Johnson vs Rodish

Rider bests Carstens, “Sassy” Rodish fights like a girl, and “Bull” stampedes Delf before calling it quits

In three of the nights main card attractions, we saw skill, heart and pure determination to compete. The sport of mixed martial arts has grown like wildfire throughout the world, and many of the competitors at MCC 36 proved that it they have what it takes to carry the torch.

Jeff Carstens vs. Matt Rider

In the first bout of the evenings main card, returning three-time MCC fighter, Matt Rider took on 30-fight veteran, Jeff “lil X-rated” Carstens. A gentlemen’s agreement made by Carstens prior to the fight challenged Matt Rider to meet him in the center of the cage and brawl until the other hits the canvas. Rider, who has proved himself time and time again whether on the feet or grappling on the mat, said he was comfortable wherever the fight took place, but given the opportunity he would put Carsten’s on his back and pound him out.

After a touch of gloves both fighters circled and exchanged kicks. Cartens looked to be the counter punch throwing everything he had at Rider when he came in range. Appearing to be in great shape for the bout, Carstens tried to get ahead on the judges scorecards, and when the fight hit the ground, Carstens attempted to bully the less experienced fighter.

Rider hung tough and avoided any significant damage. After a brief scramble, he found himself on top of Carstens, ready to unload a fury of his own punches. As the seconds of the opening round ticked away, Rider saw his opportunity as the visibly worn down Carstens took big gasps of air. Rider landed two hammer fists from top position that appeared to worry his opponent enough to force the tap to strikes with just 17 seconds left to go.

Rider, who after a perfect amateur career, advances his professional record to 3-1. After settling the weight differences and fighting in the welterweight division as opposed to his usual fight weight of 155 lbs, Rider said he would like to return soon with yet another step up in competition. The sky is the limit for the 29 year old standout from Knoxville, Iowa. And we hope to get him back in the cage very soon as well.

Mariah Johnson vs. Cassie Rodish

It doesn’t happen Avery often, but when it does, the MCC fight fans can’t get enough of watching these ladies go toe to toe in the cage.

Last night, it was proven that hard training, discipline and the will to dominate were on Cassie Rodish’s side as she returned, for the second time, to MCC and faced 17 fight veteran, Mariah Johnson.

Rodish, who has competed in MMA, kickboxing, and grappling tournaments- including a recent championship in NAGA; the nations largest grappling tourney, went back to the drawing board following a 2009 submission loss to professional boxing champ, Katy Klinefelter. She set up camp at Precision Combat Training Center, training mostly with men who outweighed and out muscled her. It appeared that was the key to her success as she was virtually able to rag doll her opponent from every position.

Johnson, on the other hand, refused to lay down easily as she was able to fend off countless amounts of fight ending submissions, positions and punches throughout the fight. One of the most soft-spoken competitors in the game, Johnson’s cage performance was certainly nothing like her persona outside or the fences. She toughed out more punches than many of the guys would have liked to.

Late in the first round, Rodish was able to pass guard to get to a dominant side position where she battered Johnson’s face with hammer fists and elbows. As Johnson covered, Rodish moved to mount and turned up the heat as almost every punch found its mark on her opponents face. Bloodied and swollen, Johnson refused to tap out and after several unanswered shots, referee Matt Cook called a halt to the bout and saved Johnson any additional damage.

Rodish, who gave all of the thanks to her training partners and coaches showed poise, confidence, and skill in the cage. a fierce competitor, she is a true advocate for women’s mixed martial arts, as well as a wife and a mother to two daughters. Ladies and gentlemen- that’s Super Woman, right there!

Josh Christensen vs. Ryan Delf

Arguably one of the most popular fighters on the MCC roster, Josh “Bull” Christensen is known for his never-say-die attitude and his willingness to get in your face and brawl until you fall-style.

At times falling victim to the take down of good wrestlers, he found himself, last night, paired up with an exceptional wrestler in Ryan Delf.

Following a take down and spending some time fighting from his back, it took a couple minutes for “Bull” to gain his composure. And once he got his rhythm going, he began to win the fight, round after round.

