Glenn Defends Title, Williams Grinds His Way to the Championship

Some fighters simply have that one hurdle they cannot make it over; a sort of kryptonite to their super powers. For Josh Henry, it’s Rick Glenn.

At MCC 32: “Bad Blood”, the current Featherweight Champion, Rick “The Gladiator” Glenn, once again, bested Josh “Bam Bam” Henry in a championship bout scheduled for five rounds. Unfortunately for Henry, this meeting was eerily reminiscent of the previous one; a match that saw Glenn submit the former champion midway through the opening frame.

Referee Matt Cook oversaw the action last night in the main event of the evening. From the word go, Henry charged at Glenn searching for a takedown to put the taller fighter on his back in an effort to dish out a little retribution in the form of ground and pound. Rick Glenn was good with that. When the action his the canvas, Glenn immediately started moving his hips, looking for a limb to grab. After fending off a few submission attempts the triangle choke presented itself and Glenn took full advantage. With no way out Henry was forced to tap out to the reigning, defending champion.

Immediately following the fight Rick Glenn let the fight fans know that he will be auditioning for the next season of the uber-popular television reality show, The Ultimate Fighter. Could Glenn be yet another MCC champion to make his way into the UFC? He certainly has the skill.

In earlier action, the four-man tournament to crown the first ever MCC Flyweight Champion started out with, Nate “Teddy Bear” Williams taking on late replacement and Minnesota native, Jovon Myles.

Myles, with the obvious reach advantage over the much shorter Williams looked to keep the fight standing, but Williams was having none of it, easily putting Myles on his back in rounds one, two, and three. Several times Williams was able to position himself into fight ending opportunities, but to Myles credit, his defense was on point. Williams settled for a clear cut unanimous decision victory and advanced to the final round.

Next up in the tourney, Tony “Lil Crusher” Crowder, the most vocal of all four fighters met up with Johnny “Coletrain” Coleman.

This one did not take long. In a surprising chain of events, the superior striker, Crowder, proved that he packed more than just punched up his sleeve. As quickly as Coleman could get the takedown, Crowder locked up an extremely tight arm bar in which Coleman wasted no time tapping to.

With just 22 seconds of actual fight time, Tony Crowder would certainly be the fresher fighter when he faced Nate Williams in the co-main event of the evening.

Williams and Crowder, who have shared a little bad blood themselves over the past couple years finally had the opportunity to settle the question; who is the best 125 lb. fighter in the Midwest. And, when the bell rang, Williams let it all hang out as he tried to pressure the fresher, faster, Tony Crowder, taking him to the mat in an effort to capitalize on a mistake.

The first round was a great back and forth battle, but when the second round started, Williams was right back at it. This time though, Crowder did make a mistake, leaving an arm hanging out for Williams to grab and secure a key lock.

Nate Williams becomes the new MCC Flyweight Champion!

In other action, former lightweight contender, Jake “Dirty Bird” Brown welcomed Allen Shepherd to the wonderful world of professional mixed martial arts. Shepherd who appeared last at MCC 31 capped off a stellar amateur career with an 8-2 record.

When the two met up it was 100 miles and hour from start to finish. Brown looked great and proved that ring rust was not an issue, however, there were a couple close calls as Shepherd was relentless in his attack. However, midway through the second round, Brown and Shepherd stood in the center of the cage and exchanged heavy leather until a brutal right hook send Shepherd crashing to the ground unconscious.

This was a big win and confidence builder for Jake Brown who, for his performance, was awarded the MCC Heart of a Warrior award. Allen Shepherd, being the true warrior that he is, was gracious in defeat and vowed to come back stronger than ever.

In an equally, but much shorter bout, MCC newcomer, Roy Moore faced off against hard-hitting Brent Bates. Anyone who has ever saw these guys brawl knew that there was going to be someone sleeping by the time the fight ended. It was unclear who would catch who though!

That question was answered within the first 30 seconds as Roy Moore wasted no time in peppering Bates with a barrage of punches and kicks knocking him out cold in his promotional debut. The fight was short and violent, and at the same time, lived up to all the hype. Tough break for Bates, who like Shepherd, will no doubt be back better than ever.

In another exciting fight, Laramie Shaffer took on undefeated Omaha native, Joe Trader.

