MCC Bids Farewell to a Warrior
 
Just a couple days ago, the news that Nick “The Gremlin” Henry had passed away broke our hearts.  A quiet, young competitor who had made a huge impression on fight fans at MCC 24: “Reloaded”  when his debut performance contributed to the most exciting fight of the night.  Nick competed alongside his brother Josh that night.
 
MCC co-owner, John Halverson remembers, “When I first met Nick the night before his fight, I was thinking, man, this kid looks like he is twelve, but if he’s anything like his brother he will be good.  Then, when he fought he brought me and the rest of the crowd to their feet with his energy, heart and never quit spirit.  Even though most of us only knew Nick a short time, we will never forget him.  His performance and demeanor will be the measuring stick for future fighters.”
 
Rest in peace.

 
Nick Henry
BORN: March 25, 1992
DIED: May 28, 2010
LOCATION: Creston, IA

Popularity: unranked [?]

Fighter Focus: Getting to Know Heny “The Hitman” Meza
 
In a couple weeks, Henry Meza will make his MCC debut against Eric Kapayou at MCC 27: “Mutapcic vs. Cummings”.  We caught up with Meza amidst his training camp to get to know The Hitman and what he’s bringing to the cage.
 
 
MCC:  Henry, welcome to MCC.  Since you are making your debut, tell the fight fans about yourself.
 
HM:  I was born and raised in Honduras, South America.  I moved to New Jersey and lived for eight years before I moved to Des Moines.  I attend Grandview University and train with MCC fighter, Johnny “Coletrain” Coleman.  I am excited to make my MCC debut in the featherweight division and I hope to have not only a win, but a great performance.
 
MCC:  Give us some information on your martial arts background.
 
HM:  My strength is my wrestling.  I wrestled for nine years.  I’ve placed twice and won first in the one of the biggest tournaments in New Jersey, The Cutter Classic.  Overall, I have 120 wins and 30 losses during my wrestling career.  I trained muay Thai for about a year prior to moving to Des Moines and trained jiu jitsu for a couple years now.  Also, I used to take boxing lessons at a club in Jersey that was police run.  It was started to keep at risk kids off the streets.  I was there for three years.  So, I guess you could say I’m well rounded, trained in everything, but again, I like to use my wrestling the most.
 
MCC:  How about MMA?  What is your record and how long have you been competing?
 
HM:  My record is 8-1.  I started training MMA at place that was ran by my best friend’s dad. I would go and train there during the weekends and after school with a couple of friends. After a while I didn’t have the money to pay fees so we took everything we knew and set up a little gym in my friends basement and trained there.  We would practice all the moves that we knew over and over. Now, I train here in Iowa with Johnny Coleman and other members of 515 Elite.  I had never fought in a cage before I moved to Iowa, so that was definitely a new experience for me.
 
MCC:  We’ve watched you compete several times at MCC’s sister show; DMX.  In 2009, you took a break for half the year.  Tell us about that.
 
HM:  I was involved in a pretty serious car accident.  I received a lot of damage to my face and was not sure if I would be able to compete again.  I took the time off to heal and get healthy.  Once I knew I was fully recovered, I started training again and then fought.  I was just glad I was able to compete again!  I have a really good team behind me with a lot of talented people.  They give me a good place to train and a lot of support.
 
MCC:  How about your family?  What do they think of you competing in the toughest sport in the world?
 
HM:  Surprisingly I do get support from them, a lot of my family, at first, had no idea I was fighting and now they support me and come watch me fight whenever they can. My family is cool about me fighting, but then again you know how parents are, even if you are fine they still worry, but I do have their support as well.
 
MCC:  Give us your thoughts on competing for MCC as well as your thoughts on your opponent.
 
HM:  Oh Man, this opportunity is huge for me.  It is such an honor to be able to be fighting for MCC. When my manager told me about the fight I was really excited.  As far as my opponent, I am not much of a shit talker, and I really have nothing to say about my him.  If I have any thoughts on any of my opponents I will just show it inside the cage. I really don’t know anything about him so I can’t really say anything about him. I know he is making his MCC debut as well, so I’m sure he will be nervous, excited, and looking to make a statement too.
MCC:  What motivates you stepping into the ring or cage, in this case?
 
