Elvis Mutapcic at MCC23

By Randy Thomas

Three years ago, the MCC matchmaker received a call from an outspoken fighter looking to get on an upcoming card.  Claiming to be a kickboxing practitioner and undefeated combatant, he was invited to try out at MCC’s minor league promotion; DMX- the same place that several MCC fighters made their MMA debuts.   After accepting the invitation, he asked if he could bring a friend that was looking to get into the sport, but had never competed.  His friend was Elvis Mutapcic.

Fight night came and both fighters were matched up with equal competition.  Although the brash, over-confident fighter was quickly exposed in his bout, the more reserved, and sift spoken Mutapcic entered the ring with a smile on his face, and less than thirty seconds later, left the ring in the same fashion.  His opponent was not so fortunate, being on the end of a brutal head kick.  MCC staff realized right away the potential that Mutapcic showed and immediately signed him to MCC.

Although Elvis Mutapcic has bounced back and forth from welterweight to middleweight, he has showed great promise as a heavier fighter.  With top notch training from Spartan Strength and Des Moines Mixed Martial Arts Academy, The King has become a wrecking machine who has not only earned his way to a title fight with his winning ways, but every time Mutapcic steps in the ring he puts on the fight of the night performance.

The King recently made the trek across the country to try out for the uber-popular TV reality show, The Ultimate Fighter, the prime time show that propelled fighters like Forrest Griffin, Chris Leben, and Michael Bisbing into household names.  Although the two minute performance was not enough time to showcase his skills enough to get the nod from UFC brass, Mutapcic has not let the experience discourage him.  Like many of today’s top fighters who did not make the shows cut, Mutapcic has vowed to earn his way into the UFC by putting on performances that have no other choice but to get him noticed.

At MCC 23, Mutapcic took another step towards his dream when he thrashed former middleweight champion, Mike “Mini Van” Van Meer with kicks and punches to earn the MCC Middleweight title.  When you look at the long list of champions who have tasted success following holding MCC belts, Mutapcic knows that if he keeps winning, it’s only a matter of time before he gets his opportunity to shine.  Until then, fight fans will get to see The King back in the MCC cage putting on solid performances.

From a bar to the bright lights, TV camera’s, and thousands of cheering fight fans, Elvis Mutapcic has made it to the top, conquering one goal at a time.  It’s his time.  Long live The King.

MCC23

Thanksgiving Throwdown has become a tradition for the Midwest’s top promotion, and with thirteen fights down, the fighters and MCC crew are ready to relax and spend some time giving thanks for all that is good.

There were three belts on the line last night, and all three champions proved to a crowd of over 2,000 people why they proudly wear the strap around their waist.  In the first title match of the night, relative newcomer, Demetrius “D-Mo” Richards stepped in as an underdog against number one contender Jesse Lund.  Taking the fight on less than ten days notice, Richards came into the cage with his game plan in tact, swiftly putting Lund on his back and securing a Kimura just minutes into the opening round, forcing the tap from Lund.  With the Interim Championship secured, D-Mo has already called out MCC current Light Heavyweight Champion, Chuck Grigsby- a fighter that recently put the only blemish on Richards record.  After congratulating the newly crowned champ, Grigsby quickly accepted the challenge and MCC is already working on their fight for an upcoming event.

Next up on the card was a battle of featherweight brawlers as Josh “Bam Bam” Henry, who was on a three fight win streak, took a big leap in competition to challenge MCC Featherweight title holder, Eric Marriott for his belt.  Right off the bat, Henry came on strong, slamming the champion to the mat and delivering some brutal ground and pound.  Marriott showed his experience and cage prowess and he remained composed as he went for submission after submission.  Henry was able to defend a barrage or arm bars, but the relentless Marriott was finally able to secure an arm which had Bam Bam quickly tapping out at the end of the first round.  Before the fight Marriott made no qualms that the belt was going back to Independence, Missouri with him, and he made good on his claim.

In the main event of the evening, former Middleweight Champion, Mike “Mini Van” Van Meer, made another run for the best when he faced Elvis “The King” Mutapcic.  The first round saw the taller, more muscular Mutapcic stalking Van Meer like a lion chasing down a gazelle.  With brutal leg kicks, Mutapcic battered Van Meers legs and mid-section over and over again.  Despite having less than ten fights under his belt, Mutapcic remained extremely calm as he picked his shots over and over.  It was not until the final seconds of the first round Van Meer was finally able to land any significant strikes.
The second round started with Van Meer coming out more aggressively, looking for the take down.  The King was able to shrug Van Meer off, delivering more leg strikes for his effort.  following Van Meers third attempt to get the Bosnian phenom to the mat, his leg buckled and he went down with Mutapcic following him to fire off ten unanswered blows before referee Thomas Mastin was forced to call a halt to the action.  Mutapcic left the cage with the Middleweight Championship belt around his waist.