Trader, known for his powerful uppercuts blasted away at Shaffer with every opportunity presented. Unfortunately, he did not anticipate Shaffer to have the granite chin and willingness to win that he does. By the end of the opening round Trader went back to his corner exhausted. When the second round came about, Shaffer went to work stopping Trader and giving him the first blemish on his professional resume.

Also on the card, Luis Saldana was victorious as he made his professional debut against Daraughn “Day Day” Canada, Victor “Superman” Moreno, MCC’s former Welterweight Champion, made quick work of his legendary opponent, Dennis Reed, in his return to the cage. Chris Avery tasted defeat for the first time of his young career when he was submitted by undefeated Orlando Peace, and MCC fan favorite, Josh “Bull Christensen was beaten by Blake Breitsprecher who was making his sophomore appearing in MCC.

All in all, it was another great night of mixed martial arts action as only MCC can deliver. And, with just a few short weeks separating the Midwest’s top promotion’s April 9 return to Hy Vee Hall for MCC 33: “Lund vs. Roberts”, fight fans are already in a frenzy for the next card. Tickets have been released and are going quick! Make sure to log on to www.MidwestCageChampionship.com for more information.

Quick Results Below:

Nate Williams defeated Jovon Myles via Decision

Tony Crowder defeated Johnny Coleman via Arm Bar

Randy Meyer defeated Nick Jessen via Arm Bar

Matt Rider defeated Johnny Wentland via Submission due to Strikes

Orlando Peace defeated Chris Avery JR via Triangle Choke

Laramie Shaffer defeated Joe Trader via Referee Stoppage

Luis Saldana defeated Daraughn Canada via Arm Bar

Jake Brown defeated Allen Shepherd via Knock Out

Blake Breitsprecher defeated Josh Christensen via Rear Naked Choke

Victor Moreno defeated Dennis Reed via Guillotine Choke

Nate Williams defeated Tony Crowder via Key Lock

Rick Glenn defeated Josh Henry via Triangle Choke

MCC 32: “Bad Blood” Main Card Fight Breakdown

This Saturday night, MCC returns to Hy Vee Hall as Nutrishop presents, MCC 32: “Bad Blood”. The night features a rematch with two of the Midwest’s top featherweight prospects; former champ, Josh “Bam Bam” Henry and current title holder, Rick “The Gladiator” Glenn as well as a four-man flyweight tournament to crown the divisions first ever MCC champion. Also on the card, former welterweight champion, Victor “Superman” Moreno returns to action as does top light heavyweight contender, Josh “Bull” Christensen.

We will break down the fights and the fighters as we get set for another exciting night of mixed martial arts action.

Josh Henry vs Rick Glenn

5 x 5 minute rounds title bout

Josh Henry Strengths: Strong wrestling base, durability, can hold a fast pace

Keys to Victory: Henry will need to maintain superior position and do not let Glenn control the pace. Henry does a great job of putting pressure on fighters once he gets them back pedaling. He cannot let Glenn get into his rhythm and set the tone.

Rick Glenn Strengths: Well rounded, good striker, confidence

Keys to Victory: Like their last meeting, Glenn will need to watch for an opening that Henry may leave during a transition. With a longer reach, Glenn may find that he could have luck if he chooses to keep the fight standing. He will need to work his angles and anticipate the shot from Henry.

Jason Sink vs. Victor Moreno

3 x 5 minute rounds non-title bout

Jason Sink Strengths: Big show experience, likes to strike

Keys to Victory: Sink cannot allow himself to get bullied by Moreno. He will need to establish dominance early in the fight while avoiding the unorthodox striking that Moreno is sure to bring to the cage.

Victor Moreno Strengths: Experience, creative with strikes and submission set ups, motivated

Keys to Victory: Moreno has faced some of the toughest competition in the world. He is an exciting fighter that has excellent strikes and a good ground game. Moreno’s greatest chance for success will be to make his opponent stand and trade punches and kicks in the middle of the cage. Moreno is motivated to put on a show for his hometown fans and a confident Moreno is the best Moreno.

Blake Breitsprecher vs. Josh Christensen

3 x 5 minute rounds non-title bout

Blake Breitsprecher Strengths: Reach, excellent ground game, hungry for a victory

Keys to Victory: Breitsprecher has great ground control and submissions so there is no need to get into an exchange on the feet with a powerful Christensen. His best bet is to look for the shot, get his opponent to the ground and work his submissions from there. If Breitspecher gets his opponents back, as we’ve seen in the past, it’s hard to shake him off, and Christensen has fallen victim to chokes in the past.

