As 2009 comes to an end, what fight in the MCC, do you think was the best one of the year?

Feel free to comment, and reflect back on one of these fights. If you choose other, add it in as your comment, and tell us why.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post’s poll.

Popularity: unranked [?]

Better Late Than Never

By Randy Thomas
 
As his 30th birthday approached, Mike Miller’s wife asked him if he’s had any regrets in life.  It did not take long for him to come up with an answer.  He simply replied, “I’ve always loved mixed martial arts.  I really wanted to give it a shot.”  Although she cringed at the idea of watching her husband get punched in the face, one week later she gave in and his dream began…..
 
Mike Miller grew up on a farm in New Sharon, Iowa.  For those of you who are not familiar with the farming lifestyle, it’s probably one of the most under-appreciated and labor intensive careers out there.  Miller stated, “Growing up on a farm has definitely shaped who I am and built my work ethic.” He added, “We raised hogs and cattle and bailed hay. Every piece of equipment we used was old school, which meant more work for me.”  
 
The most popular mixed martial arts fighter to come from a farming background is none other than fellow Mid-westerner and former UFC Welterweight Champion, Matt Hughes.  Like Hughes, Miller grew up wrestling and playing football, which was a sport he excelled at.  He made it through high school receiving all state honors as a running back.  After high school, Miller played football for Simpson College where he received his degree in teaching.  Today, he still has the hard work ethic and determination that was instilled in him throughout his youth as he owns and operates a small construction company.  He also coaches high school wrestling, is a husband, and a father of three young children.
 
So where does MMA fit in?
 
Miller explains, “It’s a balance.  My life was very busy even before I started training in mixed martial arts.  I married the best woman I could ever imagine.  She works even harder than I do. If she didn’t I wouldn’t be able to train and coach.  My typical day starts at 4:40am at Spartan Strength for my cardio and strength workouts.  From there I head to work. Some days, if I have a break I try to get another workout in.  We have wrestling practice late in the afternoons.  After that, I have an MMA training session with former MCC Featherweight Champion, TJ O’Brien. And, finally….home. The kids always meet me at the door.  There isn’t a single thing in my life that’s easy, but that’s all I’ve known since I could remember.”
 
His fights have not been easy either.  Over the last year, amongst his busy schedule, Miller has managed to build a 4-2-0 record.  His only losses were to undefeated MCC standouts Daraughn “Day Day” Canada and Miguel “El Rey” Rios Jr.  Miller hates to lose, so he just keeps training harder.  Working with TJ O’Brien and Nick Rouse from Spartan Strength have helped Miller immensely.  He said, “I always thought I was a pretty good athlete growing up, but going into Spartan Strength has really opened my eyes.  I’ve learned so much more about flexibility and strength from Nick.  I really think that at thirty I’m a better athlete than I was playing college football ten years ago.  Plus, TJ’s been a heck of a good guy teaching me the ropes. I’m very fortunate to have him to train with.”
 
 
At MCC 24 “Reloaded”, Miller steps in the cage with Sonny Rufenacht, a fighter he’s faced once before.  Although Miller got the best of him in their first outing, he’s excited for the bout.  This is the first time he’s been able to take a fight in the heat of the wrestling season.  Training day in and day out in the wrestling room, he’s been able to sharpen his takedowns and ground game.  He’s ready to continue up the MCC ladder and someday avenge his loss to Daraughn Canada.
 
So when does Mike Miller slow down?
 
“In my life everything good came from hard work.  I’ve run into a lot of people who had natural talent but their work ethic sucked, and they ended up mediocre at best.  Hard work beats talent when talent stops working hard.”
 
The older he gets, the more appealing a nice teaching jobs sounds.  Climbing forty foot ladders and steeps roofs all day long pays the bills, but it’s not his dream job.  In 2010 Miller will look to move up the rankings of MMA.  Who knows, with work ethic and God given talent like Mike Miller’s, you may someday be watching him compete on the big show.  Until then, he’ll grind it out the only way he knows how.

Popularity: unranked [?]

Hey yall,

I’m sorry to be the one to inform all of you but I unfortunately may not be able to participate in the fight on January 16th.  It seems that at some point I have become incredibly lost and have somehow ended up in the North Pole.  I’m not exactly sure how it has happened but judging by the plethora of snow surrounding me it is the only logical explanation of my whereabouts.  In case you are all wondering Santa Claus is doing quite well but slightly sleigh lagged and the elves are all very excited to have a break from their exhausting work schedule.  As we speak I am working on gathering some sled dogs to make my endeavor down through Canada and across Minnesota to arrive in Des Moines just in time for weigh-ins.  It will be an arduous adventure but I have seen Disney’s “Sled Dogs” and feel that it has prepared me for the expedition.

