What a night huh?

Two months of hard work and dedication, all the long hard two a days sometimes three a days that I put in, all worth it. I pushed myself passed my limits for this fight. I knew it was going to be my toughest fight ever. There were times that I thought about training at hard drive, when I would leave there bruised and bloody from sparring with Bill. Yes thinking about the past made me a little nervous. But its been a year since I’ve trained with him and I’ve changed as a fighter. I have gotten 100 times better since then.

The fight went pretty much as I expected, minus I thought that he was going to stand and trade with me a little more. Thats what I had trained for was a brawl but I knew from training with him and watching his fight with Bam Bam, that he loved his ground and pound. So I figured that he was going to try to clinch with me and take me down. So thats a lot of what I trained for. I drilled and drilled my takedown defense and working off my back to get to my feet as soon as I hit the ground. Which I executed to perfection in the cage the other night.

As you could tell from the pre fight interviews at weigh ins and before, I was a little nervous for this fight. I knew it could go either way. I was just hoping that all my hard work and dedication would pay off in the end. Everyone asked me what I thought the outcome would be and I couldn’t really say. I knew I would come out of there with my hand raised wearing that shinny MCC belt. But as far as means of victory, I didn’t really know how I was going to win. I figured it might be by decision never really thought I was going to win by flying armbar. It was just a off the wall attempt that I had been working on not thinking I would win by it. I had it set up a couple times and decided to wait because I didn’t think it was going to work, and didn’t want to give up position but low and behold…. it did! God I wish I could have been in the crowd to see it.

It feels great to strap that new shinny belt around my waist, knowing that all my hard work paid off. I’ve done nothing but eat for the last couple days, spending time with my family and girlfriend. I know they are all glad its over for now so they don’t have to put up with my attitude ha! Taking things easy for a little bit, well not that long I have to get back into the grind of things and back to hitting something other than people….THE BOOKS.

I would like to take this time to thank my sponsor Insanity Fightwear and everyone that came out to support me, all my friends, family, and everyone that came and cheered wether it was for me or against me- I don’t care. Without you guys none of this would be possible. I wouldn’t be the fighter I am today without the support of my loving family and my amazing girlfriend. My girlfriend always tells me if I don’t win she’ll beat my ass, so without that little incentive I wouldn’t have won.

Thanks for all the support the other night. I greatly appreciate it, and I look forward to seeing everyone at my next fight.

LIVE by the glove DIE by the glove,

THE NEW Bantamweight Champion-  Zak “The Maniac” Laird

Laird Surprises Kamery to Win Title, Glenn Takes Belt From Henry

In the first ever MCC Bantamweight Championship fight, aggressive strikers Bill Kamery and Zak Laird were pitted against each other for what was touted to be the stand up battle of the year. The former training partners split ways when the fight was signed and each fine tuned their games and knowledge of the other as they prepared to meet weeks down the road. Laird, the more soft spoken of the two never gave a definite prediction on the way the fight would end, only offering that he thought Kamery was a tough guy and the fight would be exciting. Kamery, on the other hand, firmly stated that he would often get the best of Laird during their days training together, and that he would be too much for the younger, undefeated fighter to handle.

From the opening bell of the bout both fighters exchanged knees, positions in the clinch and takedowns throughout ninety percent of the opening frame. As the seconds ticked away, Laird, the seasoned muay Thai practitioner did the unthinkable. Just when it appeared the round would end in back in the clinch position, Laird jumped up and secured a flying arm bar. Bringing him to the ground and wrenching of the surprised brawlers arm, Kamery had no choice but to tap out. Laird stood up with a smile on his face as he happily accepted his new hardware around his waist.

Kamery still holds an impressive mixed martial arts record with nine wins and only two losses while Laird remains undefeated with five solid wins.

In the main event of the evening, Josh “Bam Bam” Henry, the current MCC Featherweight Champion, put his belt on the line, facing Rick “The Gladiator” Glenn- an opponent who made no bones about his feelings towards the title holder.

In the weeks leading up to the fight, Rick Glenn said in multiple interviews that he looked at Henry as a stepping stone, and with a win over the champ, that would open some eyes and propel him towards the bright lights of the big show. Henry, on the other hand, welcomed the trash talk and stated that it would only fuel his fire throughout training camp. The back and forth talk didn’t stop as the fight got closer. In fact, during weigh ins, Glenn reaffirmed his statements adding that he guaranteed victory.

