Jenkins vs Rios

MCC 37 “Thanksgiving Throwdown” Main Card Review

Gary Hedlund vs. Ronnie Britt, 3rd, RNC

When Ronnie “The Warfrog” Britt lost his fourth ever mixed martial arts fight at MCC 36, many people thought the 46 year old would hang it up (really hang it up this time), but rather than calling it quits he immediately asked for another fight.

He was called out by Gary Hedlund and the match was set up.

Hedlund, a 39 year old fighter from Precision Combat Training claims the call out was strictly out of respect and the rumor that Britt was hard to match up given his skill set and friendly bond with many of the local fighters.

Regardless, the request fueled the fire of Britt who turned to several local gyms to fine tune his fight game. Training with younger, faster fighters is exactly the formula Britt wanted to put into place even though this time, he would finally be facing someone closer in age.

On paper, Britt was the shoo in for a W. Hedlund with just four fights and Britt with twenty four, most though this would end early in the first. Not Hedlund though!

For almost three straight round both fighters went toe to toe, boxing, kicking, clinching, grappling and trying to best the other one. It was close. Britt was there to prove that the ol’ frog still had it in him to compete and Hedlund was out to get respect.

They both accomplished their goals.

Britt, however, proved that experience and will to survive would outlast raw determination as he submitted his opponent with a rear naked choke late in the final round.

Hats off to Hedlund for challenging himself so early into his career and props to Britt who teased that he would compete until the ripe age of 50.

Have you even seen someone enter the cage with a walker?

Andy Stock vs. Victor Moreno

With the possibility of Moreno’s career winding down, he certainly showed now signs of stopping in his win over journeyman, Andy “The Bully” Stock.

While most fans are used to seeing flashy strikes from “Superman”, he seemed to have taken a page out of his trainer and close friend, Josh Neer’s book; The Art of Ground and Pound!

Moreno looked light on his feet at he outpointed the 25-fight veteran, but the real display of talent came once the fight went to the ground. Using a takedown off a missed punch, Moreno pushed his opponent against the cage and delivered a flurry of jack hammers to the head and body of Stock.

As time winded down in the opening frame, Moreno locked up an arm bar- yes, that’s right… Victor Moreno does know how to use submissions! This one was tight, and with no where to spin, Stock was forced to tap with just five seconds remaining in the round!

It was a triumphant return for the former king of the welterweight division. Moreno stated that he will sit back and wait for a fight from his long-time rival, Ben Crowder before he finally hangs up the gloves!

Doug Jenkins vs. Miguel Rios

Fight of the night, right here! If you missed this one, kindly ball up your own fist and punch yourself in a place of choice on our own body because you deserve that!

There is no other word I could possibly use to describe these guys other than: warrior. Period!

This is the type of fight that does one of two things for a fight fan- it either motivates them to join a gym, train their ass off, and someday have a fight like this, or… makes them glad they paid for their seat because that’s as close as they’d ever want to be to a battle like this!

Three rounds, back and forth action- both on the feet and on the ground, quite a few cuts, a lot of blood and sweat and two guys who had to dig deep to pull off fifteen minutes of fighting. Did I even come close to describing this? Probably not…

Congratulations to Miguel “El Rey” Rios, Jr. for pulling out a hard earned decision win over Hear of a Warrior and two-time fight of the night winner, Doug Jenkins.

I’m pretty sure that Jenkins, a South Dakota based mixed martial artist is going to develop quite a big fan base after this battle. Keep your eyes out for him when he returns to his natural weight class of 155 lbs.

Kevin Burns vs. Eddie Larrea

After a year long layoff, five time UFC veteran, Kevin “The Fire” Burns was chomping at the bit to step back in the cage. Originally set to face undefeated prospect, Jay Woods, Burns was fired up when called a “stepping stone” on the way to the UFC. When Woods was forced out of the contest due to an injury sustained in training camp, Wisconsin knock out artists, “Fast” Eddie Larrea quickly answered the call.

