“Focused and Ready, Branson Takes on a Bull”
 
 
Getting his start just one year ago, Melcher’s Travis Branson is starting to make waves in the MCC Light Heavyweight division.  Going undefeated in smaller shows, he was discovered by the MCC matchmaker, while on a scouting mission for another fighter.  He was signed with MCC and in his first outing he picked up a first round submission win over Jonathan Youngbear at MCC 25 following that up with an even quicker submission win over Don Dresher at MCC 26.  The wrestler turned mixed martial artists explains how he got his start.
 
“I grew up in Melcher, Iowa and continue to live their now. I have been involved with wrestling my whole life, claiming a state title in 2003, and I have been boxing and doing some Jui- jitsu over the last year. I really never planned on becoming a MMA fighter but my friends though I might be good at it so I gave it a shot.  My first fight was about a year ago.  My friends basically talked me into it and so I agreed to let them sign me up for a four-man tournament.  I figured since the winner would get a championship belt I had extra motivation. I ended up winning that belt,  and I have been hooked ever since.”
 
With no injuries since his start, Branson has been able to focus on learning anything and everything he can.  With a basement reconstructed into a MMA facility, Branson proves that you don’t need an expensive facility to master your craft- just heart and dedication.  Of course, Travis Branson is not the only successful mixed martial artist in the family.  His cousin, MCC Welterweight Champion, Andy “Danger Zone” Branson is also enjoying the fruits of his labor with an undefeated record and the prospect of making it to the big show growing closer with each win.
 
At MCC 28 :”Impact”, Travis Branson will take on his toughest test to date.  When he steps in the cage with Light heavyweight Contender, Josh “Bull” Christensen, he knows he will have his hands full, but that’s what he prepares for.  He wouldn’t want it any other way.  With just two fights under his belt with MCC, why take on such an experienced fighter at this point?  Simple…
 
“I only want to fight tough guys.  To move up the ladder I know that every fight in MCC will be tougher than the last one.  I know Josh is a very tough fighter and we will both have our game plans going into this fight so we will see whose works out better. I couldn’t be more excited.  I get a lot of support and the fans I bring with are the people that motivate me. I want this win for them.  I’m sure I will have a million things going through my head on August 6, but I will stick to my game plan and hope to get my hand raised at the end.  A win like this would be really good for my career right now.”
 
And while Branson does not have any immediate goals in mind right now, he’s content just letting the chips fall where they may.  Working hard for each fight as they come allows him to keep things in perspective as he trains to improve his game with each training session.
 
“I just want to win this fight, continue training hard, take more tough fights and really enjoy the sport.  That’s all.”
 
Tickets for MCC 28: “Impact” are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com.  For more information about the fight card as well as other news, fighter interviews, blogs and event pictures, log onto the web site.

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.

A Man on a Mission; James Giboo is Ready to Prove It

By Randy Thomas
 
A high school science teacher by day, James Giboo’s precious free times consists of coaching wrestling and baseball, spending time with his two children, his wife Kelly, and kicking ass!  His mixed martial arts career began in 2004 with a first round submission of MCC’s former middleweight champion, Mike “Mini Van” Van Meer.  He racked up several wins, none of which, made it out of the first round, and he eventually caught the eye of UFC’s matchmaker, Joe Silva.  Finally ready for the big show, Giboo was pitted against IFL veteran, “Bad” Brad Blackburn at UFC’s Ultimate Fight Night: “Silva vs. Irwin”.  He lost.  Now, he’s ready to do it all over again.
 
James Giboo was born in Franklinville, New York where he grew up wrestling.  He was the New York state tournament of Champions runner up and wrestled throughout college.  Mixed martial arts was the natural transition because the competition was one on one and relying on his fierce drive was something that always inspired Giboo.  Standing five feet eleven inches and chiseled the the bone even on his worst day, Giboo is an intimidating figure who is willing to mix it up and grind out victories whether on the feet or the ground.
 
When he moved to Des Moines, he recalls his early days of MMA training and his first experience.
 
