Jesse Lund

Rick Glenn

MCC 35 Re Cap- Roberts and Glenn go the distance, Lund dominates Poling

The night started out with a bang; technically four of them as the first four of five bouts ending by knockout! Usually such highlight reel performance are witnessed in the latter part of the card, however several fighters, some new to the promotion, were intent on proving their worthiness.

Ryan Fitzgerald vs. RJ Harris

The first bout of the evening pitted two former DMX fighters; MCC retired sister promotion, against one another. RJ Harris and Ryan Fitzgerald opened the show with a feverish pace going at each other from the moment the referee said fight! The first exchange saw Fitzgerald tag Harris with a crisp right that sent the more experienced brawler wobbling, however, when Fitzgerald failed to capitalize on his wounded foe, Harris was able to regain compose and piece together a series of well placed shots to the done of Fitzgerald.

As Fitzgerald tried desperately to avoid the direct hits, it was blood in the water to RJ Harris who continued his assault until Fitzgerald crumbled helplessly on the mat. Unable to defend himself, the referee called a halt to the bout at just 47 seconds of the opening frame.

RJ Harris opens the next chapter in his career as an undefeated MCC fighter with a first round knock out under his belt.

Donte Harris vs. Johnny Wentland

Next up, Johnny “Bananas” Wentland made his third trip into the MCC cage as he welcomed Donte Harris to mixed martial arts. Harris,
a well defined athlete made his MMA debut, and although Wentland was the superior fighter on paper, Harris quickly made the statement
that despite his experience, he was here to play and here to win.

When the fight started Wentland looked to stick and move. Following a brief exchange and tie up, the action hit the mat. It was there that
Harris was able to unload a barrage of jackhammers to the head and body of Wentland. “Bananas” scrambled relentlessly to avoid any
significant damage, but just like the prior bout, once the shark had a taste of blood there was no stopping him.

Donte Harris continued to brutalize the senior fighter until the referee had no choice but to intervene. Harris moves to 1-0 as Wentland heads
back to the drawing board.

Sean Frank vs. Chris Fannon

Bout number three saw two more fighters making their MCC debuts. Sean Frank, a Fort Dodge-based fighter who sported an impressive 4-1 record faced Henry’s Martial Arts trained Chris Fannon.

Since both fighters were known for their willingness to stand in the pocket and trade, the fight was bound to be exciting. Of course, this is mixed martial arts which means their are so many ways to win and so many ways to lose. One mistake and, bam! You’re done…

And Sean Frank proved that.

As the bout opened and the fighters touched gloves, each of them looked to quickly land the money shot. It took one exchange for Frank to make a rookie mistake; don’t forget to bring your hands back to your chin.

That one mistake was all it took for Chris Fannon to land the punch to the chin of Frank which sent him into la-la land. In one of the fastest knock outs in MCC history, Chris Fannon was victorious in just eleven seconds.

An elated Fannon credited all of his hard training in camp and stated that he was eager to get back in as soon as possible. After brining the crowd to their feet I think the fans would like to see him back as soon as possible too.

Mike Owens vs. Nate Hausen

Hasuen made his mixed martial arts debut eleven months ago at MCC Trials. There, he was able to submit his opponent in impressive fashion. He quickly followed that performance us with a knock out win one month later. In his next bout he was stopped in the third round and that prompted a break in action to reflect on his training and hone his skills.

He returned to face Mike Owens. A near mirror image of Hausen, Owens possesses heavy hands, loves to slug it out, but is also willing to go to the mat and grapple. Owens came to MCC with a perfect 2-0 record.

Most of the first round was spent feeling the other one out pawing with jabs and an occasional cross paired with a hard leg kick from time to time. You could, however, tell that each punch was thrown with bad intentions.

Near the end of the first round Hausen, the busier of the two fighters found his range and delivered a combination that looked to be a potential fight-stopper. Owens shook his head as the make the statement that he was un phased. At that point Nate Hausen hit the nitrous button and delivered yet another powerful shot, this time, however, there was no coming back. Owens fell to the ground, but still somewhat coherent. Before Owens hit the floor Nate Hausen knew he was the winner, however the referee still had hope for Owens. Hansen followed up with two shots on the ground that turned off the remaining lights in Owens house.

In what was probably Hausen’s most impressive career performance he deferred on taking credit, rather commending his teammates, specifically Miguel Rios, Jr. for all of their hard work in preparing him. The humble fighter is quickly becoming one of the most popular fighters on the MCC roster.

Frankie Osborn vs. Henry Meza

If back and forth action is what you came to see- look no further than this fight! The fast-rising bantamweight division is known for fighters going at it a hundred miles an hour from start to finish. This bout showcased what the division is all about.

