Popularity: unranked [?]

It’s That Time Again!  Are You Ready? 
 
As the fighters make their final preparations to step into the cage, MCC gears up for one of the most stacked cards to date.  With a move just next door to Vets Auditorium into Hy Vee Hall, MCC 25: “Inferno” is talent laden with mixed martial arts superstars and stars in the making.  The main event of the evening features a five-round title bout with newly crowned Middleweight Champion, Elvis “The King” Mutapcic as he defends the title against Brett “The Natural Disaster” Stevens.  Co-headlining the card is five time UFC veteran and Des Moines Native, Kevin “The Fire” Burns, returning to his home town after two years with the world’s most popular mixed martial arts promotion.

The festivities begin Friday night at The Twisted Parrot where all 24 of the competitors step on the scale and square off during the official weigh in.  If you’ve never attended a weigh in, this is the one you want to catch.  There has already been plenty of hype and smack talk between several of the fighters, so you never know what you may see and hear Friday night.  Plus, The Twisted Parrot has the best drink specials in town, an amazing menu, and a special performance by the hilarious music group that’s taken the Midwest by storm; DDEP.

Fight Card

Elvis Mutapcic vs. Brett Stevens- Middleweight Championship

Kevin Burns vs. Sean Huffman- Co Main Event

Josh Christensen vs. Dean Bradley

Will Shutt vs. Tom Ahrens

Rick Glenn vs. Lonnie Scriven

Cory Simpson vs. Jake Burriola

Jeff Carstens vs. Maurice Spiers

Zak Laird vs. DJ Whitlach

Justin Morrison vs. Chad Zurfluh

Patrick Perkins vs. Jobe Hinders

Jon Youngbear vs. Travis Branson

Johnny Coleman vs. Chris Helm

Tickets are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, Wells Fargo Arena Box Office, by phone at 515-229-8566, or at all Dahl’s grocery ticket outlets.  For more information, including fighter blogs, interviews, and up to the minute news, check out the web site.  Also, fight fans can expect bigs news on Saturday as we release the details to MCC 26: “Triple Crown” in April.

Popularity: unranked [?]

Popularity: unranked [?]

Monster Energy Drink Makes MCC Debut Next Saturday
 
Fight fans have saw national brands such as Budweiser and Army plastered across the canvas and cage at MCC events.  At MCC 25: “Inferno”, one of the most recognized names in the extreme sports industry will be added to the Midwest Cage Championship roster.  With big names such as supercross legend, Ricky Carmichael and skater extraordinaire turned reality TV sensation, Rob Dyrdek proudly sporting the Monster Energy logo, the popular beverage whose tag line states, “Unleash the Beast” will be in full force in one of the most stacked cards of 2010.
 
Check out the Monster Energy girls and sample one of the best tasting energy drinks on the market today.  MCC 25: “Inferno” takes place next Saturday, March 13 at Hy Vee Hall.  For more information, check out www.MidwestCageChampionship.com.

Popularity: unranked [?]

Popularity: unranked [?]

Popularity: unranked [?]

Like Looking in the Mirror, Burriola Meets Familiar Face

By Randy Thomas
 
At MCC 25: “Inferno”, Jake Burriola will step in the cage with Cory “Tha Projekt” Simson.  The match up is creating quite the buzz around the fight scene.  How these two have never faced each other in the past remains a mystery.
 
Stylistically, the two match up perfectly.  Both mixed martial artists are strikers.  Both like to put on a show for the crowd.  Both will fight until the bell sounds or the other one falls.  But, the similarities go even deeper than that.  MCC co-owner, John Halverson commented, “These guys started way back in the day with Josh (Neer), Vic (Moreno) and me- at Toad Holler.  It’s crazy because they were both very young at the time, probably not even old enough to get in.  They didn’t have many skills, no instruction, they just climbed in there and banged.  Look at them now; skill to match their raw talent.”
 
He continued, “It’s such a good match up because it’s like they are the same fighter.  They’re the same age, same height, both idolize the same person in the sport, both started fighting at the same time, both fought in weight classes everywhere from featherweight to middleweight, both have made some bad decisions, come to a cross-roads, and found their way back to a positive route through MMA.  This is a fight I’m really looking forward to.”
 
If you ask Burriola, he’s looking forward to the fight too.
 
“I’m very excited!  Simpson is a stand up fighter just like me, so I am preparing for a three round battle if it lasts that long. I want to push myself in this fight and leave the cage knowing I gave everything I had in there.  Cory is the perfect opponent to test myself because the only way to beat him is to beat him.  He’s not going to lay down for anyone.  There is no quit in him, and I have reached a place in my life where there will be no quit in me either.”
 
With an amateur record of 40-4 and a professional record consisting of six wins with only two losses, the Des Moines native, who spent the last two years with the Xtreme Couture camp in Las Vegas, is ready to represent his new gym, Roundkick and its head trainer/owner, Pete Peterson.  Focusing on sharpening his muay Thai skills, Burriola is under the tutelage of Peterson, morning, noon and night.  He is confident that he is both mentally and physically prepared for war.
 
