Jesse Lund

The countdown has now started. It has become crunch time and stepping my training up to the next level is now priority number one.

The second fight of my current win streak proved to be one of the toughest fights of my career. It was against Justin Guthrie, who had been fighting at 185 and stepped up to 205 to challenge me. I had watched him in the past really enjoyed watching him fight. He is a very strong and determined fighter. The first round he pretty much dominated me. I was taken down early in the fight, battled off some good ground n pound from him and threw a few submission attempts at him that all failed. At the end of the round I managed to gain control as the bell rang. I remember asking, Chuck Grigsby, if I won the round and he of course said, “ya you got em,” but i knew I lost it. The second round we decided to stand and bang with me getting the best of him. I landed everything that I threw at him and could not figure out why he was still standing! My legs were burning, my hands would not stay up, and I ended up back on the canvas with him on top. After eating some more punches I regained control and finished the fight with some brutal ground n pound of my own. The doctor actually stopped the fight due to the cuts and bleeding. I have never been so happy to know the fight was over. My body was shutting down and I didn’t have a third round in me. I learned the hard way about not having cardio for a fight, it would never happen again.

The next fight was a quick sub, against a kid who was clearly not ready for this level of the game. After really working my cardio I would pair up against Heath Johnson. This would be another good battle. I had also seen a few of his fights and knew he was no pushover. His wrestling was top notch and I knew I would spend time fighting off my back again. As it played out, I threw a punch and he shot in. I tried to defend it, and ended up on my back. He pinned me against the cage and worked his ground n pound. I managed to control him pretty good, taking little damage. One punch really got me good and I realized I needed to be careful. I threw high guard on him and he reacted like he did not like it. I started to work a sub but the first round came to an end. I knew I was behind on the card, but felt really good. Round two he shot again and I defended it, ending up on top in a half assed arm bar that failed. It gave him my back and he went for a rear naked choke. With only one hook in, it gave me the opportunity to spin out and end up planting a choke of my own that finished the fight. I felt like I could have gone five rounds that night.

Training the last couple of weeks is starting to pay off. I have a long ways to go, but I will be in top form for the title fight. I may even let you have a “sneak peak” at what I go through!!!   Until then, I’ll keep training, you keep watching, keep cheering, as I strive to put on one of the best shows yet.
 
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

Popularity: unranked [?]

Miguel Rios

Fall Seven Times, Stand up Eight

 By Randy Thomas

On April 2, 1986, long before he became “El Rey,” Miguel Rios Jr. was born in New York City.  Proud of his strong Puerto Rican heritage, he lived in his home land briefly before his family made the journey across the United States and settled in Ankeny, Iowa.  An athletic kid, Rios competed in baseball, basketball, and track.  But in 2006 his dream became a reality when Rios received a phone call from fellow MCC veteran Billy “The Kid” Armstrong, and he was presented an opportunity to compete in the first ever MCC Trials.
 
Rios remembers that night.  “I had just got out of class at DMACC when I got the call. Billy told me about a four man tournament in MCC.  The show was September, 1 and he called me August 28!  I went over to his house that night and went over some basic moves. Between Monday and Friday, I had to cut about 25lbs to make the 170 lb weight limit.”  He continued, “Fight night came quick!  Going into the venue I wasn’t nervous one bit. I was actually very excited for my first fight. I won my first fight pretty quick, but I had one more to go.  And by the final fight, I was way nervous.  I didn’t think I had a chance against my opponent who had been actively training at Des Moines Mixed Martial Arts Academy (DMMMA).   Somehow though, I won!  I remember getting off of him after he tapped out and thinking…did that just happen?”
 
From that very moment Miguel “El Rey” Rios Jr. was hooked.  He wanted to compete with the best, so he knew he had to train with the best.  Rios dove in head first and sought out Anthony Porcelli who owns and coaches at DMMMA.  He was learning to become a mixed martial artist.  Although it was hard juggling college, a job, and training, Rios pushed through as best as he could.  He was spending most of his time doing one of those three things.  But, before he knew it, he was only getting three hours of sleep every night, sometimes less- hardly enough for a student, let alone a fighter.  Soon, the pressure to excel was too much, and Rios was forced to make a decision.
 
