Nick Henry
BORN: March 25, 1992
DIED: May 28, 2010
LOCATION: Creston, IA

Two New Champs are Crowned, Teager Retains Belt

With another successful event in the books, MCC reflects on “Triple Crown” and gears up for the next event.

In the first of three title bouts, top contenders Paul “The Gingabread Man” Bird and Josh “Bam Bam” Henry battled four rounds for the vacant Featherweight title. In what proved to be the most exciting fight of the evening, every minute of each round was action packed, extremely close on the judge’s scorecards, and displayed the evolution that both fighters have gone through to become two of the top mixed martial artists in the game today. It was mid-way through the fourth round when Henry was able to catch bird in a fight ending submission to walk away the victor. An extremely ecstatic Henry attributed the rigorous training schedule he endured throughout his eight week camp and credited his respect for Bird’s abilities pushed him to compete at a higher level. Even in defeat, Bird displayed tremendous skills, and we are excited to have him back in the MCC cage very soon.

The co-main event of the evening pitted number one contender, Andy “Danger Zone” Branson against late replacement, Ryan Bixler. The bout almost got an early start during the fighter face off at the weigh in as words were exchanged and tempers flared. Once fight time came, Bixler wasted no time in coming straight at Branson, landing a superman punch to knock the undefeated fighter straight to the mat. However, when the fight hit the ground, Branson displayed the discipline and technique that has kept his record blemish free. Branson patiently avoided strikes until he was able to secure the left arm of Bixler. Not willing to let go, Branson cranked on the joint until he was able to get a tap at the two minute mark of the very first round. Although there was no love lost in this bout, Branson had his hand raised and the new champion hardware placed around his waste. “Danger Zone” has proved, once again, that he belongs with the elite in the Welterweight division.

Bryce Teager has been somewhat inactive since winning the MCC Lightweight Championship in 2008. In his first title defense, however, he showed no signs of ring rust at MCC 27 when he faced on of the most dangerous striker in the Midwest. When Teager’s original opponent, former MCC champion and WEC veteran, Chris “Mad Dog” Mickle was unable to compete due to a previous fight, Corey “Tha Projekt” Simpson gladly accepted the bout on just three weeks notice. Simpson had just come off a devastating victory at MCC 26, and was in shape and ready for the bout with the champion. The title bout came down to who could impose their will; grappler or striker. When the opening bell rang, Simpson looked for the big punch that he’s known for. Teager, however, had a different game plan. He waited patiently for the opportunity to execute a double leg takedown. Although Simpson was able to defend it for a while, he was soon put on his back as the champion transitioned from side control to mount, eventually taking the back of Simpson and working in the rear naked choke. Teager successfully defended his belt.

Fight fans can expect the next event to, once again, deliver the action and excitement that only MCC can. As executives are planning a return in June, the fight card is already shaping up to be on of the best in MCC history. Be sure to check out www.MidwestCageChampionship.com for the latest news, fighter interviews, blogs, and event information.

MCC 26 Results

Steve Greene v Luis Saldana- Saldana by Ref stoppage

Don Dresher v Trvis Branson- Branson by Keylock

Chuck Cook v Chris Avery- Avery by RNC

Tony Crowder v Laramie Shaffer- Shaffer by Ref stoppage due to Strikes

Nick Walker v Jake Burriola- Burriola by Ref stoppage due to Strikes

Johnny Case v Mike Miller- Case by RNC

Tom Ahrens v Daraughn Canada- Ahrens by RNC

Ben Crowder v Pablo Lara- Crowder by Dr. stoppage

Rod Montoya v Ted Worthington- Worthington by Triangle

Mike Van Meer v Dean Bradley- Bradley by Split Decision

Featherweight Championship
Paul Bird v Josh Henry- Henry by Triangle

Welterweight Championship
Ryan Bixler v Andy Branson- Branson by Arm bar

Lightweight Championship
Corey Simpson v Bryce Teager- Teager by Arm bar

With Big Shoes to Fill, MCC Returns Next Month
 
 
Fast on the heels of the most exciting, action packed event to date, Midwest Cage Championship returns to Hy Vee Hall on Friday, April 16 for MCC 26: “Triple Crown”.  The night will feature three five-round title fights and nine additional bouts highlighting some of the top up and coming mixed martial artists.
 
