GLADIATOR CHALLENGE PRESENTS “PATRIOTS”

(PRESS RELEASE) -- Gladiator Challenge, the top MMA promotion in California, will bring its “Patriots” to the Shingle Springs Rancheria on Saturday, July 17 in a night of highly-anticipated fight action. “Patriots” will showcase three title fights, as the GC Heavyweight, GC Light Heavyweight, and GC Native American Lightweight titles will be contested. GC Matchmaker Cal Worsham has proudly put together a card that features warriors that could headline many MMA cards out there. Dave "Bad Man" Huckaba, Jaime "El Cu Cui" Jara, James " The "Educator" Fanshier, and current GC Heavyweight Champion Angel "Of Death" De Anda look to put on a show at the beautiful Shingle Springs Rancheria that will be talked about for years to come.

Gates open at 5:30pm, with the fights beginning at 7:00pm. Fans can purchase tickets for “Patriots” at www.virtualboxoffice.com, by calling (888) 826-8858, or by visiting Red Hawk Traders gift shop inside Red Hawk Casino. Parking will be available in Red Hawk Casino’s parking garage. A shuttle will take guests from the casino to the event.

Heavyweight kingpin Angel "Of Death" De Anda and Dave "Bad Man" Huckaba are on a collision course for a September showdown. These two have KO power in both hands and have bad blood boiling as each day passes. This promises to be as electric as any heavyweight title fight Gladiator Challenge has produced. But first De Anda and Huckaba have to pass their tests come July 17. Both will be facing very stiff opponents that will not only test their hearts but will test their dedication to become the best GC heavyweight in this era.

In addition, Rich Blake and Rick Randolph will vie for the GC Light Heavyweight belt. Also competing at “Patriots” will be Daniel Romero will defend his GC Native American Lightweight strap against Bill Theofanotoulos. Also featured will be new GC Lightweight Champion Josh Thornburg, longtime veteran Jaime “El Cucui” Jara, former GC Champion James “The Educator” Fanshier, and local favorite “Bad” Brad McDonald.

Here’s a rundown of a few of the “Patriots” that will be appearing on July 17:

Angel "Of Death" De Anda: The current Gladiator Challenge heavyweight champion will be making his second title defense versus Josh Appelt. Angel has fought through the ranks of Gladiator Challenge and has compiled a record of 7-1. He is a brawler with KO power in both hands. He is ready for all comers and welcomes an opportunity to make his 3rd title defense against the "Bad Man" Dave Huckaba. "I will knock him out when the time comes. Josh is up first."

Dave "Bad Man" Huckaba: A two-time GC Heavyweight Champion, “Bad Man” is coming to get his title back! Big Dave pulls no punches and has been one of the most feared Gladiator Challenge heavyweights in recent years. Dave's message to the heavyweight division: "No GC heavyweight can withstand the power in either of my iron fists. You can't train your chin...I am coming to get ya."

James "The Educator" Fanshier: Coming off an impressive win over the GC's #1 ranked welterweight Larry Wasson in October of 2009, Fanshier has returned home. He is a two-time Gladiator Challenge Champion, and he currently competes in the 170-pound division. His MMA record is 16-11. Father, husband, teacher, fighter...that is James. He has fought some of the best in the world during his career, including fighters like Joey Villasenor, Thomas Denny, Chris Leben, Shannon Ritch, and Jeremiah Metcalf. James has returned home and will defend his home turf.

Jaime "El Cucui" Jara: The first fighter in MMA history to hold titles in four different weight divisions: heavyweight, lightheavy weight, middleweight, and welterweight. He currently competes in the middleweight division. His nickname, "El Cucui," translates to "The Boogeyman," and he is notable for his various Japanese-influenced tattoos. He sports a record of 25 wins, 7 losses and 1 no contest.

For more information on Gladiator Challenge and all its events, please visit http://www.gladiatorchallenge.com.

Gladiator Challenge is a world-class mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion established in 1999 by Tedd Williams. A former UFC fighter, Williams is a former national AAU Sambo Champion (1997), a former California State Judo Champion (4th Degree Black Belt under “Judo” Gene Lebell) and a former college All-American wrestler (Cerritos Jr. College, 1988-89). Gladiator Challenge runs 12-18 MMA events per year, and has featured MMA superstars Uriah “The California Kid” Faber, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, James Irvin, Tyson Griffin, Dan “The Beast” Severn, “Sugar” Rashad Evans, Scott “Hands of Stone” Smith, “The Maine-iac” Tim Sylvia, Joe “Daddy” Stevenson, Mac Danzig, Jerry Bohlander, “Krazy Horse” Charles Bennett, Chris Leben, Chael Sonnen, Jake Shields, “The Secret Weapon” Pete Spratt, Nate “The Rock” Quarry, Jason “The Punisher” Lambert, Bobby “The Bad Seed” Hoffman, and Cal Worsham, among many others. Gladiator Challenge can be found online at http://www.gladiatorchallenge.com