Williams vs Haney

Matt Young vs. Orlando Peace

With sparks flying at the weigh in and face off, the tone had already been set for the battle of featherweights. With both fighters coming off losses, this bout was pivotal in the uber-talented 145 lb weight class.

Young, known for his ability to scrap both on the feet and ground was confident going into the fight. Maybe too confident! With little action on the feet Peace was the first to engage and take the fight to the mat where he was able to utilize his superior grappling skills.

As Peace passed Young’s guard he immediately started hunting for a submission. As Young turned into Peace in an attempt to retain guard, Peace snuck an arm though and started to crank on the exposed neck of his opponent. Although Young tried in vain to power out of the move, Peace was too much and picked up his first professional win via Dar’ce choke at 1:33 of the opening frame.

Matt Rider vs. Joe Morris

Possibly two of the nicest, most quiet fighters on the MCC roster, once locked in the cage you’ll quickly see a night and day difference.

Joe Morris is a multi-time recipient of MCC’s Heart of a Warrior award and for good reason. Win or lose he’s never been an easy fight for anyone. Able to withstand punishment beyond belief, the match up with a equally tough, Rider was touted as a potential front runner for fight of the night.

As the first round opened both fighters wasted no time in going after each other. On the feet, on the ground, in the transitions- the action was set at a furious pace with Rider getting the better of the exchanges. Caught in several compromising positions, Morris was forced to rely on both his mental and physical toughness in order to survive.

After a five minute battle both fighters returned to their respective corners to regroup and strategize for the next round.

When the referee started the round it was Morris who came out more aggressively. As Rider shot in for a takedown Morris latched onto his neck looking for a guillotine. Rider dropped to the matt and tried to roll out of it, but Morris hung tough and rolled into mount forcing the tap in a mere 29 seconds.

This was a big win for Morris, who coincidentally picked up another Heart of a Warrior award for his performance.
Dan McGlasson vs. Brian Green

Following a five fight-win streak, Des Moines’ Brian “BG” Green had all the confidence in the world as he welcomed MCC newcomer Dan McGlasson to the cage.

On the feet Green has always been content to trade punches and kicks while searching for the knock out shot, but when the fight hits the mat, fans can pretty much grab their stopwatch and wait.

This fight- not much different!

As McGlasson took Green to the mat he barely had a chance to set into guard as Green’s hips rotated and legs started swinging over the head for a submission. McGlasson may have had a chance against someone other than Green, but with lighting fast submissions, the end came by the time the clocked ticked to the 30 second mark.

Green, who is now on a six-fight win streak (and with no injuries) had already called out for his next opponent; a rematch with his only loss of 2011- Calley Krueger.
Zakk Smith vs. Luis Saldana

Undefeated professional fighter, Luis Saldana, one of MCC’s most exciting up and coming young fighters isn’t like most. While 99.999% of America’s population celebrate their 21st birthday with friends in a bar doing shots, Saldana spent his locked in a cage with someone trying to take his head off!

Zakk Smith, an MCC newcomer, but not new to the fight scene decided that he would really make a name for himself by taking on one of the toughest fighters in the division for his MCC debut.

And the fight did not disappoint!

For almost 15 minutes fight fans watched the two fighters go back and forth, slugging it out on the feet, grappling, and nearly catching each other in various submissions.

Saldana, who clearly got the better of Smith in the stand up
department, exercised extreme patience as he picked his shots. With neither fighter willing to back off and time ticking away, Saldana turned on the afterburners and ripped a page out of the book of UFC fighter, Anthony “Showtime” Pettis.

At the four minute mark of the final round, Saldana charged towards Smith, leaping and pushing off the fence with his right foot he landed a highlight reel Showtime kick, and with a spinning back fist put Smith on his back and pounded him until the referee intervened.

This fight was the most impressive of Saldana’s young career, and the exciting win brought the packed house to their feet. As the crowd sang Happy Birthday to the victorious warrior, Saldana was awarded the Polanti watch from Anglo Diamond for the fighter of the night award.
Chris Haney vs. Nate Williams

With weeks of banter leading up to this fight it’s quite possible that this may have been one of the most hyped fights in MCC’s history. As fans from both sides took to the internet, the burden of performance was left on the shoulders of these 125 pound micro-martial artists.

