Any Time, Any Place; The Tale of a Fearless Fighter

Any Time, Any Place; The Tale of a Fearless Fighter
 
Throughout the Midwest, in mixed martial arts, when you mention the word ‘tough’, one fighter comes to mind; Ted “Red” Worthington.  Making his professional debut in 2004, Worthington has fought the who’s who in MMA.  Going three rounds with Strikeforce phenoms, Rudy Bears and Bobby Voelker, battling UFC veterans Jeremy Stephens, Terry Martin and Keith Wisniewski, and going to toe to toe with up and comers like Alonzo Martinez, Joe Ellenberger and Leonardo Pechana, you would think that “Red” has seen it all.  But at just 24 years old, the 50-fight veteran is just getting started!

“Every time I step in the cage I want to put on a show for the fans.  I want to be the baddest son of a bitch out there, get my MCC lightweight title back, and take this thing as far as I can.  Obviously I will step up and fight anyone.  Look at my record.  I’ve fought all over, outside my weight class, on short notice- you name it, I’ve done it.”
 
At MCC 28: “Impact”, the former title holder will take one step closer to the belt and look to get a little redemption when he, once again, faces Ryan Bilxler, in a rematch from a bout almost one year ago.
 
Worthington explains, “It was probably one of the craziest things that has ever happened in a fight.  The show was scheduled to be held outside at a festival for national sprint car races.  Since the actual race was at night, the show was held in the afternoon.  Well, for anyone that has ever been in Iowa in the middle of August, you know how hot it is.  The fight started and was going fine until I hit the mat.  Immediately it felt like I was laying in a frying pan.  It was more painful that the worst submission.  By the middle of the second round I could not take anymore.  I couldn’t stand it on my feet, on my back- anywhere.  I thought that it was better to tap and ask for a rematch at a later date than risk it by spending anymore time in the ring.  After my fight I was told the mat was registering 114 degrees.”
 
Having nine fights since his last meeting with Bixler, Worthington is more than ready.  Training at the Des Moines Mixed Martial Arts Academy alongside MCC champions Elvis “The King” Mutapcic and Andy “Danger Zone” Branson, Worthington looks to get past Bixler and keep winning bouts in an impressive fashion until he has the opportunity to bring the lightweight hardware back to the gym with him.
 
“Growing up in Bussey, Iowa, there was nothing to do.  I can’t count how many time I got into fights with some of my best friends because we were bored.  I guess that’s what made us brothers.  I feel it’s the same vibe at the gym with the guys I train with now.  MMA is definitely tailor made for me.  I’ve always loved to raise hell.  Now I have the opportunity to get paid to do it, and I’m pretty good at it too.  If I can work hard everyday to prepare to make sure I never have a boring fight, win or lose, people will want to come see me fight.  That’s what I’m all about.  Bring it!”
 
We would have to agree.
 
MCC 28: “Impact” takes place Friday, August 6 at Veterans Auditorium.  Tickets are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-229-8566 and at all Dahl’s ticket outlets.  For more information about the fight card, interviews, video blogs and up to the minute news, check out the web site.

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