Unfortunately for Larrea, he had to bear the brunt of Woods harsh words, and Burns had no intentions of letting Larrea showcase his hands!

As the bout began, Larrea came out quickly in an attempt to catch Burns off guard. However, for someone who has fought the toughest competition in the sport, Larrea displayed no tricks that Burns has not seen in the past. Using his always developing wrestling skills, Burns took Larrea out of his comfort zone and onto the mat where he went to work with swift punches to the head and body. The flurry forced “Fast” Eddie to make the terminal mistake of giving up his back to avoid further battering. And when he did Burns was able to sign, seal and deliver the bout-ending envelop which was the rear naked choke submission at just 1:09 of the opening frame.

Burns, who stated his intentions of making his way back to the UFC took one step closer. Look for Burns to return to the MCC cage in the near future (hopefully against his original opponent, Jay Woods!)

MCC 37

Start the countdown; Thanksgiving Throwdown just two weeks away!

In just two short weeks the Midwest most popular mixed martial arts event, MCC, will return to Hy Vee Hall for the annual Thanksgiving Throwdown.

Featuring 12 exciting MMA bouts headlined by none other than Des Moines native and five-time UFC veteran, Kevin “The Fire” Burns.

The card also features a bantamweight title fight between top contenders, Will “The Real Deal” Shutt and Laramie “Contract Killer” Shaffer, plus the return of Miguel “El Rey” Rios, Jr., Ronnie “Warfrog” Britt and former champ, Victor “Superman” Moreno.

The full card can be seen at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com. Tickets are available but they are going fast. If you haven’t purchased yours yet, don’t wait!

MCC 37 “Thanksgiving Throwdown” is brought to you by Nutrishop. Nutrishop specializes in diet and supplementation with three convenient locations in West Des Moines, Ankeny and Ames.

For more information on this event, including fighter interviews, blogs and video’s, check out the web site.

Ronnie Britt

MCC 37′s Ronnie “Warfrog” Britt looks for redemption, returns at Thanksgiving Throwdown

Just three weeks ago MCC welterweight Ronnie Britt, one of the promotions most popular fighters, put on a show worthy of being a fight of the year candidate. Dropping a close split decision to newcomer Doug Jenkins was just the fourth loss of Britt’s near decade-long career. Unwilling to hang up the gloves just yet, the 46 year old submission expert hailing from the small town of Diagonal, Iowa looks to get back to the win column when he welcomes MCC newcomer Gary Hedlund to the cage.

After a brief retirement in 2009-2010, Britt could no longer sit on the sidelines. Taking a break from the Mediacom commentary team, Britt headed back to the gym to give the sport he loves another go ’round. Upon his return he rattled off wins against Eric Irvin, Dave Severe, Jon Kennedy, and MMA pioneer Dennis Reed- all by way of submission. In the opening frame of the Doug Jenkins bout, Britt appeared to be on the way to another victory before he gassed out in the second round and was closely out pointed by the South Dakota native.

Now, spending time between Spartan Strength, Des Moines Jiu Jitsu Academy and Elite Edge, Britt has his sights focused on his November 23 meeting with Heglund- a traditional martial artist, new to the sport, is a training partner of UFC veteran and former MCC champ, TJ “The Spider” O’Brien as well as exciting featherweight Orlando Peace.

The Britt vs. Hedlund bout is a part of the evening’s main card. The bout has been scheduled for three- five minute rounds to be contested at 170 lbs.

MCC matchmaker commented, “Even in losing his last bout, Britt gained an even larger fan base with the heart he displayed. For just the second time in MCC history Britt put on a fight that brought the crowd to their feet. The last time people saw a war like that was when Andy Branson fought Elvis Mutapcic. Ronnie Britt is a hero in the sport and we couldn’t be more excited that he was willing to jump right back on the horse and compete again at MCC 37.”