Josh Christensen Strengths: Hard nosed fighter, willing to take punishment, physically strong

Keys to Victory: Simple! Sprawl and brawl. Christensen has knock out power in both hands, and if he can keep the fight standing he has the ability to end the bout with one punch. If the fight does go to the ground, Christensen will need to use his strength to advance himself into a dominant position that will allow him to punch.

Allen Shepherd vs. Jake Brown

3 x 5 minute rounds non-title bout

Allen Shepherd Strengths: Product of an excellent camp, superior cardio, likes to slug

Keys to Victory: Shepherd is facing a fighter who has experience a long layoff, therefore he should come out fast and hard, putting pressure on Brown from the time the referee says go. Shepherd has great endurance which will help him should the fight go later into the second and third rounds. He does, however, want to be careful if he chooses to stand in the center of the cage and bang with Brown as his opponent is known for have some serious power in his hands.

Jake Brown Strengths: Good submissions, hard puncher, injury free

Keys to Victory: Brown will need to stay alert and not allow himself to be pressed up against the fence and taken down. He has the ability to inflict damage whether he is standing or on the ground with his hands. If looking for a submission he will need to soften his opponent up with punches and knees as Shepherd somes from an experienced gym where he is able to train with some of the top fighters in the area.

Luis Saldana vs. Daraugh Canada

3 x 5 minute rounds non-title bout

Luis Saldana Strengths: Quick, excellent strikes and submissions, undefeated in MCC

Keys to Victory: Saldana is facing an outstanding wrestler in Canada, so he will need to prepare to sprawl and circle away from Canada’s powerful right hand. If put on his back, Saldana has an excellent guard where he can transition from arm bar to triangle chokes. Saldana is a better striker then Canada and that is, most likely, where he will find the most success. Also, Saldana is able to go the entire time, if need be, while maintaining a fast pace.

Daraughn Canada Strengths: Good wrestler, unorthodox, like to mix it up in the cage

Keys to Victory: Canada will need to be patient in choosing his shots. Saldana will anticipate the shot from the moment the bout starts, so he will need to use punches in bunches and good head movement to close the distance and attempt to put Saldana on his back. Canada also has great submission defense and is very crafty when put into less than desirable positions. If Canada gets the fight to the ground he will need to stay busy as he peppers Saldana with strikes in an effort to expose a submission attempt.

Four Man Flyweight Tournament

3 x 5 minute rounds (semi-final bouts)

5 x 5 minute rounds (championship bout)

Nate Williams vs. Jovon Myles (Semi-Final)

Johnny Coleman vs. Tony Crowder (Semi-Final)

TBA vs. TBA (Championship Bout)

With two wrestlers, Williams and Coleman, facing two strikers, Coleman and Myles, you will be watching two classics grappler versus striker match ups. If styles make fights it could be interesting either way you look at it. If Willams and Coleman both win, it’s wrestler versus wrestler. Should Myles and Crowder come out victorious, you will see two micro-mixed martial artists standing in the center of the cage letting the fists fly.

One thing is for certain, with the exception of Jovon Myles, who was a late replacement for Seth Craig, the other three have has some choice words for one another, and each of them are completely cool with facing the other for a variety of reasons. Hopefully the punches will save themselves for the cage and officials will need to be on their toes as these guys weigh in and face off because you never know what can happen.

Since adding the popular new weight division to MCC, there has been an overabundance of interest throughout the Midwest, so whoever wins this tournament will need to keep their game sharp because they will be right back in the cage, sooner rather than later, to face another tough opponent in an upcoming event.

Nutrishop presents, MCC 32: “Bad Blood”, Saturday, March 5 at Hy Vee Hall, downtown Des Moines, Iowa. Tickets are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-564-8300 or at all Dahl’s Food Store ticket outlets. For more information on this and upcoming events, including fighter interviews, video’s and blogs, check out the web site.

Fighter Focus: The Return of Jake “Dirty Bird” Brown

At MCC 32: “Bad Blood”, Victor Moreno will not be the only fighter who is making his long awaited return to the cage. Jake “Dirty Bird” Brown, lightweight former title contender is injury free and ready to prove the he is, once again, ready to campaign for the 155 pound crown. In less than one week Brown will have that opportunity as he welcomes Allen Shepherd to professional mixed martial arts. MCC was able to catch up with Brown to get his take on the fight and where he sees himself in the near future.

