Pass on the pre-turkey-day dinner prep—you can do all of that Thanksgiving morning. The Midwest Cage Championship (MCC) is Wednesday night.
“What’s quality family time without watching two people fight inside a cage?” Ryan Hass, 29, Matchmaker for MCC, said.
MCC 44, the 7th annual Thanksgiving Throwdown tradition is at Hy-Vee Hall, 730 Third St., at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.
“We started the Thanksgiving Throwdown seven years ago basically from the feedback that there was not much to do at the time of the year when the family gathers together,” Hass says. “People want entertainment and we like to give people what they want.”
First-time Throwdown fighter and headliner Timmy Gorman, 28, says the Thanksgiving Throwdown is the biggest MMA event of the year.
“They put all of the best fighters on the card and have the largest attendance of the year.”
This year’s event will feature 11 fights: Nick Dewitt vs. Chris Fannon, Mark Stoddard vs. Ronnie Britt, Jordan Larson vs. Miguel Rios, and Ryan Dennis vs. Justin Meador in the Welterweight Division; Robbie Massey vs. Ryan Fitzgerald in the Bantamweight Division; David Stieneke vs RJ Harris in the 140 Catch Weight; Jon Youngbear vs. Jeff Lewis in the Middleweight Division; Nick Walker vs. Michael McBride and Chris Mickle vs. Johnny Case in the Lightweight Division; and Timmy Gorman vs. Tom Ahrens in the Featherweight Division.
If you’re new to the fighting scene, Hass says to expect a lot of high energy dodges and punches with a an engaged fan base.
“Nothing in this sport is a guarantee,” Hass said. “That’s why people love mixed martial arts. It’s like playing a video game with live people.”
There’s a ton of behind-the-scenes work that takes place that is leading up to the event Hass’ partner John “The Hurricane” Halverson, 40, said. Halverson is coordinates the event and provides color commentary for MediaCom. “The easy part of the night is the show.”
MCC44: Thanksgiving Throwdown
When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Hy-Vee Hall, 730 Third St.
Tickets: $25 General Admission, $35 Floor seating, $40 for Ringside Row 2, $50 Ringside Row 1.
Info: 515-563-8300, midwestcagechampionship.com.
