Elvis Mutapcic week 3 blog

In the next couple of blogs I am going to take you all back to some of my past experiences as an MMA Fighter and how I have used my fighting experiences to push myself hard and hard in practice so that I can better myself for the next fight…

On March 14, 2009 I fought in the MCC 19: The Return, against Evan Marks; who had just defeated Ronnie Britt in a previous show by a brutal knockout.  Originally my teammate and training partner was supposed to fight Evan Marks; but due to a shoulder injury during practice I was asked to take his place with two weeks’ notice.  I had taken some time off and had just recently gotten back into the gym, when I was offered the fight.  I took the fight knowing that it was risky; but as my coach Anthony Porcelli says; “No Risk, No Reward!”  I prepared myself as best as I could for the fight with the short amount of time that I had; even though I knew that I needed more time in the gym to prepare I went into the fight confident enough to pull off an upset. 

Walking out to the cage my confidence grew as I heard the MCC fans cheering my name and my friends and family singing along to my intro song.  After the ref. officially started the fight I was ready for a Stand-Up War.  Unexpectedly Evan took it to the ground, were I felt I had superior skills.  After Evan threw numerous elbows and punches; I knew I had to switch things up and gain control.  I knew I had to keep moving so that I could eliminate as much damage as possible; as he gave me an opportunity to sweep I took it and reversed into the top position.  Now on top, in a full-mount, I tried to land as many blows as fast as I could to finish the fight.  I was throwing my punches with all my power and I was getting tired quickly; Evan realized this and quickly used this to his advantage and reversed to gain control once again.  As I was on the bottom once again I knew there wasn’t much time left in the first round and I needed to do something fast.  When Evan tried to advance his position he in turn gave me an opportunity to switch positions once again.  Back on top for the second and final time of the round I heard the announcer say “30 seconds left in the round” and I knew I had to finish the fight now!  As tired as I was I knew I had to continuously land my punches until he was either out or the ref. pulled me off of him; I was not going to allow this fight to go into the second round.  Before I knew it the ref. was pulling me off of Evan and the fight was over with 1 second left in the first round.  My heart and dedication was noticed by all and I was awarded “The Warrior Spirit Award” at the end of the night.

Even though I won the fight I stayed humble knowing that a good Mixed Martial Arts fighter should always be in great shape.  I have learned from the mistake that I made of not being in shape at all times.  I have told myself that from now on I will never allow myself to not be in shape and always be ready for any opportunity that is presented to me. 

This coming up Friday, October 23^rd my training partner and I will be flying out to Los Angeles, California to support our teammate Josh Neer as he takes on Gleison Tibau during UFC 104, on Saturday.  On Monday October 26^th we will be two of many fighters trying out for a spot on the next Ultimate Fighter Season.