Nutrishop presents, MCC 37: “Thanksgiving Throwdown” Wednesday, November 23 at Hy Vee Hall, downtown, Des Moines, Iowa. Tickets are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 888-324-5849 and at all Dahl’s Food Store ticket outlets. For more information on this card, including fighter interviews, video’s and blogs, check out the web site.

Miguel Rios

Doug Jenkins

Rios vs. Jenkins added to MCC 37 “Thanksgiving Throwdown”

Coming straight off a potential fight of the year performance in his MCC debut, South Dakota native, Doug Jenkins looks to take another step towards the top of the food chain on November 23 when he takes on perennial contender, Miguel “El Rey” Rios, Jr.

When Doug Jenkins got the call to fight Ronnie “Warfrog” Britt at MCC 36 he had ten days to prepare for the bout.  When Britt’s original opponent, Maurice Spiers pulled out of the bout, MCC officials were scrambling to find a suitable replacement.

Jenkins, who became a fan of Britt’s from watching Mediacom broadcasts of MCC for years, jumped at the opportunity.  With a professional record of 4-1, it seemed he was fighting an uphill battle against the more experienced Britt, who was 20-3 prior to their fight, however, once inside the cage Jenkins proved, for three rounds, that he was worthy of hanging with one of the best.

At the end of the back and forth war the judges awarded the split decision to Doug Jenkins, and all of a sudden there was a new contender in the welterweight division.

That same night during an in cage interview, longtime MCC fighter, Miguel Rios, Jr. campaigned for a fight against Jenkins.  This week his wish came true as officials were able to sign the bout to take place on November 23.

Rios, who has tasted defeat just one time throughout his career burst onto the scene in 2007 at MCC Trials I winning the tournament and getting his invitation to compete in the Midwest’s most popular promotion.  Throughout his career Rios has won over fans with his exciting style and his willingness to tough out any situation he’s dealt with.  One of the most respected fighters at New Beginning’s MMA (training facility), Rios puts his nearly perfect record on the line when he faces off against Doug Jenkins.

MCC officials added, “After watching Jenkins take on Britt, the fight with Rios has the makings of an equally explosive fight.  Rios is aggressive, skilled, and determined, while Jenkins is unorthodox, resilient and driven to compete with the best.  This bout really completes the already stellar MCC card.”

Rios vs. Jenkins is scheduled for three- five minute rounds in a bout to be contested at 170 lbs.

Nutrishop presents, MCC 37 “Thanksgiving Throwdown”, Wednesday, November 23 at Hy Vee Hall, downtown Des Moines, Iowa.  Tickets, which will be available later this week, can be purchased on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 888-324-5849 and at all Dahl’s Food Store ticket outlets.  For more information on this card, including fighter interviews, video’s and blogs, check out the web site.

MCC 37

MCC gears up for annual Thanksgiving Throwdown, stacks card with top talent

Historically, the Midwest’s most popular promotion reserves its annual Thanksgiving Throwdown event to showcase the area’s top talent, and this year’s event is certain not to disappoint.

With more high profile fights than any other event this year, returning superstars Victor “Superman” Moreno, multi-time UFC vet, Kevin “The Fire” Burns, Miguel “El Rey” Rios, Jr., Ronnie “Warfrog” Britt, bantamweight title contenders Will “The Real Deal” Shutt and Laramie “Contract Killer” Shaffer and a bevy of talented up and comers, are ready to close out 2011 with a bang.

MCC 37 “Thanksgiving Throwdown” is scheduled for Wednesday, November 23 at Hy Vee Hall, downtown Des Moines, Iowa. Tickets for the event, which go on sale this week, are sure to move quickly. Fans can go to www.MidwestCageChampionship.com to reserve theirs today.

MCC officials stated, “If you look at the past five Thanksgiving Throwdown events you’ll see more big-show fighters than any other show in the Midwest. This year not only features some of the best, most popular fighters on the MCC roster, but the undercard itself is totally stacked. If you don’t go to another show all year, this one is a must see.”