Truthfully this years abnormally heavy snow cover has forced me to reflect.  A year ago I was just returning from the Middle East where the temperature was somewhere around 120 degrees on a cool day.  I arrived in Iowa December 1st to find the ground slightly covered in ice and myself frozen solid from being acclimated to a slightly warmer climate.  I was getting ready to move into my apartment in Iowa City with the two Katy’s and excited to be back with my friends and family.  I was single and eager to begin fighting since it had been nearly a year since my last fight in a hole in the wall spot in Dubuque.  Fast-forward a year to today and I graduated from school, found a job in a troubled economy, and met a great girl who I was somehow able to con into wanting to date me.  She has two great kids who keep me on my feet from sun up to sun down and I wouldn’t trade any of it for anything.  For those who know me well this year has been a roller coaster to say the least and this Christmas everything has come together like I could have never expected.  I am looking forward to 2010 and want to wish everyone the best of luck in the coming year.
This weeks training went great and I’m glad to say I can finally function in the mornings after working out at Spartan Strength.  I’m sure Nick will punish me for saying that but hopefully he doesn’t read this till after Monday’s workout so I can at least get one day in before he turns up the pain meter.  Wednesday we did the 12 days of Christmas workout and I can honestly say the song is much more fun than the workout but there’s no replacement for hard work, which something Nick reminds me of daily.  Things at Des Moines MMA are going great and it seems like half of the gym is gearing up for fights in the next couple of weeks which is making the energy level in the gym at an absolute high.  Elvis and Josh have been pushing me hard to get ready for the fight and I can say without a doubt this is the best I have felt going into a fight yet.  Anthony Porcelli’s hazing of people while they workout is second to none and I can’t help but laugh every time he rips on Tim Gorman.  Tim is something like 5’5” but I swear he hits like a heavyweight the second Anthony starts laying into him, it’s hilarious as long as your not the one on the receiving end of his punches when it happens.  
I have begun slowly starting to shed the weight to get down to 170 lbs, and I am now wondering what could have possibly possessed me to decide to cut that kind of weight around the best food holiday of the year.  Seriously, prime rib, sweet potatoes, chili, pudding pie, and more appetizers than I can even name.  But hey, water and chicken is good too right.  For anyone who’s ever been around me during a big weight cut I apologize, it is not a pretty sight and to say I become temperamental is a grave understatement.  There’s something about depriving someone of food that brings out the worst in them.  Everyone remembers the lunch table in high school where all the wrestlers sat looking sickly and bitter at everyone around them enjoying their pizza pockets and soft serve ice cream.  That will shortly be me and I apologize now to everyone who has to put up with it.  
Saturday morning Dane and I were headed out for “mans day.”  Our first stop was none other than McDonalds where Dane ordered the chicken biscuit, which looked amazing by the way, and when I failed to order anything he asked why.  I told him I needed to start losing weight for the fight and I couldn’t eat any junk food.  After hearing this his response was quick, “if you’re going to get smaller you’re going to have to punch a lot harder and kick more or else you’re going to get beat up.”  He then added, “flip him over.” I guess it isn’t very intelligent of me to give away our game plan for the fight but I found the comment humorous and honestly couldn’t argue with his logic.  
Before I take off I wanted to leave you all with a brainteaser to ponder over if you become snowed in.  You are in room with three light switches and a door, which leads into an adjacent room containing three lights bulbs.  You can only open the door one time and once the door has been opened the switches no longer function.  Your job is to determine which switch operates which light bulb.  Good luck, and if you experience nausea, vomiting, loss of vision, stroke, or death, you are taking too many medications and you should stop seeing a doctor.  (add me on facebook if you want the answer otherwise I’ll have it posted on here next week) 
Take Luck and Good Care in your New Years Celebration and remember, party on Wayne.
 
Andy

Popularity: unranked [?]

