NEW YORK, December 14, 2007 – Veteran Ryan “The Lion” Schultz (North Platte, Neb.), will replace John Gunderson (Medford, Ore.) in the International Fight League World Grand Prix lightweight championship against undefeated (11-0) star Chris “The Polish Hammer” Horodecki (London, Ontario) on Saturday, December 29, at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.  Five Championship bouts will be contested that night, believed to be unprecedented in North America.

Gunderson aggravated a hand injury in training after being named as a replacement for the injured Shad Lierley (Seattle) on Wednesday.

Schultz, a member of the Wolfpack, based in Portland and coached by Matt Lindland, is 4-2 in IFL competition, including 3-0 in 2007.  He earned decision victories over Joe Sampieri (New York) and Savant Young (Pasadena, Calif.) during the regular season, and topped Aaron Riley in a preliminary bout at the IFL team finals in September.  One of his IFL defeats came at the hands of Horodecki via TKO in November 2006.  Schultz’s overall MMA mark is a strong 17-9-1.