Moreno vs Kruger

MCC 34: Moreno victorious, Rios dominates, Williams closes in on title shot

Moreno vs. Kruger

In the main event of MCC 34, Victor “Superman” Moreno proved that his post-retirement campaign was exactly what he had trained for. Taking just one and a half minutes in the very first round to put a halt to top prospect, Calley Kruger, Moreno used a combination of wrestling and jiu jitsu to submit his opponent.

In what appeared to be a slug fest when the bout started, Moreno and Kruger stood toe to toe for a few brief exchanges. When Kruger closed the distance, Moreno shucked him to the ground with his underestimated grappling skills. Once on the ground, Kruger went for side control, but mid-position Moreno was able to catch hold of Kruger’s exposed neck. As Kruger tried to escape the position it gave Moreno just the opening he needed to cinch up the hold. Even without getting his hooks in, Moreno was able to squeeze hard enough to force the tap.

This is Victor Moreno’s second consecutive win since his return to MCC. Could another run at the big show be in his future? With an impressive mixed martial arts record of 39 wins and 12 losses (to top guys, I might mention), he definitely has the skills to make it happen!

Deeds vs Williams

Williams vs. Deeds

One of the Midwest’s top grapplers, Williams, took on one of the Midwest’s best strikers, and lo and behold, each of them played into the others game and fared well!

When you hear of fighters’ pedigree in a specific martial art, one would assume that since it’s their strong suit, that’s what they will ultimately use to win the fight. However, this is “mixed” martial arts, and now days, you have to be good at everything!

So, when you hear that Deeds was able to stuff shots and even able to take Williams down, don’t be surprised. And when you hard that Williams was able to take hard punches from Deeds while lighting his up with his own shots, you should just expect it.

It was, however,Williams night as he was able to capitalize on his superior cardio skill and slick ground transitions as he was able to catch Deeds in a head-arm choke 25 seconds into the third and final round.

The performance earned Williams another win over a tough competitor. With the win over Deeds, Williams moves one step closer to a shot at the MCC Welterweight title.

Rios vs Severe

Following his first career loss to, now-UFC bound, Lance Benoist, Rios went back to the drawing board, spending countless hours in the gym improving his overall game and helping to prepare his teammates for upcoming fights.

Friday night all of that hard work paid off.

From the start of the bout Rios proved that patience and flawless technique would prove to be too much for Severe as he controlled the takedowns and was able to move into dominant positions time after time. Although Severe would show that his strength and durability would make it hard to finish him, Rios was able to render him limp at 4:22 of round number one with a head-arm choke.

Rios stated after the fight that the time away from the cage was good for him and allowed him to fill some of the holes he felt were in his game. Now, back in the win column, a run at the title could very well be in Rios’ future. However the always humble martial artist in content to take his time to get to the top and has already vowed to get right back into the gym to continue his training.

Anlgo International was on hand to award a beautiful Polanti watch to the fighter of the night, which went to a well deserving, Allen Hernandez who won a tough back and forth battle over Alex Harper. It was Hernandez’ promotional debut with MCC, but certainly not his first introduction to the sport. Hernandez showed that he will be a force in the MCC lightweight division and a bout between Hernandez and perennial contender, Jake “Dirty Bird” Brown is being discussed now.

MCC’s prestigious Heart of a Warrior award went to another well deserved fighter, Kendall Davis, who took a fight with multi-time MCC veteran, Randy Meyer on just ten days notice. Both fighters fought back and forth for three rounds, and just when it appeared that Meyer had landed a tight choke, Davis was able to reverse the position and sink in a seldom landed, Von Flue choke to force the tap.

Davis remains undefeated at 7-0, and we are glad to add him to our roster of talented fighters.

