Des Moines, IA- November 25, 2008- As injuries continue their attempt to plague tomorrow’s Thanksgiving Throwdown, promoters and contestants up their game to deliver even greater crowd pleasing action. Previously, Travis Fulton was forced out of his title bout with Chuck “The Reverend Grigsby” due to an injury sustained while training. A replacement for Fulton, two time NCAA Division Three wrestling champ Chad Vance, was secured quickly and faces Grigsby for the Light Heavyweight title tomorrow night.

Subsequently, Mike “Mini Van” Van Meer suffered a neck injury yesterday that has forced him out of the much anticipated showdown with number one contender Zak Cummings. Within minutes of the unfortunate news, the promoter scrambled to quickly build a MCC middleweight championship bout to fill the title left vacant when Joe Vedepo moved up to the UFC. In true warrior fashion, Cole “The Apprentice” Jennet quickly accepted the opportunity to face Cummings for a shot at the belt. “Cole didn’t hesitate for even a second. It was like he was already there” commented MCC co-owner and matchmaker Ryan Hass.

Jennet made an attempt for the MCC Middleweight title in 2006, falling short due to a TKO against then champion Mike Van Meer. Since then, Jennet remains undefeated and has upped his training regimen significantly. Jennet was originally scheduled for a non-title three round bout tomorrow and carries complete confidence as he steps up to the five round, five minutes per round title fight. When asked what will drive him most, Jennet, a man of few words, simply responded “I want the belt. Period”.

Des Moines, IA- November 20, 2008-The much anticipated Light Heavyweight Championship showdown between champ Chuck “The Reverend” Grigsby and contender Travis “Ironman” Fulton has been changed due to injury. Fulton was forced to withdraw based on a knee injury sustained during training for the MCC bout. Fulton’s manager contacted MCC matchmakers Wednesday with immediate notice in order for MCC to secure a worthy opponent. ” These things happen” commented MCC co-owner John Halverson. “When you have athletes of the caliber, pushing themselves to the limit in order to perform for a big fight, injuries are a risk” Halverson concluded.

MCC matchmakers called upon their extensive resources and relationships to name a replacement within one day. “As Grigsby is a WEC vet, has been on national television, and is a local namesake, finding someone to step into the cage, and thus spotlight, becomes a bit easier. This fight becomes an immediate stepping stone for the replacement” commented MCC co-owner and matchmaker Ryan Hass.

Fulton’s replacement, Chad Vance, is a two time NCAA Division Three national wrestling champion and was also a member of Brock Lesnar’s training camp for UFC 91. Vance owns a 6-0 MMA record in addition to his world class wrestling accomplishments and is certain to put Grigsby, known for his incredible “sprawl and brawl” style, to the test.

The Grigsby vs. Vance bout is the main event for MCC 17: Thanksgiving Throwdown on Wednesday, November 26 at the Val Air Ballroom located in West Des Moines.

Full details can be found at http://www.midwestcagechampionship.com