80s Horror Movie with Bug in the Ear and Gladiators

by Dan Ballarin
(Omaha, Ne)

I remember when I was little watching this freaky movie in which at one point, this guy was pinned down and a worm-like thing was dropped into his ear.

From what I remember, he turned into a monster that was out of control and would attack anything. The other thing that I am unsure is that I get the feeling that people were fighting like gladiators.

I would love to watch it again. Does anyone know what movie this is?