Andy “Danger Zone” Branson vs. Chad “The Grinder” Reiner
 
Undefeated welterweight prospect, Andy “Danger Zone” Branson has been tearing through the competition on his was to the big show.  Standing in his way will be two-time UFC veteran Chad “The Grinder” Reiner, a submission specialist hailing from Omaha, Nebraska.  Reiner, a former member of the United States Marine Corp is as tough as they come and will prove to be a challenge for Branson.
 
Branson stated, “Ultimately, my goal is to make it to the UFC.  Reiner has been there twice.  To prove that I belong there, I have to beat him- and beat him convincingly.  I have already started my training camp, and I will look to make this my most impressive performance to date.”
 
Paul “The Gingabread Man” Bird vs. Josh “Bam Bam” Henry
 
Two of the top contenders in the featherweight division will go head to head for the 145 lb. crown, which was recently vacated by Eric Marriott following an agreement with the ESPN-based promotion, Bellator.
 
No stranger to tough fights, TUF/Ultimate Fighter reality show alum, Paul Bird looks to climb up the ladder on his quest back to the bright lights and pay per view cameras.  With a recent win over WEC and Pride veteran, Joe Pearson, Bird looks to impress.  However, the baby faced brawler, better known as “Bam Bam” is ready for the challenge.
 
Henry commented, “Paul Bird is a great fighter.  I have a lot of respect for him, and I think it’s going to be an exciting fight.  I can see us going toe to toe throughout the whole fight.  The fans will get their money’s worth on this fight alone.”
 
His opponent agreed.  And, this could prove to be one of the best battles of 2010.
 
Bryce Teager vs. Chris “Mad Dog” Mickle
 
Reigning Lightweight Champion, who has been on a one-year hiatus from the promotion, has been chomping at the bit to step back into the cage.  And, who better than to welcome him back is none other than Chris “Mad Dog” Mickle.  One of the most experienced fighters in the game, Mickle has tested his skill in both the lightweight and featherweight divisions.  He’s held the MCC Featherweight belt, and he’s fought the best 145 lb. fighter in the world, Jose Aldo, in the UFC’s sister promotion, WEC.
 
“Almost every time I fight in MCC, I put on the fight of the night.  This will not be any different.  I know what Bryce brings to the table, and I know what I’m bringing to the table.  But, what I plan on taking home is his belt.”
 
 
Tickets for MCC 26: “Triple Crown” are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-229-8566, Wells Fargo Arena Box Office, or at all Dahl’s Grocery ticket outlets.  For more information, fighter interviews, video’s and blogs, check out the web site.

Friday, April 16th, 2010 @ HyVee Hall

Featherweight Division
Steve Greene	VS	Luis Saldana
Catchweight 195
Don Dresher	VS	Travis Branson
Featherweight Division
Chuck Cook	VS	Chris Avery
Bantamweight Division
Tony Crowder	VS	Laramie Shaffer
Lightweight Division
Nick Walker	VS	Jake Burriola
Lightweight Division
Johnny Case	VS	Mike Miller
Featherweight Division
Tom Ahrens	VS	Daraughn Canada
Middleweight Division
Ben Crowder	VS	Pablo Lara
Welterweight Division
Rod Montoya	VS	Ted Worthington
Light Heavyweight Division
Mike Van Meer	VS	Dean Bradley
Featherweight Championship
Paul Bird	VS	Josh Henry
Welterweight Championship
Ryan Bixler	VS	Andy Branson
Lightweight Championship
Corey Simpson	VS	Bryce Teager

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

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.