three?  Oh, what about the Twilight series?  Wait….scratch that last one.
 
Anyway, in less than one week, another great trilogy comes to and end.  Mike “Mini Van” Van Meer and “Mean” Dean Bradley have faced each other twice, and each one of them have racked up wins over the other. 
 
The first go ’round, Bradley used judo throws and a relentless offense to defeat the former champion in an action packed, back and forth battle.  The next time out, Van Meer trained like a madman in an effort to erase the loss handed to him just months earlier.  And, although he scored a unanimous decision victory, the lackluster bout warranted what will become the third and final chapter in their careers against each other- the rubber match.
 
At MCC 30: “Thanksgiving Throwdown”, each of these light heavyweight powerhouses have an opportunity to, not only one up the other, but also get in a position to make a run at the vacant MCC Light Heavyweight crown, which was recently held by Bellator fighter, Demetrius “D-Mo” Richards.
 
The always confident, Van Meer, has set up his fight camp alongside training partner, coach, and MCC veteran, Ronnie “Warfrog” Britt at Broken Bones Combat Club, while Bradley has become a member of Des Moines’ newest facility, Premier Combat Training.  With both fighters training hard and getting solid coaching, fight fans can expect a more technical, fast paced fight.  Since they have logged six rounds or thirty minutes of actual fight time between the two contests, both Van Meer and Bradley has vowed to finish the other to prove who is the more dominant competitor.
 
Will Van Meer, the veteran fighter, with over fifty professional mixed martial arts bouts prove himself and move up the MCC ladder, or will Bradley silence the critics and show that sometimes, hard work and determination can prevail over experience?
 
MCC 30: “Thanksgiving Throwdown” takes place next Wednesday at Hy Vee Hall.  Tickets for the event are available at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-229-8566, at all Dahl’s ticket outlets, or at the door the night of the show.  Doors open at 6:30 and the fight fight will start at 7:30.  For more information, including the fight card, other news and fighter interviews, check out the web site.

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

MCC Trials IV: Clear Skies, New Blood; This is Iowa MMA, Baby!
 
 
Saturday night, MCC held its first ever outdoor event.  The Guthrie County Fair played host to Midwest Cage Championship’s fourth trials series as the Midwest’s most popular promotion sought out more up and coming talent to add to their already impressive roster.  The fight thirsty crowd was primed and ready for war by the time the first fighter entered the cage.  Since Guthrie Center had never housed a live MMA event, MCC did not want to leave the new fans disappointed and instilled the services of two bigger name fighters.  The main event of the evening featured a professional mixed martial arts bout/rematch between former middleweight champion, Mike “Mini Van” Van Meer and “Mean” Dean Bradley.
 
The fights were a success and although several fighters gave impressive performances, four fighters, in particular, laminated their spot on upcoming MCC cards.
 
Isaac Adamson- Making his mixed martial arts debut, Adamson, who is fighting out of the Henry fight camp, came highly recommended from his trainer and MCC Featherweight Champion, Josh “Bam Bam” Henry.  With such confidence in the new comers skills, Henry was completely at ease with Adamson’s match up, amateur MMA champion and the holder of an impressive 8-2 record, Alex “The Predator” Stephens.  When the bell rang Adamson wasted little time going after his opponent.  Looking like a predator himself, Adamson landed punches, kicks and takedowns at the command of his corner.  Stephens hung tough and fended off several submission attempts and vulnerable positions throughout the contest.  However, nearing the end of the second frame, Stephens made a rookie mistake as Adamson sunk in a tight head arm triangle choke, putting “The Predator” to sleep with just fifteen seconds left in the round.  Look for big things to come from this kid. 
 