For most of the opening from the two fighters exchanged punches and kicks, takedowns, scrambles, knees and clinch work. At the end of the round neither fighter looked to have lost any steam.

The second round opened at the same pace until a mis-timed takedown attempt put Meza in a vulnerable position to accept an array of strikes from Osborn as he exchanged fro back mount to side mount. By the end of the second, Osborn was starting to pull away on the judges scorecards.

When the third round began Osborn seemed the fresher of the two as he went to work to get back to the dominant position that won the second round for him. When the fight made it’s way back the standing position Meza was clearly going for broke, but it was Osborn, who stayed composed enough to deliver the knock out punch to seal the deal.

The fight, which was clearly a top candidate for fight of the night netted Meza the prestigious Heart of a Warrior award, while Osborn was presented with the Anglo Diamond/Polanti “Heavy Hitter” accolade and a brand new Polanti watch to show for his efforts.

Meza stated that he was dropping down in weight class to compete at 125 lbs. Osborn, who looks dominant in the bantamweight division is definitely someone to keep your eyes on.

Tanner McClure vs. Isaac Adamson

The undefeated Adamson, another fighter from the Henry’s Martial Arts camp is another one of the quickly rising stars in MCC’s featherweight division. Known as one of the hardest working fighters in the gym, Adamson set out to make quick work of the MCC newbie; Tanner McClure.

The bout took just moments before it went to the ground. It was there that Adamson moved effortlessly as he passed McClure’s guard and had his opponent reeling from punches. Adamson was able to open up a cut on the outmatched fighter, but is was after several unanswered shots that the referee was forced to intervene.

Adamson, who is currently campaigning for a spot at AKA, the Fresno, California based MMA gym that houses UFC Heavyweight champ Cain Velasquez and perennial welterweight contenders MIke Swick, Josh Koscheck and John Fitch, keeps his perfect record in tact, while McClure falls to 2-2.

Tom Ahrens vs. Josh Henry

Following a trio of unsuccessful win attempts, former MCC featherweight champion Josh “Bam Bam” Henry did not settle for a lesser opponent when he made his return to the cage. Instead he agreed to face the gritty, in your face scrapper, Tom “To the Top” Ahrens. Henry wrote on his Facebook account prior to the fight that he was excited to let his hands go in this fight. Henry, who has a Tae Kwon Do pedigree has found most of his success by taking his opponents to the ground and pounding them into submission.

Once the bout got underway the two exchanged a series of punches, kicks and knees, but it was Henry who initiated the ground game. From the bottom Ahrens attempted a few different submission, but Henry was able to power out every time.

Ahrens hung tough throughout the first and second round.

However, once Henry was able to work himself into a dominant position, securing the back of Ahrens, he was able to sink in the choke forcing the tap. Clearly frustrated, Ahrens, being the good sport raised his opponents arm in victory. Henry, after thanking his camp and fight fans, campaigned for a match up with UFC vet Ryan Roberts who was slated to fight in the co-main event later in the night.

Laramie Shaffer vs. Will Shutt

Since the bantamweight belt has been recently vacated, this fight was essentially to crown the king of the division, but with little time to prepare for a five round title fight, this bout was officially scheduled for three- five minute rounds to decide the number one contender.

The bout did not disappoint.

Shaffer and Shutt have both had their fair share of ups and downs in the cage, so both fighters put in extra work throughout this training camp.

Again, they did not disappoint.

Neither fighter ever looked better. Shaffer, the better wrestler was able to control the action on the ground, but for once, he did not rely sole on his grappling abilities as he welcomed the stand up exchange. Shutt, who has proven he has devastating power in both hands and legs alike was comfortable on his back! Mixed martial arts, anyone?

The fight, going into the third was dangerously close. Both fighters went for broke. Shutt tried to take Shaffers head off with punches, and when the fight went to the ground, Shaffer tried to rip Shutt’s head off with a choke.

In the end the judges saw the bout as a draw. The crowd saw an amazing display of skills from both and MCC officials saw enough to warrant a rematch later this year- this time, it will officially be for the title. Stay tuned!

Van Meer vs. Green

The next bout pitted two former middleweight champions against each other. Mike Van Meer, the uber-experienced former champ asked for a rematch against the man who stole his belt from him three years ago; Brian “Smokin” Green.

With both fighters coming off losses in their last MCC appearances, it was a must win situation for both.