Fight fans can keep up to date with all of the action by logging onto the web site. Stay tuned for the full card release as well as video’s, weekly blogs by Kevin Burns and interviews from the Thanksgiving Throwdown fighters.

Britt vs Jenkins

Fight of the Year candidate; Ronnie Britt vs. Doug Jenkins

It’s hard to go to a mixed martial arts show or training center throughout the Midwest and find someone who has not watched a fight of, or been inspired by Ronnie “Warfrog” Britt. At 46 years old, he is our version of UFC Hall of famer, Randy Couture. One of the founders of the area’s original MMA training teams, Des Moines Extreme Fighting, Britt has helped spark the careers of countless people including two-time UFC vet, John “Hurricane” Halverson and former MCC champ and WEC vet, Chris “Mad Dog” Mickle. Britt has been one of the most popular fighters since MCC first show. A brief one-year kept him out of the action and in the commentary booth, but the competitive bug bit and bit until Britt finally gave in and returned the cage.

Since his return Britt was on a four fight win streak, stopping all of his opponents by submission or TKO. He prides himself on finishing fights and last night he stepped into the cage with the same mindset and game plan that he always employs.
Britt’s opponent, Doug Jenkins, was a relative unknown. He was replacing Maurice Spiers who was pulled just two weeks before the scheduled bout was to take place. Jenkins, who normally competes at lightweight in small shows throughout South Dakota, was looking for a change to gain composure and was willing to take the risk against the more experience and heavier, Ronnie Britt.

Coming into the bout with a record of 4-1, on paper it appears as though this could be just another day in the office for the 20-3 submission wizard, Ronnie Britt. And when the bout started, Doug Jenkins let his opponent as well as everyone in attendance, that he was for real.

As the two circled and pawed at each other it was the more unorthodox of the two, Doug Jenkins, who was content to let his hands and feet fly. After being tagged by a couple solid shots, Britt was ready to end the bout and as Jenkins closed the gap, Britt latched onto his signature guillotine choke as he drug the younger fighter to the mat. Refusing to fall victim to the craft veteran, Jenkins inched his way out of the choke and found himself on top of Britt, throwing a series of elbows and punches. It was a close round to watch and an even closer one for the judges to score.

As round number two opened it was Jenkins that tried to get off first, landing punches from all angles. With hands lower that they should have been, Britt invited the flurry and often appeared to take direct shots to the chin just to dis-hearten his twin pony-tailed foe. When the action returned to the canvas it was Britt who, from on top attempted another fight finisher as he latched onto Jenkins exposed neck. But now with sweat as a factor, Jenkins was, once again, able to escape the hold. From his back he elbowed the head and face of Britt as he started to pull away on the score cards. Cardio was proving to be in the favor of Doug Jenkins, but Britt was always one move away from finishing the fight.

In the third and final round Jenkins appeared to be the fresher of the two fighters. It was all of nothing for Ronnie Britt. As the two engaged it was Jenkins who was getting the better of the exchanges. As he started to gain both momentum and confidence has continued to let his hands and feet go throwing superman punches and spinning wheel kicks. Midway through the final frame, Jenkins was able to open up a cut under the left eye of Britt as well as a gash on his nose. From his back Britt was showing the wear of the war and although fought until the horn blew, was never able to get into a position where he could end the bout.

As both fighters laid on the mat exhausted, the crowd, for the second time in MCC’s history rose to their feet to give both warriors a standing ovation. It was an amazing display of talent from both athletes and the praise was well deserved. Almost immediately the social networks lit up with talk of the bout, calling it 2011′s fight of the year.

When the judges cards were tallied up both competitors rose to their feet and took the center of the cage to await the official decision. The packed house was silent as ring announcer, Shawn T read the results; 29-28 Britt, 30-27 Jenkins and 29-28 Jenkins- awarding him the split decision victory.