Full Results Below

Jake McDonald vs Roy Moore- More wins by TKO Strikes in 2nd round (1:42)
Steve Green vs Matt Rider- Rider wins by TKO Strike in 1st round (2:54)
Chris Avery vs Eric Kapayou- Avery wins by Guillotine in 1st round (2:06)
Mike Graham vs Chad Vandermark- Vandermark wins by TKO Strikes in 2nd round (2:21)
Kendall Davis vs Randy Meyer- Davis wins by Von Flue Choke in 3rd round (1:32)
Matt Young vs Tony Crowder- Crowder wins by RNC in 1st round (1:15)
Nick Walker vs Joe Morris- Morris wins by TKO Strikes in 2nd round (1:13)
Allen Hernandez vs Alex Harper- Hernandez wins by Guillotine in 2nd round (2:49)
Orlando Peace vs Luis Saldana- Saldana wins by RNC in 1st round (3:56)
Dave Severe vs Miguel Rios- Rios wins by Head & Arm Choke in 1st round (4:22)
Cole Williams vs Demi Deeds- Williams wins by Head & Arm Choke in 3rd round (0:25)
Calley Kruger vs Victor Moreno- Moreno wins by RNC in the 1st round (1:30)

MCC has already set the next event for Friday, August 5 at Hy Vee Hall. The evening will feature the first title defense for MCC light heavyweight champion, Jesse Lund, as well a a title defense between MCC’s featherweight champ, Rick “The Gladiator” Glenn and UFC veteran, Ryan “Are You Ready” Roberts. Plus, a rematch between two former middleweight title holders has been set for Brian “Smokin” Green and Mike “Mini Van” Van Meer and bantamweight contenders Will Shutt and Laramie Shaffer will go head to head. More bouts will be released soon so keep checking back with www.MidwestCageChampionship.com.

Cole Williams

Fighter Focus: Catching up with Cole Williams

MCC: Cole, welcome back to MCC. In your debut performance you took on and defeated UFC veteran, James Giboo. With just a few fights into your professional career that had to be a huge feather in your cap. Talk about it.

CW: Yeah, that fight against James Giboo was a big name, but I went into that fight confident and well prepared. So I wasn’t intimidated or nervous. I just needed to go out there and perform.

MCC: Next up, Bellator, MFC and HD Net veteran Demi “The Human Destroyer” Deeds. What do you know about your opponent, and how do you feel you match up with him style-wise?

CW: I’ve watched a few clips on him and the style I have been working on for awhile is going to be great for this match-up. I am really excited for this fight and to implement everything I have been working on.

MCC: Obviously wrestling is your bread and butter while Deeds prefers to strike. Do you see this as a boxer versus grappler match up or would you feel comfortable testing your stand up game?

CW: Actually, I really don’t see this as your traditional boxer vs grappler fight. I believe we are both past that point in our career. That’s what mixed martial arts is all about. My stand up has improved quite a bit, although unfortunately we didn’t get to see it in my last fight with Giboo. Most fighters say they are confident no matter where the fight goes to sound prepared, but I can assure you that I am 100% ready to fight anywhere this fight goes.

MCC: Let’s talk about training and how that has changed over time. Again, with a win over Giboo that has to give you the confidence to know that you have competed and beat someone who has fought at the highest level. Knowing that you could have your chance to do the same does that intensify your focus when preparing for a fight? Who are you training with and what do you do to prepare?

CW: Every fight going forward could give me that chance to compete in the big show. So really it wouldn’t matter if it’s Demi Deeds or Matt Hughes or whomever. I take my training seriously and I will always come out ready to fight. I spent some time up in Milwaukee with Erik Koch, Anthony Pettis and their trainer, Duke Ruufus. They have a great camp up there and I did pick up some great tools to add to my game.

MCC: Not to look past Deeds, but let’s say you are victorious at MCC 34. What’s next for you? With the current MCC welterweight champion leaving the sport to pursue other ventures that opens up a title fight opportunity. Is there anyone out there that you would like to take on or think you match up well with?