Mike Briggs-  A protege of MMA veteran, Ronnie “The Warfrog” Britt, Briggs faced his toughest, most rugged opponent to date; Jesse Walker, brother of MCC vet, Nick “The Wolverine” Walker.  If you know anything about the Walker clan, you know that they are not going to lay down for anyone.  You know they will fight anyone.  And, you know that if you fight a Walker, you’re going to know that you were in a fight!  Ready to prove himself, Briggs was content to stand in the pocket and trade punches and knees for the majority of the bout.  Although close to being submitted in the first round, Briggs showed patience and perfect technique, escaping the standing guillotine for a much more favorable position.  Working at a feverish pace, it was hard to imagine these two would be able to keep it up.  At the one minute mark of the second round, Briggs was able to take Walker down, pass to the mount position and rain down some heavy leather.  The end came at 2:50 of round number two when referee Thomas Mastin had seen enough.  Looking no worse for the wear, Briggs hand was raised in victory as he politely accepted his invitation to join MCC’s organization.
 
Brent Bates- Another standout from Henry’s Martial Arts camp, Bates, who made the transition from heavyweight to middleweight, was prepared to put on a mixed martial arts clinic as he went toe to toe with Brandon Kiley.  As Bates stalked his opponent, he waited for his opportunity to pounce.  As Kiley defended the punishment at the hands of Bates, the motivated middleweight turned up the heat forcing the TKO stoppage at 2:49 seconds of round number one.  An intense competitor, Bates has a lot of talent, and training with a qualified camp will only expose his unlimited potential.
 
Nate Hausen-  A member of Des Moines Mixed Martial Arts Academy, Hausen  was well prepared for his MMA debut.  With corner men like MCC champions, Elvis “The King” Mutapcic and Andy “Danger Zone” Branson, one would have to come to the cage with a lot of confidence, right?  Facing former DMX brawler, Thomas Olofson, both warriors stepped into the cage looking like chiseled gladiators.  Although most were looking for a stand up and bang fest, Hausen was looking to show his dominance.  After throwing a jab, Olofson ducked under to take the newcomer to the mat, but Hausen, training with some of the best fighters in the heartland, saw his opportunity and seized it.  The opportunity was Olofson’s exposed neck.  As Hausen wrenched tighter and tighter, Olofson was left without an escape route and forced to tap to the guillotine in just :42 of the opening frame.  With first fight jitters out of the way, look for Hausen to return to the cage very soon to continue his stellar performances.
 
In the evening’s main event, Van Meer, who lost a three round decision to Bradley earlier this year, vowed to get revenge by taking the younger fighter out in the very first round.  Bradley, however, had different plans.
 
Much like the fist go round, the rematch saw all three rounds, however, it was Van Meer, who was on the delivering end of a one-sided win.  Scoring 30-27 on all three judges scorecards, Van Meer was satisfied with his performance and so was the pro-Van Meer crowd.  Talks have already been circulating for the rubber match.  Stay tuned!
 
Midwest Cage Championship’s next event, MCC 29: “Champion vs. Champion” is right around the corner.  The card is already shaping up to be one of greatness.  The main event will pit MCC’s Lightweight Champion, TJ “The Spider” O’Brien against MCC’s Featherweight Champion, Josh “Bam Bam” Henry in a 150 pound catch weight, non-title bout.  Look for information on this event to be released very soon, and tickets to go on sale at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-229-8566, Iowa Events Center Box Office, or at all Dahl’s ticket outlets.

MCC Seeks New Talent in Guthrie Center, Van Meer Seeks Revenge

On Saturday, September 4 at the Guthrie County Fairgrounds, Midwest Cage Championship will hold its fourth Trials event. The show will feature a twelve bout fight card including a rematch of former MCC Middleweight Champion, Mike “Mini Van” Van Meer and rising star “Mean” Dean Bradley. The two faced each other earlier this year with Van Meer dropping a close decision.

Van Meer, who has completely re-vamped his training regimen has vowed to not only put on a dominating performance on his way to a victory, but ensured that the fight will not be left in the judges hands again.

“I’m taking him out in the first round, maybe the second if he’s lucky. I’m a month out and already in fight condition. If he can keep up with my pace, he will do okay. If he’s not in the best shape of his life, it’s going to be a bad night for him.”

In past Trials events, MCC has discovered some of the top talent in the region, including current Welterweight contender, Miguel “El Rey” Rios Jr. and former Featherweight Champion, Josh “Jigsaw” Atwell.

