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Gladiator Challenge Newsletter "Validation"
June 26, 2009 Placer County Fair Roseville, California
"Validation" Will Happen Tomorrow
Former GC Heavyweight Champion Dave Huckaba was stripped of his title after a loss at a Palace Fighting Championships card back in January. Rick Randolph, who normally fights at 205 lbs., stepped up and won the title with a victory over #1 contender Steve Walst on. Now, Huckaba is back, and he wants "his" belt. Check out the exclusive interview with GC owner/promoter Tedd Williams:
Phil Lanides: Who is the rightful GC Heavyweight Champion? Tedd Williams: Rick Randolph. However, Dave Huckaba never actually lost his belt in a fight. On January 12, Huckaba lost on a Palace Fighting Championship card, and was stripped of his Gladiator Champion Heavyweight belt because of contractual agreements. But that's why this fight at "Validation" has so much excitement behind it!!!
PL: How did Randolph end up with the belt? TW: We felt that Rick Randolph was deserving of a shot. And Randolph, normally a 205 lbs. fighter, stepped up on March 7th to beat the number one contender, then-undefeated Steve Walston. Now, with new contractual agreements made with Gladiator Challenge, Dave Huckaba wants the belt he never lost back, and around his waist.
PL: You've obviously spoken with Dave; what is hi s mindset heading into this fight? TW: In Dave's mind, he never lost the fight, and this 205-pounder doesn't stand a chance.
PL: As a result of the disagreement over the belt, has it been difficult dealing with Dave? TW: No. We both know it's not personal, just business.
PL: At only 215 lbs., should Rick Randolph be fighting as a heavyweight? TW: One of the amazing things about Rick is that he normally walks around at about 215 lbs. and cuts down to 205 lbs. to fight at light heavyweight. Rick is very tough...so yes, he can fight at heavyweight or light heavyweight and be competitive. The GC heavyweight belt proves that.
PL: Strategy-wise, how does this fight break down for Rick and Dave? TW: It's pretty simple, really. Dave Huckaba has the advantage on the feet. He is bigger, and is always looking for a brawl in the center of the cage. Rick, being the smaller of the two, has the advantage on the ground. He has solid college-level wrestling s kill, and is always looking for a submission. It's a classic brawler versus submission specialist match. I expect this to be a barn-burner of a fight, and the Gladiator Challenge fans in attendance will definitely be getting their money's worth.
This anticipated match takes place tomorrow at the Placer County Fairgrounds in Roseville, CA, outside Sacramento. The fights begin at 8 PM, so come enjoy the Fair, then take in all the Gladiator Challenge action. Visit www.placercountyfair.org for more details.
For more information on Gladiator Challenge and all its events, please visit www.gladiatorchallenge.com.
For additional information please contact: Phil Lanides, Publicist - (408) 439-3245, phil@fightofyourlife.com Tedd Williams, Owner/Promoter – info@gladiatorchallenge.com
ABOUT GLADIATOR CHALLENGE: 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, “Sugar” Rashad Evans, Scott “Hands of Stone” Smith, “The Maine-iac” Tim Sylvia, Joe “Daddy” Stevenson, Mac Danzig, Dan “The Beast” Severn, 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/
- From Gladiator Challenge Newsletter
Subject to change
(6/25/09) |
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