HM:  My motivation when I step into the ring is all the hard work I put coming into a fight and that I am standing there alone and if i don’t take my opponent out first, he will take me out. Also, my team mates, friends, family and can’t forget about my girlfriend, she always believes in me at times when I don’t believe in myself.  This is my motivation!
 
MCC:  Thanks for your time.  We look forward to watching you compete on June 11.
 
HM:  Thank you.  I’m not sure if I have any fans, but it would be really cool if I do.  Hopefully, after my fight I may gain a few- or many!  I also want to thank my team, 515 Elite Fight Team for all the support.  I will see everyone in a couple weeks!

Popularity: unranked [?]

A cheeseburger, a large fry and and McChicken! After this b**** of a wait cut that is the first thing I’m eating! Yes, I know I’m a bit chunky and I shouldn’t be thinking about that right now, but ummmmm it sounds delicious!!!

But anyways, it’s a little under 3 weeks until the fight, and I’m stoked!!!! I know Jesse Lund is a tough guy, I have all the respect in the world for him, we’re gonna have a helluva fight, but I KNOW I’m increasing my 4 fight win streak to 5!!

This has been another pretty busy week… From working to getting my car fixed to all this weight cutting. But the best part of the last week was the weather! I mean, a black man in the blazing sun isn’t the best combination, but this last week it was! I relaxed a bit this last week when I wasn’t to busy working, and went boating with some friends. It was a good weekend besides getting dragged by friends into the lake with all my clothes on before I changed! Later that day after I got back i decided to go for a late night run to cut a couple pounds.

Tonight I went and played B-I-N-G-O with my mom and grandmother who is visiting from California. The bingo hall doesn’t beat the cage but when you’re only one number away from the crazy L or picnic table its well worth it… The only thing that isn’t worth it, is all the old people giving you dirty looks when you win! So if there’s anything you remember of this blog just remember old people like to give you dirty looks if you get a bingo, I’m craving a McChicken, and I’m going to bring you a great show on June 11th. Bring some popcorn and enjoy the Mean Dean Show!

See ya all there June 11th at Vets Auditorium!!!

The Future Light Heavyweight Champion,
“Mean” Dean Bradley

Popularity: unranked [?]

Fighter Focus: Getting to Know Mitch “The Convict” Parker
 
At MCC 27: “Mutapcic vs. Cummings”, newcomer Mitch Parker will face off against undefeated striker, Luis Saldana.  We caught up with Parker in the middle of his training camp so we can get to know “The Convict” a little better.
 
MCC:  Mitch, welcome to MCC.  First off, what’s the story behind your nickname?
 
MP:  You want a story? Well, how about this one? I have a computer programming degree, but I can’t get a job programming because I’m what they call a violent person. I don’t think I am violent, I just stand up for what I believe in.  I use to ask God why he made me so good with my hands? Now I know why. I’m actually one of the nicest and most caring guy you’ll ever meet, I just like to fight.  I used to do it illegally. Now, I do it legally.
 
MCC:  It’s a good thing for mixed martial arts then!  Tell the fight fans where you grew up and about your background (besides street fighting)!
 
MP:  I was born in Melcher-Dallas, Iowa.  I grew up with three brothers; Mike who is the oldest, then me, Mitch, Gerald and my youngest brother Bean. Gerald and I are only a year apart so we were always really competitive.  I started wrestling when I was four.  What do they call it, brotherly love? In small towns like Melcher there’s only a few things to do: drinking and fighting are the most popular.  I have always loved wrestling and throwing down!
 
MCC:  Where are you training, and how long have you been involved in the sport?
 
MP:  I started training last Summer at The Mules Pen in Melcher-Dallas.  I also train with Team Pound Out and in Centerville with the Centerville Bad Boys.  I have a lot of good training partners and I am gaining experience quickly for only being in the sport a year.  So far, my career in MMA has gone very well. I love sport and I feel like this was created just for guys like me.  I’m 10-0 and I’m the current Featherweight MMAC champ.  I’m currently ranked ninth at 155 lbs by Midwest Fighters Focus and I’m also ranked sixth at 145 lbs. I want to get a few more fights under my belt before turn pro.
 