“I was out of my element for the first couple months at DMMMA. It was so hard with everything I had going on and trying to learn the ins and out of mixed martial arts. I had a hard time doing it and eventually I had to drop training and fighting all together.  I ended up having a nervous breakdown and turned to some bad alternatives to try and make it all better.  It was the most terrifying time in my life.  I had to drop out of MCC.  I cut mixed martial arts out of my life for almost two years. I had to walk away in order to get better.  It was so hard but I always knew I would get back into it.”
 
It wasn’t until August 2008 that Rios returned to the gym and the sport he loved.  There was one problem; he came back weighing close to 220 lbs- 50 lbs too heavy for the welterweight class he competed in.  Shortly after his return to the sport he was contacted by MCC and offered a second chance.  Rios stated, “I quickly lost 30 lbs. by training six days a week, lifting weighs, wrestling, boxing and re-dedication myself to MMA.”  By November, he was in top shape when he faced Mike Miller.   His come back fight was a sucess.  Rios submitted Miller with a triangle in the very first round.  El Rey was back!
 
What does the future hold for the versatile competitor?
 
“Right now I’m just focused on my next fight in November.  I’m making my professional debut against Thomas Naumann and I’ll be looking to finish the fight.  I don’t care whether it’s ten seconds or three rounds, I will be looking to finish the fight.  That’s what I do- fight to finish.”
 
Despite his rigorous six day fight training schedule, Rios manages to hold down a full time job as an Automotive Technician at a major dealership.  On the weekends he is a counselor for at-risk youths.  He’s still as busy as ever, but he’s found the key to balance his life.  Rios stays grounded with the help from his fiance, Tiffany, who he credits for being there for everything from preparing his meals to helping him promote his fights.
 
Rios has a lot to be thankful for and the humble mixed martial artist is quick to give credit where credit is due.  “I would like to thank all my training partners and Anthony Porcelli at DMMMA. It’s amazing how much talent the guys have there and they have showed me everything I know. I would like to thank my best friend Chris Fitch for giving me the drive to fight since we were little kids and always believing in me. Finally I’d like to thank my fiance, Tiffany she is the main reason I can work and fight. She is my life and makes it go very smooth.”
 
Miguel Rios Jr. will face Thomas Naumann at MCC 23 “Thanksgiving Throwdown”, Wednesday, November 25 at Vets Auditorium.  Tickets are available on-line at MidwestCageChampionship.com.  For more information call 515-229-8566 or log on the the Midwest Cage Championship web site.
 
 
FIGHTER STATS
 
Name: Miguel “El Rey” Rios Jr.
Born: New York City, NY
Resides: Ankeny, IA
Age: 23
Style: Jiu Jitsu, Striker
Gym: Des Moines Mixed Martial Arts Academy
Amateur Record: 8-0-0
Professional Record: 0-0-0
Accomplishments: 2009 NAGA Midwest no-gi champion, MCC Trials Welterweight Champion

Popularity: unranked [?]

This is a video blog Elvis did at Spartan Strength, before leaving to tryout for the next season of the Ultimate Fighter.

Popularity: unranked [?]

This is a video blog Elvis did at Spartan Strength, before leaving to tryout for the next season of the Ultimate Fighter.

Popularity: unranked [?]

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

Popularity: unranked [?]

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

Popularity: unranked [?]

Chris Mickle & Will Shutt

By Randy Thomas

Former Champions Collide in Non-Title Bout
 
At MCC 23 “Thanksgiving Throwdown,” two former champions have agreed to face each other in a bout that is expected to be one of the most fast paced of the evening.  Following a side-lining shoulder injury due to an automobile accident, Will “The Real Deal” Shutt will step back in the cage to take on Chris “Mad Dog” Mickle.  Prior to moving back up to his natural weight class, Mickle lost his featherweight belt to current champion, Eric Marriott,  who is set to defend his title at MCC 23.  Will Shutt, who has been on the hunt for the featherweight crown since losing the strap in 2007, will come up to the lightweight division in hopes to make a statement.  A win against Mickle could possibly set him up for another title shot down the road.
 
Any fight fan would agree, that Shutt vs Mickle is a very interesting match up.  Mickle’s last two fights have been five round title bouts where he battled until the final bell.  Both fights were main events along with the added pressure to perform since he had just competed in the WEC in front of millions.  With this contest only scheduled for three rounds, we should see the best Chris Mickle.   We caught up with the frustrated former champion, who stated, “I’m down three fights, and I won’t be at ease until I’m up more then three consecutive fights.”  He added, “I’m mad, and it just sucks for Will Shutt, because he will just be my first victim.”
 
