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Chris Helm v Johnny Coleman- Coleman
Travis Branson v Jon Youngbear-Branson
Jobe Hinders v Patrick Perkins- Perkins
Chad Zurfluh v Justin Morrison- Morrison
DJ Whittach v Zak Laird- Laird
Maurice Speirs v Jeff Carstens- Carstens
Jake Burriola v Cory Simpson- Simpson
Lonnie Scriven v Rick Glenn- Scriven
Tom Ahrens v Will Shutt- Shutt
Dean Bradley v Josh Cristenson-Bradley
Sean Huffman v Kevin Burns- Burns
Bret Stevens v Elvis Mutapcic- Mutapcic

For the full event, check out Mediacom Ch 22

 
As the fighters make their final preparations to step into the cage, MCC gears up for one of the most stacked cards to date.  With a move just next door to Vets Auditorium into Hy Vee Hall, MCC 25: “Inferno” is talent laden with mixed martial arts superstars and stars in the making.  The main event of the evening features a five-round title bout with newly crowned Middleweight Champion, Elvis “The King” Mutapcic as he defends the title against Brett “The Natural Disaster” Stevens.  Co-headlining the card is five time UFC veteran and Des Moines Native, Kevin “The Fire” Burns, returning to his home town after two years with the world’s most popular mixed martial arts promotion.

The festivities begin Friday night at The Twisted Parrot where all 24 of the competitors step on the scale and square off during the official weigh in.  If you’ve never attended a weigh in, this is the one you want to catch.  There has already been plenty of hype and smack talk between several of the fighters, so you never know what you may see and hear Friday night.  Plus, The Twisted Parrot has the best drink specials in town, an amazing menu, and a special performance by the hilarious music group that’s taken the Midwest by storm; DDEP.

Fight Card

Elvis Mutapcic vs. Brett Stevens- Middleweight Championship

Kevin Burns vs. Sean Huffman- Co Main Event

Josh Christensen vs. Dean Bradley

Will Shutt vs. Tom Ahrens

Rick Glenn vs. Lonnie Scriven

Cory Simpson vs. Jake Burriola

Jeff Carstens vs. Maurice Spiers

Zak Laird vs. DJ Whitlach

Justin Morrison vs. Chad Zurfluh

Patrick Perkins vs. Jobe Hinders

Jon Youngbear vs. Travis Branson

Johnny Coleman vs. Chris Helm

Tickets are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, Wells Fargo Arena Box Office, by phone at 515-229-8566, or at all Dahl’s grocery ticket outlets.  For more information, including fighter blogs, interviews, and up to the minute news, check out the web site.  Also, fight fans can expect bigs news on Saturday as we release the details to MCC 26: “Triple Crown” in April.

Monster Energy Drink Makes MCC Debut Next Saturday
 
Fight fans have saw national brands such as Budweiser and Army plastered across the canvas and cage at MCC events.  At MCC 25: “Inferno”, one of the most recognized names in the extreme sports industry will be added to the Midwest Cage Championship roster.  With big names such as supercross legend, Ricky Carmichael and skater extraordinaire turned reality TV sensation, Rob Dyrdek proudly sporting the Monster Energy logo, the popular beverage whose tag line states, “Unleash the Beast” will be in full force in one of the most stacked cards of 2010.
 
Check out the Monster Energy girls and sample one of the best tasting energy drinks on the market today.  MCC 25: “Inferno” takes place next Saturday, March 13 at Hy Vee Hall.  For more information, check out www.MidwestCageChampionship.com.

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.

From the Dojo to the Cage, Lonnie Scriven is Ready to Kick Ass

By Randy Thomas

In the state of Iowa, we always hear of the wrestler turned mixed martial artist.  Or, maybe even the boxer turned mixed martial artist.  But for MCC newcomer, Lonnie Scriven, he’s traded in his third degree, black belt in the age old discipline of Tae Kwon Do for a pair of fight shorts and four ounce gloves.
 
A training partner of highly successful MCC alums Steve Carl, Bill Kammery and Erik Koch, Lonnie Scriven prepares to make his promotional debut at MCC 25: “Inferno”.   An undefeated kick boxer, the 31 year old, Cedar Rapids native is training hard, ready to take on crowd favorite, Chris “The Religion” Perez-Van Dam and put on the most exciting fight of the night.
 