Each five-minute round bared a close resemblance to the other; circle, takedown, switch position, Christensen closing on top.

At the end of the bout all three judges had awarded the unanimous decision to Christensen, who after getting his hand raised thanked MCC, his fight fans and everyone who has supported him over the years before calling quits on his five-year MMA career. He brought several people to their feet with his speech. Of course, you know what they say- a memorable retirement always sets the stage for an exciting come back! (wink wink)

For more about Midwest Cage Championship, including upcoming events, fighter interviews and video’s, check out www.midwestcagechampionship.com. You can also keep up to date with all of the action by following on Twitter @MCC_Fights.

Rider vs Carstens

Josh Christensen

Josh Christensen vs. Ryan Delf added to MCC 36

A mainstay at MIdwest Cage Championship, Josh “Bull” Christensen has become a fan favorite over the years. With the entirely of his fighting career spent inside the cage walls of MCC, Christensen has amassed a 8-4 professional record. He’s taken on some of the toughest competition at 205 lbs. in the Midwest. “Bull” broke onto the scene in 2007 with a 50 second TKO win over Charlie Krabbe, but it was his next fight that gained Christensen his respect inside the cage.

When an injury plagued former champion Chuck Grigsby’s opponent at MCC 9, Christensen stepped in on just a few hours notice.

Christensen recalls, “It probably was not one of the smartest fights I could have taken, but I don’t think I’ve ever said no to a fight or backed away from a challenge. Even in losing that fight I still think I gained a lot of experience and motivation to keep going.”

Following that loss “Bull” charged through three more opponents winning all three fights in the very first round- all in less than three minutes.

Next up on the plate,Christensen looks to welcome Ryan Delt to the MCC light heavyweight division.

Ryan “El Guapo” Delf (2-0) earned his ticket to Midwest Cage Championship following a second round submission win over Jeremy Maynard at MCC Trials V, along with two professional wins. The Davenport fighter, although less experienced than his opponent, is a young, hungry up and coming fighter that will look to make a name for himself with a victory over Christensen.

Much like Christensen, Delf likes to end fights quickly by taking it to the mat and unleashing a fury of ground and pound.

MCC officials stated, “It’s always good to have Josh (Christensen) fighting. He brings a lot of energy into the cage. There was a little talk of retirement but seeing his training partners fighting and having success motivates him and keeps him engaged. We don’t know a lot about Ryan Delf and, of course, that could always pose a problem if Christensen doesn’t prepare properly. It’s an interesting match up, for sure.”

According to Christensen, he will not have a problem getting prepared and plans to come straight forward just as has always has.

“Why change now?” Christensen said, “I’ve had a pretty good run doing what I do best; just getting in people faces and fighting them. I like to meet in the middle and just get after it. I will stand and trade punches with anyone- I’ve proved that. If it goes to the ground, that’s fine. I’ve made some mistakes in the past and got sloppy, but I am working to improve in that area, so next month, I promise I will show up ready to go.”

Nutrishop presents MCC 36: “Back in Action”, Friday, September 23 at Hy Vee Hall downtown Des Moines, Iowa. Tickets are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 888-324-5849 and at all Dahl’s Food Store ticket outlets. For more information on this card, including fighter interviews, video’s and blogs, check out the web site.

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: Christensen is Ready for War. Are you Ready?

One of the most popular fighters to ever step foot in the cage, MCC’s light heavyweight contender, Josh “Bull” Christensen returns next week at MCC 32: “Bad Blood” to take on submission expert, Blake Breitspecher. Looking to get one step closer to a title shot, Bull knows that he has to notch another win. The always colorful fighter took some time out of his training schedule to update his fans on what’s going on these days and what they can expect next Saturday.

MCC: Bull, welcome back to MCC. We’ve missed you, buddy! You have got one of the biggest followings in the game. Why do you think that is?

JC: Thank you! It’s great to be back. I think that I have the greatest fans in the world. They are very loyal and my fan base just keeps getting bigger.I would have to say that my style helps that out. I’m an in your face kind of fighter, and I love to bang it out weather it’s on the ground or on my feet, and I can take one hell of a beating and keep on coming too!

