New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Lightweight titleholder, Justin "The Highlight" Gaethje (14-0), heard a song his coach, Luke "Lil Hulk" Caudillo was playing with a beat and words he knew he had to share with the world. That song is "
Gladiator" and the 'share' is taking place on a worldwide level during the World Series of Fighting 23 (WSOF) on
September 18 in Phoenix, Az. as Gaethje's walkout song. "
Gladiator" was created by multi-platinum producer Mike Hartnett along with songwriter and musician Michael Connors, songwriter and TV producer, Jim Kinsey and mixed by Nashville engineer, Billy Decker.
Gaethje heard "
Gladiator" with its raw lyrics and aggressive beat during a session with Caudillo, who played it as the intro song for his outdoor TV show titled "Gladiators Unleashed." A promotional reel has been created and a strong following has already started online. Hosted by MMA veteran, Caudillo, "
Unleashed" will showcase Gaethje along with numerous other MMA fighters and athletes such as Shane Carwin,
Brandon Thatch and Justin Salas. "The point of the show is to get the guys outside of the cage and into outdoor adventures," said Caudillo. "My wish is that it opens us to a new audience with me with
Latino roots and MMA background to encourage more people to get outside and away from being 'plugged in' all the time."
Gaethje is walking out to "
Gladiator" during the WSOF 23 main event on
September 18 in Phoenix, Az. and airing live on NBC Sports when he takes on Luis Palomino for the title lightweight match.
"As soon I heard the riff and lyrics, I knew this was the song for me," said Gaethje. "The mix is just right to get me pumped up for a fight and push my adrenaline to the edge. I am proud to be a part of Caudillo's TV show, 'Gladiators Unleashed' and can't wait to share more of that show with my fans and media soon."
"
Gladiator" was spawned by another MMA 'fight song' called "Open the Cage," which was also written by the talented group of Hartnett, Connors, Kinsey plus singer/songwriter
James Breedwell and mixed by Skidd Mills.
"To have a song inspired by MMA fighters and fans is a pretty special thing and I'm glad to help introduce it to the world," commented Gaethje.
Both songs are available on iTunes, Amazon and all other music service platforms on
September 15.
ABOUT JUSTIN "THE HIGHLIGHT" GAETHJE
Gaethje started wrestling when he was just four-years-old and competed on his high school wrestling team in Safford, Az., eventually winning two state titles. He was awarded with Outstanding Wrestler for the
State of Arizona tournament during his junior year. The high level of success provided an opportunity for a scholarship to the University of Northern Colorado (UNC). Gaethje qualified for the Division 1 NCAA tournament three times and became the school's first Division 1 All-American in more than 60 years. During his sophomore year at UNC he began studying Mixed Martial Arts, achieving a 7-0 amateur record. After graduation, he found guidance in mentor/coach Trevor Wittman, owner of Grudge Training Center. "The Highlight" was born and his character exemplified the values of hard work, loyalty, and integrity. His professional career has started with an explosion. Gaethje has a perfect 14-0 record. This pace has him ranked with MMA's greatest fighters and champions such Chuck Liddell, Dan Henderson, Johny Hendricks, Mauricio "Shogun" Ruo, Anderson Silva, and Jose Aldo. Learn more at
ABOUT "GLADIATORS UNLEASHED" TV SHOW
Currently seeking a media platform outlet, "Gladiators Unleashed" is the brainchild of MMA veteran and coach Luke "Lil Hulk" Caudillo along with numerous MMA fighters and athletes including Justin "The Highlight" Gaethje, Shane Carwin,
Brandon Thatch and Justin Salas, to name a few. This reality show takes athletes outside of their comfort zone and into the outdoors where they can truly unplug and prove to themselves there is adventure waiting for them outside the cage. From hunting, fishing, ATVing and more, Caudillo is reaching a new audience of MMA enthusiasts, which is the fastest growing sport currently, and showing them another side of these athletes. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/GladiatorsUnleashed
