By PR Newswire,  March 25, 2010 06:00 AM EDT    

CORAL GABLES, Fla., March 25 /PRNewswire/ -- For the past year Tequila CAZADORES®, the number-one premium tequila in the world(1) and Official Spirits Sponsor of the Ultimate Fighting Championship® ("UFC®"), has awarded UFC fighters with the Tequila CAZADORES Authentic Spirit Award. These winners have embodied the core values of the brand demonstrating the following qualities: social responsibility, commitment to the mixed martial arts ("MMA") art form, or good sportsmanship. To pay tribute to this successful program and the efforts of these fighters, a culmination award will be presented to the fighter who has best exemplified these values over the past 12 months.

One winner has stood out above all others for his enthusiasm, passion and unfailing commitment to giving back to those in need. Light-Heavyweight fighter, Brian Stann will accept the culmination award at UFC 111 in New York City and $10,000 towards his charity, Hire Heroes.

Hire Heroes is a program which links wounded veterans returning from conflicts around the world and those who have served in the military with career opportunities. In March of 2006, Stann was awarded a Silver Star medal for his actions and bravery during combat in Iraq, making this charity and cause very dear to his heart.

As spokesperson and proud supporter, Stann is passionate about assisting veterans' transition back to civilian life by matching their interests and skills with the needs of hiring companies. As the overall winner, Tequila CAZADORES will present Stann with a special Authentic Spirit Award plaque and a $10,000 donation made in his name to Hire Heroes.

"The Authentic Spirit Award program has been extremely successful in driving enthusiasm for the brand's sponsorship with UFC, while acknowledging extraordinary fighters for their commitment to social responsibility and good sportsmanship," said Fannie Young, vice president and brand managing director, Tequila CAZADORES. "Brian Stann not only showcases the passion and dedication it takes to make changes in the world around us, but the ability to incite this determination in others."

Tequila CAZADORES is the Official Spirit Sponsor of the Ultimate Fighting Championship® ("UFC®"). UFC is the world's leading professional mixed martial arts organization ("MMA") that offers a premier series of MMA sporting events. The Authentic Spirit Award is an honor that has been presented to the UFC fighter who best exemplifies social responsibility, commitment to the MMA art form, or good sportsmanship. Each month the winning fighter was presented with a plaque and a $1,000 check from Tequila CAZADORES to the fighter's charity of choice.

Past winners have included:

Forrest Griffin - Wounded Warrior Project
Rich Franklin - Disabled American Veterans Organization
Randy Couture - Xtreme Couture GI Foundation
Kenny Florian - Special Operations Warrior Foundation
Nate Marquardt - Sharon Antcliff Foundation
Tito Ortiz - St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Brandon Vera - Ysabel's Pink Angels
Cain Velasquez - Make-A-Wish Foundation
Frank Mir - St. Jude's Ranch for Children
Brian Stann - Hire Heroes

About Tequila CAZADORES®

Tequila CAZADORES is the maker of the number-one premium tequila in the world(1) and the number-one Reposado Tequila in California(2). It is renowned as one of the most popular premium tequilas in Mexico. Tequila CAZADORES is made with 100 percent blue agave grown, harvested and distilled in the Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, recognized as the premier agave growing region in the world, resulting in a smoother, more flavorful taste. For additional information about Tequila CAZADORES please visit www.cazadores.com.

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