The Arena also known as the Naked Warriors is a 1974 gladiator exploitation film, starring Margaret Markov and Pam Grier, and directed by Steve Carver and an uncredited Joe DAmato. Grier and Markov portray female gladiators in ancient Rome, who have been enslaved and must fight for their freedom. This marks the second teaming of Grier and Markov in 1972 they starred together in the women in prison film Black Mama, White Mama.
The film was co produced by Mark Damon, who had appeared in a number of films for Roger Corman as an actor and wanted to move into production. During filming he started dating Margaret Markov, the female lead. The two of them eventually married and are still together in 2012.The film was shot in Italy at Romes Cincecitta studios in 1973. It was the first feature directed by Steve Carver. ........
Source: Wikipedia