The last time Johnny Case fought in his hometown of Jefferson, Iowa, he was an up-and-coming mixed martial arts competitor with a 10-3 record and a dream of getting a call from the Ultimate Fighting Championship, the sport’s top promotion.
That was more than a decade ago … the date was Aug. 27, 2010 to be exact. 

Case is returning to Jefferson on July 17 to make his professional boxing debut on Extreme Maximus Boxing’s Wild Rose Fightfest event. The boxing and kickboxing event is being held at the Wild Rose Casino & Resort, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and the first fight starting at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets start at $35 and are available from the fighters or online at Nitrotickets.com.

It’s worth noting that in his 10-year absence, Case has made quite a name for himself in the world of MMA. He’s fought six times in the UFC (winning 4) and four times in Rizin, a top event in Japan. He won three of those bouts. 

His impressive resume has his overall record at 27-7-1, with 19 wins by knockout.

“I’m so excited … I got the nickname ‘Hollywood’ because I like to entertain and doing it in my hometown, in front of people I know, is going to be fantastic,” Case said.

Although he is known in MMA for having solid striking skills, Case is checking off boxing from his bucket list.

“I know my striking is world class, so I’m excited to make my boxing debut,” he said. “I’ve always been in love with the Sweet Science … using footwork and hitting without being hit. I’ve always wanted to try it and doing it in my hometown just makes it that much better.”

Case, who will resume MMA fighting in Japan after the Olympics,is fighting in the co-main event. Undefeated Mitchell LeConte (4-0) of Cedar Rapids will close out the night. Des Moines amateur standout Diego Osuna Zuniga also will make his pro debut and Brian Houston of Omaha will look to bounce back from the first loss of his career.