Two Fighters, Several Fights- One War

By Randy Thomas
 
With an almost unheard of 61 fights stretched between these two warriors resume’s, Josh “The Hitman” Rabedeaux and Rick “The Lawman” Tasler are both ready to put on a show and go to war for the fans on January 16.  Think about that.  That’s 61 long, intense training camps.  That’s 61 nerve racking walks to the cage.  Countless punches, takedowns, knees, elbows, and kicks.  And, with 61 fights, the winners hand has been raised 57 times.  That’s impressive.
 
Josh “The Hitman” Rabedeaux has only been training mixed martial arts for three years, and with a 32-4-0 record, he’s kept plenty busy.  He’s made appearances on large shows like King of the Cage and HD Net so he’s used to the bright lights, camera’s and roaring crowds.  He’s held several belts and now his sights are set at climbing the MCC ladder and hopefully adding one more to his collection. 
 
A scrappy guy who has never backed down from a challenge, Rabedeaux has stepped in the cage with fighters who have had fifty pounds on him.  He’s taken last minute fights.  He’s not picky.  He’s just happy for any opportunity to step in the cage and bang.
 
A disciple of wrestling from the age of four, he’s now honing his MMA skills, training at the world famous Lion’s Den as well as with WEC Lightweight Champion, Jamie Varner at Arizona Combat Academy, “The Hitman” believes he has all the tools necessary to put a blemish on Tasler’s perfect record.  When asked for his predictions about the upcoming fight he stated, “I am just hoping that it’s a war.  We’ll have to see how it goes and what I am feeling that day . Some days I look for a knock out and others I feel like breaking arms, so we’ll see.”  He added, “I know he has a lot of fights just like me. I’m just ready to bang. No hard feelings, I don’t know the guy, but he is the next one I have to take out, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do”
 
Rick Tasler sees it differently.
 
“On January 16th, I am going to show everyone what hard work and determination are all about.  I know that I am going to have one of the toughest fights in my career. Josh is good everywhere and if I make a mistake in any position he will try to capitalize on it.  So, I am going to set the pace early and stay in his face for the duration of the fight. We are both very aggressive fighters so it should be a great fight for the crowd. I have the upper hand on patience and power, so it’s going to come down to heart.  If it does, he is in for a long night.”
 
Like his opponent, he has been wrestling almost his entire life.  Training in mixed martial arts since 2006, Tasler has kept an open mind and learned something from each person he’s encountered.  Tasler stated, “I think that I get respect because I earn it.   What I lack in technique and training time I make up for in toughness.  Nobody is going to come in and just push me around the cage.  I could fight anyone in the world and know that I can’t beat many of them but know that every single one of them will leave the cage knowing that they had been in a fight.”

 
Tasler, the city of Madrid’s chief of police by day believes his 12-year law enforcement career definitely gives him an edge in the cage. He feels it has given him the mental toughness and never give up attitude which has propelled him in the sport of mixed martial arts.  He stated, “It’s easier fighting in the cage having only one person to worry about, with no weapons, and a referee to stop serious injury from occurring.”  A soft spoken and respectful figure in the community, Tasler sees himself as a hard working role model to the kids that look up to him.  Some call him a hero.  He’s thankful for the support and the opportunities he’s been given.
 
Josh Rabedeaux and Rick Tasler meet at MCC 24 “Reloaded” on January 16 at Veterans Auditorium.  Tickets are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-229-8566, or at Dahl’s ticket outlets.
 
 
 
Fighter Bio’s
 
Name: Josh Rabedeaux
Nickname: The Hitman
Age:
Weight: 145
Hometown: Muscatine, IA
Fighting out of:  Pheonix, AZ
Team: Lion’s Den/Arizona Combat Academy
Strengths:  Experience, wrestling background, knock out power
MMA Record: 32-4-0
Titles Held: King of the Cage Superfight Champion, Warfare Extreme 135lb title, Rage in the Cage 135 and 145lb Champion, Midwest Kings of the Ring 145lb Champion
 
 
 
Name:  Rick Tasler
Nickname:  The Law Man
Age: 32
Hometown: Jefferson, IA
Fighting out of: Madrid, IA
Team:  Team Insanity/Des Moines Jiu Jitsu Academy
Strengths: Heart, cardio, relentless submissions
MMA Record: 26-0-0
Titles Held: Iowa Budweiser 145lb Champion

Popularity: unranked [?]

