Jesse Lund

As another week goes by, I always wonder if I am doing everything I can do to prepare for the next event. There is always room for improvement, but not always time to apply myself the way I think I need to. 

Coming back from a two fight loosing streak was next on the agenda. The first win came by taking a fight on a days notice. Not the smartest thing in the world to do when you are on vacation and have not stepped in the gym for about a month! I would fill in for “Bull” who opted to take the title fight against Grigsby. This is the only fight that I felt I dominated from start to finish, and would put the fire back in my eyes to move forward in the sports.

Picking up the pace in my training for the next few fights would really pay off.  I bounced from gym to gym, house to house, and a dance studio. I had sessions at TJ O’Brien’s house to flip, throw, and sledge hammer tractor tires, kettle bell workouts, and sprints. Then we would switch it up the next week to my wife’s dance studio where we would do the same workouts, and then spar and grapple until we could not move. This training helped me to win the Warrior Spirit Award in two of my next three fights.

Fitting training in with a full time job, three children, and making time for my wife has been a challenge. Teresa works evenings so I have the runts all night. The goal is to get off work by five, hopefully have a sitter lined up, and get to practice. Then when I get home, spend the rest of the night with the family, get the kids in bed and finally have about an hour of time with Teresa to catch up on the day’s activities, if I don’t crash on the couch first! Does that work everyday? No. I could write a book on why it doesn’t but it’s just called life. I have the utmost respect for my family and what I put them through when I train.

My last loss has now been over two years ago. I have won all six of my last fights on the way to my title fight. I think it is well deserved. I plan on taking home the belt and hanging it in my son’s room. I guess until then, back to the gym. Don’t forget to check back in next week!!!!!!!!
 
Jesse Lund 
 
 
            “Only a man who knows what it is like to be defeated can reach down to the bottom of his soul and come up with the extra ounce of power it takes to win when the match is even.” – Muhammad Ali

Des Moines, IA- December 15, 2008- Fast on the heels of their previous event, and perhaps the best MMA event in Iowa during 2008, Midwest Cage Championship (MCC) returns to the historic Val Air Ballroom on Friday, January 16 with MCC 18: O’ Brien vs. Mickle. Quickly becoming known as an unstoppable submission wizard, MCC Champion TJ O’Brien is matched against Iowa icon Chris Mickle during the nights main event and title fight.

Mickle is not only a veteran of the Iraq war, he has also logged multiple fights against UFC “Knockout of the Night” main man Jeremy Stephens, even taking home one victory. This time, with two tours of duty, Army combative experience, and a recent 25 second arm bar victory to his credit, Mickle is purely focused on adding the MCC title belt to the awards he’s earned as a member of the U.S. Army. TJ O’ Brien has proved one of the most versatile fighters in the Midwest, competing at both 145 and 155 pound weight classes. This time, Mickle makes the moves down a weight class to compete at 145 for the Featherweight title. Predictions of the outcome run wildly in a fight one expert termed “the old guard meets the new guard”.

Another greatly anticipated match-up pits Omaha’s Matt Delanoit with Team Hard Drive 9 wins, 1 loss gunner Steve Carl. This match, Carl’s first for MCC, will determine who goes on to face Bobby Voelker for the MCC Welterweight title belt. Delanoit is coming off a victory against Carl’s Team Hard Drive mate Tom Grubb, and Carl took this fight with much of the purpose to avenge his opponents win over his friend and teammate. Delanoit is well known and respected with MCC and in th Midwest. Carl has just signed a major management contract with a national company and has competed around the country.

Another one of the nights favorites among the ten total bouts comes via the rematch of Mike “Mini Van” Van Meer and Jason Louck. Many established fight fans will recall Van Meer taking the MCC belt from Louck. in 2006, and new fans will witness a throw down between two fighters with the some of the most heart in the fight game.

Tickets for MCC 18: O’Brien vs. Mickle will go on sale later this week. Tickets can be purchased at the Val Air Box Office, by phone at (515) 223-6152, and on-line at http://www.midwestcagechampionship.com

Friday, January 16th, 2009 @ Val Air Ballroom

Show / Hide Results

Light Weight Division
Daraughn Canada	VS	Chad Zurfluh
Feather Weight Division
Randy Knutsen	VS	Joe Trader
Light Weight Division
Chris Perez	VS	Tony Helm
Welter Weight Division
Carlos Newborn	VS	Miguel Rios
Feather Weight Division
Tom Ahrens	VS	Will Shutt
Light Weight Division
Colby Karadios	VS	Jake Brown
Middle Weight Division
Evan Marks	VS	Ronnie Britt
Middle Weight Division
Jason Louck	VS	Mike Van Meer
Welter Weight #1 Contender
Steve Carl	VS	Matt Delanoit
Feather Weight Championship
Chris Mickle	VS	TJ O’Brien

Friday September 12th, 2008 @ KGGO Arena

Show / Hide Results

Heavy Weight Division
Kenny Ford	VS	Shadoe Speaker
Feather Weight Division
Anthony Tallman	VS	Mateo Young
Heavy Weight Division
Fernando Sheeler	VS	Richard White
Light Weight Division
Travis Tovrea	VS	Jeff Carstens
Feather Weight Division
Nick Walker	VS	Will Shutt
Light Weight Division
Colby Karaidos	VS	Matt Cook
Middle Weight Division
Rakeem Hedrington	VS	Cole Jennett
Middle Weight Division
Jake Pudenz	VS	Brian Green
Light Weight Division
Joe Ellenberger	VS	Alex Harper
Feather Weight Championship
TJ O’Brien	VS	Josh Atwell