“I love to kick people.  And that’s what I’m going to do to my opponent!”
 
Most mixed martial artists have interesting stories on how they began their career in the sport.  Scriven is no exception.  A painter in the family business, by trade, Scriven’s dreams of glory began over fourteen years ago.
 
“I’ve always wanted to be like Jean Claude Van Dam.  It just so happened that my Aunt married  Tae Kwon Do instructor, Master Deng Xayasouk.  He was the person who got this all started for me.   That was a long time ago.  I became his most decorated student, a five time sparring grand champion, a national champion, and the Midwest point sparring champion.  Then, In 2005,  Master Xayasouk was hurting for students, and an opportunity came along to showcase my skills in a MMA show.  I figured it would be a good stage to help him bring in students if I performed well.  Plus, I’d always wanted to test my Tae Kwo Do skills in a real fight.”
 
It must have been his calling.  Six fights later, including two head kick knock outs, he’s ready to represent Valhalla Combat Club and Team Hardrive on one of the biggest stages in the country.  Scriven will be looking for the path of success that two of his stable mates have already found.  Former MCC featherweight contender, Erik “New Breed” Koch is currently making his way to the top of the food chain in the UFC’s sister promotion, WEC, while welterweight phenom, Steve Carl prepares for his debut in the ESPN-promoted, Bellator, which will be seen nationwide on NBC. 
 
We asked Scriven how he feels about his opportunity.
 
“In the Midwest, this is the big show.  All of the big names have fought here.  This is the show where all the fighters with great aspirations come to showcase their talent.  Certainly, a win in MCC would be a big accomplishment for me.  It’s an honor to fight on the same card with so many talented fighters.  I’m here to prove that I belong here with them.”
 
Of course, in order to make his statement, he will need to defeat Chris “The Religion” Perez- Van Dam; an exciting fighter who will go toe to toe, bell to bell.  “The Religion” has been involved in some great back and forth battles, at times winning the fight on pure heart.  We asked his opponent what he knew about him, and how he’s preparing for the upcoming bout.
 
“Well, first of all, I know he has a really cool name (Van Dam).  He like to stand across the cage and yell during his introduction.  I’m actually looking forward to that.  And, I know he’s won at MCC before.  As far as his background, I know he likes to use his muay Thai in the clinch, and he likes to strike.  My striking will be better though.  I’ll grind on him until I either knock him out or the final bell rings.  I can go all three rounds if I need to.  If we do, there will not be one minute that he’s comfortable with me in the cage.”
 
With both warriors promising to keep the fight standing until the other one drops, this fight could prove to be one of the most exciting of the night.  With a card as stacked as MCC 25, they will have their hands full.
 
MCC 25: “Inferno” take place March 13, 2010 at Hy Vee Hall, down town Des Moines.  Tickets for this event are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-229-8566, or at all Dahl’s ticket outlets.  For up to date information, check out the MCC web site.

Fighter Focus:  Getting to Know Jon Youngbear
 
At MCC 25: “Inferno”, Jon Youngbear will make his debut for Midwest Cage Championship, although he’s no stranger to the fight game.  He’s slated to take on up and coming striker, Chris Bishop.  Having already amassed an impressive 11-2 record, this hard-hitting fighter is looking to make a splash in the heavyweight division.  We recently caught up with Youngbear to get to know him and talk about the upcoming bout.
 
MCC:  Jon, welcome to MCC.  Tell the fans a little about yourself.
JY:  I am 21 years old, 6’5″ tall, and I will be fighting at 215 lbs.  After this fight I plan on working my way down to the light heavyweight division.  I’m from Des Moines, Iowa and come from a fighting family.  MMA is in my blood.

MCC:  What do you feel your strengths are as a mixed martial artist, and what are you working on now?
JY:  I feel that I am a very effective striker.  Because of my size I am able to dominate from long ranges.  I have knock out power in both hands, and I throw a lot of kicks.  I am comfortable if the fight goes to the ground, but my guard game is something I have been focusing on.
 
