Monsters Add MMA Fighter Joe Cason, Clemson's Clay

Published on September 17, 2012 under Ultimate Indoor Football League (UIFL)
Missouri Monsters News Release


ST. CHARLES, MO - Joe Cason, a former linebacker for Northern Iowa and former MMA fighter, has signed with the Monsters. Cason holds a professional record of (8-1) with his only loss coming against Ovince St. Preux in July of 2011 during Strikeforce Challengers 17.

"When coach Rogol called me with great news about wanting me to come play, words can't explain how I was feeling. I know this is just the start and I'll have to fight hard for the number one spot, but then again that's what I have been doing all this time so I am more than ready to make my mark, and I am thankful that the Missouri Monsters will be the team that will help me make that all come true," said Cason.

Joe Cason (6'3," 244, LB/DB, University of Northern Iowa) moved to UNI after spending time at Iowa Central Community College. After leaving UNI, Cason trained heavily, eventually earning a record of (6-0). He moved to Milwaukee to train with legend Duke Roufus. This past April, while training for a fight, an unexpected injury caused Cason to put MMA on the backburner with an (8-1) professional record. Since leaving UNI, football had always been on his mind and after his recovery, he began to train for football with hopes of getting a shot somewhere in 2013. Cason was one of the many that attended tryouts back in August.

Antonio Clay (6', 230, LB, Clemson) was with the Clemson program from 2005 to 2007. Clay played in all 13 games for the Tigers including the Chick-fil-A Bowl against the Auburn Tigers in 2007. He would post 43 tackles (24 solo) and two tackles-for-loss during the season as well. 2006, would prove to be his best season with the Tigers as he led the team with 95 tackles.

"Getting Joe and Antonio really adds a strong dimension to our defense. Joe is someone I knew about prior to taking this position through my MMA pipeline and I never expected someone like that to come to a tryout. I was surprised to say the least when he came out of the blue and was glad he turned in the performance that he did during the workout. He has spent several years showing he has a 'fight through anything attitude' which is what we look for. Antonio's footwork and ability to get after someone and hit are skills that you can never overlook, and I'll be able to use him as well as Joe on both sides," said Missouri Monsters Head Coach, Jarrod Rogol.

About the Missouri Monsters:

The Missouri Monsters are proud members of the Ultimate Indoor Football League (UIFL). The UIFL was founded in 2010 by Andrew Haines & Michael Taylor. 2013 will be the 3rd season for the league. The Monsters have a multi-year lease with the Family Arena in St. Charles, MO. Training camp begins in February 2013!

For more information about the Missouri Monsters, please visit www.uiflmonsters.com or call 636-395-0896.

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Ultimate Indoor Football League Stories from September 17, 2012


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