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

Former MCC Champion Zak Cummings Attempts to Regain the Belt
 
Zak Cummings is not only a ferocious competitor with a heart the size of Missouri and a never say die attitude to go along with it, he’s also one of the nicest guys in the sport.  It’s rare you will ever catch the former JUCO wreslter without a smile on his face.  But make no mistake, Mr. Nice Guy fades away quick when the cage door closes, and if you are standing across from him, you better prepare for a battle, because that’s what you’re going to get!
 
At MCC 17 Zak Cummings defeated Cole Jennet to become the MCC Middleweight Champion.  En route, Cummings had blasted through the competition which included Victor Moreno and Danny Anderson.  The undefeated prospect was beginning to get looked at from large organizations from all over the country.  In 2008 Cummings defeated five time UFC veteran Terry Martin and was quickly signed to a multi-fight contract by Strikeforce, one of the worlds largest promotions.
 
“I knew it would be a great challenge.  Martin is known for his knock out power and he was a D1 wrestler.  I definitely had my work cut out for me.  Winning that fight was such a big confidence booster.  I felt like I dominated him and no one other than Vitor Belfort had been able to do that.”
 
Signing with an organization like Strikeforce is a dream of every mixed martial artist.  Making it to the main event at your first outing is almost unheard of.
 
“A week before my first fight with the organization they called and asked if I would be interested in fighting in the main even against Tim Kennedy.  He is a tough guy, but I was thinking, why not?  The pay would be higher, my fight would be televised and plus I would be doing them a favor, so I jumped on the opportunity.  Unfortunately, Kennedy was the better fighter that night and handed me my first professional loss.  Even in losing I feel I learned so much from that fight.”
 
However, doing the promotion a favor did not work out in Cummings favor.  After waiting around six months for another fight, he was informed that they were canceling his contract.  Now, the formerly undefeated fighter who had impressively taken out everyone put in front of him was left without a fight or a promotion to call home.
 
When MCC brass learned that Cummings had become a free agent they jumped on the opportunity.  MCC match maker explained, “Cummings was a very dominant force in MCC.  Now, we have the same type of fighter as our Middleweight Champion; Elvis Mutapcic.  What a great fight- former champ versus current champion.  Their styles match up well, and I think fight fans could be in for the fight of the year with this one.”
 
And what does Cummings think of his match up with Mutapcic?
 
“Elvis is a good guy and he’s a very tough fighter.  I am preparing for a war.  After my nine month break, I couldn’t be more excited to get back in there.  I’m so glad MCC stepped up to give me this opportunity.”
 
Cummings and Mutapcic headline a card that is stacked with veterans and up and comers alike.  Tickets for MCC 27 are available by phone at 515-229-8566, on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com and at all Dahl’s ticket outlets.  The official weigh in takes place next Thursday at Twisted Parrot and Veterans Auditorium hosts the fights Friday night.  Doors open at 6:30 with the preliminary card starting at 7:30.  For more information, including interviews, video blogs and up to the minute news, visit the web site.

MCC Announces Next Card, a Night of Tests and Bad Blood

On Friday, June 11 Midwest Cage Championship returns to the historic Veterans Auditorium for MCC 27: “Mutapcic vs. Cummings”.

The main event of the night pits defending middleweight champion, Elvis “The King” Mutapcic against former middleweight champion, Zak Cummings, who returns from a stint in Strikeforce to claim what he feels is rightfully his.

Cummings, the Missouri native who made his MCC debut as a relative unknown ran through the competition as he nabbed the middleweight crown.  He vacated the title when he was picked up by Strikeforce, one of the nation’s top promotions.

Mutapcic has become known as not only one of the most feared strikers in MCC history, as fight fans witnessed during his two-round destruction of former middleweight champion, Mike “Mini Van: Van Meer, but he also displayed his submission skills in his first title defense, submitting ADCC champion, Brett “The Natural Disaster” Stevens.

Also on the fight card, another former MCC champion, Victor “Superman” Moreno returns to MCC to face Ben Crowder in the grudge match of the century.

MCC officials report, “These two have run into each other for the last couple years, calling each other out, letting the bad blood boil, at times, very close to coming to blows.  Finally, it worked out for these two to meet at MCC 27.  These two legitimately hate each other, so fight fans can expect a raw, violent display of skills with each one going for the finish with every strike thrown.”