“I like to push myself and see what I am made of. It is all about mental toughness and the love to compete. I started wrestling when I was in second grade, wrestled on and off through elementary school and wrestled full time in high school and college. I started training everything else when I moved to Des Moines seven years ago.  I trained at the Des Moines Mixed Martial Arts Academy with Josh Neer and Anthony Porcelli.  I had only trained a couple months when Josh Neer asked me to fight on his show against Mike Van Meer. I won the fight by putting him to sleep.  He was a tough guy, and I thought if I could do that to him, I could do it to others.  I was hooked.  After that fight I have trained full time when I was not injured.”
 
Throughout the years Giboo has had his share of ups and downs and most fighters experience.  Nagging injuries that turn more serious is a fact of life that mixed martial artists endure and come to expect.

“Injuries have been a major problem for me since I started wrestling in college. I just seem to get freak injuries that have caused me to miss major amounts of time. I have had anything from a bulging disc, torn Achilles, broken ankle, ribs, the list goes on.  This fight at MCC 28 is so important to me because the last time I competed I fought with a broken ankle. I had a terrible performance, lost the fight and feel like I let too many people down.  I want to win and prove that my loss was the result of an injury- not the fighter I am.”
 
Now training at Des Moines Jiu Jitsu Academy where he is also a wrestling instructor, Giboo has a bevy of qualified training partners, including Kevin ” The Fire” Burns, who will compete alongside Giboo at MCC 28.  Giboo is set to take on fellow wrestler and MCC newcomer, Cole Williams.
 
“I really don’t know much about him as far as fighting goes yet. I know he is a really good wrestler so I would assume he will use his strong point to try and control the fight.  I am coming to win, so I really don’t care what his game plan is.  I know what I am capable of, and when I fight to my full potential, it’s going to be impossible for his to beat me.  I am very focused right now, so come August 6, he had better be prepared to go to war.”
 
Giboo started his MMA career with the highest expectation in mind; make it to the UFC.  He did that.  Now, he starts his journey back to the top, and a win over Williams is the first step to, once again, fulfill that goal.
 
“Making the UFC was a dream come true. I used to tell people in college that I was going to fight there some day and they all laughed at me. I train hard everyday so I can get back there and get a second chance to prove myself.  I will be back.  I know it.”
 
MCC 28: “Impact” takes place Friday, August6 at Vets Auditorium.  Tickets are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 515-229-8566 or at all Dahl’s ticket outlets.  For more information about the the fight card, fighter blogs, interviews and video’s, check out the web site.

Fighter Focus: Getting to Know Cole “The Edge” Williams
 
MCC newcomer, Cole Williams, will make his promotional debut at MCC 28: “Impact” when he takes on UFC veteran, James Giboo.  Two wrestlers turned mixed martial artists will go head to head, both with the same goal in mind; keep racking up wins and make it to the big show.  We caught up with Williams as he was deep into his training camp with four short weeks to prepare for his bout.
 
MCC: Cole, welcome to MCC.  Tell the fight fans about yourself and your background.
 
CW:  I am six feet tall and compete in the welterweight division.  I grew up in Darien, Wisconsin and I live in Dubuque, Iowa now.  I have a wrestling background which includes over one hundred collegiate wins.  I was ranked third in the nation, defeated national champions and all Americans including several from the Iowa team.  I’ve been wrestling since I was four and wrestled throughout college.  After I finished school I still desired a competition to fill my void so I began training Jiu-Jitsu and muay Thai. I’ve been training in MMA for about four years now.
 
MCC:  Wow, you sound like a mirror image of your opponent.  So, with a tough fight ahead of you with another wrestler, how do you think that will play out in this fight?
 
CW:  He is suppose to be a solid wrestler.  That’s good!  I want to fight someone that has a solid wrestling base. It will be a great chance for me to show what I’ve been working on for so long now.  This is a fight I will not lose. I will make it to the UFC.  I know I am the underdog in this fight, and that’s the way I like it. He will quickly realize he wont be able to roll over me with a take down.  He better come in shape because I will not quit.
 