MCC: What’s been going on in your life? Any additions to the family?

JC: Man, my life has been crazy the last few months! I last fought in August, and then September 2 my wife had a little girl six weeks before her due date so she was very tiny. Things were touch and go for a while with my wife and my daughter, so it was pretty scary. We ended up in the hospital for three weeks, and I was living out of the Ronald McDonald house. Then, we went home and she required special care, plus the fact that we have three other kids to take care of, so life was crazy for a while and my training got put on hold. But, I’m happy to say that I’ve been back at it for a full three months and I feel great now!

MCC: Good enough, sir. That is pretty crazy. No wonder you are a mixed martial arts fighter. You need an outlet for your frustrations! Let’s talk about your fighting career. You’ve certainly had your share of great battles over the years inside the MCC cage. At MCC 32: “Bad Blood” you will, once again, step inside in hopes of putting up a memorable performance when you face Blake Breitspecher. Give us your thoughts on him as an opponent and how you match up stylistically.

JC: I’m sure it will be a great fight and very exciting to watch. I don’t know a whole lot about Blake, but I know he is tall and has a good reach on me, plus he is good on the ground from what I have watched. I think my stand up is better than his and everybody knows I’m not scared to go to the ground and submit people or just put a good ol’ fashion beating on them. We will have to just sit back and watch to see what happens next week.

MCC: A couple months back, Breitsprecher took on your good friend, Jesse Lund and dominated him on the first round. Although Lund was able to come back and capitalize on an opportunity to win, Breitspecher looked pretty good on the ground. You like to take your opponents down and pound them out. Does the game plan stay the same or will you look to test out your stand up skills?

JC: I train in all aspects of the game, so I’m not worried anywhere this fight goes, although I have worked extra hard on my takedown defense and my ground game if he does get me down. I would love to keep this fight standing and show people my stand up skills. My game plan going into every fight is to keep it standing until the time is right to go to the ground and end it!

MCC: As you may or may not know, Lund will be facing UFC veteran, Tyrone Roberts for the MCC Light Heavyweight title on April 9th. If you win your bout next week, where do you see yourself in the division?

JC: Man, I didn’t know Lund was fighting in April, and I’m going to kick his ass for not telling me about this! I’ve only lost once in the last 2 1/2 years so I think when I win this fight that I’m back on top of the heap and should be the next contender for that belt!

MCC: So, let’s say you win next week, and Lund loses to Roberts. Will you challenge for the belt, or do you still have one loss hanging over your head that you would like to avenge; “Mean” Dean Bradley?

JC: I hate to lose and it has eaten at me for a long time, but I’ve put that Dean Bradley loss behind me and moved on. My sights are on winning that belt if I ever get a chance at it. I pesonally don’t see any way Lund loses that fight though, so I would gladly take a rematch with Dean Bradley if he can get his weight under control and make the 205 pound limit. I’ve also thought about a possible move to Heavyweight so Lund and I can both have a belt on our mantles!

MCC: Well, the MCC Heavyweight belt is open, so the possibility is there for the taking! (hint to MCC matchmaker) I know the Bradley loss was pretty devastating for you, and you admitted that you took him too lightly and did not give him the respect he deserved. I’m assuming you learned not to make that mistake again. Talk about your preparations for your bout with Breitsprecher?

JC: I did take that fight way to lightly and didn’t give him much respect. He proved that he is no chump, and it taught me a valuable lesson. I have been training twice a day like a madman for this fight. I know Breitsprecher took that fight with Lund on short notice and he will come out very hard to redeem himself from that loss, so I have been training very hard at Henry’s MMA every night, basically working on every aspect of fighting. I’m not taking Breitsprecher lightly in any aspect of his game. I know he is dangerous anywhere.

MCC: What can we expect from you at MCC 32: “Bad Blood”?

JC: You can expect fireworks from the time I step in the cage until the time I get my hand raised! If he wants to stand and bang it out then that will be his mistake, and if we go to the ground, I will fight smart and wait for my chance to either submit him or pounce on him and pound his lights out!

