This great opportunity for Vedepo is a shining example why MCC is ranked one of the the top regional promotions in the country. “Combining great talent with the visibility MCC provides creates the perfect combination to push fighters to the top level of our sport ,” provided fellow UFC vet John Halverson.

Vedepo will face American Top Team fighter Alessio “Legionarius” Sakara at UFC’s Ultimate Fight Night on September 17.  Former MCC fighter and Iowa native Josh “The Dentist” Neer headlines the card as he takes on Ulitmate Fighter Season Five winner Nate Diaz. The event will be broadcast live on Spike Network.

On his way to the UFC, Vedepo will make a stop in Des Moines to attend Midwest Cage Championship 16 “No Guts, No Glory” this Friday. MCC is completely proud to send one of our own to the top and we wish him congratulations and best of luck in the most important fight of his career.

You can join us to provide your well wishes at the Bucs Arena at 7201 Hickman in Urbandale this Friday at 7:30 PM. Tickets start at $25 and doors open at 6:30 PM.

The festivities begin with the official weigh-in event on Thursday at 7PM at the Twisted Parrot, located at 6500 Hickman Road. Be sure to join us for drink specials and surprise guest appearances.

Des Moines, IA- August 11, 2008- Professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) returns to Urbandale’s Buccaneer’s Arena on Friday, September 12. Midwest Cage Championship, Iowa’s premier MMA promoter, will deliver a ten bout show stacked with major talent and significant fights.

The MCC Featherweight belt is on the line when Josh “Jigsaw” Atwell defends himself against up and comer, and number one contender, TJ “The Spider” O’Brien. Atwell took the belt from Will Shutt in MCC 13, and O’Brien has gained impressive wins in non-title bouts since that time. Atwell, with beginnings as a standout wrestler, and known for his tenacity, has delivered some of the most crowd pleasing performances in MCC history. For all his experience and success, Atwell clearly has his hands full, as O’Brien remains undefeated in MCC and has quickly become known for his Jujitsu, often leaving his opponents quickly tapping or suddenly sleeping.

In another much anticipated match, Des Moines native and two time UFC veteran, John “Hurricane” Halverson returns to MCC action when he meets Vern “The Native Assassin” Jefferson. Most recently, Halverson dropped a close three round war to fellow UFC fighter Jorge Gurgel. “It’s awesome fighting for the huge UFC crowds, national TV and pay-per-view, but for me it never compares to the experience of fighting in my hometown, for the fans, friends, and family that are truly most important to me” stated a grateful Halverson. Jefferson is no stranger to the same crowd. He has over thirty pro bouts to his credit and a solid reputation as a warrior willing to take on anyone. As Jefferson will now face one of the top lightweights in the Midwest, that experience and fortitude will be put to the ultimate test.

Other key talent and bouts for MCC 16 include the return of Cole “The Apprentice” Jennet, and the match-up of two undefeated fighters when Alex Harper takes on NCAA All American wrestler Joe “Excalibur” Ellenberger.

MCC 16: No Guts, No Glory! takes place at the Bucs Arena, 7201 Hickman Road, Urbandale, IA on Friday, September 12. Doors open at 6:30PM, fights begin promptly at 7:30 PM. Tickets prices begin at $25 and can be purchased at the Bucs box office, by phone at 515-278-9757, and on-line at http://www.midwestcagechampionship.com. VIP tables can be purchased by calling 515-229-8566.