Many times, as fight night nears, competitors are pushing their bodies to the limit- sometimes past their limit. Often, you will read of a fighter who was forced to pull out of a contest due to an injury, a cut, or other physical incapacities. It happens.

Early last week, MCC officials learned that Justin DeMoney, the Ottumwa-based fighter set to take on five-time UFC veteran, Kevin “The Fire” Burns, would not be competing at MCC 25: “Inferno”. What was the reason? Fill in the blank…

“It was very strange. We keep in contact with our fighters- especially those involved in big fights or title fights. A few weeks ago we received a message from Justin DeMoney saying that he was out of the bout due to personal problems. When we were able to reach him, he said he was fine and excited for the bout. Then, last week he called back with a bevy of reasons why he would not be fighting. He blamed his manager. He said he was going to be fighting in a big organization, although he could not come up with a name for the organization. The whole story was just odd. More than likely, reality set in, and he knew the time to back up his talk was coming near. He has a good record, and he is probably more worried about keeping that in tact rather than facing Burns and getting another blemish.”

When one door closes another one opens. In this case, Jason “Type One” Louck kicked the door right off the hinges.

The former MCC Middleweight Champion has fought some of the biggest names in the fight game. An aggressive brawler who is not afraid to exchange punches with anyone, Louck is looking forward to the challenge, and he knows a win over Burns will skyrocket him to the top of the Midwest food chain.

A member of the world renowned, Team Miletich, Louck has a variety of top notch training partners at his disposal. Louck is focused, and ready to put his skills to the test.

MCC 25: “Inferno” takes place Saturday, March 13 at Hy Vee Hall. Tickets are available at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-229-8566 or at all Dahl’s ticket outlets. For more information check out the web site.

On the Edge of Stardom; Getting to Know Justin DeMoney

By Randy Thomas

Over the past several months, Midwest fight fans have been hearing the buzz surrounding the Oskaloosa-based fighter, Justin DeMoney.  On March 13, at MCC 25: “Inferno”, DeMoney will look to take the next step towards his dream of making it to the UFC when he steps in the cage with 5-time UFC veteran, Kevin “The Fire” Burns.

With an 12-1 professional mixed martial arts career (23-2-3 overall record), DeMoney knows how to win fights.  His biggest career victory to date, came just a few months ago when he defeated UFC veteran and professional boxer, Jesse “Iron Jaw” Sanders with punches in the second round.  DeMoney, who boxed for eight years, and wrestled for four years has been putting his skills to the test, racking up three championship titles and only going the distance in two of his professional fights.

“I am predominantly a stand up fighter,” stated DeMoney.  “Most of my wins have come by knock out or technical knock out, but if the fight goes to the ground I can submit people too.  I’m not worried about that.”

Facing Kevin “The Fire” Burns will surely be DeMoney’s biggest test to date as Burns has recently faced some of the toughest competition in the world.  However, the Oskaloosa welterweight is ready for the challenge.

“I’ve beaten UFC vets before.  I’ve beaten guys ready to go into the UFC.  I know what I have to do and I’m prepared to go in and do it on March 13.”

Tickets for MCC 25: “Inferno” are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-229-8566, or at all Dahl’s ticket outlets.  MCC 25 will take place at Hy Vee Hall in downtown Des Moines, Iowa on Saturday, March 13, 2010.  For more information about the upcoming event log on to the web site.

MCC Lights up Des Moines With an Inferno

On the heels of one of the most exciting nights in mixed martial arts, Midwest Cage Championship has announced the date for their upcoming event.  Fight fans can officially mark their calendars for March 13, as the Midwest’s top promotion moves their event just next door from historic Veterans Auditorium to Hy Vee Hall.

The fight card is already shaping up as fan favorite, Josh “Bull” Christensen (6-2) has agreed to take on “Mean” Dean Bradley (4-2); the heavy handed slugger who just netted the second fastest knock out in MCC history with his destruction of Mike Downey at MCC 24: “Reloaded”.  Christensen is looking for the win that will propel him towards the coveted Light Heavyweight Championship belt as Bradley looks to make a statement over his toughest, most experienced opponent to date.

In the co-main event of the evening, five-time UFC veteran and Des Moines native, Kevin “The Fire” Burns (7-4) returns to his hometown on his quest for dominance as he takes on one of the hottest up and coming prospects in the game; Justin DeMoney (12-1).  MMA fans worldwide have come to know Kevin Burns as a fighter who will stand in the pocket and trade with anyone.  Burns is well known for his two epic battles with Anthony “Rumble” Johnson, as well as one of 2008’s top submissions over jiu jitsu black belt, Roan Carneiro.  DeMoney has a recent second round TKO victory over fellow UFC alum, Jesse “Iron Jaw” Sanders, and he looks to take one step closer to his dream with a win over Burns.

The main event features the current MCC Middleweight Champion, Elvis “The King” Mutapcic (5-1), as he defends his belt against MCC newcomer, Brett “The Natural Disaster” Stevens (13-3).  The former 246 pound heavyweight has rededicated his life to MMA, and the Machado trained submission wizard, who has recently captured a gold medal in ADCC grappling tourney, is looking to add some more hardware to his collection when he faces “The King”.  The native of Sarajevo, Bosnia who now calls Ames, Iowa home is intent on prolonging his reign and looks to show that he is the next big thing to come out of the Midwest.

Tickets for MCC 25: “Inferno” are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-229-8566, or at all Dahl’s Gocery Store ticket outlets.  Ticket prices are $25, $35, $40, and $50.  VIP table seating is also available.  For more information of the fight card as well as all up to date MCC news, log on to the web site. MCC is always an ALL AGES EVENT.