MCC:  You are undefeated.  Your opponent is undefeated.  Some one is walking out of the cage with a blemish on their record!  What do you know about Luis Saldana?
 
MP:  I think Luis has a good stand up game and I have been told he has very heavy hands.  I watched Luis’s last fight at MCC 26 when he beat Steve Greene. He took care of business that night, but he’s never fought anyone like me! I’m going out there to end this fight as quickly as possible and I will take whatever comes to me.  I can knock him out.  I can submit him.  It doesn’t matter.  I will just go with the flow,adapt, and attack!  I’m looking forward to fighting for MCC because it’s the biggest show around the Midwest! You have to fight the and beat the best to be the best, and I am looking forward to that.
 
MCC:  I’m sure you get a lot of support from your friends and family, right?
 
MP:  For sure!  Every time I have competed, there has been at least a lot of my close friends and family there to support me.  I’m 33 years old, and this is something positive I can show my children,  I have done things the wrong way in the past. Now, I am doing the right things and I get better with each fight.  That’s my motivation.  I want to fight good, tough guys and beat them.  When I am told I have my hands full, that pushes me even harder.
 
MCC:  We look forward to watching you in action.  Is there anyone you would like to thank?
 
MP:  First, I would like to thank MCC for the opportunity.  I will not let you guys down.  I would also like to thank CJ Anderson, Lee Sandmeirer, Eric Kirkpatrick, Gerald Parker, Chris Counts and Mikey Johnson from the Mules Penn.  Also, Ryan Rote , Chris Beardshears and Brach Amos from Team Pound Out.  And finally, Tanner McClure, Curtis Temple, Moe Spears and David Burton over at Centerville Bad Boys.  A big thanks to all my friends and family.  I love you all.

Popularity: unranked [?]

Moreno vs. Crowder Scrapped, Replaced with Mickle vs. Simpson
 
At MCC 25: “Inferno”, Cory “The Projekt” Simpson made his return to the cage with a dominating performance over fellow lightweight striker, Jake Burriola.  He returned at MCC 26: “Triple Crown” to replace injured title contender, Chris “Mad Dog” Mickle, in a title bout with lightweight champion, Bryce Teager.  Although Simpson was unsuccessful in his quest for the belt, fight fans will not have to wait very long to see him back in action!
 
The Simpson camp has verbally agreed to face the fighter he recently replaced; Chris “Mad Dog” Mickle in a three round bout at MCC 27: “Mutapcic vs. Cummings”.  The bout will take place Friday, June 11 at Veterans Auditorium.
 
MCC official’s reported early Sunday morning, “We received word from Moreno that he had lost his fight in North Dakota and was too banged up to continue training or fight Ben Crowder in June.  It was disappointing because their bout had been heavily promoted already, but these things happen.  We are very excited that, once again, Cory Simpson has stepped up to the plate to take a tough fight.  Hopefully we can get Crowder and Moreno in the cage down the road so they can finally settle their grudge.”
 
Mickle, a former MCC champion and a veteran of the UFC’s sister promotion, WEC, has faced some of the toughest competition in the game.  Whether the fight is standing or on the ground, Mickle has been known for his heart and willingness to take the fight wherever it needs to go.  On facing a devastating knock out artist like Simpson, Mickle simply stated, “Let’s do it!”
 
Tickets for MCC 27: “Mutapcic vs. Cummings” are available at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-229-8566 or at all Dahl’s ticket outlets.  For more information including interviews, fighter blogs, and up to the minute news, check out the MCC web site.

Popularity: unranked [?]

Fighter Focus: Getting to Know Rick “The Gladiator” Glenn
 
At MCC 25: “Inferno”, Rick Glenn put on one of the best performances of the night in his back and forth battle with Lonnie Scriven that resulted in a razor close split decision.  Even in losing, Glenn showed that he has what it takes to stand and trade punches with the best in the Midwest.  On June 11, Glenn will return to face fellow striker, Colby “Tha Alligator” Karaidos, a fellow ex-boxer turned mixed martial artist.  If this bout has any traits resembling Glenn’s last war, fight fans could be in for the fight of the year.
 
MCC:  Rick, welcome back to MCC.  For those who don’t know you, take a minute and tell the fans about yourself.
 