MCC: Who would you like to give a shout out to?

JC: First off I’d like to thank my wife for putting up with me and my attitude during this weight cut,my parents for always watching my kids so I can go to the gym morning and night, Chuck and Josh Henry for giving me a place to train and all the help they have given me with my game, all of my training partners at Henry’s MMA and other gyms in the past. I especially want to thank Jesse Lund and Brent Bates for getting me mentally and physically ready, Luke Mullen for helping with my last few fights and last but not least, Matt Freidrickson and Dave Danielson for giving me my start in MMA and all the wisdom they have given me over the years! Oh yeah, and of course MCC for having me back and always getting me great and exciting fights!

MCC: Best of luck next week. You always put up exciting fights and we would not expect any less from you on March 5.

JC: Thank you. I can’t wait to see everyone there.

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.

MCC 28

Burns Turns up the Heat, Williams Edges Out Giboo, and The King remains Royalty

Slams, slick submissions and surprise ending could have easily been the replacement title for MCC 28: “Impact”. The fight fans were able to see a little bit of everything as Veterans Auditorium hosted another exciting night of mixed martial arts action.

The evening started off with a four-man tournament in the featherweight division. Jordan “Boobie” Webb and Joe Agan made their MCC debuts, but it was Webb who wasted no time in making a statement as he quickly took the fight to the ground and waited for his opportunity to explode. That chance cam at just :42 seconds of the very first round as Agan fell victim to a huge slam that rendered him unconscious. Webb advanced to the finals.

Next up in the tournament, MCC veterans Matt “The Punisher” Young returned after a two year hiatus to face, Mitch “The Convict” Parker. Like the first bout, this one hit the mat quickly with both combatants exchanging strikes and superior positions. But at the one minute mark, Young displayed his Jiu Jitsu prowess as he locked up an incredibly tight triangle choke forcing the tap from Parker and advancing himself into the finals.

When Webb and Young finally met, the pace was furious but the ending was sudden. Just as Webb put Young on his back to inflict some serious ground and pound, Young slapped on another triangle choke. Webb rolled to relieve the pressure but wound up underneath and on the wrong end of a barrage of brutal punches. With nowhere to go, Webb had no other choice but to tap out or go out! Young was crowned the tournament winner.

In other action, MCC fan favorite Josh “Bull” Christensen got back into the winning column as he bested undefeated light heavyweight prospect, Travis Branson in the opening frame. One who favors the ground and pound game, no one, especially Branson, expected “The Bull” to use his submission skills to sneak in a triangle choke. Although it was tough to see that the choke was locked up so tight, Christensen was able to put his opponent to sleep as Branson refused to tap out. Immediately following the fight, Christensen asked MCC for a rematch with “Mean” Dean Bradley.

UFC veteran James Giboo returned to MCC to face up and comer Cole “The Edge” Williams. With both fighters having excellent wrestling pedigrees, most thought the fight would be won with striking. However, it was Williams who was able to get the fight to the ground first. As Giboo searched for a submission from the bottom, he suffered a knee injury which Williams quickly capitalized on as he battered Giboo forcing the tap from strikes. Tough break for Giboo, but a huge win for Williams who immediately shot himself to the top of the MCC food chain.

In the co-main event of the evening, MCC’s fastest rising start, Miguel “El Rey” Rios Jr. returned to the cage to face former training partner and friend, dangerous knock out artist, Ben Crowder. Although there was no bad blood leading up to the contest, feelings became a little more tense when Crowder missed the welterweight limit by ten pounds at Thursday’s weigh in. Not one to shy away from a challenge, Rios used that as a motivating factor in the cage. From the opening bell, Crowder was on the hunt looking to destroy Rios with every punch thrown. He showed his strength advantage on the ground as be rolled and punched Rios at a feverish rate. However, in true “El Rey” style, Rios locked up an uber-tight armbar almost out of nowhere. Crowder quickly tapped to avoid a broken arm. Rios remains undefeated and moves one step closer to a title shot.