It was no surprise that when the fight began both fighters opted not to touch gloves. Instead, Henry charged in and put Glenn on his back. As he worked for position while trying to pound a little revenge into the head of his opponent, he gave Glenn just the opening he needed. As Glenn looked to isolate the right arm of the champion, Henry tried to scramble out of danger. Although the arm lock appeared to be locked up tight, fight fans know not to count Henry out as he has been in fight ending positions before, only to come back and dominate.

As Glenn continued his assault, Henry grunted in agony as the elbow joint was stretched to the limit. Misunderstanding the painful sounds coming from Henry, referee Thomas Mastin intervened as he thought Henry offered a verbal submission.

The fight was over.

Immediately Josh Henry protested, stating that he did not submit, but the fight had unfortunately been called to a halt. Rick Glenn was crowned the new MCC Featherweight Champion. Although there was a bot of controversy, a fight is a fight, and a win is a win. After the fight Glenn did give his opponent his due respect and said that he would offer the former champion an immediate rematch. As the fighters shook hands the crowd roared in confirmation that the next go would be even more exiting that their last.

A date has already been discussed for their next bout and will be announce in the up coming weeks.

One more week down and now six days till fight time. I’m feeling confident and ready for this fight. I’ve been pushing myself these last few weeks and it has really paid off. Thanks to a few key people, I am in the best shape I have ever been in for a fight. Training 3-4 times a day really pays off in the long run, yes it sucks while going through those long gruesome workouts, and most time I just want to say screw it and eat a cheeseburger, but this fight means a lot to me, and I am going to prove to everyone that I am ready for the next level. I have what it takes to make a name for myself, and you will be seeing me on PPV one day. I will do whatever it takes to make it to the next level, and I know Kamery is the one standing between me and the belt. I have been working my ass off, and I am more determined for this fight than I have ever been for any other fight in my life.

I have been training for the last two months preparing for this fight. It all comes down to who is more prepared and who wants that belt more. I know I have been working my ass off to get ready so I’m feeling pretty confident in myself. Things are going really good worked a lot on my stand-up and on my cardio, had to make sure I could last all 25 minutes if it went that long. I just have to keep busting my ass from now, until they raise my hand at the end of the fight. Because we will see who wants to win more than the other come Saturday.

So come down to HY-VEE HALL this Saturday and show your support. If you haven’t already gotten your tickets its NOT to late. You can get them from me, just let me know!

Oh and before I go, I just want to thank everyone that is coming out to support me, and I also want to thank my parents and my girlfriend. I know you guys put up with a lot of shit from me when I’m cutting weight, so thanks.

LIVE by the glove DIE by the glove

Zak “The Maniac” Laird

MCC 31: Full Force- This Saturday, “Lil’ Heathen” in Attendance

The Midwest’s top promotion returns this Saturday night to Hy Vee Hall for another night of mixed martial arts action. This talent packed fight card features two title fights including current MCC Featherweight Champion, Josh “Bam Bam” Henry defending his strap against Rick “Gladiator” Glenn, as well as Zak “The Maniac” Laird and Bill Kamery meeting to crown the first every MCC Bantamweight champion.

Also on the card, top light heavyweight prospect, Jesse Lund will square off against MCC newcomer, Blake Breitsprecher, Ronnie “Warfrog” Britt, once again, returns to the MCC cage, and former MCC Featherweight Champion, Will Shutt makes another run for the title. Jay Olsen, Nate Hausen, Allen Shepherd, Alex Harper, Johnny “Hollywood” Case, Todd Schmauss, plus many more, round out the stacked card. Tickets for MCC 31: “Full Force” are available at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-229-8566 or at all Dahl’s ticket outlets. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the first bout kicking off at 7:30 p.m.

If you are a fan of mixed martial arts and highlight reel finishes then you don’t want to miss this! Fresh off his KO of the night victory over Marcus Davis at UFC 125, MCC’s first ever champion, Jeremy “Lil Heathen” Stephens will be in attendance to meet with fans and enjoy the night of fights.

But that’s not all…

Next Saturday features a full day of combat sports action starting at 10:00 a.m at the home of MCC- Hy Vee Hall (730 3rd st- Downtown Des Moines). with the Mission to Submission grappling tournament. Former M2S competitors include UFC veterans Jeremy Stephens and Chad Reiner, WEC vet Chris Mickle, Bellator vet Steve Carl, former MCC champ and IFL alum Victor Moreno, plus notables such as Cole Williams, Chris David and Mike Van Meer.  If you are a fan of technical submission grappling, this is an event you must attend! If you want more information, or would like to compete, go to www.Mission2Submission.com

Then, at 12:00 p.m. MCC Trials IV will began as the popular promotion, once again, scouts out new and up and coming talent. MCC Trials sparked the careers of Miguel “El Rey” Rios, Jr, Nate Hausen, Cole Jennet, Josh “Jigsaw” Atwell, and Elvis “The King” Mutapcic. At MCC Trials, amateur mixed martial artists go head to head to showcase their talent in the ultimate interview process. Come cheer on these competitors as they jockey for a position on the MCC roster. The Mission to Submission Grappling tournament and MCC Trials IV are completely free of charge. Fight fans are encouraged to come and check out the talent pool that only Midwest Cage Championship can bring you!