Tickets are available at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com or by phone at 515-229-8566. For more information on upcoming fight cards, news, and fighter interviews, check out the web site.

DO YOU WANT TO FIGHT FOR MCC? Fill out this application- http://www.midwestcagechampionship.com/want-to-be-an-mcc-fighter/

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

So its finally time!! After all the hard work and dedication, I will be taking on Jesse Lund this Friday, June 11th, at Vets Auditorium for the light heavyweight number one contender spot!! Its going to be a great battle, with our training finally paying off, as we go in there to put on a show… With me coming out victorious of course!

This last week hasn’t been all too bad. Training has been excellent! I’ve been feeling better than I ever have before! I’m on top of my game and ready to come out, and show that. Many people don’t see me having much stand up against the taller opponent. But I’m going to come out and show everyone different. I’ve also been building up my cardio up big time! No more getting tired after the first round for Mean Dean.

During this fight week I will mostly just be cutting weight and sharpening my stand up game. The fight is only a few short days away and I want to be more ready than ever before. I don’t expect this to be an easy fight what so ever, and I’ve been training for a 3 round war! I’ll be waking up early every morning for my 7 am workout at Aspen… I took this week off work so I am free to do nothing but train!  So after my morning workout, I’ll come back home and rest for a bit just to do it a light work out at 1. That just consist of hitting the bag and working with someone on my stand up. Then after that, I run whatever errands I need to for the day and then start my 7 pm workout, which is where I cut a majority of my weight. Its going to be like this everyday this week before my fight.

So I can’t wait to see everyone there this Friday at Vets for MCC 27! Its gonna be a night to remember and every fan is guaranteed that its gonna be a helluva show!!

Soon to be #1 Light Heavyweight Contender,
“Mean” Dean Bradley

Memorial Day weekend… I mean what else is there to say?! Fun is the sun, hot semi naked chicks, and barbecues!!! Well I didn’t get to enjoy the barbecue food because of the weight cut, but the fun in the sun and half naked chicks was a good time!! But on a serious note, I just found out my grandmother was admitted in the hospital a few days ago and isn’t doing good, so it’s been a rough week. I’m flying down to California later this week to see her. Training has helped take my mind off of everything, as training is all I’m really doing. I’ve mainly been working on my weight, because this is the last week until fight night. I’ve also been working on my stand up game a bit too. I know he’ll have the reach big time, but he’ll be coming out looking for me to go for the take down. I’ll be ready to show him that my hands have got a lot better. I’ve never been more hyped about a fight than this one… I mean all that stands between me and a shot at the belt, is Jesse. I’m not looking past him what so ever but I have to keep that belt in mind.

A cheeseburger, a large fry and and McChicken! After this b**** of a wait cut that is the first thing I’m eating! Yes, I know I’m a bit chunky and I shouldn’t be thinking about that right now, but ummmmm it sounds delicious!!!

But anyways, it’s a little under 3 weeks until the fight, and I’m stoked!!!! I know Jesse Lund is a tough guy, I have all the respect in the world for him, we’re gonna have a helluva fight, but I KNOW I’m increasing my 4 fight win streak to 5!!

This has been another pretty busy week… From working to getting my car fixed to all this weight cutting. But the best part of the last week was the weather! I mean, a black man in the blazing sun isn’t the best combination, but this last week it was! I relaxed a bit this last week when I wasn’t to busy working, and went boating with some friends. It was a good weekend besides getting dragged by friends into the lake with all my clothes on before I changed! Later that day after I got back i decided to go for a late night run to cut a couple pounds.

Tonight I went and played B-I-N-G-O with my mom and grandmother who is visiting from California. The bingo hall doesn’t beat the cage but when you’re only one number away from the crazy L or picnic table its well worth it… The only thing that isn’t worth it, is all the old people giving you dirty looks when you win! So if there’s anything you remember of this blog just remember old people like to give you dirty looks if you get a bingo, I’m craving a McChicken, and I’m going to bring you a great show on June 11th. Bring some popcorn and enjoy the Mean Dean Show!

See ya all there June 11th at Vets Auditorium!!!