RG:  Hey, what’s up everyone?  For starters, I have been fighting almost my whole life.  I grew up in Marshalltown and I started boxing at age fourteen.  I boxed until the gym where I was training at closed their doors years later.  Some of my friends were training in mixed martial arts, and I wanted to give it a try.  I figured it would be an easy crossover given my background, and plus, I like to knock people out.  I compete in the lightweight division, which is 155 lbs.  I walk around at 170 lbs.
 
MCC:  Boxer turned MMA fighter?  Sounds like your opponent, Colby Karaidos!  What do you think about that?
 
RG:  Yeah, I know he likes to stand in the pocket and trade punches.  I think that’s going to fun.  Well, as long as he doesn’t hit me too hard!
 
MCC:  How is your training camp coming along for your fight preparation?
 
RG:  It’s going great.  I am in incredible shape.  In the past I have trained in basements, playgrounds…pretty much anywhere I could get a workout.  I made the move to Des Moines and have trained at DM MMA Academy, and most recently, I made the move to Des Moines Jiu Jitsu Academy where I get to train with UFC vets Kevin Burns, James Giboo, and a whole list of up and coming grapplers and fighters.  From time to time I will make it back to Marshalltown to train with some friends and at the YMCA.
 
MCC:  You have a lot of potential at a young age.  When did you take your first MMA fight?
 
RG:  Actually, I was seventeen years old.  I did not plan on fighting, but the promoter of a smaller event contacted me and said they needed a replacement fighter.  I thought it was a good opportunity to try it out.  Plus, I needed the money!  I had to work all day and when I left work, my (now) wife had everything ready for me.  I showed up in my Staples uniform and was told I had five minutes to get ready.  I changed into my fight gear, ran into the cage, and cut the guy up pretty good.  His corner threw in the towel and I won the fight.  The rest is history!
 
MCC:  Too bad all fights are not that easy!
 
RG:  I have had my share of ups and downs, but I have found a good home with MCC.  It’s great to get to compete for a big crowd and even better to be on television.  Plus, being able to train in Des Moines with so many talented fighters has helped my career so much.  I can’t wait for this to someday become my full time job.
 
MCC:  You definitely have the potential to become a great fighter.  What motivates you?
 
RG:  Rocky!  It’s my dream of becoming the best.  Ever since I was a young child, I always told myself that when things don’t go my way, someone out there has it worse than me.  I count my blessings because right now, everything is good.
 
MCC:  We look forward to seeing you back in the cage at MCC 27: “Mutapcic vs. Cummings” on June 11.  Is there anyone you’d like to thank?
 
RG:  Even though I don’t get to see them very often, I want to thank all of my friends and Marshalltown fans.  You guys are crazy!  Thank you all for the love and support.  Thanks to MCC, and I look forward to another great performance.

Popularity: unranked [?]

Fighter Focus: Getting to Know Seth Craig
 
MCC: Seth, welcome to Midwest Cage Championship.  First thing’s first…  We have had some interesting nicknames in MCC, for example, “Punch Your Lights Out”, “Tha Alligator”, and “Bogus”, but “The Spyder Monkey”?  What’s that all about?
 
SC:  My team and I were working different positions at the gym and I hated being manhandled by the bigger fighters so I would spaz out. The reason I got the nickname was because Josh (Henry) had me in the corner and I couldn’t move him so I put both legs on the wall and pushed off and got into a good position.  Everyone at the gym has called me The Spyder Monkey ever sense.
 
MCC:  Ok, fair enough.  You are making your MCC debut on June 11, and you are taking on someone who has never been beaten in MCC before.  What are your thoughts about facing Johnny “Coletrain” Coleman?
 
SC:  I am super pumped for this fight because it’s for the biggest promotion in Iowa and the Midwest. Johnny is a great wrestler and has knock out power. I train with some of the best guys and so does he.  With that said, I think it’s going to be a war  from the second the fight starts.  I have submissions.  I’ve knocked guys out.  And, I have won belts.  Let’s just get in there and do it.  We will see who the better fighter is.
 
MCC: Tell us how you got started in mixed martial arts.
 