Immediately following MCC 31: “Full Force”, the party moves right down the street to Kamodo Klub on 3rd and Court for the official MCC after fight party. Hang out with your favorite fighters as well as UFC superstar, Jeremy Stephens.

For more information on MCC 31: “Full Force” as well as all upcoming events, news, and fighter videos, check out www.MidwestCageChampionship.com

So another week has gone by, my title fight draws closer and closer. I feel ready and more determined than I have ever been for a fight before. Kamery is a tough opponent a very good striker but I feel that I am ready for whatever he has to throw at me. I’ve been training with some great training partners to get ready for this fight. Working on my standup and cardio a lot, because I know this isn’t going to be like any of my other fights.

Last week I had the privilege of going and working out with Eric Marriot, Brain Davidson, James Krause and many more great fighters at Grindhouse in Lee Summit, Missouri. They gave me some pointers on my standup and on my jits. They were a big help and I feel that I learned a lot about myself, and about my MMA skills while I was there. I am pushing myself harder than I ever have, and these guys helped me do just that. They pushed me to the limit and then some. I went down there Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday to train and it was some of the best training that I have ever had. They really know their stuff down there. Three days of a constant bloody nose, a whole hell of a lot of bumps & bruises, and it was all worth it to go down there to learn from them, while having someone new critique my standup with some constructive criticism. It was a lot of help and I just want to thank everyone at Grindhouse for allowing me to come train with you guys for the week, and I hope to be back soon. Next time a little longer!

My weight and cardio are looking good. Still have a lot to go over before the fight on the 15th but I know I will be ready. I know that I am kinda the underdog in this fight statistically, as he has more cage experience than I, but anyone can be beat. When we step in the cage on the 15th , that cage door shuts and we touch gloves, it’s anyone’s fight.

Live by the glove Die by the glove
Zak “The Maniac” Laird

So last week I told you that I would let you know where I decided to do most of my training, and after bouncing around a couple places I decided that I will just continue to bounce around from gym to gym, and just absorb everything they have to show me from different aspects of fighting.

I have been working with some great fighters to make sure that I am 110 percent ready for this fight, and right now I feel I am. I have been working my ass off and was pretty low on my weight considering how far out I am still. But of course, Christmas day, the chicken noodles were calling my name and I just couldn’t say no. But I’m still no where near as bad on my weight as I usually am so things are looking good. Monday-Friday I worked on my stand-up and jiu jitsu for about 4-5 hours a day. My day started off with waking up heading to golds gym for a couple hours to run and sit in the sauna then home to relax till about 5:30. From then on it was non-stop working out, whether it be my muay thai or my jiu jitsu, I was always working something. I’ve been getting beat into shape and I will continue to do so until it comes time to touch gloves.

My cardio is doing great! I am ready for a 25 minute war if thats what it comes down to, which I can definitely see it going all 25 minutes. Bill Kamery is a tough opponent, and has great stand up. I’m not going to go into the fight thinking that its going to be an easy one. I know this is going to push me to the limit. I just had to step up and take a risk, and if I lose, I will only learn from it. I will bounce back and continue to pursue my goal of making it to the big show. But I don’t see me walking out of the cage without a win. We trained together a while back, I know that my fight skills have improved since then and I am ready for anything he throws at me. I’m not going to sit here and talk shit, and say that I’m going to walk through Bill. He is a great fighter and I have all the respect in the world for him. He has helped me a lot with my standup. However, he stands in the way of what I want so he has to go down.

This coming week I have the opportunity to go down to grindhouse in Kansas City and train with some of the best fighters in the Midwest. I will be training with former MCC featherweight champ Eric Marriot, Bellator vet also Jose Vega, and many more great fighters. The plan is to go down there and absorb as much as I can in the time that I am there, and hopefully they can help me in the areas of my game that I am struggling in. It is a great honor to be invited to train at Grindhouse with such great fighters, and I hope that they can help me improve my record to 5-0 and help me bring home that nice shinny belt.

LIVE by the glove DIE by the glove
Zak “The Maniac” Laird