Middleweight Elvis Mutapcic moves to 10-2 with submission win at Midwest Cage Championship

Bad Elvis Presley puns aside, Iowa fighter Elvis Mutapcic (10-2) continues on his trek for a deal with a national promotion. Mutapcic headlined the 39th edition of the Midwest Cage Championship versus middleweight Keenan Curry (2-4).On paper the match-up was a formality for Mutapcic but Curry was able to stretch the bout out for two rounds.

In round one Curry came out the aggressor and scored two quick takedowns on Mutapcic. On the mat Mutapcic threatened with submissions including a heel hook and armbar that stifled Curry's offense. After a frantic opening five minutes round one closed out with both men connecting on power punches against the cage.

To start round two Mutapcic changed the complexion of the fight with a flush knee that winded Curry. With the fight back up against the cage Mutapcic worked Curry's body with punches and knees. Mutapcic set up the fight ending sequence with a choke attempt that Curry wiggled from, in the ensuing scramble the Des Moines native grabbed a arm and forced a tap out.

The official time of the submission win was 2:57 of round two in favor of Mutapcic.

At 26 years old Mutapcic is ripe to be signed by a promotion like the UFC or Bellator in 2012. Mutapcic's name began to surface as a quality middleweight prospect after a five round decision victory over Strikeforce and Bellator vet Zak Cummings in June 2010. A powerful grappler Mutapcic suffered a hiccup versus Artenas Young (7-4) on year later at Shark Fights 16.

In August 2011, Mutapcic earned his signature win versus highly touted Brazilian Cezar Ferreira (4-2). With promotions always chasing talent at 185 pounds Mutapcic next fight may be with a national MAM organization. Mutapcic is ninth ranked middleweight prospect in MMA and holds a four star grade in latest ULTMMA.com prospect listings.

Midwest Cage Championship 39 Domination results
Des Moines, IA

Elvis Mutapcic def. Keenan Curry by Submission Armbar 2:57 R2
Steve Carl def. Mason Temiquel by Submission Kimura 3:01 R1
Eddie Larrea def. Ronnie Britt by Submission Kneebar 3:14 R1
Anthony Baccam def. John Milledge by Submission Punches 3:02 R1
Benly Xamonty def. Nick Walker by KO (Punch) 2:09 R1