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

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

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

Tearing Through the Competition- and, Doing it With a Smile

By Randy Thomas
 
It’s one thing to be a bad ass mixed martial arts fighter who takes on all comers.  It’s another to do it with no worries, no pressure, and a smile on you face!  That’s exactly what “Mean” Dean Bradley has been doing for the last year.  Throw a powerhouse like Barret Eller at him, and what does he do?  He taps him out quickly.  Make him face a striker like Mike Downey, and what does he do?  He knocks him out in eleven seconds.  Give him one of the toughest, grittiest light heavyweight fighters on the MCC roster, Josh “Bull” Christensen, and how does he handle him?  He takes him down and chokes him in the very first round!  Put him against former Middleweight champion, Mike “Mini Van” Van Meer and how does he stack up?  Great!  He outworks him to win a unanimous decision victory! So, how does he do it?
 
“That’s easy!  I am always underestimated.  Always!  I look like a short, pudgy wrestler with a baby face, so it’s tougher for people to take me seriously.  I like it though because it takes all the pressure off me.  I was not supposed to win any of these fights, but I do.”
 
“Mean” Dean Bradley is one fight away from a title bout.  First, he will have to face former number one contender, Jesse Lund, a team mate and close friend to one of Bradley’s previous opponents, Josh “Bull” Christensen.  In theory, this should be his toughest fight to date, however, we find ourselves saying that every time he steps in the cage.  As usual, Bradley will get logged as the underdog.  The question is, will Lund avoid making the same mistake Bradley’s previous opponents have- underestimating him?
 
“I am not looking past Dean.  I’m training hard and looking to get back on the winning track.  I should not have lost my title fight to Demetrius Richards, and I would love another crack at the belt.  I have to get by Dean Bradley first though.  I will be ready.”
 
Tickets for MCC 27: “Mutapcic vs. Cummings” are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-229-8566m, Iowa Events Center Box Office, or at all Dahl’s ticket outlets.  For more information including fighter interviews, blogs, and up to date fight news, log on to 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.

Jesse Lund

As you all know that attended the last MCC show, my fight did not go so well for me. If you did not go I will give you a quick rundown on what I remember. I felt really confident mentally and physically and knew this was my fight to win. We came out and I was expecting him to bring it right away. He faked a punch and we circled around, I threw my favorite two-punch combo, a jab followed by a quick left hook, the jab missed and the hook landed, mostly on his glove. He just stood there. I was fine with that because I wanted to stand and bang. I faked a shot to get him to drop his hands and he almost did a full sprawl! That triggered a bad idea. I thought as low as he had dropped on the fake shot, that I would do it again and follow it with a quick knee to the head. I faked the shot again and when I brought the knee, he moved in too. We collided like a bad car wreck. As we clinched up, he threw a short knee to my midsection. I was looking for him to do it again so I could catch it and pick him up for the slam, but he never threw it again. I managed to get double under hooks and start pressuring him toward my corner. I was careful to not push hard because I knew that he likes to do a type of Judo hip throw. As we got closer to the cage, he kicked his hips in and threw me against the cage. Nope, didn’t see that coming! I’m not sure how he got the takedown, but I ended up in half-guard and quickly got guard back. I had his head trapped under my left arm, and quickly switched to a kimura. I got settled in and was waiting for the right time to apply it. He was persistent with getting into half-guard and I could not get the position to finish the move. I decided to move on to something else and that is were I made the mistake. I left my arm and tried to sit into him. I knew right away that I messed up. My arm was behind me and I thought I could pull it back but he had it trapped very well. He locked up the kimura on me and then had side-mount. After he applied it the first time, I thought I could roll him and get out, but he readjusted very well and applied it again forcing me to tap.

After the fight I was not mad or disappointed, but more in shock that I made the mistake that I did. I have rolled out of that submission several times, but at this level, you can not afford to make mistakes like that. It really got to me the next couple of days after the fight, but then I realized how many times have I been losing a fight only to come back and win by catching someone in a submission. It’s all part of the sport and I congratulate my opponent on a job well done. What’s next for me? Who knows? Right now it is finally finishing my addition on my house and a little relaxing.

I would like to thank my family, friends, fans, training partners and sponsors for all they have done to help me, support me, and push me to be the best. I would like to thank MCC for allowing me to entertain the fans and giving me the chance to fight for one of the best MMA organizations in the Midwest.
 
Jesse Lund

MCC23

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Full Event Results Below

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

Jesse Lund

Only three days left in till I step into the cage for one hell of a war. Right now my focus is on my weight. I only want to cut a few pounds (8 or less), the day of the fight. That may seem like a lot, but each fighter has there own ritual and knows what works for them, this works great for me. I really don’t have an issue with eating during this time, just liquids. It is amazing how fast and how much weight you can put on just by drinking a few glasses of water, but it comes off just as fast.

As each day goes by from now on, I try to visualize how the fight will start, progress and end. I think I go through about five hundred different ways this could go. It gets hard to sleep as sometimes I find myself playing out the fight and wake up throwing punches and covered in sweat. Its kind of an odd feeling waking up with your fist clinched, heart pounding, wondering where the heck I am and if I won the fight, or if I just hit my wife with that hook I just threw! I honestly think this will be one of the most action packed fights I have been in yet. I am really excited because I need to show that I can be the aggressor and maintain until the fight is finished.

Leading up to the fight there is always pressure that is enhanced by pre fight hype, interviews, keyboard warriors, making weight, and number of other things. Luckily for me, this has no effect on me. Even as a title fight, I feel like this is just another fight. Letting things like this get to you can crash you mentally and ruin you the day of the fight. The fear of the unknown is your worst enemy.  I look at it like this, you are going to win, or you are going to loose. That’s it. Forget the “what ifs,” and the “what about that.” They don’t make the fight, you do.

The day of the fight is the most stressful. I like to be by myself most of the time. I hate when people come up to me in the locker room asking if I am ready for the fight. Why would I be there if I was not ready?!?! I don’t like to watch any of the fights, unless my friends are fighting. I just want to get mentally ready and stay focused on what I need to do to perform at my best.

After the fight is over, win or loose, it is like a giant weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Hopefully for me it will be placed around my waist. If that’s the case, we will be tearing up the local 515 until the wee hours of the morning with all of my family, friends, and fans! Then back home to finish this massive house project that has been put on hold the last two months so I could prepare for this fight.

I want to thank everyone that has been reading my blogs and supporting me as fans. Hope to see you all at the fights and everyone have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING! I will be back next week to give you the after math.
 
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

Jesse Lund

With less than a week left before I step into the cage, I feel I am more than ready. Training has been going great and now it is time to get mentally focused. Getting mentally prepared for a fight is one of the hardest things to do. Everyday is a game of what may happen, how will I react, and what will be the outcome. I always say the day of the fight that it is 90% mental and 10% physical. If you go into a fight with any doubt at all, you will loose. This is not the time for second-guessing or questioning you ability to fight. It is the time to realize that no matter what happens, that you have done everything you can to prepare yourself and that you will apply it without any hesitation and come out on top.

Unfortunately my original opponent had to withdrawal from competition due to ……… Well who really knows, but it really got under my skin. I really wanted this fight and thought it would be a great war and one for the books. But this is part of the game. It plays a role on the mental aspect, as I really don’t know a lot about my new opponent. I’m just glad I still have a fight and didn’t waste my time the last two months on training. This is going to be one action packed, in you face, bang till someone drops fight. I can’t wait!!!

If you don’t have you tickets, get em. I want to hear Vets roaring with my family, friends, and fans as I try to put on the best fight of the night and bring the belt to my hometown of Greenfield!! 

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