Jenkins, during his post fight interview showed true admiration for his opponent stating that he was terrified going into the bout which helped to propel his training leading up to the fight. As he thanked everyone in attendance for supporting the sport, he asked MCC brass to bring him back at his natural weight class.

With a performance like that, I think it’s safe to say we will see more of Doug Jenkins.

Later in the night Jenkins was awarded the Anglo-Polanti Fighter of the Night price; a new, high-end Polanti watch. Britt was given the Heart of a Warrior award and vowed to come back stronger than ever. Britt received another standing ovation from the crowd as he left the cage.

Ronnie Britt

Ronnie Britt returns to prove age is only a number

At a spry 46 years of age some wonder why MCC’s welterweight staple Ronnie “Warfrog” Britt isn’t out tearing up the links at a prestigious golf course, spending time building model airplanes or enjoying a friendly game of pitch on a Friday night. Well, ask him that question and you’re probably going to get twisted up like a pretzel!

A collegiate football player from Diagonal, Iowa, Britt got his start in the game before most of us knew what mixed martial arts was, but didn’t start seriously competing in until well into his thirties, before UFC hit mainstream TV, and before it was “cool” to be a fighter. Britt started training in a basement that was converted into a makeshift gym, with a small group of friends. They learned different submissions and striking techniques by watching video’s, trial and error and a good old game of ‘here, let me try this out on you’. Once he became good, he was hooked. And there hasn’t been much of a break. There was a brief one-year retirement period stuck somewhere in there, but Britt returned in 2010 and not tasted defeat since.

Britt stated, “As long as my body holds up, and as long as I still enjoy getting in there and mixing up with these youngsters, I’m going to keep after it.”

And youngsters is right. Most of the time Britt finds himself stuck in the cage competing against fighters half his age. For his opponents it comes as a shock. For those that have never watched him compete they may think they’re getting an easy win. Once the fight starts though, they are made painfully aware that isn’t going to be the case. Known for his strong submission game, Britt has no problems standing in the pocket and trading punches as he proved when he faced Eric Irving at MCC 32.

With an impressive record of 20 wins and only 3 losses, including wins over UFC vet Jesse “Iron Jaw” Sanders and MMA pioneer Dennis Reed, Britt returns at MCC 36: “Back in Action” to face heavy handed Maurice Speirs. Britt will be looking for his sixth consecutive win.

As one of the most recognized fighters in the Midwest, Britt takes it one day at a time. He states, “You can’t take yourself too seriously; you’re going to die someday anyway!” That’s just the style of a laid back, long haired country boy from small town, Iowa. But don’t let the age fool you. Ronnie Britt will prove you wrong evey time.

Nutrishop presents, MCC 36: “Back in Action”, Friday, September 23 at Hy Vee Hall, downtown Des Moines, Iowa. Tickets are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 888-324-5849 or at all Dahl’s Food Store ticket outlets. For more information on this upcoming event including fighter interviews, video’s and blogs, check out the web site.

MCC36: Back in Action

7:00pm Friday Sept 23 @ Hy-Vee Hall
730 3rd St, Des Moines IA

Welterweight Division
Jeramiah Deever	VS	Chris Fannon
Light Heavyweight Division
Adam Kickbush	VS	Bryan Alden
Light Heavyweight Division
Bryce Schmidt	VS	Brian Sykes
Featherweight Division
Cody Sheehy	VS	Isaac Adamson
Lightweight Division
Anthony Baccam	VS	Brody Jay
Lightweight Division
Jeff Carstens	VS	Matt Rider
Female Catchweight 110
Mariah Johnson	VS	Cassie Rodish
Welterweight Division
Doug Jenkins	VS	Ronnie Britt
Light Heavyweight Division
Ryan Delf	VS	Josh Christensen
Featherweight Division
Jose Colon	VS	Luis Saldana
Main Event – Middleweight Division
Kyle Davis	VS	Brian Green