With a clear height and reach advantage, a lesser experienced Chris “Bad Boy” Haney relied on his intense training and mental focus to carry him to a potential victory. Just like the champ, Haney has been competing in both the 125 and 135 lb. weight classes.

As the title bout began it was no secret that Williams, a collegiate wrestler, would be trying to get Haney to the mat. As Williams shot, Haney sprawled and latched onto the champs neck. As Haney sat back for a guillotine choke it appeared Williams may have been in some trouble. Nevertheless, a resilient Williams waited it out and inched his head and neck away from danger. On top, Williams was able to pass guard and obtain a dominant position in side control for most of the round. Although competitive, the slight advantage was given to Williams as the round closed.

The second round started much the same, but when the fighters hit the mat, Williams made sure he was in zero exposure for a submission. Once again, moving into side control, Williams was able to hammer away as he gained points on the judges scorecards.

Mid-way through the second frame, Haney tried to escape Williams position, but found himself in danger in the scramble. As Williams sensed the ending was near, he turned up the intensity and sunk in a choke which forced the tap from the challenger.

Williams retains the MCC flyweight championship and did so in impressive form.
Allen Hernandez vs. T.J. O’Brien

Former featherweight and lightweight champion, as well as two-time UFC veteran, TJ “The Spider” O’Brien started his way back up the MMA ladder against a fighter who had defeated him five years prior; Allen Hernandez.

Hernandez, who made a splash in the lightweight division by defeating Alex Harper, was thought to be facing MCC champion, Johnny “Hollywood” Case, until the news came that Case was one the potential finalists on the popular reality show, The Ultimate Fighter. With Case on the sidelines and O’Brien looking for action, the powers that be decided to bill their bout as a five-round battle for the Interim Lightweight Championship.

As both fighters entered the ring it was obvious that hard training and discipline was in full effect as both fighters came in the cage in top shape. The underlying rivalry between Team Hard Drive and any fighter from Des Moines was also starting to show as the crowd took turns cheering for each of the fighters.

Throughout each and every round both fighters had their shining moments. O’Brien displayed a much improved stand up game, and Hernandez showed that he has a black belt in avoiding triangle chokes! It’s quite possible, in fact, that Allen Hernandez avoided more submissions in this five round war than many fighters do throughout their entire career- especially given the fact that O’Brien has racked up most of his victories via triangle choke.

From round one through round five both guys kept the pace high and fatigue never became a factor. Most people will never get the chance to experience a five round (25 minutes!) fight, let alone on with this much intensity. Of course, there was a lot on the line here. With O’Brien coming off the UFC losses he’s looking for a ticket back. Hernandez, on the other hand, was looking to prove that he has what it takes to compete on that level.

When the dust settled both men made their way to the center of the cage. Judge #1 scored the bout 49-48 in favor of Hernandez. Judge #2 scored the bout 50-45 in favor of O’Brien. And Judge #3 scored the bout 49-48 in favor of, a new Interim Lightweight Champion, TJ “The Spider” O’Brien.

The good sportsman, O’Brien called for a cheer from the crowd for his fallen foe and said that he would like to have one more fight with Hernandez, since they both hold one win over the other, to determine who the better fighter really is.

If these two can give another performance like this, I don’t think anyone in attendance would disapprove!

Quick Results;
Shon Caldeira v Chris Fannon – Fannon by 3:00 Verbal submission between first and second round
Justin Meador v Jeramiah Deever – Deaver by TKO strikes
Kendall Davis v Antonio Castillo – Davis by head and arm choke
Andrew Gartin v Donovan Carboney – Carboney by KO
Cody Sheehy v Ryan Fitzgerald – Fitzgerald by Armbar
Matt Young v Orlando Peace – Peace by Darce choke
Matt Rider v Joe Morris – Morris by Guillotine choke
Dan McGlasson v Brian Green – Green by Armbar
Zakk Snith v Luis Saldana – Saldana by TKO strikes
Chris Haney v Nate Williams – Williams by Darce choke
Allen Hernandez v T.J. Obrien – O’ Brien by Split Decision

Luis Saldana

Hernandez vs O'Brien

Hernandez vs O'Brien

Friday January 27th at Hy Vee Hall

It’s Fight Week!

That right, fight fans. Winter has officially set in and Mother Nature has officially reminded you that you still live in Iowa! Not to worry though. This Friday brings a heat wave to Hy Vee Hall as Midwest Cage Championship 38: Hernandez vs. O’Brien is sure to set the cage on fire!