MCC: Jake, welcome back to MCC. It seems like it’s been a long time since you’ve seen any action inside the cage. You were on a four fight win streak when you challenged and lost to former lightweight champion, TJ “The Spider” O’Brien. What have you been up to?

JB: Thank you. It’s great to be back. I was injured for two months after that fight with O’Brien. Then, upon returning to training I injured my knee, which took another three months to heal. The rest up that time can be chalked up to the daily grind. I fell into a job that was very demanding of my time and just wasn’t able to make it to the gym during that time. It’s just that simple. I’m happy to be back and injury free now.

MCC: You started your career with several submissions, but the last couple wins have been by way of knockout, so obviously you have some heavy hands in your arsenal. Which method do you prefer to stop a fight with?

JB: At this point I would have to say my preference is a win by submission, but I would like to have the respect of being viewed as a well rounded fighter. I have been getting back to my wrestling roots and have made leaps and bounds in that area in recent months. Although I still strive to improve my striking game as well.

MCC: At MCC 32: “Bad Blood” you will be taking on Allen Shepherd, who is an experienced fighter, tasting defeat only one time. Since you have been on the sidelines for over a year, does winning this fight put any additional pressure on you, and do you think ring rust will have any effect?

JB: No more pressure than any other fight. I take all challengers very seriously. As far as ring rust I just don’t know. I have never been away from the cage for so long, but I highly doubt it will be an issue. I had a great camp and I am very confident going into this fight.

MCC: Let’s talk about your training for this fight. What have you been doing to prepare yourself to get back into the cage?

JB: Training has become very organized at the Henry camp. I cant give enough praise the Chuck and Josh Henry for stepping up as team leaders. They are doing great things in our camp. After a long warm up and stretching session we begin practice. We do lots of pad work, grappling, conditioning, sparring, bag work, and a few hours later finish things off with some more stretching. On different nights Chuck or Josh will come up will some pretty intense specialty workouts. I’ve been training with Josh Chistensen, Brent Bates, Jesse Lund, Will Shutt, Isaac Adamson, Nick Fannon and a few others that stop by from time to time. Camp was about six pretty intense weeks, missing a couple days here and there because of an injury. Now I am just working on technique and weight.

MCC: Before the loss to O’Brien you were considered one of the top lightweights in the Midwest. On March 5 does the climb back to the top start? What do you think it will take?

JB: I don’t think a loss to O’Brien takes me out of view as a top lightweight. It’s a fight I think could have gone differently. I just think I need to win some fights and re-establish myself in the division. I have been away from the sport for a long time.

MCC: OK, let’s say you put up another great performance and get past Allen Shepherd. What’s next and who would you like to take on?

JB: Provided that things go well and I am injury free it is likely I will want to jump head on into the title hunt.

MCC: Speaking of the title hunt, as you know, the MCC Lightweight belt is back on the line since it seems that all of the former champions are being summoned by the UFC. At MCC 33 on April 9, Lonnie Scriven and Johnny “Hollywood” Case will be fighting for that belt. How do you see yourself matching up with either one of these guys?

JB: I think Johnny Case and I would be a very exciting fight! I like that kid, and I think he is the more talented of the two. He and I would make for an exciting fights, and I know the fans would enjoy it too.

MCC: I’m sure it would be a very exciting match up. The MCC matchmaker will have to keep that one in mind! So Jake, who would you like to thank?

JB: I would like to thank the head of Henry’s MMA, Chuck Henry. Along with investing God knows how much money in the gym, Chuck really cares about his team, and he treats us with great respect. He trains injured about 90% of the time. A constant presence in the gym, he goes out of his way to have more knowledge than the next guy. He is always finding our faults and offering advice to make us better. Chuck is one of the best people I have had the pleasure of knowing.

MCC: What can we expect next Saturday night?

JB: I am comfortable with anywhere this fight goes. We are both strikers, so I look for there to be an exciting exchange at some point. It should be pretty interesting for fans to watch! I can’t wait.

Nutrishop presents, MCC 32: “Bad Blood”, Saturday, March 5 at Hy Vee Hall, downtown Des Moines, Iowa. Tickets are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-564-8300 and at all Dahl’s Food Store ticket outlets. For more information on this and upcoming events, including fighter interviews, video’s and blogs, check out the web site.