MCC:  Are you training full time?  What is your occupation?
JY:  I am training part-time for now.  I am currently enlisted in the Army National Guard.  I’ve been deployed to one tour in Iraq already, and I will have another very soon.  I am stationed at the Midwest Counter-drug Training Center at Camp Dodge.
 
MCC:  So, it does not sound like you have much spare time!
JY:  Not really.  When I have free time I spend it with my wife and little girl.  If I get a chance I play a game on Xbox Live.  I’m enjoying life day by day, and that is what the most important thing is to me.
 
MCC: Have you been involved in martial arts all of your life or did you play any other sports?
JY:  I’ve played football, baseball, basketball and golf.  Football and baseball are the two I excelled in most.  I think I was thirteen when my Uncle’s started teaching me Jiu Jitsu.  When I went to the military I learned more hand to hand combat, and once I turned 20, I thought I would give mixed martial arts a try.  It was something I wanted to do for a while.

MCC:  With only a short time in the sport you have a pretty nice record.  How does it feel to be fighting in MCC?
JY:  It feels good.  I know MCC is where I’ll be able to get in the cage and show the fans and my opponent what kind of skills I have.
 
MCC:  What do you know about your opponent?
JY:  I know he’s tough.  All fighters in MCC are tough though.  He is the kind of fighter that is willing to stand up and bang, and that’s exactly what I’m looking for.  If he wants to stand and bang, that’s what he’s going to get.
 
MCC:  So, is that your game plan?
JY: I don’t ever plan for anyone.  I don’t think there is any really good plan.  I just do what feels right and I know what I can and can’t do.
 
 
MCC:  What’s it like fighting along side of some of the top fighters in the Midwest, plus being on TV? 
JY:  The lights, cameras, and big crowd- it’s a little overwhelming, but I know I can and will put on a good show.  I plan on making a statement right off the bat.
 
MCC:  How do you see the fight going?
JY:  I always see the fight going in my direction.  No matter what happens I always vision myself winning.  I will never give up, fold, or roll over for anyone.  One way or another, I’m winning.  When I get in there I will find the way.
 
MCC: What are your plans in your MMA career in 2010?
JY:  Right now I’m not really sure.  I just keep my head up and go with the flow.
 
MCC:  Who is your favorite fighter and why? Do you have any heroes in the sport? 
JY:  My Uncle, Mark Bear is someone I’ve always looked up to.  He got me started in mixed martial arts.  As far as fighters go, Randy ” The Natural” Couture is my favorite.  I admire him because of how he has so much pride that he still fights today at 46 years old.  He just keeps getting better and better.  At his age how many people do you see doing this sport?  Not many!
 
MCC:  Thanks for your time and best of luck in your upcoming bout.  We look forward to an impressive debut with MCC.
JY:  Thanks for having me, and I want to thank all of my family and friends who have supported me, come watch me fight, and always have my back.  I appreciate it.

Chris Helm Prepares for MCC Debut

By Randy Thomas
 
When MCC newcomer, Chris Helm (11-1) steps into the cage against Johnny “Coletrain” Coleman at MCC 25: “Inferno”, he knows he will have his hands full.  After all, the last time his opponent took the center of the ring, he made his exit less than 30 seconds later following a highlight reel knock out win.
 
Chris Helm is okay with that.
 
“I just know he got beat by someone I’ve beat before. Obviously, I can’t overlook that but I’ll study him just like any other fighter.  I’m confident in my stand up  game, so if he chooses to stand in the pocket and trade punches with me, that’s just fine.”
 
As the sport of mixed martial arts continues to gain popularity, it attracts not only a broader audience, but it also gives opportunities for several weight classes.  In Helm’s case, the Flyweight division is wide open, and this is exactly where Helm sees his opportunity.
 
“All my life I’ve played football and wrestled.  Because of my size, wrestling was just a better fit.  Plus, there are not too many little guys in football.  There’s not much room for 125 lb players.  Plus, I always found myself cutting weight for wrestling.  After I graduated, I started working on jiu jitsu and boxing.  Mixed martial arts seemed like the logical sport to cross over into.  I was just training when a friend dared me to fight.  I had only planned on trying it one time, but I won my first fight by knock out, and it only lasted 30 seconds.  I guess you can say after that I was hooked.  That’s when I started training harder.”
 