Looking at their records, each on of these guys have fought the who’s who in the sport. If you look at every Midwestern fighter in the welterweight or middleweight division that has made their way to the UFC or Strikeforce, you can rest assured that one of these guys have fought them. With well over one hundred fights between the two of them, this bout was truly a display of MMA past and present.

Green, who is a college student and gym owner wanted to put on a new display of skills for fight fans and students alike. Attempting to erase the slam-knockout from the memories of anyone who saw that bout, Green said that he wanted to put on a performance that conveyed he still had it and he’d be champ again someday. He stated that he wanted, more than anything, to get a knock out of his own.

Van Meer, the more reserved of the two did not make any predictions other than saying he has become a different fighters over the past three years.

And the fight was great!

Green gave his best effort to throw everything and the kitchen sink, including a jump kick off the fence ala former WEC champion Anthony “Showtime” Pettis. Van Meer fared well on his feet, but found most of his success taking Green to the mat almost at will.

Judges had Van Meer up on the scorecards two rounds to none going into the third and final round. When Van Meer got Green to the ground it appeared as if “Mini Van” may have rolled his way to a decision victory. Green however, is never one to be counted out. As Van Meer got lazy and left an arm dangling, Green transitioned from kimura to arm bar. As Van Meer attempted to power out of the submission attempt, Green was able to arch his back and secure the lock. Van Meer was forced to tap or have his arm snapped.

Following the victory commencement, Mike Van Meer addressed the crowd to thank his fans and MCC for all of the fights and memories throughout the years before he announced taking time away from the sport to get his weight in tact, possibly retiring.

Ryan Roberts vs. Rick Glenn

In the co-main event of the evening, UFC veteran Ryan “Are You Ready” Roberts challenged the current MCC featherweight champion, Rick ” The Gladiator” Glenn for his belt. Glenn, who owns a pair of wins over Josh Henry as well as wins over Joe Morris and MCC lightweight champ Johnny “Hollywood” Case has been virtually unstoppable over the last two years. Roberts who has been racking up several wins since his lone UFC appearance, was looking for the win to put him over the top and back on the radar of a national event.

The bout was scheduled for five- five minute rounds, and although it went the distance, the fight, from start to finish can be summed up in one sentence: Roberts punched and circled while Glenn stalked and punched.

Round one looked like round four. Round three looked like rounds two and five. There was, however, one takedown initiated by Roberts, and Glenn was able to open up a pretty nasty cut above the right eye of Roberts.

Other than that, the bout was pretty even! And that’s where problems arise….

Whether you’re watching a regional show or the superbowl of mixed martial arts; the UFC, the issue remains the same. If you leave the fight up to the judges to decide you are spinning the dice. You never know what they score more; damage, control, takedowns, striking, etc. It’s a problem throughout the sport.

In the end the bout was ruled a draw. Glenn retains the belt and is still the MCC featherweight champion.

It was a bittersweet ending to a fast paced, well displayed skills fight.

Poling vs. Lund

The main event of the evening put MCC light heavyweight champion, Jesse Lund, in front of his first opponent since winning the title four months ago. Eric Poling, a 12-6 fighter from Illinois made his MCC debut in an attempt to dethrone the champion.

It was not likely to happen according to pre-fight banter from the champ. Lund called it as he saw it.

“Poling is okay at best. I’ve watched a couple of his fights, but he is cocky and does not have the skills to back up his talk. If he thinks he’s going to come into my house and take my belt away he’s got another thing coming. When he steps in the cage he’s going to get beat up quick.”

Being a man of his word, Lund’s game plan was simple; make him miss, make him pay, and if given the opportunity, punish him until he quits.

And, that’s pretty much what happened.

Poling looked to land strikes, using his reach advantage, but Lund was able to close the distance following a brief exchange. Once inside, Lund literally rag-dolled is opponent to the ground and unleashed one of the most brutal elbow assaults in MMA history. He would have given Tito Ortiz a run back when Tito was the king of elbows!

After splitting Poling’s dome open like a melon the referee had watched enough and graciously saved Poling from any additional damage.

Following the bout Poling stated, “This was probably the worst ass whipping I’ve ever gotten. It kind of makes a guy wonder if he’s got what it takes to belong in this sport. I’m going to take some time to reflect, but this is probably the last time I will step back in the cage. This fight kind of knocked some reality into me.”

Lund improves his record to 11-3 and marks his fifth consecutive win. As promised, the belt goes home to Greenfield, Iowa.