CW: Although that is unfortunate about Andy Branson possibly leaving the sport, he is one fighter I respected and would enjoy fighting in the cage. I wish him the best of luck in whatever he does. With that said, MCC can throw any fighter in there for me, and I would be all right with whatever they decide to do. I don’t turn away a challenge or tough opponent.

MCC: Off the subject of MCC, have you watched this season of the Ultimate Fighter- welterweight division? What are your thoughts on the competitors and how do you think you would/would have fared?

CW: Usually the fighters on that show, most of them have disappointed me. Some good competitors come from that show but I think too many fighters get on it for the wrong reason. I think some people make it based on their personality and not their fighting potential. It’s about viewers and ratings, I guess. I’ve always wanted to get on that show and the next time they have a weight class closer to mine I do intend to tryout for it.

MCC: Best of luck in preparation, Cole. We look forward to watching you compete again in a few weeks. Is there anything you’d like to add?

CW: I just want to thank MCC for the opportunity and the fans for their support. I am excited for this fight and I look forward to the 24th. See you all there!

Nutrishop presents: MCC 34: “Moreno vs. Kruger”. Friday, June 24 at Hy Vee Hall, downtown Des Moines, Iowa. Tickets are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-563-8300 and at all Dahl’s Food Store ticket outlets. For more information on this card as well as all upcoming events, including fighters video’s, blogs, and interviews, check out the web site.

Demi Deeds at MCC 6

Fighter Focus: The Return of Demi “The Human Destroyer” Deeds

Despite being one of the most gifted fighters to emerge from the talent-rich pool the Midwest has to offer, Des Moines’ own Demi Deeds is still searching for the win that will put him over the top; put him under the radar of the big show and finally catch the break he deserves.

If you were to meet Demi Deeds on the street, judging by his calm and friendly demeanor, you would never know about the aggressive, destructive fighter that he turns into when he steps into the cage. Deeds is quite content talking about other things. He talks about his son, motorcycles, cars, the theater room he built in his house. But if you happen to be the guy standing across the cage from him….

Don’t blink!

If you look at Demi Deeds professional fight resume there is a certain trend that stands out: he only takes tough fights. When many fighters look to rebound from a loss with a lower caliber opponent, Deeds goes after another, sometimes tougher fighter.

Why?

For Deeds the answer to that question is simple. As he puts it, “I only like to take tough fights against good fighters. This is what gets me motivated. I don’t really care about building my record with people I know I can beat. I’d rather challenge myself so that if something big happens, I can look back and know that I earned it.”

LL Cool J stated, “Don’t call it a comeback. I’ve been here for years.” If you listen to the lyrics of that song a lot holds true because he is, in fact, here to knock you out! But then again, Deeds isn’t exactly making a comeback. He’s never really left.

The last time Demi Deeds appeared at Midwest Cage Championship was in February 2006 when he fought former champ and now Strikeforce standout, Bobby Voelker. Since the he’s racked up wins against UFC veterans Joe Jordan and Jason Gilliam, WEC and former MCC champ, Chris “Mad Dog” Mickle, and in his first professional bout he stopped Bellator fighter Alonzo Martinez. He’s taken on ex-MCC title holder Eric Marriott, plus UFC notables Chad Reiner and Shonie Carter. Most recently, he battled Pete “The Secret Weapon” Spratt in Canada’s number one promotion; MFC, forcing the more experienced muay Thai fighter to change his game plan and get Deeds to the ground to grab the submission victory.

Next up on the agenda- June 24 at MCC 34 he will face fellow Iowan, Cole Williams.

No, Williams is not a UFC, WEC or Strikeforce veteran. But he is in the same boat as Deeds. He’s looking for the fight that will put him in the spotlight.

With a 4-1 professional record which includes a recent win over another Des Moines native and UFC veteran, Jame Giboo, Williams is also accustomed to taking tough fights. Certainly a win over Deeds would show the same pattern.

Deeds has other plans.

He has never considered himself a stepping stone and he is not about to let someone use his name for that purpose. To beat Demi Deeds you have to beat him. He’s not going to lay down for anyone.