MCC:  How is your training going for this fight?
 
CW:  It’s going great!  I have so many good training partners, I feel like I get better every day.  I have been training with world muay Thai champion, Dean Lesse in Dubuque, I also spend time with Team Hard Drive in Cedar Rapids, training with WEC fighter, Erik Koch.  These guys have a lot of great things going on down there.  I am training like a mad man because I want this victory not only to come easy, but I want to do so in a fashion that will really open peoples eyes and let them know I am for real.  This match could be my break out fight, and I want to take full advantage of that.
 
MCC:  So, you have been competing most of your life.  The transition to MMA- was this easy for you?  Is this something you had always wanted to do?
 
CW:  Actually, my first fight was at a bar where I was going just to watch the fights.  They were charging to get in and I was broke.  They told me if I fought I would get in for free, so that was pretty much my only option.  I strapped on the gloves and won my fight in twenty four seconds.  After that, I began going there every week to fight.  I was getting experience and wanted to take bigger fights.  That opportunity came up when my team mate broke his hand, and I stepped in for him and fought Damien Papagni, one of the toughest guys I know.  I beat him and that’s when things took off.
 
MCC:  And now another big opportunity to fight a tough guy who happens to be a UFC vet?
 
CW:  Exactly.  I love to challenge myself physically and push myself to the limits. I have never given up in anything where I was challenged physically and mentally. Like I said, I plan on going to the UFC and making a name for myself. With a victory over someone who has been in the UFC, it will take me one step closer to reaching my goals.
 
MCC:  Thanks for your time, Cole.  We look forward to watching you compete on August 6.  Is there anyone you would like the thank/
 
CW:  First, I would like to thank MCC for giving me a great opportunity.  I would also like to thank my two biggest supporters; my dad and my best friend Nick who is in the United States Marines. They both encourage me to train and follow my dreams.  For everyone else, I will see you at MCC 28.

MCC Announces Next Show; Looks for Repeat Performance

Des Moines, IA (USA)- On Friday, August 6, Midwest Cage Championship will return to Veterans Auditorium for the most explosive fight card of 2010.  MCC 28: “Impact” will feature UFC veterans, exciting up and coming stand-outs, and some of the promotions most popular mixed martial artists.  Fresh off the heels of one of the most impressive events in MCC’s history; MCC 27: “Mutapcic vs. Cummings”, the Midwest’s top MMA promotions looks to repeat its performance in delivering a top notch show for the fight fans.

In the main event of the evening, five-time UFC veteran, Kevin “The Fire” Burns continues his quest back to the big show as he faces dangerous striker, Kalel Robinson in a three round, non-title bout.  After a dominating performance by Burns at MCC 26: “Inferno” against Shawn Huffman, “The Fire” looks to continue his win streak as he welcomes Robinson to MCC. Robinson, a Tae Kwon Do black belt who also holds a purple belt in Vale Tudo with eight years of wrestling experience will look to make his own statement against the hometown fighter. This match up has fireworks written all over it.  Will this be Burns ticket back to the glitz and glamour of the UFC, or will Robinson attempt to utilize this opportunity to propel himself into the spotlight?

Fellow UFC veteran, and training partner of Kevin Burns; James Giboo will, once again, step back into the MCC cage to re-establish himself as a force in the welterweight division.  A wrestling standout, Giboo earned his ticket to the UFC following a series of impressive performances while finishing every opponent he faced.  At MCC 28, he will face an equally qualified grappler who is hungry to put himself on the radar.  That person is Cole Williams.  Owner of a 3-1 professional record, which includes wins over MCC veterans Evan “The Mercenary” Marks and Rod “The Mexicutioner” Montoya, as well as a second place finish in the open division of Mission to Submission Grappling Tournament with his sole loss at the hands of Giboo’s Jiu-Jitsu coach, Chris David, Williams will look to seek revenge with a win in his MCC debut.