The Future Light Heavyweight Champion,
“Mean” Dean Bradley

Hello everyone!

I’m very pleased to say that I’m happy the state of Iowa finally warmed up!

So its about 4 weeks out from my fight and things are going good. My work schedule is off right now, so my schedule is a little messed up right now. In my free time I’ve been running a lot, building up my conditioning and cutting some weight. Its going pretty good besides being dead tired everyday. I ended up getting a long desired job at the airport so that’s gonna take up a little more of my time but this fight is still my top priority. But as of now i work at South Side liquor and tobacco. Its a pretty interesting place to work because you see all sorts of things. Like fights in the parking lot from the bar next door and crazy drunks coming in looking to get even more drunk. One time this drunk guy came in and said i was the prettiest African American girl he’s ever seen. Then i said well sir I’m a guy not a girl and he said it don’t matter your still pretty. I started busting out laughing and saying well thanks. It was a pretty awkward moment for me but only one of many crazy moments at South Side Liquor and Tobacco.
Usually when I’m not working or training I’m just trying to spend time with the girlfriend doing things like movies, hanging out wit family, and fishing! You have to have a girl that likes to fish! I also have a baseball and dodgeball league I’m in on Sundays. The dodgeball season just ended last weekend where my team lost to a fellow MCC fighters team, Jake Burriola. I’ve been working a lot on my submissions so i have more weapons on the ground against Jess Lund. I don’t really know that much about him but I know he’s a tough guy. I’ve talked to him once or twice and he’s a good guy. I’ve been working out in the gym with Josh Neer, Elvis, and Victor Moreno. Working on my take downs and conditioning has been a big part of my training on this camp. I know i have good take downs but they can be better. Its gonna be harder than most people to get him down, but every day I’m in the gym, my take downs get better and better. My game plan like against most guys taller than me is to just go out there, take him down, and submit him. But I’m going for that knock out first. I know he’s way taller than me, but the bigger they are, the harder they fall!!!!! I’m working harder and harder every week to get that shot at the belt. I know I’ve had issues with my weight, but its time for me to start taking things more seriously, make weight, and give that dominant performance I’m capable of. I’ve been eating healthy for the first time in like ever and its working out great. Its hard giving up some foods, but a guys gotta do what a guys do! People under estimate my skill left and right just Because of my figure. But I’m here to prove that all those short chunky guys out there can do something… I walk into the cage as an underdog and walk out as the victor. Its about time i get the credit i deserve. I win by skill not by luck.  I’ll be coming into that cage healthy and on weight so Jesse Lund better be ready!!!!

The Future Champion,

“Mean” Dean Bradley

Its that time again… Week 2 blog.

So the last week has been pretty hectic. Between working, training, the car breaking down, and then finding out my girlfriend is prego. I would say i had my hands full. Honestly, this last week I haven’t had a whole lot of time to train at Des Moines MMA so I’ve just been hitting up Aspen a couple hours in my free time to work on my cardio. Because as everyone could tell in my last fight with Mini Van, I was pretty exhausted after the second round. So now since everything is starting to settle down and get a little better, I will be returning back to Des Moines MMA this week.

Well, Wednesday I went to Uncle Bucks to watch the amateur fights and yet again they did not disappoint. Going back to the place where I started off my career and watching all these kids that have hopes to go far in the sport just brings back memories to when that was me. The DMX fights are never boring. You’ll catch me out there every Wednesday helping any of the fighters out that don’t have corners and giving any advice I can.

Thursday was my mothers birthday. The family and I had a barbecue for her that she really appreciated. That’s when she told me she’s now going through the process of getting a kidney transplant. Eventually I’ll have to get tested to see if we’re a match to see if she can just have mine. But that is a little ways away. Then after the barbecue I went to Aspen to hit up the treadmill to get the cardio up.

Friday was a pretty boring day. Went to Aspen and then right after I went to work for the rest of the night. I’ve been having to work nights lately which is why I haven’t been able to train as much as I’d like, but things are working out now. You can catch me in the gym all day, everyday, so Jesse Lund better be ready!!

I’ll catch up with you all more next week!

- “Mean” Dean Bradley