Calling all aspiring fighters! Bellator open tryouts set for March 6 in Lenexa, KS

Courtesy of a press release from Bellator Fighting Championships

KANSAS CITY (March 1, 2010) - Bellator Fighting Championships, Everlast and The Kansas City Power & Light District announced today that they are sponsoring an open tryout that will provide a once-in-a-lifetime chance for undiscovered fighters to earn a spot in one of the promotion's upcoming nationally televised Season 2 events.

The winner will participate in a featured fight during Bellator's April 29th event at the Power & Light District, a state-of-the-art, open-air, mixed-use entertainment venue at the center of downtown Kansas City owned and operated by The Cordish Company. The event, like all of Bellator's Season 2 and 3 events, will be broadcast live on FOX Sports Net and during special highlight shows on NBC and Telemundo.

The tryouts-which are presented in partnership with Everlast-will take place on Saturday, March 6th at Ringside, Inc.'s John Brown Training Center in Lenexa, Kansas. Members of the media are cordially invited to attend. Fighter registration begins at 12 noon with tryouts starting at 1 p.m.

"In the spirit of Rocky Balboa, this tryout will give an undiscovered up-and-coming fighter the chance of a lifetime to be highlighted on a national stage," said Bellator founder and CEO Bjorn Rebney. "We look forward to seeing a solid pool of fighters who are looking for their shot to compete at a world-class level."

Professional Mixed Martial Arts fighters with valid Federal ID cards are encouraged to sign up. The open tryouts will be held in a cage and will include grappling and bag-striking. Competitors will be judged by Bellator Fighting Championships executives and officials. To participate, fighters must provide proof of at least two professional fights. Participants are expected to bring their Federal I.D. and their own protective gear.

The April 29th event is one of four that Bellator will be staging at the highly popular Kansas City Power & Light District. The Power & Light District encompasses multiple square blocks in the heart of Kansas City's downtown area and features an exciting blend of restaurants, nightlife, and shopping, welcoming in excess of 6 million visitors annually.

"This tryout is the kickoff event for a spring and summer of excitement the likes of which Kansas City hasn't seen before," said Nick Benjamin, executive director of the Power & Light District. "It's a great opportunity for a local talent to make his name in front of thousands of his fellow Kansas Citians in Kansas City Live!1-and the millions who'll be watching on national TV-during the first main event on April 29."

Tickets for the event go on sale March 6 at Tickemaster.com and at the Midland Theater box office downtown. Tickets will also be available at the tryout event and in select Power & Light District venues. Check out www.powerandlightdistrict.com for more information on ticket availability.

Dates for the Kansas City Power & Light District events are as follows:

--April 29, 2010 - Bellator XVI
--June 24, 2010 - Bellator XXIV
--August 26, 2010 - Bellator XXVII
--October 14, 2010 - Bellator XXXIV

For more information, visit www.bellator.com.