Other feature bouts include undefeated submission specialist, Miguel “El Rey” Rios, Jr. and hard hitting knock out artists, Ben Crowder, as well as Josh “Bull” Christensen against Travis Branson.  Also, former Lightweight Champion, Ted “Red” Worthington will return in a rematch with Ryan Bixler.

Tickets for MCC 28: “Impact” are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, Iowa Events Center Box Office, by phone at 515-229-8566, and at all Dahl’s ticket outlets.  For more information on MCC 28, as well as fighter bogs, interviews, and up to the minute news, check out the web site.

Fighters and Fans Say Goodbye to DMX
 
This Wednesday marks the three year anniversary of the longest running weekly show in Iowa’s amateur mixed martial arts history.  Coincidentally, it marks the end of its run too due to new state laws regulating amateur events. Des Moines Xtreme (DMX) was started by the promoters who founded Midwest Cage Championship as a way to discover and cultivate new up and coming talent.
 
“The greatest success story would have to be that of Elvis “The King” Mutapcic.  Three years ago he showed up with a friend of his who was trying to get on an MCC card.    When Elvis was up, he performed great; won with highlight knock out, and subsequently received his invitation into MCC.  From there he’s worked his way up the ladder, putting on great fights time and time again.  He became the current Middleweight champion, defended his belt twice, and looks to be on his way to the big show.”
 
Other talented prospects that got their start from DMX include current MCC fighters Miguel Rios, Josh Henry, Mike Miller, Daraughn Canada, Joe Morris, Justin Morrison, Johnny Coleman, Luis Saldana, and many others.
 
DMX’s final show is this Wednesday night at Uncle Buck’s.  Doors open at 8:00 and the action starts at 9:30.  Expect a full fight card this week along with some additional surprises.  If you are a fighter who is interested in competing at DMX, please call 515-314-6719.
 
We, at DMX would like to thank all of the fighters and loyal fight fans for all you have given over the past three years.  Your support has helped to grow the sport of mixed martial arts immensely.

Help us celebreate the last night of DMX this Wednesday, as we go out with a BANG!

DMX at Uncle Bucks (1720 25th - West Des Moines, IA)

Doors open at 8pm

MCC 27: “Mutapcic vs Cummings” Makes History

With another event in the books, MCC 27 is already being regarded as quite possibly, the best event in the promotions history. From open to close, these warriors came out to put on a show for the fight fans, and with raw talent, determination, and the willingness to push each other beyond imaginable limits, they performed beyond expectations. And when the dust settled, every one left Veterans Auditorium raving.

The night started out with two MCC newcomers; Josiah Oppman and Dustin Updike bringing the crowd to their feet with three rounds of solid striking. With neither fighter willing to take the match to the ground, they bloodied and battered each other at a feverishly fast pace. With Updike getting the better of the exchanges, Oppman looked to land the one punch knock out. Unfortunately, time ran out and the judges awarded a unanimous decision victory to Dustin Updike. Look for big things to come from both of these young competitors.

A welterweight match up between Jiu-Jitsu specialist, Jay Olsen and hard-nosed striker Chad Vandermark turned out to be an extremely close, back and forth battle. Midway through the third round, Olsen attempted a rear naked choke, but when he was unable to secure the submission, the referee called the fight back up to the feet and Vandermark saw that as a sign to turn up the intensity. He was able to finish strong and for his efforts, he was awarded a split decision victory over the previously undefeated Olsen.

Former MCC Featherweight Champion, Will “The Real Deal” Shutt returned to the cage to face Omaha’s Jordan “The Nebraskan Nightmare” Eggli, who was making his MCC debut. Although Eggli got off to a slow start, he was able to defend over ten arm bar and triangle submission attempts from Shutt, while going for submissions of his own. The Vaghi Jiu Jitsu blue belt, remained calm and composed as he wore down the former champ. But, at 3:44 of the final round, Shutt was finally able to secure the triangle choke that he had been searching for the entire night, forcing Eggli to tap.