Two Fighters, Several Fights- One War

By Randy Thomas
 
With an almost unheard of 61 fights stretched between these two warriors resume’s, Josh “The Hitman” Rabedeaux and Rick “The Lawman” Tasler are both ready to put on a show and go to war for the fans on January 16.  Think about that.  That’s 61 long, intense training camps.  That’s 61 nerve racking walks to the cage.  Countless punches, takedowns, knees, elbows, and kicks.  And, with 61 fights, the winners hand has been raised 57 times.  That’s impressive.
 
Josh “The Hitman” Rabedeaux has only been training mixed martial arts for three years, and with a 32-4-0 record, he’s kept plenty busy.  He’s made appearances on large shows like King of the Cage and HD Net so he’s used to the bright lights, camera’s and roaring crowds.  He’s held several belts and now his sights are set at climbing the MCC ladder and hopefully adding one more to his collection. 
 
A scrappy guy who has never backed down from a challenge, Rabedeaux has stepped in the cage with fighters who have had fifty pounds on him.  He’s taken last minute fights.  He’s not picky.  He’s just happy for any opportunity to step in the cage and bang.
 
A disciple of wrestling from the age of four, he’s now honing his MMA skills, training at the world famous Lion’s Den as well as with WEC Lightweight Champion, Jamie Varner at Arizona Combat Academy, “The Hitman” believes he has all the tools necessary to put a blemish on Tasler’s perfect record.  When asked for his predictions about the upcoming fight he stated, “I am just hoping that it’s a war.  We’ll have to see how it goes and what I am feeling that day . Some days I look for a knock out and others I feel like breaking arms, so we’ll see.”  He added, “I know he has a lot of fights just like me. I’m just ready to bang. No hard feelings, I don’t know the guy, but he is the next one I have to take out, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do”
 
Rick Tasler sees it differently.
 
“On January 16th, I am going to show everyone what hard work and determination are all about.  I know that I am going to have one of the toughest fights in my career. Josh is good everywhere and if I make a mistake in any position he will try to capitalize on it.  So, I am going to set the pace early and stay in his face for the duration of the fight. We are both very aggressive fighters so it should be a great fight for the crowd. I have the upper hand on patience and power, so it’s going to come down to heart.  If it does, he is in for a long night.”
 
Like his opponent, he has been wrestling almost his entire life.  Training in mixed martial arts since 2006, Tasler has kept an open mind and learned something from each person he’s encountered.  Tasler stated, “I think that I get respect because I earn it.   What I lack in technique and training time I make up for in toughness.  Nobody is going to come in and just push me around the cage.  I could fight anyone in the world and know that I can’t beat many of them but know that every single one of them will leave the cage knowing that they had been in a fight.”

 
Tasler, the city of Madrid’s chief of police by day believes his 12-year law enforcement career definitely gives him an edge in the cage. He feels it has given him the mental toughness and never give up attitude which has propelled him in the sport of mixed martial arts.  He stated, “It’s easier fighting in the cage having only one person to worry about, with no weapons, and a referee to stop serious injury from occurring.”  A soft spoken and respectful figure in the community, Tasler sees himself as a hard working role model to the kids that look up to him.  Some call him a hero.  He’s thankful for the support and the opportunities he’s been given.
 
Josh Rabedeaux and Rick Tasler meet at MCC 24 “Reloaded” on January 16 at Veterans Auditorium.  Tickets are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-229-8566, or at Dahl’s ticket outlets.
 
 
 
Fighter Bio’s
 
Name: Josh Rabedeaux
Nickname: The Hitman
Age:
Weight: 145
Hometown: Muscatine, IA
Fighting out of:  Pheonix, AZ
Team: Lion’s Den/Arizona Combat Academy
Strengths:  Experience, wrestling background, knock out power
MMA Record: 32-4-0
Titles Held: King of the Cage Superfight Champion, Warfare Extreme 135lb title, Rage in the Cage 135 and 145lb Champion, Midwest Kings of the Ring 145lb Champion
 
 
 
Name:  Rick Tasler
Nickname:  The Law Man
Age: 32
Hometown: Jefferson, IA
Fighting out of: Madrid, IA
Team:  Team Insanity/Des Moines Jiu Jitsu Academy
Strengths: Heart, cardio, relentless submissions
MMA Record: 26-0-0
Titles Held: Iowa Budweiser 145lb Champion

Popularity: unranked [?]

Popularity: unranked [?]

Popularity: unranked [?]