Jake “Dirty Bird” Brown vs. TJ “The Spider” O’Brien

Jake Brown

Strengths:  Knock out power in both hands, good wrestler, endurance
Keys to Victory:  Jake Brown will have to close the distance to land big punches on his feet.  If he takes the fight to the ground, he will need to immediately move to half guard or side control to deliver any damage.  It will be imperative that if he stays in the guard of O’Brien that he stays postured up and remains aware of O’Brien’s legs.

TJ O’Brien

Strengths:  MMA record holder for most wins via triangle choke, reach advantage, experience
Keys to Victory:  O’Brien should avoid getting into a slugging match with Brown.  Using his reach, he can effectively pick Brown apart with punches and kicks to try and force him to shoot for a takedown.  On the ground, O’Brien should avoid letting Brown get the distance needed in order to land big shots.  O’Brien will need to remain patient while he searches to lock up his patented triangle choke.

Since this bout is scheduled for five rounds, the advantage is with TJ O’Brien who will be searching for a submission as soon as the fight hits the mat.  O’Brien is very good at avoiding damage due to his lanky frame.  Using his long legs, he’s able to keep his opponent not only wrapped up, but he also has the ability to extend and keep them away.  Jake Brown will need to pick his shots wisely, but if he finds an opening he needs to take full advantage of it.  Brown is known for his heavy hands, and for good reason.  If he can remain in half guard or side control, he will be able to land the shots he needs to either out point O’Brien or win with strikes.

Styles make fights, and this one has the potential to be one of the most exciting bouts of the year.

Co-Main Event

Alonzo “Zo Diddy” Martinez vs. Paul “The Gingabread Man” Bird

Alonzo Martinez

Strengths:  Experience on big shows, aggressive, dangerous on the feet and ground
Keys to Victory:  Martinez will look to rely on his experiences in high profile fights.  He has a brutal ground and pound game and a big right hand.  He will, however, want to avoid getting into an exchange with Bird as this is where Bird is incredibly experienced.

Paul Bird

Strengths:  Lightning fast punches and kicks, good takedown and submission defense, performs well under pressure
Keys to Victory:  Bird will want to keep the fight standing where he is the strongest.  Although he has good submission defense, there is no need to spend anytime on his back taking shots from Martinez.  In the clinch, Bird will want to remain active and not let Martinez settle into his rhythm.

This is another high profile fight, and in my opinion, the winner could likely get thier shot in WEC or UFC.  Although this could put pressure on both fighters, Martinez has been in several of these bouts.  He has wins over three UFC vets and a five round draw with another.  Bird is extremely hungry, and he also has a recent first round stoppage over WEC and Pride veteran, Joe “The Triangular Strangular” Pearson.  He has flirted with the UFC already as a prelinary cast member of The Ulimate Fighter, so he will use this opportunity to try and catapault him back into their good graces and show the superbowl of mixed martial arts that he is deserving of a spot on their roster.  With both fighters possessing the ability to end the fight at any moment, I do not see this bout going the distance, but I do see this it as a highlight reel in the making.

Jason “Type One” Louck vs. Andy “Danger Zone” Branson

Jason Louck

Strengths: Former MCC Champion, experience with tough opponents, KO power in both hands Keys to Victory: When Louck has proven to be the strongest is right off the bat. I look for him to come out of his corner and go right after Branson. Louck has devastating punches and can end the fight with any one of them he lands.

Andy Branson

Strengths: Polished muay Thai skills, good submissions, relentless attacks Keys to Victory: Branson will want to avoid getting into a striking exchange with Louck as Louck has lighting fast, powerful punches. Branson would be better served using his punches to set up kicks and vice versa. Branson is a patient fighter who will look to land the right shot. If the fight goes to the ground, Branson has shown that he can submit his opponents from the top or the bottom, but I see him being strongest on his feet.

This fight will crown the number one contender to the MCC Welterweight title. Louck has tested the waters at 170 pounds before, and this is Branson’s first fight as a welterweight mixed martial artist. The fans at MCC 24 will get a show with this bout for sure. I would like to see this fight stay on the feet, but often times, when you have two good strikers, game plans change and take downs, dominant positions and submissions come into play when putting together the ultimate game plan.