Touted as one of the best fights of 2009, Laramie “The Contract Killer” Shaffer and Zak “The Maniac” Laird, agreed to a rematch which marked both fighters professional debut. History was able to repeat itself as both of these warriors went back and forth with punches, kicks and incredible grappling. Laird was able to get off some clean shots that clearly took its toll on the face of Shaffer, while Shaffer attempted to utilize his superior wrestling skills to take the fight to the mat. When the final bell sounded, all three judges saw it the same- a unanimous decision victory for Zak “The Maniac” Laird. The rematch lived up to the hype, and I think all fight fans would agree that we could stand to watch these two go at it on every MCC card.

In the two number on contender bouts, Jesse Lund proved to be too much for “Mean” Dean Bradley. Bradley, who had been on a winning streak, taking out Josh “Bull” Christensen and former MCC Middleweight Champ, Mike “Mini Van” Van Meer, put on an excellent performance, and, at moments, had the more experienced Lund in some compromising positions. However, Lund showed his hard training and never say die attitude as he forced a tap out by strikes late in the second round.

Chris “Mad Dog” Mickle once again proved that strategy can overcome strength and power as he wasted no time going to the mat with hard hitting, Cory “Tha Projekt” Simpson and ending the fight just two minutes into the very first round with an arm bar. Simpson, who made it known that he wanted to stand and trade punches, never had the opportunity to use his hands. It was a tough break for Simpson and a solid win for Mickle. After the fight, Mickle announced that he would be deployed to Afghanistan later this year.

The main event of the evening re-classified the definition of talent and heart! Former MCC Middleweight Champion, Zak Cummings returned to face the current title holder, Elvis “The King” Mutapcic. For five rounds, fans watched the native of Sarajevo, Bosnia pick apart the grappler with brutal leg kicks and punches. While Cummings was able to get off several clean punches of his own, Mutapcic was clearly the superior striker. Cummings took shot after shot, only to be shrugged off and countered by the current champ. Late in the fifth and final round, Cummings grazed the eye of Mutapcic which set him up for a swift combination. Momentarily, Mutapcic was wobbled as the referee looked on closely. It appeared that, although Mutapcic had secured all of the previous rounds decisively, he would be finished. Digging deep, Mutapcic was not only able to survive, but reverse the position to finish out the fight in a dominant fashion. The crowd was electrifying and the atmosphere was almost deafening as Bosnian and American supporters alike, cheered for “The King”. Mutapcic had faced and conquered his toughest opponent to date and proved that he has what it takes to fight amongst the most elite mixed martial artists in the world. Fight fans can expect big things from Mutapcic in the upcoming months!

The Internet has been buzzing and people have been raving over MCC 27 for the past several hours. With fight fans hungry for more, MCC has already started working on the next line up, which will take place in August. For more information, check out www.MidwestCageChampionship.com.

Full Results Below:

Josiah Oppman v Dustin Updike -    Updike by  Unanimous decision- 3 rounds
Henry Meza v Eric Kapayou-     Kapayou by triangle choke 2:32 Rd 1
Seth Craig v Johnny Coleman-    Craig by RNC :22 rd 1
Jay Olsen v Chad Vandermark-    Vandermark by split decision - 3 rounds
Mitch Parker v Luis Saldana –     Saldana by RNC 1:40 rd 2
Jordan Eggli v Will Shutt – Shutt by triangle choke – 3:44 rd 3
Jeff Carstens  v Miguel Rios –  Rios by RNC 1:41 rd 1
Rick Glenn v Colby Karaidos – Glen by TKO 2:49 rd 1
Laramie Schaffer v Zak Laird – Laird by Unanimous decision- 3 rounds
Jesse Lund v Dean Bradley- Lund by Tapout from strikes  3:34 rd 2
Cory Simpson v Chris Mickle –  Mickle by Armbar 2:00 rd 1 

Middleweight Championship

Zak Cummings v Elvis Mutapcic- Mutapcic by unanimous decision after 5 rounds

MCC28 Coming Soon!