From the Land of the Rising Sun to the Lone Star State, a new era dawns in kickboxing.

June 7, 2025—Fort Worth, TX—
On Saturday, July 26, K-1 (owned and operated by M-1 Sports Media KK) returns to American soil with K-1 Challenge: Fort Worth, a grassroots launch co-produced with regional partner Husky Fat Promotions and local promoter Fighting Words Promotions. Held at the historic Will Rogers Memorial Center, the event marks not only a showcase of rising talent—but the quiet spark of a larger movement.

K-1 Challenge: Fort Worth will feature a card of emerging talent from across the South and Southwest. Under official K-1 rules, the event will showcase a range of fighters—from those making their amateur debuts to seasoned veterans of the kickboxing ring—each hoping to earn their place on the world stage.

From Grassroots to Glory
While the K-1 Challenge: Fort Worth starts at a local level, its vision reaches far: with hopes to grow into regional circuits, national qualifiers, and ultimately, a path for American fighters that leads back to the K-1 World Grand Prix—where global legends are forged.

On the future of K-1 in America
“America is a land of possibilities,” said Mitsuru Miyata, K-1 Producer.
“And we believe it is not only possible that kickboxing stands alongside the world’s most iconic combat sports, but inevitable. As a global platform, K-1 is always searching for the brightest talent on Earth, and we’re excited to see what stars rise from the U.S. to light the way forward.”


“Kickboxing has deep American roots,” said Scott Jones, CEO of Husky Fat.
“While the world has been under the spell of MMA for a while— we feel it’s high time to bring this amazing sport back to center stage, to shine once again. Partnering with K-1 lets us do that with integrity, heritage, and vision.”


“The K-1 Challenge gives U.S. fighters a shot at something bigger,” said Steven Wright, founder of Fighting Words Promotions.“ The undercard pits top Texas amateurs against challengers from across the country, themed ‘Texas vs. The World.’ The main card highlights rising pros we believe could follow in the footsteps of legends like Carter Williams, Maurice Smith and Jeff “The Jet” Rufus—top American talent who’ve proved themselves in the K-1 ring.”

A Partnership Aligned
This new series builds on the success of Road to Tokyo, a prior collaboration between K-1 and Husky Fat, on March 8, 2025, that helped American fighters earn global recognition. Now, with K-1 Challenge: Fort Worth, that relationship deepens—setting the stage for a long-term effort to reawaken the American kickboxing spirit.

Event Details:

• Event: K-1 Challenge: Fort Worth
• Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
• Venue: Will Rogers Memorial Center, Fort Worth, TX
• Presented by: K-1 (M-1 Sports Media K.K.) & Husky Fat Promotions
• Tickets: Information coming soon

About K-1
Founded in 1993, K-1 reshaped the world of stand-up fighting with its unified ruleset and international tournaments. From Tokyo to Las Vegas, it’s where legends are made—and now, where new ones may rise.


About M-1 Sports Media KK
M-1 Sports Media KK is a Tokyo-based company and exclusive owner of the K-1 brand. Focused on global growth and athlete promotion, M-1 is revitalizing kickboxing for a new generation.

About Husky Fat Promotions
Husky Fat Promotions is an Oklahoma City–based fight promotion specializing in both professional and amateur kickboxing. In addition to traditional bouts, the promotion also champions MMA gloves-style kickboxing, helping to cultivate a new generation of striking talent. The company is helmed by CEO Scott Jones.



About Fighting Words Promotions
Fighting Words Promotions is a Dallas–Fort Worth–based promotion known for its dynamic mixed-card events—featuring boxing, kickboxing, and MMA all on the same night. The organization is led by veteran coach and promoter Steven Wright, a respected figure in the Texas combat sports scene.


For more information
www.k-1.co.jp / www.huskyfat.com

Media Contacts:

Jonathan Sherr
K-1 Overseas Operation Division
jonathan@k-1.world

Scott Jones

CEO
 Husky Fat Promotions
huskyfatpromotions@gmail.com