Katy Klinefelter vs. Cassie Roddish

Katy Klinefelter

Strengths: Nationally ranked boxer, experience
Keys to Victory:  Katy will need to rely on her boxing experience to keep her relaxed and one move ahead of her opponent as Roddish will look to put pressure on her from the opening bell.  Klinefelter is well versed in the submission game as well, so she does not have to rely on her hands to get the job done.  Klinefelter will want to watch out for kicks and unorthodox strikes that Roddish will surely fire off when given the chance.

Cassie Roddish

Strengths:  Heart, durable, never gives up
Keys to Victory:  What Roddish lacks in experience she makes up for with heart and drive.  She needs to apply pressure early and work her clinch game with knees and elbows.  Klinefelter will, most likely, look to pick her apart from the outside range, so Roddish will need to keep her hands up, chin down, and be relentless with her attacks.  Although Roddish has not finished any fights by submission, she has another female in her camp that is a purple belt in Brazillian Jiu Jitsu, so she is sure to be well versed in submission defense.

This could be a great fight as I do not look for either of them to shoot for a takedown.  We may see the classically trained boxer versus the muay Thai technician.  Although either could end the fight with a punch or a kick, I see both of them having the heart to tough it out for all three rounds.  I think at the end of the fight when the dust settles, these two may gain thousands of fans, a standing ovation, and possibly fight of the night honors.

Jake Brown

Focused and Ready, Jake Brown will Never Give Up

By Randy Thomas

Often times, diverse circumstances lure fighters into the sport of mixed martial arts.  For MCC lightweight contender, Jake “Dirty Bird” Brown, it took heartache and loss to push him towards finding MMA in his life by releasing his aggression in the cage.

In the Summer that Brown graduated from high school, his mother lost a two year battle to colon cancer.  Three years later, his youngest sister, Kaydie was lost in an accident.  During this time his life became overwhelming and he saw himself starting to lose control.  “My life was in a tailspin from 18-21.  At that point I decided I wanted to put myself in a position where I could be a voice of influence to younger people, but I wasn’t sure how.  When I was 22 I found mixed martial arts, which probably saved my life on many levels,” stated Brown.

Coming from a wrestling family, which included sixteen children, Brown, who started wrestling at just three years old, wanted to do something productive with the lessons he’d learned throughout his life.  Brown wrestled for Nodaway Valley and the team finished his senior year undefeated.  The competitive fire never left him when his wrestling career ended.

“Dirty Bird” entered the world of mixed martial arts with two quick victories on a small fight circuit in rural Iowa.  It was there where he met Lance Hood, a veteran of the sport who had retired from competition and focused on training up and coming fighters.  He also met MCC favorites, Jesse Lund and Josh “The Bull” Christensen.

Undefeated, following one more quick knock out victory in Waterloo, he was approached by the MCC matchmaker.  Brown recalled, “I was offered a fight against John “The Hurricane” Halverson.   I took the fight on short notice and lost very quickly!  I was out matched at that point of my career and lacked the knowledge to compete at that level.

Following his first defeat he managed to rack up two more losses by triangle choke.  The previously undefeated fighter found himself with a three and three record.  With doubt on his mind he wondered if this was the right sport for him.

However, when opportunity came knocking at the door, once again, Brown answered.  Ryan Langmaid pulled out of his fight with Jake Brown, following making weight for his bout. Aaron Garrett, who was an outstanding 4-0 jiu-jitsu fighter, stepped in on day of notice with complete confidence.  Brown won the fight in the very first round.  It was just the win he needed to keep him motivated.

But soon thereafter, Team Hood closed its doors which forced Brown to stop training completely.  It seemed as though the end of his career had come.

On a whim, he decided to take a fight against MCC contender, Paul Bird.  He wanted to get back into the sport he missed so much.   With no training camp or banner to fight under, all he managed to do was make a fight of it for a few minutes.  When Bird snatched up an arm bar, it was over.

At that show he got to meet and talk with former MCC Featherweight Champion, Will Shutt.  Shutt had moved back from Oregon and was training in Creston with a small group of fighters.  Brown needed the knowledge that Shutt possessed, and even on the night of defeat, he saw light at the end of the tunnel.

He started training every day with Shutt. He soaked up everything he could.  He focused on his ground game.  Brown was not giving up his dream. The group formed Team Vicious, and set up camp at Henry Tae Kwon Do.  They housed a small but very talented stable of fighters.

