Big Daddy' Comes Home To The Maximum Fighting Championship

Courtesy of the Maximum Fighting Championship:

International icon Gary Goodridge signs multi-fight deal

For Immediate Release – Friday, February 1, 2008

EDMONTON, AB – The Maximum Fighting Championship, is excited to announce its first major signing of 2008.

The MFC, working in conjunction with Gary's Management Team - Big Daddy Productions, has inked 2005 K-1 World Grand Prix Hawaii champion Gary Goodridge to a multi-fight deal that will see him make his debut at MFC 16: Anger Management on May 9, 2008 at the River Cree Resort and Casino.

That fight will also mark the first time that the Canadian fighting legend, who grew up in Barrie, Ont., will compete on his home soil.

“Gary is a phenom and a pioneer in the world of mixed martial arts. And best of all he is a dangerous, destructive and devastating fighter who is instantly a major force in our heavyweight division,” said MFC Owner/President Mark Pavelich.

“We are very excited to have Gary on our show for his first fight in Canada and it’s a great opportunity for fans across North America via HDNet to see one of the world’s best.”

Owner of 13 knockout victories, Goodridge is ready for a triumphant homecoming.

“Gary’s philosophy is ‘Line ‘em up.’ He wants the top guys right away,” said Dave Wallace, CEO of Big Daddy Productions.

“He’s fought the best of the best and he wants to keep fighting the best. Most importantly, he wants to have exciting fights because that’s what the fans want.

“The opportunity to fight on HDNet will give fans who haven’t yet seen Gary the chance to sample what he’s all about. And his commitment to the Maximum Fighting Championship just reinforces that the MFC is a great place for him to showcase his talent.”

The six-foot-three, 240-pounder is among the most prolific fighters the world has ever seen. In addition to his win at K-1 GP Hawaii, Goodridge was a finalist in the 2005 and 2006 K-1 Grand Prix Las Vegas.

Goodridge fought 18 times for Pride in Japan and he fought five times in the UFC where in 1996 he was a finalist in the UFC 8 tournament. During that event he registered one of the most brutal knockouts in UFC history with a devastating finish against Paul Herrera.

In addition to fighting, Gary is launching his own clothing line and a reality TV show under the banner of FU – Fight University.

“Gary is already working with a number of hopeful fighters and the show would be like graduate school,” explained Wallace. “There would be 20 guys and 10 would graduate. It will follow their trials and tribulations and there will be a number of guest instructors – past and present greats in mixed martial arts.”

Just a few tickets remain for the Maximum Fighting Championship’s MFC 15: Rags to Riches on Friday, February 22 at the River Cree Resort and Casino. The main event is a welterweight showdown between Pete “The Secret Weapon” Spratt and Ryan “The Real Deal” Ford.

Tickets can be purchased by calling the MFC Ticket Hotline at (780) 504-2024 or by contacting Ticketmaster at (780) 451-8000, ticketmaster.ca or any Ticketmaster outlet.

For more information, please contact:

Scott Zerr, Director of Media Relations and Fighter Development
Maximum Fighting Championship
(780) 914-5813
scott@maximumfighting.com
www.ticketmaster.ca