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TONEY FREEMAN'S top opposition could come from Phil Heath, a 5'9", 225-pounder from Denver, Colorado. The 27-year-old Heath, a former USA winner, won his first two professional contests in 2006 before taking fifth in the Arnold Classic a year ago.

Other top stars slated to compete include David Henry, a 5'5" 190-pounder who finished in the top 10 at last year's Mr. Olympia, Hidetada Yamagishi, the first Japanese bodybuilder ever to grace the Olympia stage, placing 13th, and Troy Alves, who has placed third on two occasions previously at the IM Pro. Two top rookies who plan to make their pro debut in February are DeShawn Grimez, who won the Heavyweight class at the 2007 USA, and "Sting" Ray Arde, a 5'6", 210-pounder from San Jose, California who earned pro status by winning the Heavyweight class at the 2005 Nationals. The event, promoted by Iron Man Magazine Publisher John Balik and National Fitness Productions, gives out $30,000 in prize money, with $15,000 going to the winner.

The top five finishers will qualify for the 2008 Mr. Olympia, set for the last weekend in September in Las Vegas. The annual "Meet the Pros" segment will take place on Friday, February 15, at the FitExpo hall. There will be a weigh-in, and both members of the media and the audience will be able to query the athletes before meeting them on an individual basis upon its conclusion. The Men's Judging will take place on Saturday,February 16, at 10 am; Finals are set for 6:30 pm.

In addition to the pro bodybuilding contest, the NPC Iron Man Figure competition will also be held for the fifth consecutive year. This year, however, the ladies will be joining the men on stage for both the Judging and Finals. The Figure Overall winner will earn a photo shoot with Iron Man's celebrated photographer, Michael Neveux, and will be featured in an upcoming issue of the magazine. With the change in venue came a new name for the weekend to reflect its location more accurately.

The event, previously at the historic Pasadena Center, has been busting at the seams with its growth over the years. For 2008 the event has moved to the larger and freeway-friendly Los Angeles Convention Center and is now known as The Los Angeles FitExpo. John Balik of Iron Man Magazine noted "The Pasadena Center has been a gracious host for TheFitExpo these past years.

Judging by the overflowing crowds, particularly on Saturday, it's been clear that Southern California fitness enthusiasts are looking to us to allow our sold out expo floor and stage presentations to grow." The Los Angeles FitExpo will feature over 200 Exhibits offering the latest in cutting edge fitness and health products and services. Vendors are coming from around the world to participate with tons of free samples and giveaways available.

The Los Angeles FitExpo 2008 is also pleased to offer attendees a full array of complimentary seminars and demonstrations covering all aspects of fitness, health, strength sport, and nutrition with a special track devoted to Mixed Martial Arts featuring top stars of the sport. Complete event schedule is available at thefitexpo. Other contests during the three-day weekend event include the All-American Strongman Challenge (the world's strongest men vie for $10,000 in cash prizes in a series of contests), the Fittest Couple Contest ($2500 and a national magazine photo layout go to the winners), the Scot Mendelson Bench Press Classic, the USPF American Cup Powerlifting, the FitExpo Benchpress and Deadlift Challenge, and the MaxReps Competitions (offering attendees the chance to win cash in a series of strength competitions).

The 2008 edition is also proud to welcome the premiere of new major events including EVOLUTION, a 15 MMA Cage Fight Card from Gladiator Challenge on Saturday night, The Operation Fitness "Teen Strength and Fitness Challenge", and The Gracie FitExpo Nationals hosted by the legendary Gracie Family of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fame.

Erin Ferries, Executive Director of The Los Angeles FitExpo says, "Mixed Martial Arts is the fastest growing sport in the world and we are honored to be working with a premier event promoter like Gladiator Challenge. MMA competitors are true athletes that employ the training and nutrition principles of strength, power and fitness, the cornerstone of The Los Angeles FitExpo and our 12,000 plus attendees."

Gladiator Challenges "Evolution" is a separate ticketed event from the Los Angeles FitExpo and The Iron Man Pro.