The 19 year old fighter, who hails from Paulina, Iowa is a three-time TSCF Bantamweight Champion.  He has set up his full time fight camp in Fort Dodge, where there are plenty of worthy training partners to help him prepare for his upcoming bout.
 
At times, it’s been difficult to find fights in the flyweight division, so Helm has often found himself fighting a weight class up- a ten pound difference.  However, he’s done well there, going 9-1.  In fact, only two of his fights have been at his natural weight class.  Not too shabby!
 
We asked how it felt to make his debut for one of the largest MMA promotions in the Midwest?
 
“I’m excited.  It’s a big organization and there are a lot of great fighters and good match ups for me.  I can’t let it get to me though.  I know I have to train hard and focus on the fight in front of me.  I’m taking this seriously just like all my fights.”
 
MCC 25: “Inferno” takes place Saturday, March 13 at Hy Vee Hall.  Tickets are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-229-8566, or at all Dahl’s ticket outlets.  For more information on the fight card as well as all up to the minute MCC news, log on to the web site.

Getting to Know Maurice Speirs

At MCC 25: “Inferno”, Maurice Spiers will make his debut for the promotion as he takes on fan favorite, Ian “Not So Nice” Tice.  We recently caught up to Maurice to get to know a little about him.
 
MCC:  Welcome to Midwest Cage Championship.  Can you tell the fans a little about yourself:
MS:  I am 23 years old, 6’2″ tall and I fight in the welterweight division.  I am originally from Centerville, Iowa,  and I live in Knoxville presently.  I train with a good group of guys at a few gyms such as Rocko’s Mat Club, Centerville Bad Boy’s, Knoxville Boxing Club and Tallman’s Judo Academy.
 
MCC:  So, it looks like you are putting a lot into your training and working to become very well rounded.
MS:  Absolutely.  I feel I have a very good striking and jiu jitsu game, and I am always looking to improve and get better every day.  Fighters always need to get more well rounded if they want to progress in the sport.
 
MCC:  What is your MMA record and what have you accomplished so far in your career?
MS:  My professional record is 3-2.  My greatest accomplishment so far is a recent victory over UFC veteran, Jesse Sanders.  Being a part of MCC is pretty cool too.  It’s a great place to call home as I look to make the most of my MMA career.

MCC:  Have you always been involved in martial arts?  What brought you into the sport of MMA”
MS:  No.  I played high school and college football as well as basketball.  I did not get turned onto MMA until 2005.  I was looking for a sport that could harness my competitive nature.  I thought MMA would be something I could excel at with hard work and dedication.
 
MCC: Do you have any heroes in the sport?  Outside the sport?
MS:  Tito Ortiz.  I admire how hard he works.  I hope to continue my progress and pick of some of his ground skills.  Outside the sport, my parents are my heroes.  I admire their work ethic.  They showed me what hard work does for your family and the things you get in life you should cherish.
 
MCC:  Do you train and fight full time?  What do you do in your spare time?
MS:  I do train and fight full time.  I am also a member of the Army National Guard, a faithful boyfriend, and a good father to my son and step son.  I guess you could say I have no spare time!

MCC:  You’re fighting a very well rounded fighter, Ian Tice, at MCC 25.  What do you know about him and how are you training for the upcoming fight?
MS:  I know that he is tough.  I know that he is a good wrestler, and I think that we will have an interesting fight.  I am training hard right now.  I’m working everything because that is what has gotten me to this point. I think our fight will be a war because we will both fight our hearts out for the fans, friends, family, and everyone who will be watching this at home.
 
MCC: What are your plans for 2010?
MS:  This fight is what’s most important right now.  After this I am looking forward to working my way up the ladder on the way to the MCC Welterweight Title.
 
MCC:  Thank you for your time and best of luck to you.  Is there anything else you’d like to add”
MS:  Thanks for having me in MCC.  It’s a great accomplishment, and it makes you feel like your making your way to be one of the best in the Midwest. I love it.