The UAE is set to welcome its first international professional sumo competition this weekend, bringing elite wrestlers from Japan, Mongolia and Egypt to Abu Dhabi for a 36-bout showdown.
The All-Star Sumo Competition will take place at Space42 Arena on Saturday, September 26, marking the first time international professional sumo will be staged in the UAE.
The one-day event will feature nine wrestlers weighing between 140kg and 250kg, with several competitors boasting hundreds of professional bouts. Hosted by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the event has already sold out ahead of its UAE debut.
Elite Sumo Wrestlers Set for Abu Dhabi Showdown
The competition features experienced wrestlers from three countries, offering spectators a chance to experience the power, speed and traditions of professional sumo.
Japan’s Ichi Leads the Line-Up
Japan’s Ichi is the most decorated wrestler competing in Abu Dhabi. Standing 193cm tall and weighing 230kg, he spent 10 years in Japan’s professional ranks and reached sekiwake, one of the sport’s highest ranks.
Ichi also won the Emperor’s Cup, the highest prize in Japanese professional sumo.
He said he is looking forward to competing against different types of wrestlers while showcasing the sport’s combination of physical and mental discipline.
Hiroki Brings Size and Experience
At 193cm and 250kg, Japan’s Hiroki is the heaviest wrestler in the competition.
Hiroki spent 12 years competing in Japan’s professional elite division and is a two-time divisional champion. He highlighted the combination of tremendous power and surprising speed that makes sumo exciting to watch.
Fumiya Brings Tactical Approach
Japan’s Fumiya weighs 230kg and stands 170cm, making him the shortest wrestler in the line-up.
His lower centre of gravity could provide an advantage against taller opponents. Fumiya explained that sumo involves much more than physical strength, with techniques including pushing, pulling, sidestepping and grappling playing an important role.
Strong Line-Up From Mongolia
Mongolia will also be strongly represented at the competition.
Mendee enters the event as a World Sumo Champion and US Sumo Open champion, while Tora has an impressive 825 career matches, the highest total among the nine wrestlers.
Japan’s Waka has competed in 763 career matches, while Mongolia’s Zorig, at 140kg, is the lightest wrestler in the field.
Two-time World Sumo Championships silver medallist Jaagii completes the line-up.
Egypt’s Ramy El-Gazar Represents the Arab World
Egypt’s Ramy El-Gazar is the only Arab wrestler competing in the event.
The 193cm, 220kg athlete is a 10-time Egyptian national sumo champion and a US Sumo Open champion. Away from sumo, El-Gazar works as a professional chef.
He described representing Egypt and the Arab world as a great honour and said he hopes the competition will help introduce more people in the region to sumo.
Traditional Sumo Rituals to Feature
The Abu Dhabi event will offer more than competitive bouts, with spectators also experiencing elements of sumo’s centuries-old traditions.
These will include a formal ring-entering procession and traditional pre-bout rituals, giving audiences an opportunity to experience the cultural side of the sport alongside the action.
The competition is being coordinated in collaboration with USA Sumo to maintain professional standards while preserving the traditions of the sport.
Organisers hope the Abu Dhabi event will introduce sumo to a wider audience and help establish stronger connections with fans across the UAE and the region.
For El-Gazar, the event could also open the door to more sumo competitions in the Middle East and inspire a new generation of Arab athletes to take up the sport.