The main and co-main events of the evening feature a pair of title fights that you do not want to miss!

In the co-main event, flyweight champion, Nate “Teddy Bear” Williams defends his strap for the first time against Chicago’s own, Chris “Bad Boy” Haney. Will the title stay right here in Des Moines or will the confident scrapper from the windy city take the belt on a road trip? The words have already began to fly and on Friday night the fists and feet will follow.

Two-time UFC veteran, TJ “The Spider” O’Brien returns to cage where it all began as he takes on top contender Allen Hernandez as the two go head to head in a rematch from 2007- this time, for the interim lightweight championship. Hernandez is one up on O’Brien. Will O’Brien settle the score? It all goes down Friday night!

Public Weigh-In’s and face-off’s will be held at Trophy’s Sports Bar (connected to Plaza Lanes) on Thursday at 7pm. Fighters will arrive at 6pm, and face off at 7.

The card is stacked from top to bottom and it’s not too late to get in on the action. This is an all ages event! Tickets are available at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-888-8888 and at all Dahl’s Food Store ticket outlets. Tickets will also be available the night of the show. Doors open at 6:30. be sure to show up early to catch a live performance by Des Moines super group, Lesson 7.

Also, join us immediately after the fights for the official after party at Kamodo Klub- right down the street from the event!

Allen Hernandez

Fighter Focus: MCC 38′s Allen Hernandez is content with taking the slow road to the big show!

MCC: Allen- welcome back to MCC. In your first performance you put on a dominating performance against one of the top contenders in the division, Alex Harper. How do you feel about that performance and what did you learn from that fight?

AH: I know that I am capable of doing better then I did, but I feel that my performance was very good for not competing in two and a half years. I’m also very proud that I was given the fighter of the night award, considering there were so many good competitors that fought that night.

MCC: This month you are facing Harper’s best friend and training partner, TJ O’Brien- a fighter you faced and beat back in 2007. Knowing that he is looking for retribution on two fronts, how has that motivated you in training camp?

AH: I have been training the same way that I train for every fight. I give my best every time I fight no matter who I’m fighting. Really, this is just another fight to me.

MCC: Obviously, since 2007 you’ve both evolved as mixed martial artists although you’ve been much less active while O’Brien just finished a stint with the UFC. Would a win over O’Brien change your goals in the sport or are you content with keeping a less busy, regional show schedule. In short- if you beat O’Brien do you make a run for the big show?

AH: Regardless of who my opponent is my goal is to continue to win. I want to continue to fight opponents that are both tough and well known. If I continue to do that I’m confident that I will get my invitation to the big show.

MCC: Let’s talk about training. How has camp been going, who are you training with, and what are you doing to prepare for TJ O’Brien?

AH: It’s going great. I have two girls in school, and I have to be able to spend time with them, so I train at home during the week, focusing on cardio and strength. I am always working on technique no matter where I train. On the weekends I go to Cedar Rapids and train with team Hard Drive.

MCC: One of your first training partners, close friend and MCC champ, Rick Glenn has been on quite a tear the last couple years. Certainly destined for the UFC, how instrumental has Rick been in helping you prepare for your upcoming fights?

AH: He’s been a huge help to me. Unfortunately, Rick moved out of state and that was a big loss for me because we really pushed each other in training. The good thing that came out of it is that I have to push myself harder to make up for that loss. We still train
together when he comes back to visit which is more often then one might think. We continue to impress each other when we get together because we are both constantly learning new things and teach each other what we have learned.

MCC: Give us your predictions for January 27.

AH: There is no way this fight is going the distance. I can’t begin to tell you whether it will be by knock-out or submission, but I know my hand will be the one that is raised at the end of the night.

MCC: Short and sweet! Is there anyone you would like the thank?

AH: I would like to thank my two loving girls for being fully
supportive of me. I would like to thank Amy Patton for helping me raise my girls and for helping me through everything from rubbing my sore muscles to making sure I eat right and just putting up with me being grouchy. I want to thank Rick Glenn, Keoni Koch and the rest of team Hard Drive, Sloan, Andrew, and Ronnie Britt.

MCC: Any final words for your opponent?

AH: (crickets)

Uh oh…….

Complete Nutrition and Spartan Strength present MCC 38: “Hernandez vs. O’Brien”, Friday, January 27 at Hy Vee Hall, downtown Des Moines, Iowa.

