Fans will be able to meet and greet several MMA fighters from Minnesota at March 15 event in Eagan

Minneapolis/St. Paul - Among the many elite MMA fighters from across the globe at CFX Cage Fighting Xtreme 33 scheduled for 6 p.m. at Target Center on Saturday, April 28 will be a Minnesota native who proudly served his country and is now trying to make a name for himself in the cage.

Minnetonka native Jeremy Hamilton (8-1) will fight in his first main event when he takes on former UFC and Bellator veteran Yoshiyuki Yoshida (13-6) of Japan. Its an amazing thing to fight at home and be at the top of the card, said Hamilton. Its a real honor to take on a very tough fighter from Japan. I will be tested, but I will be more than ready to fight.

The mega card, sponsored by Taco Bell will include more than 20 bouts featuring some of the best home-grown MMA talent in Minnesota, along with some of the rising stars in the sport from Japan.

Japan is the epicenter for producing top combat athletes, said matchmaker Gavin Rydell. We wanted to give this card an international flavor, while also showcasing some of the best and brightest fighters in our state. A card like this has never taken place here in Minnesota. With former UFC, WEC, Bellator, Shooto and Strike Force fighters this will be a great stage to show the world Minnesota is a rising star in producing MMA events and talent.

After finishing a tour of duty in the Army in 2007, Hamilton took up MMA fighting as way to stay in shape. He found out that only did it keep him the shape, it became a sport he loved and was very good at. I want to be the best fighter I can be, he said. But, I also want to be a good role model for younger fighters coming up. I want to keep Minnesota a great place to train and succeed as a MMA fighter.

Other Minnesotans scheduled for the April 28 card include: Mikey Zimmer, Travis Perzynski, Nick Porras, Kyle Todd, : Isaiah Larson, BJ Lacy, Courtney Buck, Gabe Greenberg, Billy Jochum, Travis Reddinger, Zack Wolff, Tony Belvedere, Branden Noetzel, Davonta Nunn, Ryan Sweezer and Richard Rodriguez.

Hamilton and other Minnesota MMA fighters, including Courtney Buck will be on hand to meet and greet fans during the Grand Re-Opening of an Eagan Taco Bell restaurant at 1295 Town Centre Drive on Thursday, March 15 from 4 to 6 p.m. While at the event guests will be able to try the new DLT Taco and get autographs from the fighters in attendance, as well as register to win tickets to Xtreme 33 on April 28.

The success here at the beginning of my career is because the people of Minnesota have supported me, said Hamilton. I plan on making Minnesota proud not only in this fight, but throughout my MMA career.

Ticket Information:

Tickets are on sale now at the Target Center box office and all Ticketmaster outlets. You can charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or order online at www.ticketmaster.com . Arena seating ticket prices are $30, $40 and $50. Inner ring seats are available for $200.00.

MEDIA CONTACT: Robb Leer - Leer Communication: 612-701-0608 or e-mail: robbl@leercommunication.com

ARENA CONTACT: Sandy Sweetser - Target Center: 612-73-1666 or e-mail: sandysweetser@targetcenter.com

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