Escovedo and Bedard battle for Tachi Palace Fights strap

(PRESS RELEASE) -- Cole Escovedo gave a little chuckle and a cringe when asked about his bout with Jeff Bedard being a showdown of two long-time veterans.

“I don’t know man; I just don’t like to be called old. I mean, Jeff’s 40 I think and I’m still a young guy at 28,” said the Fresno, Calif. mixed martial artist. “I guess you can say I’m a veteran, but really this isn’t my second push in MMA it’s just a continuation from a leave of absence.”

Escovedo (14-4) will headline Tachi Palace Fights 3’s “Champions Collide” on Thursday, February 4 at the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino in Lemoore, Calif. with a Tachi Palace Fights World Bantamweight title showdown against Duluth, Ga.’s Jeff Bedard (12-2).

The Bedard bout will be Escovedo’s fourth fight back after he was forced into a well documented semi-retirement in 2007 from a serious staph infection which left him partially paralyzed and in need of spinal surgery.

“Retirement was never on my mind. I was forced into taking some time off,” Escovedo said. “I’m still maturing as a fighter and in my training camps. Anyone who has seen my last few fights knows that I’m a better fighter now.”

Escovedo, who is a former World Extreme Cagefighting champ, has won three in a row since his comeback.

“He’s a seasoned veteran and fought a lot of tough guys. I’ve watched him fight years back,” Bedard said of Escovedo. “We are both very well-rounded fighters now and this should be a good fight.”

Like Escovedo, Bedard has won his last three fights. After starting his career with nine straight victories, Bedard dropped two straight contests, including a WEC loss to Miguel Torres (37-2).

“I’ve been training a lot and have been focused. I moved to Athens where I can train more full time with (Brian) Bowles. He’s been my main training partner for a while. I also opened up my own gym,” Bedard said. “Now Bowles and I can train on a daily basis and that’s really helped me.”

Tickets can be purchased at www.tickets.com or charge by phone at 1-800-225-2277. Tickets may also be purchased at the Tachi Palace Gift Shop and start at a low price of just $30 for general admission seating.

In the co-main event the Tachi Palace Fights World Featherweight title will be on the line with Fresno, Calif.’s Isaac DeJesus (8-1) and Westminister, Calif.’s Nam Phan (15-6) clash.

Tachi Palace Fights will be the site for the return on Chico, Calif. bantamweight Manny Tapia (10-3-1) and Orange County, Calif. middleweight Hector Ramirez (8-3-1). Tapia takes on a young and up-and-coming striker from Oakdale, Calif. Michael McDonald (8-1) and Ramirez will meet a seasoned veteran from Coarsegold, Calif. Anthony Ruiz (23-13).

Also, in action is David Bollea the nephew of professional wrestling superstar Hulk Hogan. Bollea (1-0), much like his uncle, is a grappling standout and trains in Las Vegas, Nev. at Cobra Kai. Bollea takes on a local striker from Hanford, Calif. Tim Denham (0-1)

In other bouts;

-Oakland, Calif. lightweight Dominique Robinson (4-3) vs. Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.’s Gabe Ruediger (15-5).

-Lemoore, Calif. featherweight Sergio Quinones (3-5) vs. Huron, Calif.’s Sergio Cortez (7-5).

-Fresno, Calif. bantamweight Phil Perez (7-5) vs. Gilroy, Calif.’s Anthony Figueroa (4-4).

-Fresno, Calif. heavyweight Mike Guidry (1-0) vs. Tulare, Calif.’s Rafael Del Real (6-14).

-Merced, Calif. welterweight Phil Collins (7-5) vs. San Bernardino, Calif.’s Mike Arellano (5-2).

-Santa Rosa, Calif. middleweight Nader Maghribi (0-0) vs. Sacramento, Calif.’s Matthew Jones (0-1).