To cap out the nights events, MCC newcomer, Kalel Robinson, made the trek across the Midwest to take on five-time UFC alum, Kevin “The Fire” Burns. Burns, who had an amazing training camp, put all of his skills on display as he bested the feared striker in every position in the game. Burns landed brutal punches and knees from the feet. He took the fight to the ground when he was ready, and when he decided to go for the kill he quickly pulled the trigger. Burns dominated the fight from start to finish and showed the world that he is ready to get back to the big show for another run.

With another successful night in the books, MCC gears up for the next event which take place in just one month, at the Guthrie County Fair- September 4th. Check out www.MidwestCageChampionship.com for all of the latest news, fighter interviews and more.

Full fight results below:

Jordan Webb Vs. Joe Agan – Webb KO slam inside guard

Mitch Parker Vs. Matt Young- Young triangle choke

Ethan Underwood Vs. Stoney Stuart – Stuart guillotine choke

Leo Villarreal Vs. Brody Jay – Jay TKO

Joe Morris Vs. Mike Miller – Morris Rear Naked Choke

Tony Crowder Vs. Justin Morrison – Crowder by Triangle choke

Ted Worthington Vs. Ryan Bixler  – Bixler by unanimous decision

Travis Branson Vs. Josh Christensen – Christenson by triangle choke

Cole Williams Vs. James Giboo – Williams by Tap out Strikes

Jordan Webb Vs. Matt Young – Young by Tapout strikes

Ben Crowder Vs. Miguel Rios – Rios by armbar

Kalel Robinson Vs. Kevin Burns – Burns by arm triangle

MCC Announces Next Show; Looks for Repeat Performance

Des Moines, IA (USA)- On Friday, August 6, Midwest Cage Championship will return to Veterans Auditorium for the most explosive fight card of 2010.  MCC 28: “Impact” will feature UFC veterans, exciting up and coming stand-outs, and some of the promotions most popular mixed martial artists.  Fresh off the heels of one of the most impressive events in MCC’s history; MCC 27: “Mutapcic vs. Cummings”, the Midwest’s top MMA promotions looks to repeat its performance in delivering a top notch show for the fight fans.

In the main event of the evening, five-time UFC veteran, Kevin “The Fire” Burns continues his quest back to the big show as he faces dangerous striker, Kalel Robinson in a three round, non-title bout.  After a dominating performance by Burns at MCC 25: “Inferno” against Shawn Huffman, “The Fire” looks to continue his win streak as he welcomes Robinson to MCC. Robinson, a Tae Kwon Do black belt who also holds a purple belt in Vale Tudo with eight years of wrestling experience will look to make his own statement against the hometown fighter. This match up has fireworks written all over it.  Will this be Burns ticket back to the glitz and glamour of the UFC, or will Robinson attempt to utilize this opportunity to propel himself into the spotlight?

Fellow UFC veteran, and training partner of Kevin Burns; James Giboo will, once again, step back into the MCC cage to re-establish himself as a force in the welterweight division.  A wrestling standout, Giboo earned his ticket to the UFC following a series of impressive performances while finishing every opponent he faced.  At MCC 28, he will face an equally qualified grappler who is hungry to put himself on the radar.  That person is Cole Williams.  Owner of a 3-1 professional record, which includes wins over MCC veterans Evan “The Mercenary” Marks and Rod “The Mexicutioner” Montoya, as well as a second place finish in the open division of Mission to Submission Grappling Tournament with his sole loss at the hands of Giboo’s Jiu-Jitsu coach, Chris David, Williams will look to seek revenge with a win in his MCC debut.

Other feature bouts include undefeated submission specialist, Miguel “El Rey” Rios, Jr. and hard hitting knock out artists, Ben Crowder, as well as Josh “Bull” Christensen against Travis Branson.  Also, former Lightweight Champion, Ted “Red” Worthington will return in a rematch with Ryan Bixler.

Tickets for MCC 28: “Impact” are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, Iowa Events Center Box Office, by phone at 515-229-8566, and at all Dahl’s ticket outlets.  For more information on MCC 28, as well as fighter bogs, interviews, and up to the minute news, check out the web site.