SC:  I first started training when I was seventeen years old.  I started training at Henry’s Martial Arts. I wanted to try kickboxing for a long time and I had a friend who mentioned a gym in Creston so I figured I’d give it a whirl.  When I first walked in and met Chuck Henry I thought he was really nice and he walked me through things. It wasn’t until class started that I realized Josh Henry was his son. I had hung out with Josh in the past, and I think that helped my commitment to training. After the kick boxing class was over Josh told me there was a grappling class in ten minutes. I attended the class and met Will Shutt, Jake Brown, and Jesse Lund. During the class I started to catch on really fast and fell in love with the ground game.  After that Will and Josh took me under there wings and showing me the way to combine everything together.
 
MCC:  Like your opponent, you both got your start on MCC’s minor league promotion; DMX.  Is that correct?
 
SC: True.  After a month or so of training I told them I was ready to take a fight to see where I stood. They took me to DMX. I was so pumped until I stepped into the ring and then I got tunnel vision. I ended up losing by rear naked choke submission.  I had made a big mistake letting him take my back. That’s all it took unfortunately.  Some people thought I would stop fighting and training after that, but I took the loss as a lesson and worked my ass off everyday.  In fact, Josh and Will would start on my back and put the choke in then I would have to work to get out of it or pass out.  It was tough love.
 
MCC:  It’s a good thing you didn’t quit because you have had a nice run since your first fight.
 
SC:  I had a few more fights with better results.  After some wins in a small event I got an offer for a title shot at 125 lbs even though I had been fighting at 135 lbs. I took the fight and my team worked me to a breaking point.  Thank goodness!  I went in there and took the belt home after a 55 second knock out.  Six months later I fought for the 135 lb title for the same show and also took that belt home after a twelve second arm bar. That fight was the first fight I used my submission skills and it turned out great.  I am now 7-4.
 
MCC:  Sounds good.  We look forward to your MCC debut in just a few short weeks.  I’m sure you are training hard.  Is there anyone you want to thank?
 
SC:  Thanks to MCC for giving me this opportunity.  I am looking to make a good impression so I can return to future shows and work my way up the ranks.  I owe everything to my team.  Jake, Josh, Bull, and Jesse have invested a lot of time with me and I want to represent our hard work.  I will see everyone on June 11!

Popularity: unranked [?]

Hello everyone!

I’m very pleased to say that I’m happy the state of Iowa finally warmed up!

So its about 4 weeks out from my fight and things are going good. My work schedule is off right now, so my schedule is a little messed up right now. In my free time I’ve been running a lot, building up my conditioning and cutting some weight. Its going pretty good besides being dead tired everyday. I ended up getting a long desired job at the airport so that’s gonna take up a little more of my time but this fight is still my top priority. But as of now i work at South Side liquor and tobacco. Its a pretty interesting place to work because you see all sorts of things. Like fights in the parking lot from the bar next door and crazy drunks coming in looking to get even more drunk. One time this drunk guy came in and said i was the prettiest African American girl he’s ever seen. Then i said well sir I’m a guy not a girl and he said it don’t matter your still pretty. I started busting out laughing and saying well thanks. It was a pretty awkward moment for me but only one of many crazy moments at South Side Liquor and Tobacco.
Usually when I’m not working or training I’m just trying to spend time with the girlfriend doing things like movies, hanging out wit family, and fishing! You have to have a girl that likes to fish! I also have a baseball and dodgeball league I’m in on Sundays. The dodgeball season just ended last weekend where my team lost to a fellow MCC fighters team, Jake Burriola. I’ve been working a lot on my submissions so i have more weapons on the ground against Jess Lund. I don’t really know that much about him but I know he’s a tough guy. I’ve talked to him once or twice and he’s a good guy. I’ve been working out in the gym with Josh Neer, Elvis, and Victor Moreno. Working on my take downs and conditioning has been a big part of my training on this camp. I know i have good take downs but they can be better. Its gonna be harder than most people to get him down, but every day I’m in the gym, my take downs get better and better. My game plan like against most guys taller than me is to just go out there, take him down, and submit him. But I’m going for that knock out first. I know he’s way taller than me, but the bigger they are, the harder they fall!!!!! I’m working harder and harder every week to get that shot at the belt. I know I’ve had issues with my weight, but its time for me to start taking things more seriously, make weight, and give that dominant performance I’m capable of. I’ve been eating healthy for the first time in like ever and its working out great. Its hard giving up some foods, but a guys gotta do what a guys do! People under estimate my skill left and right just Because of my figure. But I’m here to prove that all those short chunky guys out there can do something… I walk into the cage as an underdog and walk out as the victor. Its about time i get the credit i deserve. I win by skill not by luck.  I’ll be coming into that cage healthy and on weight so Jesse Lund better be ready!!!!