  His opponent, Will Shutt answered, ”I feel we are tailor made for each other, and we’ll both be fighting with the same exact styles.”   The always exciting Shutt, and his go for broke fighting style makes this bout very much anticipated. He promised, “I’m coming out to knock Chris Mickles’ head off!  I’m looking for the big KO, as I know Mickle will be looking to do the same. Anything can happen though. If I don’t get it, I plan to earn my victory one way or another, even if it takes all three rounds.”  
 
Although he has been out of the cage for some time, Shutt says the break was a blessing in disguise, and it gave him the much needed time to re-charge. Not to mention, sitting back and watching the success of his training partners Jake Brown and Josh Henry, has done nothing but light a fire and help him improve.
 
Shutt concluded with, “Come Wednesday, November 25th at Vets, this will be the most excited I will ever be to get in the cage. And, I couldn’t be more excited to do it against such a veteran of the sport.”
 
MCC 23 “Thanksgiving Throwdown”, Wednesday, November 25 at Vets Auditorium features three title bouts.  Tickets are available on-line at MidwestCageChampionship.com, or by phone at 515-229-8566.  To see the full card, visit the MCC web site.

Popularity: unranked [?]

Popularity: unranked [?]

I am now 6 weeks out from the fight and things are starting to take off well, so back to where I left off last week. Healed and ready to go, my first fight was on. It is really hard to explain what goes through a fighters mind the last few days, or hours, before the fight. As I stepped onto the cage I remember thinking “what the heck am I doing?” When the cage door closed it was the worst feeling I have ever experienced. I knew the only way out was through him, or the other way around. All training was out the door and I had forgotten anything about a game plan. As the fight progressed, things fell into place and I now had a taste of victory in the cage.

The next two fights would not go as good. I dropped 2 fights back to back and began to second guess if I really belonged in this sport. With the support of fellow training partner and best friend, Josh, and the support from my wife, I kept going.
Bull and I wrestled together for nodaway valley and were friends but not that close. After high school, we went our separate ways. In fact we did not talk for several years. I happened to run into Bull one night at the local YMCA while training for a fight. I found out he was also training but not looking to fight yet. We kept in touch the next few weeks and met up to start training together. I worked out great because I didn’t have anybody my size in the camp I was working out at. We have been training together since.
Keeping bodies consistent at a gym is a problem I have dealt with from the begining. While numbers dwindled off and I started improving, I looked for a tougher gym to train at. I found “The Reverend,” and started at Team Revolution after my next fight. I think this was one of the best decisions I ever made in regards to training. Chuck Grigsby welcomed me in and of course, put me through the “test.”  I survived the beatings along with the “revlocks” that would make a normal person never come back. Rev taught me a lot. I started over with my boxing and improved my submission game with the help of Chuck and Razak Al-Hassan.  Razak (Razor), really worked my kicks and clinch work.  Team Revolution became like a family to me, I looked up to everyone there and they helped me become the fighter I am today. I guess at heart, I still fight under Team Revolution.
After Team Revolution closed the doors I began training anywhere I could. I landed in Creston at Henry’s Tae Kwon Do.  Chuck, the owner, has a room in the back set up just for MMA training.  Well, more of a bust your ass, grappling, sparring, beat down. I also was introduced to Spartan Strength in Waukee, Team Round Kick, and a new gym in creston ran by Matt Fredrickson. Most of my training takes place at Spartan and Round Kick, and an occasional visit to Matt’s gym.    

 
Next week I week I will fill you in on a little about what I do for workouts, and how I balance training with a full time job, and trying to be the best dad and husband I can.
 

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

Popularity: unranked [?]

MCC 23 Thanksgiving Throwdown

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009 @ Vets Auditorium

Featherweight Division
Zak Laird	VS	Joe Trader
Lightweight Division
Nick Lepa	VS	Jordan Jones
Bantamweight Division
John DeVall	VS	Corey McDonald
Welterweight Division
TBA	VS	Chad Vandermark
Bantamweight Division
Shane Moffit	VS	Laramie Shaffer
Welterweight Division
Thomas Naumann	VS	Miguel Rios
Middleweight Division
Andy Branson	VS	Ian Tice
Lightweight Division
Sean Wilson	VS	TJ O’Brien
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
Derrick Mehman	VS	Jesse Lund
Middleweight Championship
Elvis Mutapcic	VS	Mike Van Meer

Popularity: unranked [?]