With another great night of fights in the books, the next event has already been announced. Nutrishop presents, MCC 36: “Back in Action”. Set for Friday, September 23 at Hy Vee Hall tickets for the event will be available within the next two weeks. The evening will feather a main event with former champ and two-time UFC veteran Joe “The Southside Strangler” Brammer as well as popular fighters Ronnie “Warfrog” Britt, Josh “Bull” Christensen and fast rising star, Luis Saldana. Visit www.MidwestCageChampionship.com for more information.

MCC 35 Quick Results

Ryan Fitzgerald v RJ Harris – Harris by KO

Donte Harris v Johnny Wentland – Harris by RNC

Sean Frank v Chris Fannon – Fannon by KO

Mike Owens v Nate Hausen – Hausen by KO

Frankie Osborn v Henry Meza – Osborn by KO

Tanner McClure v Isaac Adamson – Adamson by TKO

Tom Ahrens v Josh Henry – Henry by RNC

Laramie Shaffer v Will Shutt – 3 round Draw

Mike VanMeer v Brian Green – Green by Armbar

Ryan Roberts v Rick Glenn – 5 round draw

Eric Poling v Jesse Lund – Lund Rd 1 1:25 TKO

Chris Fannon

Shaffer vs Shutt

Roberts vs Glenn

Jesse Lund

Glenn vs Henry

Back up the ladder; Henry returns to the cage

On August 5, the main event at MCC 35: “Brawl at the Hall” will feature a battle between featherweight champion, Rick “The Gladiator” Glenn and UFC veteran, Ryan “Are You Ready” Roberts. It should be a great battle to watch.

One person, in particular will be paying extra close attention.

That person is former champion, Josh “Bam Bam” Henry. Henry has had his share of hard luck in and out of the cage. There is no doubt about that. In the not so distant past, Henry lost his brother Nick, who was one of his best friends, training partners and an up and comer in the MCC bantamweight division. Without a doubt, this was the toughest loss to come back from.

But he did. And Josh Henry became a champion.

After winning the MCC featherweight championship with a stoppage over Paul Bird, Henry decided to try his luck against a much bigger, more experienced opponent. Last October, he stepped in the cage to face UFC-bound, TJ “The Spider” O’Brien. Henry came up short.

The loss sent Henry back to the drawing board while the victory sent O’Brien to the big show.

Three months later, Henry put his belt on the line to Rick “The Gladiator” Glenn; a former lightweight who wanted to try his luck at in a lighter weight class. Although the stoppage was highly controversial, Henry again found himself on the losing end of the fight.

Glenn agreed to an immediate rematch. It was set up for the next MCC.

On March 5, 2011 Josh Henry promised that he would regain the title and defeat Glenn in exciting fashion. However, that did not happen. In fact, just two seconds short of their first title bout, Henry was, once again beaten. This time, there was no controversy.

Now, on a three-fight winless streak, former champion, Josh Henry will take his first step up the ladder when he faces Tom Ahrens in just three weeks. For Henry, now 4-5, it’s a must win.

Tom Ahrens (10-10) who has been decisioned in his last two bouts, knows that his back is equally up against the wall. Ahrens has faced and beaten great competition in the past, but this time he really has his hands full.

MCC officials stated, “When you have two exciting fighters, both of which are on a losing streak, you are going to get two guys going for the finish. Both of these guys can take beatings, and I don’t see either one of them giving up easily. The winner of this bout is going to have to earn it.”

With a win over Ahrens and another win later this year, Henry could very well be looking at another title shot. He’s one of the most exciting fighters on the MCC roster. Willing to stand and trade shots or go the ground to grapple his way to a win, Henry, over the past two years, has become a well rounded mixed martial artist.

One of the head trainers at Henry’s Martial Arts in Creston, Iowa, Josh is not only responsible for maintaining his own personal camp, but he has assisted in cultivating some of the best up and coming talent in the state. Some of which will join him on the card at MCC 35.

Mixed martial arts is eerily similar to life; you’ve got ups and downs, good time, hard times- mentally and physically, but on the other side of it, there is so much joy in victory. And that’s what draws people to the sport, both competitors and spectators. Josh Henry has had enough of the tough times. He’s ready for his hand to, once again, be raised as the victor. It’s time to bounce back.

If anyone can come back from defeat, it’s Josh Henry.

Nutrishop presents, MCC 35: “Brawl at the Hall”, Friday, August 5 at Hy Vee Hall, Des Moines, Iowa. Tickets are available at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 563-8300 and at all Dahl’s Food Store ticket outlets. For more information on this card as well as 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.

MCC Sets March Date, Adds Flyweight Tournament

The Midwest’s most popular mixed martial arts promotion returns to Hy Vee Hall in downtown Des Moines on March 5 for MCC 32: “Bad Blood”. The card boasts a night chock full of talent ranging from young up and comers to big show veterans. From top to bottom, the card is stacked and is sure to deliver a show in a fashion that only MCC can.