The Future Champion,

“Mean” Dean Bradley

Popularity: unranked [?]

Its that time again… Week 2 blog.

So the last week has been pretty hectic. Between working, training, the car breaking down, and then finding out my girlfriend is prego. I would say i had my hands full. Honestly, this last week I haven’t had a whole lot of time to train at Des Moines MMA so I’ve just been hitting up Aspen a couple hours in my free time to work on my cardio. Because as everyone could tell in my last fight with Mini Van, I was pretty exhausted after the second round. So now since everything is starting to settle down and get a little better, I will be returning back to Des Moines MMA this week.

Well, Wednesday I went to Uncle Bucks to watch the amateur fights and yet again they did not disappoint. Going back to the place where I started off my career and watching all these kids that have hopes to go far in the sport just brings back memories to when that was me. The DMX fights are never boring. You’ll catch me out there every Wednesday helping any of the fighters out that don’t have corners and giving any advice I can.

Thursday was my mothers birthday. The family and I had a barbecue for her that she really appreciated. That’s when she told me she’s now going through the process of getting a kidney transplant. Eventually I’ll have to get tested to see if we’re a match to see if she can just have mine. But that is a little ways away. Then after the barbecue I went to Aspen to hit up the treadmill to get the cardio up.

Friday was a pretty boring day. Went to Aspen and then right after I went to work for the rest of the night. I’ve been having to work nights lately which is why I haven’t been able to train as much as I’d like, but things are working out now. You can catch me in the gym all day, everyday, so Jesse Lund better be ready!!

I’ll catch up with you all more next week!

- “Mean” Dean Bradley

Popularity: unranked [?]

Tearing Through the Competition- and, Doing it With a Smile

By Randy Thomas
 
It’s one thing to be a bad ass mixed martial arts fighter who takes on all comers.  It’s another to do it with no worries, no pressure, and a smile on you face!  That’s exactly what “Mean” Dean Bradley has been doing for the last year.  Throw a powerhouse like Barret Eller at him, and what does he do?  He taps him out quickly.  Make him face a striker like Mike Downey, and what does he do?  He knocks him out in eleven seconds.  Give him one of the toughest, grittiest light heavyweight fighters on the MCC roster, Josh “Bull” Christensen, and how does he handle him?  He takes him down and chokes him in the very first round!  Put him against former Middleweight champion, Mike “Mini Van” Van Meer and how does he stack up?  Great!  He outworks him to win a unanimous decision victory! So, how does he do it?
 
“That’s easy!  I am always underestimated.  Always!  I look like a short, pudgy wrestler with a baby face, so it’s tougher for people to take me seriously.  I like it though because it takes all the pressure off me.  I was not supposed to win any of these fights, but I do.”
 
“Mean” Dean Bradley is one fight away from a title bout.  First, he will have to face former number one contender, Jesse Lund, a team mate and close friend to one of Bradley’s previous opponents, Josh “Bull” Christensen.  In theory, this should be his toughest fight to date, however, we find ourselves saying that every time he steps in the cage.  As usual, Bradley will get logged as the underdog.  The question is, will Lund avoid making the same mistake Bradley’s previous opponents have- underestimating him?
 
“I am not looking past Dean.  I’m training hard and looking to get back on the winning track.  I should not have lost my title fight to Demetrius Richards, and I would love another crack at the belt.  I have to get by Dean Bradley first though.  I will be ready.”
 
Tickets for MCC 27: “Mutapcic vs. Cummings” are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-229-8566m, Iowa Events Center Box Office, or at all Dahl’s ticket outlets.  For more information including fighter interviews, blogs, and up to date fight news, log on to the web site.

Popularity: unranked [?]