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The two-day trial period will be open to all fighters in all weight classes and will serve as a means of recruiting new blood not only for K-1’s stand-up fighting circuit, but also for its mixed martial arts fight cards.

"It’s the opportunity of a lifetime for anyone looking to do this for a living and make a name for themselves in the sport," said 25-year-old Patrick Barry, a graduate of the first open tryout in K-1 history, held at the Bellagio in August 2004. Barry, a powerful heavyweight Muay Thai striker, has since seen action in K-1 events staged in both Japan and Las Vegas, including April 29th’s "Mayhem At Mirage II," where he battled Russia’s Alexandre Pitchkounov in a tournament reserve contest. "The tryouts really helped launch my career with K-1. Before that, I was just kind of floating around and looking for a window that would lead to a shot in the big-time. It’s a great feeling now to know that people 18,000 miles away know my name."

The April 29th card in Las Vegas also hosted the debut of another K-1 tryout veteran, Dan Green. In 2005, Green, a former amateur boxer and kickboxer from Utah, was simply a number amongst over 100 contestants vying for a place with the fight promotion.

Tryout participants will partake in various exercises that test a wide array of skills including speed, power, coordination, flexibility, and knowledge of the sport. They will also engage in modified sparring sessions with one another.

K-1 USA Fight Coordinator Sven Bean will oversee and direct all activities during the two-day trial period. A group of judges as well as executives from K-1 Japan and K-1 USA will observe the tryouts and make recruiting decisions. Judges of past K-1 open fighter tryouts have included legendary K-1 competitor Sam Greco as well as three-time K-1 tournament champion, Michael McDonald, and 2005 K-1 World Grand Prix Hawaii champion, "Big Daddy" Gary Goodridge.

Those who wish to register for the tryout should contact Mr. Bean via email at beanz4@msn.com or should fax a request for an official tryout application to 303-400-1756. Candidates will be required to make their own arrangements for travel and stay in Las Vegas during the tryout period.

K-1 will supply all boxing gloves and headgear for the tryouts. Participants will be required to bring their own shorts and protective equipment including a groin protector, a mouthpiece, and shin guards.