The evenings main event will feature the immediate and highly anticipated rematch of former featherweight champion, Josh “Bam Bam” Henry and the fighter that snatched the belt away just weeks ago with a somewhat controversial submission win, Rick “The Gladiator” Glenn. With tempers still flaring from their previous meeting, fans can be prepared to see the best that both of these mixed martial artists bring to the cage.

Also slated for MCC 32: “Bad Blood”, the first ever flyweight (125 lbs.) champion will be crowned as Nate “Teddy Bear” Williams, Tony “lil Crusher” Crowder, Seth “The Spider Monkey” Craig and Johnny “Cole Train” Coleman go head to head in a four-man tournament. With the recent popularity of the MMA lighter weight divisions, an addition like this is a must see, and MCC has locked down four of the most exciting fighters to pit against each other.

Former MCC Welterweight Champion, Victor “Superman” Moreno will make his return to the MCC cage as he goes toe to toe with Anthony Smith, an Omaha based fighter on a multi-fight win streak looking to take his career to the next level. A refocused and always exciting, Moreno is looking to put a halt on Smith’s run as he looks to get the win that will propel him up the ranks.

The full fight card is available at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com. Tickets are on sale now. Fight fans can buy them on-line, at all Dahl’s ticket outlets, Wells Fargo Arena Box Office, or by calling 515.564.8300. For more information, including fighters video’s, interviews and blogs, check out the web site.

Laird Surprises Kamery to Win Title, Glenn Takes Belt From Henry

In the first ever MCC Bantamweight Championship fight, aggressive strikers Bill Kamery and Zak Laird were pitted against each other for what was touted to be the stand up battle of the year. The former training partners split ways when the fight was signed and each fine tuned their games and knowledge of the other as they prepared to meet weeks down the road. Laird, the more soft spoken of the two never gave a definite prediction on the way the fight would end, only offering that he thought Kamery was a tough guy and the fight would be exciting. Kamery, on the other hand, firmly stated that he would often get the best of Laird during their days training together, and that he would be too much for the younger, undefeated fighter to handle.

From the opening bell of the bout both fighters exchanged knees, positions in the clinch and takedowns throughout ninety percent of the opening frame. As the seconds ticked away, Laird, the seasoned muay Thai practitioner did the unthinkable. Just when it appeared the round would end in back in the clinch position, Laird jumped up and secured a flying arm bar. Bringing him to the ground and wrenching of the surprised brawlers arm, Kamery had no choice but to tap out. Laird stood up with a smile on his face as he happily accepted his new hardware around his waist.

Kamery still holds an impressive mixed martial arts record with nine wins and only two losses while Laird remains undefeated with five solid wins.

In the main event of the evening, Josh “Bam Bam” Henry, the current MCC Featherweight Champion, put his belt on the line, facing Rick “The Gladiator” Glenn- an opponent who made no bones about his feelings towards the title holder.

In the weeks leading up to the fight, Rick Glenn said in multiple interviews that he looked at Henry as a stepping stone, and with a win over the champ, that would open some eyes and propel him towards the bright lights of the big show. Henry, on the other hand, welcomed the trash talk and stated that it would only fuel his fire throughout training camp. The back and forth talk didn’t stop as the fight got closer. In fact, during weigh ins, Glenn reaffirmed his statements adding that he guaranteed victory.

It was no surprise that when the fight began both fighters opted not to touch gloves. Instead, Henry charged in and put Glenn on his back. As he worked for position while trying to pound a little revenge into the head of his opponent, he gave Glenn just the opening he needed. As Glenn looked to isolate the right arm of the champion, Henry tried to scramble out of danger. Although the arm lock appeared to be locked up tight, fight fans know not to count Henry out as he has been in fight ending positions before, only to come back and dominate.

As Glenn continued his assault, Henry grunted in agony as the elbow joint was stretched to the limit. Misunderstanding the painful sounds coming from Henry, referee Thomas Mastin intervened as he thought Henry offered a verbal submission.

The fight was over.

Immediately Josh Henry protested, stating that he did not submit, but the fight had unfortunately been called to a halt. Rick Glenn was crowned the new MCC Featherweight Champion. Although there was a bot of controversy, a fight is a fight, and a win is a win. After the fight Glenn did give his opponent his due respect and said that he would offer the former champion an immediate rematch. As the fighters shook hands the crowd roared in confirmation that the next go would be even more exiting that their last.

A date has already been discussed for their next bout and will be announce in the up coming weeks.