Rounding out the evening’s featured bouts, the unstoppable freight train better known as “Mean” Dean Bradley returns to face former number one light heavyweight contender, Jesse Lund in a match that will determine who will earn their way to a title shot.

“Every challenge put in front of Bradley, he’s taken out.  He stopped Josh “Bull” Christensen in the first round.  He won a decision over Mike “Mini Van” Van Meer.  He’s knocked out or submitted everyone else he has faced although he comes in the underdog in every single fight.  If he gets by Lund, he has more than earned his shot at the title,” stated MCC matchmaker.

The fight card has shaped up to include twelve action packed bouts.  Tickets for MCC 27: “Mutapcic vs. Cummings” went on sale today at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-229-8566, and all Dahl’s ticket outlets.  For more information, including up to the minute news, fighters interviews, and video blogs, 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

Dreams, Goals, and Determination; Getting to Know Brett “The Natural Disaster” Stevens

By Randy Thomas

In the sport of mixed martial arts, setting goals are normal, daily activities for fighters. Some goals are small. Some goals are much larger. But, in 2008, following a near death experience, Brett Stevens set the most important goal; to become the best mixed martial artist he could aspire to be. And, he’s never looked back.

Stevens began his MMA career in 2004 after a friend convinced him to give it a try. The adrenaline rush he felt winning his first fight by knock out was all it took to get him hooked. A few fights and a couple of years later, Stevens made the trek from Eagle Grove, Iowa to San Diego, California to train under the guidance of kickboxing legend, Rob Kaman. Life was good. Until a routine motorcycle ride changed his life in an instant.

Two days later he awoke to his family looking down at him from his hospital bed. Hooked up to machines to keep him alive he questioned how he ended up there. For an athletic, tough guy, he suddenly felt helpless. He learned that he had been hit by a drunk driver while he was riding his motorcycle and he was in critical condition. He was in another type of fight- one in which he was fighting for his life. He was not going to lose.

He recalls that day. “It really turned my life around when I saw my everything flash before me. I knew I had to make a choice. I cut all of the nonsense out of my life, set my goals in what I want in life, and I have stuck to it. I’ve been training ever since my accident, and I have never been more determined. I feel there’s nothing or no one that can stop me, or push me off track.”

On March 13, at MCC 25: “Inferno”, Stevens will challenge Middleweight Champion, Elvis “The King” Mutapcic for his coveted title. Although Stevens will be making his MCC debut, he brings with him an impressive 13-3 professional record which includes eight wins by knock out and another three by submission. Additionally, the 6′3″ middleweight recently won a gold medal in the ADCC Grappling Competition in Las Vegas, NV. Training full time at Minnesota Mixed Martial Arts with UFC veterans Jakob Volkmann, Nick Thomson, and former UFC Lightweight Champion, Sean Sherk, his confidence is high and his sights are set on the MCC strap.

When asked for his thoughts on his opponent, Stevens commented, “I know Elvis is one dimensional as a striker. He throws tough kicks, but he’s not the kick boxer that everyone thinks he is. I think he’ll get too excited trying to end this fight, which will be dangerous for him, and it’ll be a wrap with me taking his belt. He better be patient and take his time. On the flip side, I hope he wants to stand to put on a war, and the best fight for the fans. I see Elvis getting frustrated with my stand up, dropping his hands and getting knocked out. Either that, or I can see Elvis getting frustrated with my stand up, taking me down, and then getting tapped out.”

Very strong words for someone taking on such a dominant, aggressive fighter like Elvis Mutapcic.

“I have the ability to dictate the fight. I have no weaknesses. I’m planning for the toughest, strongest, best Elvis Mutapcic there is so I hope he is training hard, brings his A game, and lives up to all the hype, because I’m bringing everything I’ve got.”

His first goal of 2010: the MCC Middleweight title. To Stevens it’s more than just a belt. It’s a culmination of the last six years of his life. It’s everything he’s put into mixed martial arts. It’s the motivation of knowing so many other MCC champions have moved on to every fighters destination; the UFC. If there’s a will, there’s a way. And, Brett Stevens is going to find his way.