To Burriola, the return to the cage has been a long road, but he’s had his fair share of fights on his way back.
 
“My toughest fight was the one I fought with myself.  Prior to my move to Las Vegas my life was a mess.  I became a very heavy drinker which took over my life.  Basically, I took two years off from everything, moved away, and focused on getting my life straight.  I got into the word and truth, and started from square one. I gave up drinking.  I even gave up television while I worked on my life and getting it back on the right track.  I’m not all the way there, but I will be!  I am in a better place in my life now, and I am as motivated as ever.  Come March 13, I will be the best fighter I can be.”
 
Although Jake Burriola is not looking past his next fight, he has vowed that 2010 is going to be his year.  Ultimately, he is going to focus on laying the foundation to achieving his dream; to someday compete in the UFC.  He’s lived and written the book on his past life.  He’s ready to start writing again.  The next chapter begins March 13. 
 
MCC 25: “Inferno” takes place March 13 at Hy Vee Hall.  Tickets are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-229-8566 or at all Dahl’s ticket outlets.  For event information, fighter video’s, interviews, and up to the minute news, log on to the MCC web site.

Popularity: unranked [?]

Like Looking in the Mirror, Burriola Meets Familiar Face

By Randy Thomas
 
At MCC 25: “Inferno”, Jake Burriola will step in the cage with Cory “Tha Projekt” Simson.  The match up is creating quite the buzz around the fight scene.  How these two have never faced each other in the past remains a mystery.
 
Stylistically, the two match up perfectly.  Both mixed martial artists are strikers.  Both like to put on a show for the crowd.  Both will fight until the bell sounds or the other one falls.  But, the similarities go even deeper than that.  MCC co-owner, John Halverson commented, “These guys started way back in the day with Josh (Neer), Vic (Moreno) and me- at Toad Holler.  It’s crazy because they were both very young at the time, probably not even old enough to get in.  They didn’t have many skills, no instruction, they just climbed in there and banged.  Look at them now; skill to match their raw talent.”
 
He continued, “It’s such a good match up because it’s like they are the same fighter.  They’re the same age, same height, both idolize the same person in the sport, both started fighting at the same time, both fought in weight classes everywhere from featherweight to middleweight, both have made some bad decisions, come to a cross-roads, and found their way back to a positive route through MMA.  This is a fight I’m really looking forward to.”
 
If you ask Burriola, he’s looking forward to the fight too.
 
“I’m very excited!  Simpson is a stand up fighter just like me, so I am preparing for a three round battle if it lasts that long. I want to push myself in this fight and leave the cage knowing I gave everything I had in there.  Cory is the perfect opponent to test myself because the only way to beat him is to beat him.  He’s not going to lay down for anyone.  There is no quit in him, and I have reached a place in my life where there will be no quit in me either.”
 
With an amateur record of 40-4 and a professional record consisting of six wins with only two losses, the Des Moines native, who spent the last two years with the Xtreme Couture camp in Las Vegas, is ready to represent his new gym, Roundkick and its head trainer/owner, Pete Peterson.  Focusing on sharpening his muay Thai skills, Burriola is under the tutelage of Peterson, morning, noon and night.  He is confident that he is both mentally and physically prepared for war.
 
To Burriola, the return to the cage has been a long road, but he’s had his fair share of fights on his way back.
 
“My toughest fight was the one I fought with myself.  Prior to my move to Las Vegas my life was a mess.  I became a very heavy drinker which took over my life.  Basically, I took two years off from everything, moved away, and focused on getting my life straight.  I got into the word and truth, and started from square one. I gave up drinking.  I even gave up television while I worked on my life and getting it back on the right track.  I’m not all the way there, but I will be!  I am in a better place in my life now, and I am as motivated as ever.  Come March 13, I will be the best fighter I can be.”
 
Although Jake Burriola is not looking past his next fight, he has vowed that 2010 is going to be his year.  Ultimately, he is going to focus on laying the foundation to achieving his dream; to someday compete in the UFC.  He’s lived and written the book on his past life.  He’s ready to start writing again.  The next chapter begins March 13. 
 
MCC 25: “Inferno” takes place March 13 at Hy Vee Hall.  Tickets are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-229-8566 or at all Dahl’s ticket outlets.  For event information, fighter video’s, interviews, and up to the minute news, log on to the MCC web site.

Popularity: unranked [?]

Highway to the Danger Zone

By Randy Thomas
 
Who knew that mixed martial arts was a family sport?  The MCC roster already features the brawling brothers, Josh and Nick Henry, scrappy siblings, Chad and Ryan Vandermark.  Welcome Travis Branson, first cousin to none other than welterweight contender, Andy “Danger Zone” Branson.  The 25 year old Knoxville native makes his MCC debut in just two weeks at “Inferno”.  Although he is not competing along side his cousin, Travis Branson plans to make a name for himself and move straight up the MCC ladder in his quest for greatness.
 