Tickets are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-888-8888 and at all Dahl’s Food Store ticket outlets. for more information check out the web site.

2007 face off- Hernandez vs O'Brien

Fighter Focus: Catching up with T.J. “The Spider” O’Brien

MCC: You’ve had quite an experience over the last couple years; getting a shot at the big time on the UFC’s reality series “The Ultimate Fighter”, then getting called back to face Paul Kelly and Cole Miller. What was that experience like for you and what did you learn from it?

TJO: The last couple of years have been up and down to say the least. After my horrible showing on TUF I was seriously considering retiring, but came back to the local scene and picked up a couple of quality wins; one over Dakota Cochrane and another over Josh Henry. After that I got the call back to the UFC and I was ecstatic to say the least. The year that followed went so fast with the (Paul) Kelly fight, UFC Fighter Summit, and then the Cole Miller fight. I didn’t really take enough time while I was signed to realize how special of a time it was and how lucky I was, so now I’m kind of looking back like wow, I did what? I met who? Unfortunately what they say is true- you dont know what you have until it’s gone, and this couldn’t be more true for me. I took being signed to UFC for granted and now realize it’s going to be twice as hard to get back, but its something I willing to do.

MCC: Wow, that sounds like quite a ride. Next up for you is a bout with Allen Hernandez. Some people may not know but you and Allen Hernandez have actually faced each other before. At the rate that fighters evolve, it’s safe to say that neither of you are the same fighters that you were back in 2007. Does the loss to Hernandez motivate you to train and fight harder or is there a bigger picture you’re looking at?

TJO: You’re right, it’s safe to say neither of us are the same fighter as we were in 2007. Personally, I wasn’t training right when I fought Allen the first time; lifting weights, running and doing jiu jitsu on Saturday mornings at the YMCA was my idea of training, and at the time Allen was a seasoned vet who I completely overlooked. It will be nice to avenge a loss, but what is on my mind is getting back to the UFC. Of course, I am by no means looking past Allen, it’s all one step at a time.

MCC: Give us your thoughts on Allen Hernandez, what you learned from fighting him once already, and how you think this time around will go?

TJO: I think Allen is very athletic, experienced and tough. Most the MCC fans have probably never heard of him since he only competed one other time for the promotion, but the hardcore fans and fighters know exactly who he is.

MCC: In a sense you’ve played the big brother role to your best friend and training partner, Alex Harper. When Harper faced and lost to Dakota Cochrane, who is looked upon as the next big thing to come out of the Midwest, you fought him, submitting him in the first round. More recently, during your UFC stint, Harper took on Allen Hernandez, losing a tough battle in the second round. Now, you are fighting him. What’s your take on that?

TJO: (laughing) Harper is my little-big brother, and we have been best friends for over ten years and training partners for at least half of that. Of course, I love going out there and getting revenge for him, but it’s all about beating a opponent that will advance my career; it just so happens it’s usually after they beat him. I beat Jake Brown for a interm belt after Jake beat Harper, Dakota put a pretty good beating on Harper so it felt great to get the W in his home town, and now Hernandez is next.

MCC: When you watched Harper fight Hernandez, did you pick up on anything, mistakes or tendencies, that will help you in the cage?

TJO: With out giving away too much I saw a lot of things I can exploit from the fight with Harper. Some of the things that were working for Harper are some of my favorite things to do, and spots where Harper lost I am a lot stronger.

MCC: Looking back at your career so far, you sport at 16-5 record, which is impressive not only given your young age, but also when you examine your record, four of your five losses have been to WEC/UFC veterans (Erik Koch, Chris Mickle, Paul Kelly, Cole Miller). If you get this loss back from Hernandez, is there anyone else- either from that list, or any other fighter that you would like to face in the future?

TJO: Well since two of them are not still signed (with UFC) to be most realistic Paul Kelly or Chris Mickle would be the fights I want.

MCC: What does the next two years hold in store for TJ O’Brien?

TJO: The goal is just to keep getting better. There came a point where I think my progress really hit a plateau due to some personal issues. I just didn’t have the drive or love for the sport that I once did. Recently, I have been reading up on a lot of self help books and on top of that completely re-inventing my game by adding wrestling and lots of stand up. Most people dont realize I’m only 24 years old, and most people start their career at this age. I’ve already had top notch experience. I hope to pick up a couple wins over the next year and by this time next year be back under contract with the UFC.