Brown’s next fight was against Steve “Black Jesus” Lawrence.  In what became the fight of the night, from bell to bell it was a three round back and forth battle.  The skills he had learned in his short time with Shutt paid off.  He was able to submit Lawrence with a shoulder lock at the final seconds of the third round to end the fight.  Although this was his most impressive performance to date, Brown broke his hand, which sidelined him once again.

And when he came back, he came with a vengeance.  He faced former boxer, Colby Karaidos, and ended the fight with a highlight worthy 24 second knock out.

Next on the list was Jeff Carstens, a fighter who had submitted him with a triangle choke in their first meeting. After surviving an extremely hard uppercut to the chin, Brown was able to return the favor. He was able to catch him in a guillotine choke to end the fight.  Now he was on a roll.

Just a few months later, he signed on to fight highly regarded prospect, Alex Harper.  Once again, Brown was back in the win column, with another knock out in the first round following an exciting back and fourth battle.

Now…  He is set to take on the former MCC Featherweight Champion, TJ “The Spider” O’Brien, at MCC 24.  With the motivation of his past life experiences, and the championship belt he’s had his eyes set on for three years, Brown is intent on making this opportunity pay off.  He is aware of the devastating triangle choke that O’Brien is known for.  He knows that O’Brien has a huge reach advantage over him.  It doesn’t matter to him.  He feels that it’s his time, and in the words of “Dirty Bird” himself, “If he wants the belt, he’s going to have to come take it….by force!”

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.

Jesse Lund

My name is Jesse Lund, MCC Light Heavyweight contender, who will be fighting Derrick Mehman for the Interim Light Heavyweight Championship, on Wednesday, November 25th at Vets Auditorium. Each Wednesday, I’ll have a weekly blog posted on the MCC website, leading up to fight my fight. I would love to jump right in from the first fight to the one coming up, but for those who don’t know me, here it is.

I was born in North Carolina way back in 1977. I currently live in Greenfield, IA., where I grew up. I have always been competitive in any sport that I participated in, and wanted to be the best at what I was competing in. It started somewhere around 4th grade when I jumped into wrestling. I started varsity my freshman year winning only 3 matches (2 against the same kid). I had second thoughts after that wonderful year, but stuck it out and made it to state my senior year, following in the footsteps of my older brother. I also participated in football where I played middle linebacker and halfback.

After high school I bailed on college and decided to get a job and start my family. I married Teresa in 2001 and we added the first addition to our family, Baylie.  I then picked up stock car racing to fuel my need to compete. I raced hobby stocks for several years in Boone, Jefferson, Stuart, and Corning. I racked up a few wins over the years along with a lot of fun. The birth of our second child Blake, and soon the expensive sport became too much, so in 2005 I gave it up.

During my year off of sports I picked up beer drinking and pizza eating and went from 200lbs to 265ish. After looking at my wedding pictures, I decided that, well, I was FAT! One of the guys that I worked with was just starting to train in MMA, and I figured, why not? I have a few pounds to lose. We trained in the basement of this guy’s house in DeSoto.  Lance Hood, who started training with John Halverson, Danny Anderson, and Ronnie Britt, was now whooping my butt twice a week. At first it was fun. We started off pretty slow with a handful of guys, Jake Brown, Nathan Woosley, Jim & Joe Beason, Jason Hass, Josh “Bull” Christenson, and few of in and out guys. I remember my first sparring session very well. With my wresting background and watching some UFC fights, I thought this wouldn’t be too bad. Ha! Boy was I wrong! I went home with a black eye, broken nose and no desire to ever go back. Once my pride healed, and the nose, I was hooked.

I trained for a year and was slowly getting back into shape. After attending a few fights I really wanted to step in the cage. Teresa didn’t like that idea at all. I took her to a fight in Winterset, which was mainly an amateur card with the main event as a pro fight. I wanted to show her that this was not just a bar brawl and that it was a safe sport. The fights were ok and no one was bleeding all over or gimping around with broken bones, so I was in.

Somehow I ended up with Ryan Hass’s number and called him about getting a fight. I was still around 230, so the first fight would be at heavyweight. About 2 weeks from the fight, Jake “Dirty Bird” Brown and I were training and I kicked him in the shin, breaking my big toe. So my first fight had to be put off until I was healed.

Next week I will continue on with the first fights, and hope that I am not boring the living heck out of everyone!
Jesse Lund

“Only a man who knows what it is like to be defeated can reach down to the bottom of his soul and come up with the extra ounce of power it takes to win when the match is even.” – Muhammad Ali