Branson got his start in the sport when his friends convinced him he should give it a try.  Having just one year of experience under his belt, he’s had a pretty good run.  With an unblemished 4-0 MMA record, Branson quickly accepted the upcoming bout with MCC newcomer, Jonathan Youngbear, when Youngbear’s original opponent was pulled off the card due to being called for active duty.  With little time to prepare, Branson has been working double time in the gym to ensure his fight MCC experience is a memorable one.
 
“I don’t know a lot about Youngbear except that he’s tall and he says he likes to keep the fight on his feet.  He will have the reach on me, but I feel comfortable whether the fight is standing or if it goes to the ground.  I was a state wrestling champion, so I’m experienced.  I feel that’s going to be his weakness.  As far as predictions on how the fight will go, I don’t really have any.  I can only say that at the end of the fight, I’ll be the one getting my hand raised.”
 
We asked if, given Andy Branson’s success in MCC, there was any added pressure involved?
 
“There’s not really a lot of pressure, maybe just a little more nervous than normal.  I hope that someday I will be right up there with him.  I’m looking to fight the best and I will never turn down a fight.  I’m going to take this as far ass it will get me.”
 
You never know when you’ll catch the next superstar in the making. 
 
MCC 25: “Inferno” takes place Saturday, March 13 at Hy Vee Hall. Tickets are available at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-229-8566, or at all Dahl’s ticket outlets.  For more information about the card as well as upcoming events, fighter interviews and up to date news, log on to the MCC web site.

Popularity: unranked [?]

MMA’s Bad Boy Returns to the Cage

By Randy Thomas

At just sixteen years of age, long before he became “Tha Projekt”, Cory Simpson stepped into the ring for the first time.  A lifelong resident of Des Moines’ North side of town, Simpson, like many others, was introduced to the sport of mixed martial arts by weekly amateur fights at Toad Holler.  The plan was simply to enjoy the night supporting another local fighter, but when Simpson was called out by a wanna-be tough guy, he did what came natural- he stepped in the ring and fought his heart out.  He loved it.  In fact, he loved it so much that he made his return to the amateur circuit 25 more times, and without a blemish on his record.  People began to take notice that the 145 lb kid who refused to back down from anyone, had the skills to back up his talk.
 
Fast forward six years and you’ll know that Cory Simpson has been there and done that.  He’ll be the first to admit that he’s made some bad decisions.  He’s taken some bad fights.  He’s gotten lazy and ballooned up to almost 200 lbs.  He’s run the streets and been in near death situations, ended up in the hospital and eventually jail.  But, with the birth of his son, Antonio and his daughter, Kota he made a decision to turn his life around.  He had to.  Death or prison were imminent.  Simpson was surrounded with the people he needed to make him a better person and a great fighter.  Not to mention the talent he was wasting.  But, the ultimate decision was his to make.  The fight was with himself.
 
“I spent some time in jail and it took away my privilege to fight.  It took away my privilege to do anything.  My actions took everything away.  I’m not a bad kid, I’ve made some bad choices though.  It was time to put all of that behind me.  It was time to surround myself with positive people.  I’m a good father and I strive to be a good role model for my children.  Plus, I’m a pretty good fighter!”
 
Despite a rocky start to his professional career, Simpson has managed to string together a record of 15 wins and 8 losses, including a recent five-fight win streak.  On March 13 at MCC 25: “Inferno”, Simpson will return to face Jake Burriola.  Burriola is another Toad Holler alum who is ready to stand, bang, and see who the better striker is.
 
“I hope he does want to stand with me.  I want to give the MCC fans what they really want to see- a show.  If he stands with me, I’m going to test his jaw.  In fact, I’m already looking past this fight.  I already have my sights set on TJ O’Brien or whoever has the MCC Lightweight Belt.  I’m coming for it, and nobody is going to be able to stop me.”
 
And, what are days like for Cory Simpson?
 
“Nothing but positive.  I’m in the gym everyday.  I get to train with my idol, Josh Neer.  Everyone at Des Moines Mixed Martial Arts looks out for me, and I’ve got nothing but love and respect for them.  I don’t take anything for granted, and I’d never risk my freedom or tarnish the perception that my fans and sponsors have for me.  I’m going to be a successful mixed martial artist.  I’m thankful.”
 
Although “Tha Projekt” is predicting a win in the first round by knock out, he’s ready for anything.  With submissions in his arsenal as well as confidence, fight fans are predicting the Simpson/Burriola match to epic; possibly one of the best fights this year.  With a huge fan base behind him, the sky is the limit for the reformed 23 year old brawler.
 
MCC 25: “Inferno” takes place Saturday, March 13 at Hy Vee Hall.  Tickets are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-229-8566 or all Dahl’s Grocery ticket outlets.  For more information on the fight card, visit the MCC web site.

Popularity: unranked [?]