If you ask his training partners you’ll hear the same thing. He’s considered the most athletic fighter in the gym. His 5’7″, 170 lb frame carries enough power to feel like you just got slugged by a heavyweight if he connects with a solid punch. His kicks come fast and hard and more than one training partner has taken a nap a result of them.

With one month left to prepare for another important fight against another tough opponent Deeds his focused. He’s on a mission. You can see it in his eyes when he talks about the sport he loves. He’s prepared for anything. Hell, he’s been there and done that. You are not going to show him anything he hasn’t seen before. Unfortunately for his opponents, they probably haven’t seen anything like Deeds.

Nutrishop presents MCC 34: “Moreno vs. Kruger”. Friday, Junes 24 at Hy Vee Hall, Downtown Des Moines, Iowa. Tickets are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-563-8300 and at all Dahl’s Food Store ticket outlets. For more information about this card as well as all upcoming events, including fighter interviews, stories and all MCC news, log on to the web site.

MCC 34

MCC announces MCC 34 date, main event: Victor Moreno versus Calley Kruger

After a short break from back to back electrifying events, the Midwest’s most popular promotion gears up to return to Hy Vee Hall on June 24 for MCC 34: “Moreno vs. Kruger”.

The nights main event will feature a match up with former welterweight champion, Victor “Superman” Moreno and up and coming superstar, Calley Kruger, who returns to Midwest Cage Championship after a first round knockout slam over another former champ, Brian “Smokin” Green, at MCC 33.

Moreno, who was expecting to meet up with arch nemesis, Ben Crowder, will have to wait until later this year as Crowder has a football commitment with The Des Moines Blaze.

Kruger, who coincidentally holds a submission win over Crowder, is excited for the opportunity to get back in the cage against a quality opponent. The Waterloo native, with a win over Moreno, would surely set himself up for a title shot at the coveted MCC Middleweight belt, currently held by Elvis “The King” Mutapcic.

In another feature bout, one of MCC’s fastest rising stars, Miguel “El Rey” Rios, Jr. will return to take on Dave Severe.

Rios, who had been sporting an unblemished amateur and professional mixed martial arts record, suffered his first-ever loss to Lance Benoist late last year. Since then he has stepped up his training and his focus is on erasing his lone loss en route to a championship.

MFC, HD Net, and MCC veteran, Demi Deeds will, once again, put his skills to the test at MCC 34 as he has agreed to a welterweight match up against Cole Williams.

Williams, who defeated UFC veteran James Giboo in 2010 is in search of another key victory that will get him the recognition of the big show.

Meanwhile, Deeds has been active taking fights against the best mixed martial artists in the world. Coming off a recent submission loss to Pete Spratt in Canada’s popular promotion, Maximum Fighting Championship, Deeds gave all Spratt he could handle and the hard-slugging fighter knows he can hang with the best.

When these two super athletes go head to head, expect non-stop action and, quite possibly, a fight of the night contender.

Also on the card, up and coming talent Luis Saldana, Orlando Peace, Alex Harper, Allen Hernandez, Joe Morris,  and many more. Addition bouts will be released in the upcoming weeks.

Fight fans, mark your calendars now for Friday, June 24! Tickets for MCC 34: “Moreno vs. Kruger” are on sale now!

For more information on MCC 34, as well as all upcoming events, including fighter interviews, tickets, video’s and MMA news, check out www.MidwestCageChampionship.com.

Kevin “Fire” Burns (5-1) expected an all out blood-bath against Bobby Voelker (13-3) at May 9th’s Victory Fighting Championships in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Luckily, Burns escaped the cage unscathed in less than a minute with a brutal KO that left Voelker wobbly even after exiting the cage. Burns, known for his ground game, had not had a TKO since 2006 against the always exciting Demi Deeds. This leaves us with two questions. Where does Burns stand now? And who will he face next?

Only one way to find out. …STAY TUNED!

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