Paul Bird

Searching for Greatness, Paul Bird is Ready for War

By Randy Thomas

When you talk about someone who’s been there, done that, one fighter comes to mind- Paul “The Gingabread Man” Bird.  A native of Australia, who has began his career in boxing, traveled overseas to kick box, competed on a season of The Ultimate Fighter reality show, and put together an impressive 8-1 MMA record, Bird is constantly looking to get better and eventually make it to the bright lights and roaring crowd of the UFC.

As many mixed martial artists path start, a combat sport was not the basis for his athleticism.  Paul Bird was actually a soccer player.  He played soccer from the time he was four until he was seventeen.  He was selected to play on the USA Youth National Team and competed in the two largest tournaments in Europe.  It was not until he was nineteen years old when he had his first boxing lesson.  Bird recalls, “I always watched Mike Tyson when I was young and wanted to be a pro boxer, but my parents didn’t like the idea of me taking punches, so I started late.”

Then, like several other local fighters such as Josh Neer, John Halverson, and Jeremy Stephens, he stepped in the ring for the first time at Toad Holller- an amateur boxing and MMA venue from years ago.  He took a few amateur fights, both boxing and kickboxing.  Looking for improvement, he took a trip to Thailand with a friend.  Although he was not planning on fighting, he lost his wallet and needed to make some money.  So, he signed on to get in the ring with a local Thai fighter.  Although he lost the battle, it was at that point he knew he wanted to be a fighter.  Oh….and he found his wallet the day of the fight!

This is where mixed martial arts became a part of Paul’s life.

After training with a handful of local fighters at Des Moines Mixed Martial Arts Academy, it was apparent that “The Gingabread Man” had the tools to get in the cage and perform.  With lightning fast punches and kicks, he was a walking highlight reel just waiting to unleash.  Paul entered MCC and starting tearing through the competition.  Even if he was coming from behind, Bird was always looking to end the fight quickly and violently.  Eventually he made his way to a title shot.

With just a handful of fights on his resume, Bird faced MCC Lightweight Champion, Bryce Teager.  Although it was the first time he would taste defeat, Bird did not let that sidetrack him.  He trained harder and more intense.  He still had his sights on the UFC, and months later his opportunity arrived.

Bird was one of the few selected to compete on season eight of the highly popular UFC reality series, “The Ultimate Fighter- USA vs. UK.”  When he arrived he was greeted and almost immediately matched up to fight.  Unfortunately for Bird, he was pitted against one of the best fighters on the show.  Bird did not let that affect him mentally.  He strapped on the gloves and went in and gave it everything he had.  He was honored to be selected and knew that if he performed, his life could be changed forever.

He lost.

Bird said, “This is the fight that really haunts me because I wasn’t ready for the fight. I didn’t think they were going to pick me and I wasn’t training like I should have. I was also very sick going into this match.  And, not to take anything away from Richie Whitson who is an unbelievable fighter, but I wasn’t even close to showing my true self.”

He came back strong and racked up a few more wins including a first round victory over WEC and Pride vet, Joe Pearson.  At MCC 24 “Reloaded,” Bird will face another WEC veteran and former MCC champion, Chris “Mad Dog” Mickle.

Bird has switched up his training.  He’s become more focused as an athlete.  He knows as the competition gets better, just being tough is not enough.  You have to train you body and mind like never before.  To be a champion you have to train like a champion.  Bird has sought out the help of Spartan Strength owner, Nick Rouse to conduct his conditioning sessions.  He stated, “The switch was done to be a stronger more conditioned explosive athlete. Chris is a pressure fighter and I have show a high level performance to beat him. I can only get this at Spartan Strength.”

He knows he could be in for a long night when he battles Mickle, but he’s looking to end it early.  “Chris is someone who is a true fighter and has a warriors heart, but I don’t think his experience is going to be a major factor in this fight. Even though I don’t have as much experience as him I’ve been training for a long time.  I’m not thinking about who he’s fought. He’s never fought anyone like me,” Bird noted.  He ended with, “My plan is to hit him with that blunt force trauma, full power strikes and wrestling for fifteen minutes, every time he enters my personal space …bing bong bing!”

Popularity: unranked [?]

Katy Klinefelter

“But You Don’t Look Like a Fighter!”

By Randy Thomas 

Female kick boxer, actress, model turned mixed martial arts sensation, Gina “Conviction” Carano has been paving the way for women’s MMA for the last few years.  She’s been featured on Showtime, CBS, and has made the top ten in ESPN’s “Most Beatiful People in Sports.”  Although some may view her looks as that of a ring card girl, don’t be fooled- she can throw down with the best of them.
 
