BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Jan 3, 2007 (PR NEWSWIRE) -- Imperia Entertainment, Inc. (Pink Sheets:IPEI) President James Hergott announced today that Bruce Buffer (www.bufferzone.net) has been cast as the official announcer for the MMA movie “Never Submit”.

Bruce Buffer is known around the world as the “Voice of MMA” and is the veteran "Voice of the Octagon" for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) along with appearing at many other mixed martial arts events internationally over the last eleven years. He is a featured character, as himself and as a fighter in the Ultimate Fighting Championship video game franchise and is also the model and voice for the boxing character Tony T. in the popular Ready 2 Rumble Boxing Round 2 video game by Midway.

Mr. Hergott comments, “Bruce Buffer is one of the most recognizable voices, likenesses and personalities in the MMA community. He’s been an announcer for the sport since it’s early days and is a true supporter. We couldn’t be more pleased to have him involved in the project. He will add even greater realism, energy and excitement to the movie.

ABOUT BRUCE BUFFER

During sweeps week in May 1997, Mr. Buffer co-starred as himself with Robin Williams and Billy Crystal on NBC's top ten TV show "FRIENDS". He also appeared alongside Antonio Banderas in the motion picture "Play it to the Bone", which was released in January 2000 along with appearing in other film and TV projects.

Buffer is a proven motivational speaker and is President and CEO of Buffer Enterprises, Inc., through which he manages and runs all his entrepreneurial ventures. He has received praise from top industry professionals for his management and guidance of the successful career of his brother Michael Buffer, the world famous sports and entertainment announcer. He also creates, designs and handles all product and promotional licensing surrounding the world famous "LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE®" trademark created by Michael Buffer, which has grown into a major international enterprise surpassing $400,000,000 in retail sales during 1999-2006.

He has expanded Michael Buffer and his world renowned trademark "LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE®" into all areas of sports, entertainment and merchandising. Some examples of the many successful licensing ventures he has been responsible for developing and/or creating are the "Ready 2 Rumble Boxing" video game franchise by Midway, Rumble Robots by Trendmasters, the "Ready 2 Rumble Electroni Boxing Ring" by Manly Toy Quest, WCW Wrestling toys by ToyBiz and the "Ready to Rumble" movie by Warner Bros. amongst many other products and productions.

ABOUT "NEVER SUBMIT"

"Never Submit" is an inspirational tale similar to "Rocky," but the lead character is an intelligent young man (as are most fighters competing in this sport) rather than a beaten-down punch-drunk fighter. An amazing cast of characters will round out this film; each from different walks of life; each with his own set of circumstances and motivating factors driving him to be the best. Never Submit is a metaphor describing the way these athletes live their lives.

Inquiries pertaining to actors, fighters and others interested in auditioning for roles, potential sponsorship opportunities available to companies/vendors and MMA media requests should be made via e-mail to Stephanie Johnson at neversubmitmovie@gmail.com.

Imperia Entertainment recently announced a partnership with TapouT Magazine (www.tapoutmagazine.com) as part of a cross-country tour to promote the publication as well as the movie. Stops at select dojos to hold auditions for "Never Submit" are being finalized. TapouT Magazine readers can expect to see the mixed martial arts movie prominently featured in the bi-monthly publication throughout the casting, filming and theatrical release stages, as well as enjoy behind the scenes details from "Never Submit" director James Hergott, one of TapouT Magazine's newest contributors.