MCC: Let’s talk about training. Recently, Precision Combat and Des Moines Jiu Jitsu Academy merged. How has that affected training camp?

TJO: We had a really good team atmosphere going at Precision just not the best facility. The merge with DMJJ is going to be great for everyone because we now have the best facility in Des Moines, and on top of that top, notch trainining partners and coaches. I was with DMJJ before I moved to Precision, so the adjustment should be seamless. I know a lot of the guys and coaches, and I’m excited to be
back.

MCC: Ok…off subject; favorite fighter, and why?

TJO: I have always liked Anderson (Silva) and GSP, but recently I have become a big Donald Cerrone fan; he’s fearless, and from the couple times I met him he was very down to earth.

MCC: Fair enough. Who would you like to thank?

TJO: I want to thank my teammates at Precision for pushing me over the last month and the training partners and coaches at DMJJ for welcoming me back. Also, I would like to thank my buddy Dave Anders for help with traning expenses; he’s opening a new Chicken Coop restaurant in Waukee that should be opened in February. Support those who support us!

MCC: Any final thoughts?

TJO: A big thank you MCC for having me back to place that got me to the big show. I’m sure with a couple wins I will be back to the UFC to represent the MCC alum. Also, I have heard over and over how good of a match up this is, so if you’re a new fan to MCC and haven’t seen me fight, or even if your a old fan I promise there will be a new T.J. O’Brien that shows up on the 27th. And I know Hernandez will be ready for 25 minutes of war! This has fight of the year wrote all over it!

Complete Nutrition and Spartan Strength present, MCC 38 “Hernandez vs. O’Brien”, Friday, January 27 at Hy Vee Hall, downtown Des Moines, Iowa.

Tickets are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, Wells Fargo Arena and at all Dahl’s Food Store ticket outlets. For more information check out the MCC web site.

MCC 38 - Jan 27th

MCC kicks off 2012 with blockbuster event, big-show talent returns

The Midwest’s most popular promotion blasts into the new year off by stacking the first card of 2012 with two former champs turned big-show alumni as well as the return of MCC’s first ever flyweight title holder, plus a bevy of up and coming talent.

Scheduled for Friday, January 27, MCC returns to Hy Vee Hall in hopes to follow up the last event which included some of the greatest battles of 2011.

In the main event of the evening, former champion TJ “The Spider” O’Brien spent the last year on the UFC roster. A former cast member of The Ultimate fighter, O’Brien was given another shot at the big time with a short notice against tough Brit, Paul Kelly. Months later he returned to the Octagon to face Cole Miller. After coming up short he returned to the drawing board, focusing on improving his skills in hopes to return to the world’s biggest promotion.

The road back to the UFC starts at MCC 38 where O’Brien will take on number one contender, Allen Hernandez in a five-round bout to determine the MCC Interim lightweight champion.

In the co-main event, two micro-mixed martial artists go head to head as Nate “Teddy Bear” Williams looks to defend his flyweight belt for the first time against Frankie Osborn.

Williams, who is based out of Des Moines has captured numerous belts in 2010, both in the 125 and 135 lb. weight divisions. Taking on Osborn, and exciting mixed martial artist who has relocated to Milwaukee, WI to train with the world-famous RofusSport team, will prove to be one of the toughest challenges to date.

The pace will be fast and the action non-stop as these two go at it for a scheduled five round war.

Rounding out the evenings three feature events is a battle of brawlers to determine the number one contender in the lightweight division, as former champ and WEC veteran, Chris “Mad Dog” Mickle who makes his long-awaited return following his second tour of duty overseas to face two-time fight of the night winner Doug Jenkins.

Jenkins, who burst on the scene with a three round razor close decision over Ronnie Britt followed his performance up with another back and forth bout with top rising star, Miguel Rios. Jenkins, who has competed as a welterweight for his past two fights will return to his normal weight division for his meeting with Mickle.

Also on the card, up and coming sensations Luis Saldana, Orlando Peace, Justin Morrison, Matt Rider and Nate Hausen plus more, and starting off the night are two fighters known for ending their fights quickly and viciously; Chris Fannon and Mike Graham.

This is a show you don’t want to miss. Mark your calendars for January 27. Tickets for MCC 38 “Hernandez vs. O’Brien” are on sale now at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 888-324-5849 and at all Dahl’s Food Store ticket outlets.

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