The nights under card bouts were just as exciting as the title fights with two bantamweight fighters making impressive MCC debuts.

Sioux City’s John “Bogus” DeVall received his invitation to the promotion after a successful tryout at MCC Trials III.  The quiet mixed martial artists did all his talking in the cage when he faced Des Moines native, Tony “Lil Crusher” Crowder.   After getting put on his back just seconds after the opening bell, DeVall hunted relentlessly for submissions until he secured the fight ending triangle he was searching for.  It was an impressive debut for the newcomer, DeVall.  His performance was anything but “Bogus”, and fight fans will see him on another card soon.

A native of Oahu, Hawaii, Max “Little Evil” Holloway traveled to the main land to help out fellow MCC alum Will Shutt and Josh Henry prepare for their bouts.  Known for his lightning fast hands and devastating kicks, this tall bantamweight had his hands full as he faced muay Thai prodigy, Corey McDonald.  In what was touted to be the stand up fight of the night, it was Holloway who used multiple Judo throws to keep McDonald on the canvas, peppering his with strikes.  This strategy proved to be the puzzle McDonald could not solve as “Little Evil” pounded away at the face and body until McDonald verbally submitted.  Taking the moniker, “Little Evil” after former UFC champion Jens Pulver, Holloway has some big shoes to fill.  He proved to MCC fans that he is here to make some noise and shake up the competition in the bantamweight division.

Full Event Results Below

Laird via Unaniamous Decision over Morrison- 30-27, 29-28, 29-28
DeVall via Triangle over Crowder- 2:34
Lepa via Unanimous Decision over Jones- 29-28 unan decision
Holloway via Ref Stoppage over McDonald- 2:51
Villareal via Doctor Stoppage due to Cut over Vandermark- 1:55 rd 3
Shaffer via Submission to Strikes over Moffit- :34
Rios via Ref stoppage due to Strikes over Naumann- 1:19
Branson via Triangle over Tice triangle- 4:41
Christenson via Rear Naked Choke over Johnson- 1:24
Mickle via Arm Bar over Shutt- 0:19
Marriot via Arm Bar over Henry- 2:23
Richards via Kimura over Lund- 1:31
Mutapcic via Ref Stoppage due to Strikes over Van Meer rd 2

MCC 23 Thanksgiving Throwdown

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009 @ Vets Auditorium

1. Laird via Unaniamous Decision over Morrison- 30-27, 29-28, 29-28
2. DeVall via Triangle over Crowder- 2:34
3. Lepa via Unanimous Decision over Jones- 29-28 unan decision
4. Holloway via Ref Stoppage over McDonald- 2:51
5. Villareal via Doctor Stoppage due to Cut over Vandermark- 1:55 rd 3
6. Shaffer via Submission to Strikes over Moffit- :34
7. Rios via Ref stoppage due to Strikes over Naumann- 1:19
8. Branson via Triangle over Tice triangle- 4:41
9. Christenson via Rear Naked Choke over Johnson- 1:24
10. Mickle via Arm Bar over Shutt- 0:19
11. Marriot via Arm Bar over Henry- 2:23
12. Richards via Kimura over Lund- 1:31
13. Mutapcic via Ref Stoppage due to Strikes over Van Meer rd 2

Featherweight Division
Justin Morrisson	VS	Zak Laird
Batamweight Division
John DeVall	VS	Tony Crowder
Lightweight Division
Nick Lepa	VS	Jordan Jones
Featherweight Division
Max Holloway	VS	Corey McDonald
Welterweight Division
Leo Villareal	VS	Chad Vandermark
Bantamweight Division
Shane Moffit	VS	Laramie Shaffer
Welterweight Division
Thomas Naumann	VS	Miguel Rios
Middleweight Division
Andy Branson	VS	Ian Tice
Light Heavyweight Division
Josh Christenson	VS	Heath Johnson
Lightweight Division
Will Shutt	VS	Chris Mickle
Featherweight Championship
Josh Henry	VS	Eric Marriott
Interim Light Heavyweight Championship
Demetrius Richards	VS	Jesse Lund
Middleweight Championship
Elvis Mutapcic	VS	Mike Van Meer

Elvis Mutapcic

What’s up everyone, my name is Elvis “The King” Mutapcic.  I was born and raised in Sarajevo, Bosnia along with my older brother (Emir) and my younger brother (Ermin).  When I was 4 years old the Bosnian War started and lasted until I was 9 years old.  Five years after the War was over my family and I moved from Sarajevo, Bosnia to Des Moines, Iowa and have lived here ever since.  Two year after my family and I moved to Des Moines my parents got divorced and my older brother Emir, whom was only 18 at the time, took on the roll of “Dad” and raised my younger brother and me.  If it wasn’t for Emir pushing me to do my best (and then push a little more) I wouldn’t be where I am today; and for that I could never thank him enough!