It seems, on a smaller scale, Katy Klinefelter is taking that same path.  An undefeated boxer and Thai fighter, Klinefelter has made the transition to mixed martial arts to compete along side her team mates and MCC veterans, Andy Branson, and Nick Lepa.  At MCC 24, Klinefelter makes her professional debut against local kick boxer, Cassie Roddish.  Excited for the opportunity and exposure, she plans on making a statement loud enough to let the other girls know that there is a new player in town.
 
Katy Klinefelter began boxing in 2000 as a hobby.  She was involved in gymnastics, diving, track and field and volleyball, but the competition and challenge inside the ring is what she truly loved.  Although she never expected much to happen, as boxing was viewed as a man’s sport, she was good enough to not only stay undefeated in twenty outings, but also represent the United States nationally and internationally in Turkey and Brazil.
Training her Thai boxing under Chris Weitz at ICOR along with the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu team at the University of Iowa, she’s made the transition from boxer to mixed martial artist.  Klinefelter recalls, “In 2008 after one week of learning how to kick, I had my first MMA fight.  In retrospect that was a really horrible idea, knowing nothing about the sport, but it ended up going well.  I won a unanimous three round decision against Jessica “Baby Bull” Hilger.  She was tough, and bigger than me, and she was saved by the bell from a couple of submission attempts and did not like my punches.  It was enough to get me the decision.”
 
 
Her second MMA fight was in 2009.  This time, her opponent was 185 lbs- a difference of over 50 lbs. It didn’t matter.  Klinefelter won by TKO in the very first round. 

 
We recently caught up with Katy to ask her a few questions.
 
MCC: Do you get positive or negative attention from being a female fighter?

KK:  Overall it is positive.  I train just as hard, if not harder than any male fighters, and anyone who sees that is able to look past any gender differences.  The comment I get most often is “..but you don’t look like a fighter!” It seems that sometimes I am considered a novelty of the sport.  The vast majority of attention is positive though, only every once in a while are there people who are incredulous to the fact that I am a fighter, and a decent one at that. 
 
MCC:  How does it feel to be one of few female fighters MMA?
 
KK: It’s hard to find people to train with.  I train mostly with males, but even then it is hard to find someone my own size.  Females fight differently, they don’t have quite as much muscle, and their makeup is different so it is different fighting males and females.  Overall I think it is a good thing because the guys I train with push me harder, and hit harder and faster than a lot of my opponents which makes me ready for anything that could be thrown at me in a fight. 

MCC:  Did you get a lot of support from your family and friends when you started boxing? What about MMA?

KK: Initially my parents thought I would try the sport and quit, but once they saw I was sticking with it they have been nothing but supportive.  My grandma openly tells me that she hates that I fight, and she wishes I would quit, but none the less she comes to all of my fights and supports me if its what I choose to do.  My family has been incredibly supportive of both my boxing and MMA endeavors.  My friends are in the sport, so they are always supportive as well. 
 
 MCC: Where do you see yourself going in MMA in the upcoming year?
 
KK: I would like to see how far I can get.  No specific goals as of yet because a lot of things come up on short notice.  I plan on training hard to be ready for anything and I would like to make 2010 a really active year for fighting for me. 

MCC: What do you know and expect out of your opponent, Cassie Roddish?

KK: That’s about it.  I know her name, and that she is from Des Moines. 
 
MCC: How do you see the fight playing out?

KK: I never go into a fight with a distinct game plan with a definite ending.  I enjoy the flow of the sport and I just try to work on new things, capitalize on whatever weaknesses my opponent has, and play up my strengths.  Not knowing anything about my opponent, I can only work on making myself stronger in every aspect of my game.  When the fight starts, I will be able to figure out what her weaknesses are and what I can capitalize on.  In a perfect fight, I would win by submission.  I already know what I can do with my stand up, but I would really like to see how I would do on the ground.  I would really like to show that I know some submissions too. 
 
MCC: How does it feel being on MCC 24, knowing your bout will be televised, with a lot of attention on you?

KK: It feels great.  I really look forward to the exposure. 
 
MCC: Tell us about your day to day preparations for this bout?

KK: I’m in the gym about every day.  I work with a lot of people that have taught me a lot.  I alternate between practicing Thai Boxing, Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, Wrestling, and then putting it all together.  And of course there’s the cardio/weights everyday.  Although we have a great team at ICOR MMA in Iowa City, I am also training a bit at Des Moines MMA in order to be fully prepared for the fight.

