STAV Economou may be the headline act at the Team Sure Grip gym at the moment but there are plenty of fighters waiting in the wings for their moment in the spotlight.

The heavyweight mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter beat one of the sport’s biggest names, Ricco Rodrigues, in Dubai and now looks set to move up to bigger things.

But there is more talent from the gym based in London Road, Westcliff, who are making their way up the ladder, according to boss Dan Burzotta.

“It was a great win for Bear and great for TSG because it shows our fighters can go out to Dubai and hold their own against some of the best fighters in the world,” Burzotta said.

“We are obviously doing something right and we have some great prospects at TSG.

“Walter Gahadza is one of the most exciting prospects at the club. He is an explosive fighter and I expect some big things of him.

“And Lee Wieczorek will be fighting to defend his lightweight title again at our next show, so things are going really well for us.”

Gahadza and Wieczorek will be on the bill at Ultimate Warrior Challenge 19 at Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre on Saturday, June 2.

The will joined by six or seven other fighters from TSG at the show, which is promoted by Burzotta and his brother Alex.

Fighters will be paid bonuses for KOs, submissions and the fight of the night.

It is thought to be the first time fighters have received bonuses from a UK promotion.

Burzotta said the world famous Ultimate Fighting Championships pay bonuses as well as purses and the brothers thought it would be a good incentive.

“We hope that it will make the fights more exciting for spectators and will reward the fighters for the extra effort they are putting in,” he added.

Cageside tickets for next month’s show have sold out but standard tickets are still available at www.ultimatewarriorchallenge.co.uk