Ever since I was a little boy I was always drawn toward fighting and martial arts.  While the Bosnian War was going on we had to move out of the city limits; during that time I made a heavy bag and put it in the front yard of the house we were living in.  Whenever I would watch fighting on TV I would practice the moves on the heavy bag; I spent hours outside hitting the bag.  When the war was finally over and we were able to move back to the city I got the opportunity to take my first martial arts class; I took every opportunity to better my fighting skills, even though I was just a boy.

After we moved to the United States I lost touch with martial arts.  As I got older I started getting into trouble street fighting.  One night I went down to Toad Hauler and they were having amateur fight night.  I went back a few more times and really enjoyed what I saw; I decided then that I wanted to try it out.  The first time I participated in a submission competition; the second time I had a kickboxing match.  I enjoyed both the grappling part and the kickboxing part; that’s when I decided I wanted to pursue Mixed Martial Arts.  After those two competitions at Toad Hauler work and other priorities took center stage in my life; the next time I entered into any sort of MMA competition was on opening night of DMX in June of 2007.  After fighting a few times at DMX I was offered a fight at an MCC show.  After two years of training with the Des Moines Mixed Martial Arts Academy, the last five months with Spartan Strength and a few wars in the cage; I finally get the chance to be the MCC Middleweight Champion and take one step close to my dream of someday being in the UFC.

Aside from fighting I also work full time at Helena Industries in Des Moines as a Maintenance Mechanic.  Between training and working I don’t have much free time; on the rare occasion that I have time to relax I like to spend time with my beautiful girlfriend Alicia, my family and friends.

Now that you know a little bit about me and how I got to where I am now, stay tuned weekly until the fight to find out more about my training routine and more.  Hope to see you all out on Wednesday, November 25th for the MCC Thanksgiving Throwdown, as I take on Mike “Mini Van” Van Meer, for the Middleweight Title!

Thanksgiving Throwdown

MCC has always been known for their annual Thanksgiving Throwdown show, and this year the Midwest’s top promotion is in the midst of putting together another stellar card with not one, but three title fights.  Fans poured into Veterans Auditorium for MCC 22 “Reality Check”, which was, by far, the most exciting card of 2009.  The stacked fight card brought forth new talent as well as allowed some of the veterans of the sport a chance to show they still have what it takes to compete with the toughest up and coming fighters in the game.  Two of the fighters from that night have earned their shot at championship belts in their respective weight classes.

Jesse Lund is one of the most exciting light heavyweight fighters in the sport today.  With a six bout win streak on his MMA record and multiple accolades for putting on the fight of the night, he will face his toughest opponent to date when he steps in the ring at MCC 23 to face Mainstream’s Light Heavyweight Championship, Derek Mehman for the MCC Interim Light Heavyweight title.  MCC co-owner, John Halverson stated, “With our champion, Chuck Grigsby fighting overseas for M-1 and destined to make it back to the big show, we figured we’d better put an interim title in place until we see how the division is going to lay out.”  He added, “Putting Lund against one of the toughest fighters around just makes sense.”   Mehman’s only loss came at hands of UFC veteran Mike Ciesnolevicz where he was submitted by a choke.  Lund, who had planned on taking a break from his rigorous training schedule following his last win, jumped at the opportunity to fight for the title.

One of the most improved fighters on the MCC roster, Josh “Bam Bam” Henry, dug deep and pulled out the biggest win of his young career at MCC 22 which he submitted undefeated brawler and WEC hopeful, Bill Kammery.  Playing the part of the underdog has never bothered Henry, in fact he enjoys the stress free moniker.  At MCC 23 he will, once again, take another step up the ladder when he challenges MCC Featherweight Champion, Eric Marriott, for his belt.  Marriott won his title following a five round unanimous decision victory over former champion, Chris Mad Dog” Mickle.

In the third title bout of the evening, former MCC Middleweight Champion, Mike “Mini Van” Van Meer will, once again, lace up the gloves for a five round war when he steps in the cage with Elvis “The King” Mutapcic.  Van Meer, who has fought from Middleweight to Heavyweight, has battled some of the best fighters in mixed martial arts.  Known for his toughness and never say die attitude, will he have what it takes to defeat the Bosnian bomber with heavy hands, a granite chin, and a hunger to take home the belt?  This is a classic battle of striker versus grappler and with both fighters promising to stop the other in dramatic fashion, this bout could, quite possibly be on the most exciting of the night.
MCC 23: Thanksgiving Throwdown will also feature Chris Mickle vs Will Shutt, Ian Tice vs Andy Branson, Miguel Rios vs Thomas Naumann, Zak Laird vs Joe Trader, Laramie Shaffer, and much more!
Tickets are available on-line at MidwestCageChampionship.com, Iowa Events Center Box Office, Dahls Tickets, or by phone at 515-229-8566.  Veterans Auditorium, Wednesday, November 25th.  Doors open at 6:30pm and the first fight starts at 7:30pm.