McFedries makes an unlikely return to MMA
MOLINE, Ill. -- Just over three years ago, Andrew McFedries was one of the
most promising young fighters from the Miletich Fighting Systems
camp.
After a 5-0 amateur mark (no fights got out of the first round), McFedries boasted a 3-1 pro record with the only blemish being a tough war in his debut against Nate Quarry. Of course, Quarry went on to fight for the UFC middleweight championship... McFedries was not so fortunate.
A severe intestinal problem put McFedries in the hospital for weeks. He dropped weight rapidly and admits to "thinking I wasn't going to make it." Finally, some successful surgery helped him turn the corner.
"I was happy to be alive... didn't ever think I'd be fighting again," the Iowan said. "This is big for me (his return)... I want to see if I still have what it takes."
McFedries will face Brian Monahan of Omaha, Neb., in one of the key fights at Extreme Challenge 71 today at Bass Street Landing in Moline, Ill. The show is being held outside with gates opening at 3 p.m. and the first bout at 4 p.m.
Headlining the show will be UFC veteran Joe Jordan (Pictures) and longtime Extreme Challenge veteran Jason Medina.
EXTREME CHALLENGE 71
Saturday, Oct. 7, Bass Street Landing, Moline, Ill.
LINEUP
Justin Grizzard vs. Nathan Kirby
Mason Davis vs. Matt Williams
Jesse Branch vs. Frank Young
Matt Delanoit vs. Mark Long (Pictures)
Chad Hutchinson vs. Joe Pearson
Brian Monahan vs. Drew McFedries
Co-main events
Alex Carter vs. Jason Medina
Kenny Allen vs. Joe Jordan (Pictures)
After a 5-0 amateur mark (no fights got out of the first round), McFedries boasted a 3-1 pro record with the only blemish being a tough war in his debut against Nate Quarry. Of course, Quarry went on to fight for the UFC middleweight championship... McFedries was not so fortunate.
A severe intestinal problem put McFedries in the hospital for weeks. He dropped weight rapidly and admits to "thinking I wasn't going to make it." Finally, some successful surgery helped him turn the corner.
"I was happy to be alive... didn't ever think I'd be fighting again," the Iowan said. "This is big for me (his return)... I want to see if I still have what it takes."
McFedries will face Brian Monahan of Omaha, Neb., in one of the key fights at Extreme Challenge 71 today at Bass Street Landing in Moline, Ill. The show is being held outside with gates opening at 3 p.m. and the first bout at 4 p.m.
Headlining the show will be UFC veteran Joe Jordan (Pictures) and longtime Extreme Challenge veteran Jason Medina.
EXTREME CHALLENGE 71
Saturday, Oct. 7, Bass Street Landing, Moline, Ill.
LINEUP
Justin Grizzard vs. Nathan Kirby
Mason Davis vs. Matt Williams
Jesse Branch vs. Frank Young
Matt Delanoit vs. Mark Long (Pictures)
Chad Hutchinson vs. Joe Pearson
Brian Monahan vs. Drew McFedries
Co-main events
Alex Carter vs. Jason Medina
Kenny Allen vs. Joe Jordan (Pictures)
