Walter Gahadza will be defending his Ultimate Warrior Challenge welterweight title when the popular mixed martial arts promotion returns for a 23rd time this month.

Gahadza, nicknamed The Sniper due to his prowess for taking out opponents, faces Italian fighter Alessandro Botti at the show.

The bout is the latest as Gahadza edges closer for fighting on an Ultimate Fighting Challenge card.

“Walter’s been doing really well and is in good shape for the fight,” said promoter and TSG boss Dan Burzotta.

“He has been training twice a day for the last three months but knows this is going to be a tough test because Botti has only been beaten twice in 10 fights.

“But is it part of the build up to move Walter up the ranks. We have been told that he is only one step away from the UFC now.”

Gahadza will be joined on the card by Birmingham heavyweight Paul Taylor for the event at David Lloyd Leisure in Snakes Lane, Eastwood.

Taylor was impressed by the TSG set up and trains during the week at the gym in London Road, Westcliff, before heading back to the Midlands at weekends.

“He loved the standard of the fighters at TSG and quit his club in Birmingham to join TSG,” added Burzotta.

“Paul will be bringing down about 80 people from Birmingham for his fight against Harlow fighter Leo Stamos.

“He’s an explosive fighter so it’s going to be one hell of a fight.”

Nine fighters from TSG are scheduled to fight at the show, which sees UWC switch to David Lloyd from Garon Park where it’s first 22 editions were held.

Among them are Polish fighter Leszek Krakowski, who will be aiming to secure his fourth win in the cage when he takes on Londoner Sean Redgrave in a 73kg contest.

Canvey fighter Mike Hales will be making his UWC debut while fellow TSG member Vegin Sokli will also make his first appearance for the club.

Tickets for UWC 23 Ressurection cost £30 and are available online from www.ultimatewarriorchallenge.com