Popularity: unranked [?]

Andy Branson

What’s up internet junkies,

I hope you all found where you packed away your snow shoes and thermal underwear cause I don’t know about you but I’ve been frozen solid for the past week.  The past 7 days have been nonstop for me, I graduated from the University of Iowa, started a new job, moved into my new house, and realized Nick Rouse has a sick sense of humor for making people so sore they can’t get out of bed in the morning.  I’ve finally settled into my training routine here in Des Moines and it begins at 5 a.m. when the temperature is somewhere below what mercury is capable of registering.  It’s at this brisk point in the day before the sun has risen that I head to Spartan Strength for a workout that can only be described as inhumane.  I finish up at around 6 then head to work for my exciting 8 hours working security at the 132nd Fighter Wing.  Once I’m off work I head to Des Moines MMA for grappling and stand-up practice and then back to home to put the kids to bed.  This week at Des Moines MMA I was lucky enough to enjoy the company of my close friends from Iowa City Katy and Emily Kleinfelter.  These girls are as tough as they come and I’m not going to name any names but I looked over a couple of times during sparring and saw the girls taking it to some of the guys.  I probably shouldn’t talk though because the first time I sparred with Katy last December she had my nose bleeding freely by the second round.  Katy is a professional boxer and undefeated MMA fighter who will be fighting with me on the card January 16th; I urge all of you to check out her fight because she puts on a show every time she steps in the cage.

Last Saturday my girlfriend and I met up with Elvis Mutapcic and his girlfriend at the Twisted Parrot to watch the UFC Penn Vs Sanchez fights.  There were a couple good fights on the card and just as I expected B.J. dominated in his title defense.  Afterwards we all went out the Uncle Bucks to hang out and watch Elvis enjoy himself partying.  Spending over 8 weeks prepping for a fight can be very stressful and Elvis was on a mission to enjoy himself after his recent win over Mike Van-Meer at MCC 23.  Elvis was definitely in party mode and his enjoyment of Bud Light was able to bring us this week’s top ten Elvis “The King” Mutapcic quotes.

10. I want to wear those little shorts some time, but I’m just too scared.
9. I’ll watch a chick flick, if it gets me some.
8. I bet I can ride that thing.
7. Ya bro, I’ll rock a wife beater at the club.
6. SHOTS SHOTS SHOTS SHOTS SHOTS SHOTS SHOTS.
5. I want to SEE you delete those pictures.
4. Back Streets back ALRIGHT.
3.Tiger Tiger Woods YALL.
2. I’ve seen the Twilight movies, their actually pretty good.  (followed up this week by- my eyes kept watering tonight trying to put in my contacts, it was like I was watching Twilight again)
1. Do you like my purse?

Our weekend of fun with Elvis provoked me to focus part of this week’s blog on the misconception most people have about fighters.  When most people see us in the middle of the fight we can come across as quite barbaric and brutal, but what is so intriguing about the sport of MMA is the stark contrast which you see when fighters leave the cage.  Most fighters I know are some of the softest spoken and kindest hearted people around.  Most are surprisingly bright also, the gyms I trained at in Iowa City had a CPA, a lawyer, multiple pre-med student,  pre-pharmacy students, business students and grads, a cardio thoracic surgeon, an oral surgeon, and one guy Named Jon that’s working on his doctorate in some crazy form of math I’ve never heard of.  The point of all of this is that it takes a lot focus and intelligence to become a truly well versed mixed martial artist.  Chuck Liddel was a CPA before he became the light heavyweight champion and Rich “Ace” Franklin was a school teacher before he won his belt.  I guess on that point I also don’t have much room to talk because as everyone who knows me is aware, I pretty much do whatever my girlfriend’s little boy Dane wants and her little girl Hayden, let’s just say she knows all too well how to work me for whatever her little heart desires.  I guess all I’m trying to get across is the other side of fighters, and hopefully next time you see us fight you will think about Elvis walking around sporting his girlfriend’s purse and not be hesitant to come up and say hi.

Well that’s all I can manage for today, besides I’m not nearly entertaining enough to hold your attention for any longer so I will just wish everyone a happy Chrismanhonakwonzika to keep it politically correct and hope everyone gets through the holidays safely and with only marginal weight gain from eating delicious milk and cookies.

Take Care,

Andy

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